But almost all of them only swing away enough for you to grab a few things. We also appreciate the add-ons that give the rack a little more versatility and security. And they tend to be inexpensive and easy to replace. The Golf R is an absolute joy to drive on a winding road, providing excellent grip with precise steering as well as big brakes to keep the speed in check. Also, wed be glad if this rack included an integrated lock. See owner reviews for Toyota GR Corolla. The platforms fit 16- to 29-inch wheels and tire widths up to 5 inches. And the integrated cable lock on the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Hitch Rack keeps your equipment safe if you need to make a stop to pick up some trail food on the way. The four-door Mercedes-Benz AMG GT comes close, but with the discontinuation of the top AMG 63 S model, it can't keep up with the higher-performing Panameras. With up to 44 miles of all-electric driving range and 52 mpg after its electric range is depleted, the newly attractive Prius Prime should do the job well. Pricier than competitors, dated tech features and styling. They're fairly common and fairly cheap; a used Fiesta ST is a performance bargain. Whats more, they are exceedingly fuel efficient, with mpg figures rivaling many economy-class cars out in the US. Every piece of gear weve tested from Sweden-based Thule always elicits the same thought: Wow, they really thought this through! Its obvious that gear from Thule is designed by people who use it, from the pleasing aesthetic to the little details that make it easier and more convenient to use. The pin-locking tilt function swings the rack down, so you can reach your gear in the back without removing the whole system as long as you take your bikes off first. All reviews. The A5 is offered as a coupe, convertible, or a four-door hatchback that Audi calls the Sportback. I had tight travel schedule to pick up bike from Aistin to bring to SLC. Cons:Gutless engine, low-rent interior, dorky looks, zero fun factor. The generous spacing and range of tire widths it accommodates make this rack the best weve seen (for two bikes). Renault has been obsessed with chasing lap times with its hardest-core Mgane R.S. Youll need a FatStrap Kit (sold separately) to accommodate a 29er with 3.25-inch tires or a 27.5-inch wheel with 4.5-inch tires. The most popular style is the Sport Touring Hatchback CVT, which starts at $32,345 and comes with a 1.5L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. The main disadvantage is that contact with the frame can lead to abrasion and, in some cases, damage. This allows more access to the rear of the vehicle. The GTI features a high-tech interior with a configurable driver display and a large central display screen. Fat bike tires, extra-wide wheelbases, and 29-inch wheels wont fit some platform racks. The final (and most delicious) piece of forbidden fruit is this absolute fever-dream of a hatchback. There are no security features or locks, and the front tires dont secure. None of these changes make the Impreza any faster or more fuel-efficient, though. This Arteon is estimated to deliver 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. But wrestling your bike onto a rack (and compulsively checking your rearview mirror to make sure your bike isnt cartwheeling down the highway) is probably your least favorite part of cycling. But a much more convenient option is an integrated lock. CURT. Both the sedan and hatchback models have reasonably small footprints, but also deliver a lot of interior space. There aren't many direct competitors to a specialized vehicle like the Golf R. The Honda Civic Type R matches the power but skips the all-wheel drive, and the Subaru WRX STI is not as refined as the Volkswagen. Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors have abandoned the category, and the only European-designed model is the Volkswagen Jetta. The madmen at Renault took a tiny Clio hatchback and shoehorned a 3.0l V6 behind the front seats. Overall, the weight capacity of the Tire Hold makes this a great choice for e-bikers, as well as road trippers that may need to access the back of the rig without unloading all four bikes first. There's also a Morizo Edition trim that removes the rear seat in order to shed pounds for optimal performance. The Toyota Corolla has an even less refined interior, but a wider trim lineup that includes fuel-efficient hybrids. This combination of versatility and easy installation makes the platform-style racks very popular among serious cyclists. Leave it to AMG, a marque rarely known for its subtlety, to design an absolutely world-beating hot hatchback. And the pull handle at the end of the rack makes it a breeze to fold up the rack against the vehicle when not in use. It is fast, in either DSG or manual and VW's 4motion AWD gives it phenomenal traction. To help you determine which of the select few are worth your hard-earned money, here is our list of the best hot hatches of 2023 in the USA. Pros:Excellent fuel economy, generous cargo room, superior driving dynamics in all trims. best hatchbacks, best compact best hatchbacks, and best best hatchbacks by gas mileage. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan is a visual stunner, turning heads on every street. Web28. The Kia Niro hybrid, the competitive sets only crossover, is slightly pricier but has a tad more cargo space than the upper 2023 Prius trims; the Hyundai Elantra hybrid is about the same size, costs less, and comes close to matching the Prius lineup in fuel efficiency; and Toyotas own Corolla hybrid costs less and is about the same size. This is a feature found on higher-end racks; companies like Thule and Yakima usually offer this. Ron Lynn. It's a tough thing to drive, but it's hard not to appreciate it as a pure exercise ininsane engineering. Dual wheel hooks lock the bikes into the cradles without any frame contact, supporting bikes up to 60 pounds each, wheelbases of up to 50 inches, and tires up to 4 inches wide (adapters for fat tire bikes are available as add-ons). RockyMounts BackStage Swing Away Platform. The GR Corolla's cabin features sport seats with added side bolstering, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and an optional suede-covered shifter knob. Keep reading to see how the cars inthe compactandsubcompact hatchback classesstack up; we'll start with the top models in the compact class and then list the top subcompact hatches (and don't forget to check out our overallroundup of the best hatchbacks market-wide). It shows just how much better the GTI could be if it had two extra driven wheels and nearly 100 more horsepower. A bike rack is useless if it cant hold your bike, so make sure your bike will fit. All reviews. Many value-priced vehicles require big sacrifices. Thule T2 Pro XTR. The RS trim promises a bit more speed, but well need to wait for testing. The rack can be mounted on minivans, SUVs, hatchbacks, bicycles, and sedans. The Subie also is available as a four-door sedan, and both are among. (A continuously variable automatic, or CVT, is standard on the entry-level LX model.) All reviews. Plus,they're cheap, and for cheap thrills there is noneed to look anywhere else. One of our testers used the previous model of the Equip-D for over 10 years and 100K+ miles without replacing a single part. Rear seats are larger than expected but would be cramped for three passengers. Theres also a menu of options. For questions about the TrueCar Auto Buying Service please call 1-888-878-3227. Hatchbacks seldom get the best technology, and their unusual design, being both short and tall, can create some hazards you should be aware of, like heightened rollover risk. Its boxy styling sets it apart in a world of curvy crossovers, and its keen handling makes the Soul an entertaining companion on daily commutes. Though its always nice to start pedaling right out of the front door, we often have to drive before we can ride. Its an easy fix, though. Put the bike on the arms, tie down the straps, bungee the front wheel, and your bike is secure. High-end racks add security features, levers, and buttons that make them easier to use. Little things like reflective logo stickers, an integrated bike locking system, and the built-in bottle openers show that Saris has both the big picture and small touches dialed. SpecificationsBase Price Range: $19,905-$33,245Available Engines: 2.0L I-4 (147 hp, 132 lb-ft); 1.6L turbo I-4 (201 hp, 195 lb-ft); 2.0L turbo I-4 (275 hp, 260 lb-ft)Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 20-28/27-34/22-30 mpgCargo Space (behind 1st/2nd): 45/20 cu ft, Now in its fourth generation,the Mazda 3is the Japanese company's compact (or C-segment) offering, and it is available as either a sedan or hatchback. But the Imprezas dimensions havent changed much its slightly taller meaning its as easy to park and maneuver as before. You can't go wrong with any of these, but if performance is your priority, the Panamera stands alone. The tilt and swing-away features refer to how the rack adjusts to allow access to your vehicle. What is the best bike rack for four bikes? $129.99. We looked around for the best hitch bike rack of 2023, and we found some very solid contenders in a wide range of price points. Base cars come with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Overall, though, this is a stellar bike rack that will likely be the only one you ever need. SpecificationsBase Price Range: $24,190-$37,940Available Engines: 1.4L turbo I-4 (147 hp, 184 lb-ft); 2.0L turbo I-4 (228 hp, 258 lb-ft)Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 23-29/30-39/26-33 mpgCargo Space (behind 1st/2nd): 53/23 cu ft, After years of running in the middle of the pack,the Toyota Corollais once again one of the better cars in its class, and the hatchback variant is practical, stylish, and surprisingly fun to drive. The T2 Pro XTR fits wheels from 20 to 29 inches in diameter and tire widths up to 5 inches, meaning it accommodatesfat tire bikes as well. For 2023, the A5 returns largely unchanged. It has more room for cargo than the [Toyota Corolla](/toyota/corolla/) sedan, but it doesnt have as much rear legroom. We thoroughly assess every rack we test, down to the last screw. The single attachment point puts a lot of pressure on racks as they carry loads over rough roads. The most popular style is the S line Premium Plus Sportback 45 TFSI, which starts at $52,895 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. The rear seats, however, are snug and best reserved for occasional use on shorter drives. The new Prius Prime tops the class in all-electric range, fuel efficiency, and primary cargo area. Subcompact: Kia Rio. This iteration is the most powerful since the Golf R came to the U.S. in 2004. If youve spent a couple of grand on a killer road bike and want to keep it in mint condition as long as you can, go for a higher-end platform rack (assuming you can afford it after spending all that cheddar on a carbon fiber rocket). After sliding the spine into your rigs hitch, insert the safety pin then tighten the knob (which secures the rack in place) until you meet resistance. See owner reviews for Acura Integra. This is what has kept them popular even as many buyers move towards flashier or more modern and trendy body styles and configurations: A turbo-powered hatchback is a very niche vehicle to be investing in. Another task that can be completed hands-free? (2 33-lb. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Read this guide to find the best carrier for your bikes. Gutless engine, low-rent interior, dorky looks, zero fun factor. Plus, the ratcheting arm secures the bike without contacting the frame at all, so its great for carbon fiber bikes. I am in line to purchase one new, but I need to make sure I can install a hitch for a bike rack. The Nissan LEAF is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. If youve ever had to wrestle a full-suspension mountain bike onto a hanging rack or find a way to Tetris four bikes onto a poorly designed rack, you know that ease of use is a huge factor in choosing the right bike rack. Again, its not usually a huge issue, as theyre inexpensive and easy to replace. The 2023 Kia Soul brings something fresh to the compact-SUV segment. ADD TO CART. efficiency, tech, performance, and other factors. They also offer more features that make your bikes secure and easy to access. Our hitches are fully hidden when not in use. The design also accommodates e-bikes, fat-tire bikes (as wide as 5 inches), and 20 to 29-inch wheels plus bases up to 52 inches. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Bike Rack, model 102DN, 35 lbs per bike capacity. Great work Stealth Hitch! Details like these go a long way in making a rack easier to use. Sam Berube's love of cars began from a young age, flipping through copies of Guide de l'Auto, digging through stacks of car magazines and watching re-runs of Top Gear. Single rear door, small hatch opening, only seats four. Remember, you can always carry fewer bikes than a racks capacity, but never more than a racks capacity. The AutoAttach system installs quickly and easily without tools (we had our rack on and secured in minutes). Halfords. That makes this a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, productionV6 hot hatchback. Thanks. Despite wind-ridden hairpin turns through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, rowdy mud-and-snow-packed conditions on Kebler Pass, and chalky dust clouds blasting out to Fruitas 18 Road, the bikes stayed put even when passengers jostled in the cab. In super-cold weather, the release lever can freeze, but we found that this isnt a major issue unless the temperature is below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The two arms sport a set of eight padded, anti-sway cradles that prevent your bikes from banging into each other during transport. By the end of road tripping more than 600 miles throughout Southwest Colorado, we were impressed with the durability yet streamlined style of Yakimas hitch-mounted StageTwo ($849) bike rack. We're fans of the Arteon's sleek exterior styling, powerful engine, and sporty handling, as well as its spacious and refined interior. When you need to access your trunk, the new Equip-D is easier to drop out of the way than the old model, even when a bike is loaded on. [Read more about the Mirage]. When shopping for a platform rack, check the technical specs listed on the rack brands website. The interior is also a welcome sight for shoppers used to economy-car accommodations, with its clean dashboard design and stylish two-tone trim. Fortunately, several of the racks we mention will work with fat tires and wide wheelbases. Remember, if you have to head into a store or youre spending the night away from home, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to pull your bike off the rack and pedal off with it. Youll need a bike with a classic triangular frame in order to easily hang your bike. See owner reviews for Toyota Corolla Hatchback. One of the Impreza's strong points is its interior space, offering more headroom than competitors and a respectable 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down. For hanging bike racks, youll need to consider the shape of the top tube. It's similar to the A7 but adds upgrades designed to heighten the driving experience. However, ordinary small cars are fading from fashion and, consequently, from the market. Cons:Overly aggressive Type R styling, laggy infotainment system, 1.5L/manual combo could use refinement. The purpose of the 2023 Prius Prime is to keep loyalists who value efficiency while bringing in new shoppers who also want style. The Civic's key competitors include the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra. There are two main types of hitch-mounted bike racks. Because its secured with a steel pin, it only takes one step to put it on a trailer hitch when you are out for a ride, and one step to remove it when youre done. Well take it. hatchbacks. Compatible with most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs with a 2" Hitch Receiver. As always, its the little things that make a piece of gear great, and we love the little things on the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. All reviews. See owner reviews for Toyota Prius Prime. One of the Impreza's strong points is its interior space, offering more headroom than competitors and a respectable 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down. It gets a more powerful engine and comes with larger wheels for sportier handling. The most popular style is the EQS 450+ RWD, which starts at $105,550 and comes with an Electric engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This is a great option for cyclists with heavier bikes like e-bikes or cruisers. The S7 is hindered by limited rear headroom, a consequence of its stylish, coupe-like roofline. The best part is, the rest of it is still"just a Golf," meaning it's well-made and practical, too. All Impreza hatchbacks come with a 2.0-liter flat-four making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. There are four different angles accessed with the tilt. On time delivery to Austin, got it installed at Stealth Hitch recommended installer. Not only does it have one of the heaviest carry ratings that weve seen at 66 pounds per bike, but it also sports a handy roll-on feature. This car uses a 1.5l turbothree-cylinder engine to put out the same power and even more torque than the old car. If your rack doesnt come with one, many companies sell mount locks separately. Only the base Ford Mustang Mach-E has a lower starting price. Allen Sports Wobble Free Hitch Deluxe 4 Bike Carrier Car Mount with Folding Arms. per bike off-road, Integrated bike lock and hitch receiver lock, Durable and secure while driving off-road, The hitch receiver SpeedKnob lock is a tad counterintuitive and takes practice (but is strong and works well), Tilt lever needs mindfulness make sure its fully latched when returned upright, before driving off, Significant weight difference max between paved and off-road routes, Many of the racks featured here have been with us for many years. The most popular style is the 20th Anniversary Edition DSG, which starts at $47,285 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. Lower-end racks often offer minimal protection and features. All reviews. Combining strength with a small footprint, the SuperClampEX 2-Bike from Saris ($580) is a solid platform hitch rack that sports a weight of 35 pounds, on the lower half of the weight scale. For the past few generations of the car, the French marque made stripped-out, track-focused variations, with the sole purpose of making them the fastest front-wheel-drive road cars in the world. This Panamera is estimated to deliver 22 MPG combined. SpecificationsBase Price Range: $23,590-$38,890Available Engines: 1.5L turbo I-4 (174-180 hp, 162-177 lb-ft); 2.0L turbo I-4 (306 hp, 295 lb-ft)Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 22-31/28-40/25-34 mpgCargo Space (behind 1st/2nd): 46/23 cu ft, The Sparkis a low-cost option that serves customers' most basic transportation needs. Assisting our neighbors and customers, face to face at the counter. Based on technology that it, like Subaru, developed in rallying, Ford built the RS in limited numbers and sold it at a shockingly high price. See owner reviews for Volkswagen Golf GTI. Cons:Pricier than competitors, dated tech features and styling. After years of regular use and testing, weve identified the best hitch bike racks on the market. The most popular style is the 2.0T SE DSG, which starts at $37,225 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Prius Prime is estimated to deliver 50 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway. The front seats provide good support, even on a long drive. See owner reviews for Subaru Impreza. The 2024 model kicks off the Imprezas sixth generation, but it remains largely the same as before. That's what I was afraid of. One thing to consider is whether you can tilt the rack with the bikes still on it. When deciding the best hatchbacks, TrueCar considers factors such as comfort, amenities, price, efficiency, performance, utility, and tech features. Available Engines: 1.5L turbo I-4 (174-180 hp, 162-177 lb-ft); 2.0L turbo I-4 (306 hp, 295 lb-ft), Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 22-31/28-40/25-34 mpg, Cargo Space (behind 1st/2nd): 46/23 cu ft, is a low-cost option that serves customers' most basic transportation needs. The most popular style is the GT2 AWD, which starts at $55,265 and comes with a 3.3L V6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. It comes assembled right out of the box, and the locking, tool-free SpeedKnob lets you mount it in minutes. All reviews. The good news, though, is you don't have to buy the Type R to get a high level of entertainment. This entails an arm that swings up from the platform and ratchets down onto your bikes tires. When you need it, simply pull it out and thread it through the bikes. Overly aggressive Type R styling, laggy infotainment system, 1.5L/manual combo could use refinement. The vertical tower has two adjustable tilt angles that are operated via a pedal at the base. 2019 Corolla Hatchback Trailer Hitch aalhaimi Sep 9, 2018 A aalhaimi New Member Sep 9, 2018 #1 Hi everyone, I'm buying the new hatch, and would like to install a trailer hitch on it to mount my bike rack.. Any idea of any hitch available in the market? One of the most popular cars in the U.S., the Honda Civic delivers economy, reliability, comfort, and safety among its many virtues. Hitches generally come in 1.25-inch and 2-inch sizing. You may take issue with the poor quality ofits interior materials, its tinytrunk, orits slightly messy reliability track record, but the second you get this little Italian firecracker on a good road, all of that falls away. The first and most common is the strap system. The Kia Stinger delivers a luxury car look and feel at a reasonable price, and it's a blast to drive. A high-performance hatchback is still a very frugal vehicle compared to larger and higher-powered rivals from the coupe or sedan segments The top performer in this regard is the Hyundai Veloster, which can get estimates of 28/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined. With turbocharged powertrains, often available manual transmissions, and city-centric, nimble handling, they are extremely fun to drive. The installer even came out to my home and explained what he was doing while he installed product along with some useful operating tips. Consider one of these if you carry a lot of gear (camping trips, etc.). This bike rack tilts away from the vehicle so you can open the rear. The second is the shepherds hook, most often utilized in platform racks. $479.95. Sale $179.99 Reg $249.99. The folks behind GearJunkie spend a lot of time in the saddle. All reviews. Its biggest drawback is limited production, which makes it hard to find. A variety of wheels are compatible with the rack from 20- to 29-inch diameters. As a dying breed, the few remaining hot hatchbacks all have quite a few things in common. per bike on road; 42 lbs. These can prove a pain (or impossible) to hang on a hanging rack. THULE DoubleTrack XT Bike Carrier. [Read more about the Corolla]. Despite it beingjust another Golf,the Ris a special car, the true top of the Golf heap.