Finding a bike rack for Toyota Prius can be tough for people who are new to bike racks. You might be wondering which bike rack type to go for, can all racks be installed on Toyota Prius, how to install the racks on Prius, and would your bikes be safe.  

Questions like these, bother almost every person buying a rack for the first time for a specific vehicle. That is where we come in. To pick the right rack, you should first be clear about your requirements and then look for the bike rack type that perfectly suits your situation. 

This requires a lot of research about different types, brands, and features of racks. Since no bike rack works perfectly for all users, we have provided a step-by-step procedure that will lead you to the right bike rack. 

	BIKE RACK	TYPE	CAPACITY
Best hitch bike rack	Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0	Platform hitch mount bike rack	2 bikes
Premium solo bike rack	Thule T1 single bike hitch rack	Platform hitch rack	1 bike
Vertical rack for multiple bikes	Yakima Hangover	Vertical hitch mount rack	6 bikes
Most economical rack for multiple bikes	Allen Deluxe	Hanging trunk bike rack	4 bikes
Popular trunk bike rack	Saris bones	Hanging trunk mount rack	3 bikes
Trunk mount	Yakima Hangout	Hanging trunk mount bike rack	3 bikes
Best roof bike rack	UpRide	Roof mount	1 bike

Step-by-step guide for purchasing the best rack for your Prius

This step-by-step guide will take you from understanding your car’s features (that should be considered while buying a rack), to figuring out your biking requirements. You will learn about the various bike rack types in the market and by the end, you will be capable enough to select the best bike rack for Toyota Prius from our top 6 shortlisted products. 

Step 1: Know what type of bike racks exist

There are different types of bike racks in the market. These racks mostly differ on the base of their mounting process. For example, some racks are rear mount while others are roof mount. The reason why we are mentioning this here is that the mounting procedure largely depends on the car. 

To select a rack for your Prius, you must understand the benefits and drawbacks of all the types. The most popular types of bike racks include

• Roof bike racks 
• Trunk mount bike racks 
• Spare tire bike racks 
• Hitch bike racks 
• Truck bed bike racks 

Roof bike racks are installed on the top of the car with roof rails. With a roof bike rack installed you can easily access your car trunk and since the bikes are loaded on the roof, they will be safer as compared to rear-mount bike racks. But these versatile racks are only suitable if picking up the bike(s) is not a problem for you.  

Trunk mount bike racks are the most convenient because they are easily accessible. Loading and unloading the bikes is very easy since they do not have to be picked to the top of the car. These racks are less expensive than others but they do not require a hitch. Trunk bike racks are either in hanging or platform style. 

Spare tire bike racks are only suited for users who own a vehicle with a spare tire on the trunk. These racks are easy to install and do not require a hitch. But they increase the length of the car to some extent which might make driving a bit difficult, especially while taking sharp turns. 

Hitch bike racks are the safest for carrying expensive bikes such as carbon frames. This is because they do not have any frame contact and mostly have a platform. These racks are expensive and require a hitch on the car. If your car does not have a hitch you have to buy a hitch receiver. 

Truck bed bike racks are solely made for vehicles with a truck bed and are installed inside the truck bed. 

Step 2: Understand Toyota Prius 

To find the best bike rack for Toyota Prius, you should know some of the car specifications such as the presence of a hitch, or the availability of roof rails. Toyota Prius does not have a hitch but it comes with crossbars. This hatchback car is 57.9 inches in height, 69.3 inches wide, and 180 inches long. 

Step 3: Be sure about your biking requirements 

The bike rack selection also depends on the bike’s capacity. So make sure how many bikes you intend to carry on your Prius. Various bike capacities are available in bike racks, so choose one based on how many bikes you possess. 

Also, some bike racks are made for specific types of bikes such as e-bikes, suspension bikes, or mountain bikes. Additionally, keep in mind that bike racks have a maximum weight that they can hold.

Before purchasing a bike rack for Toyota Prius, also consider if you want a security mechanism along to secure your bike and rack if left unattended. Some racks have integrated locking tools while for other racks you will have to buy the locks separately. 

Step 4: Check the compatibility of the bike rack with your bikes and Toyota Prius

Considering the aforementioned Toyota Prius specs, it is safe to exclude the spare tire bike racks and truck bed bike racks. Crossbar-mount roof racks would be compatible. Similarly, some hanging-style trunk mount racks can be easily installed on Toyota Prius. 

You can also get yourself a hitch mount rack if you are super conscious about your bike frames. Prius can tow a weight of 1,600 pounds which means that a Class 1 hitch receiver will be suitable which you can buy from the suggestions below.

HITCH	HITCH SIZE	HITCH CLASS	PRIUS MODEL	BUY
CURT 11276	1 ¼	Class 1	Toyota Prius 2013-2017	Amazon
Reese 77971	1 ¼	Class 1	Toyota Prius C 2012-2019	Amazon
Draw-Tite 248470	1 ¼	Class 1	Toyota Prius V 2012-2017, Toyota Prius 2010-2019	Amazon

Step 5: Select from the shortlisted best bike racks for Toyota Prius

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 | Overall & Best Hitch Bike Rack

Among the hitch bike racks, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is ranked the highest. This bike rack is compatible with Toyota Prius.  The rack weighs around 32 pounds and carries two bikes. You can get this rack if you own two bikes each weighing up to 40 pounds. Sherpa 2.0 has an impressive design and measures 12 inches in height, 15 inches broad, and 45 inches long. 

Additionally, it comes in three color options, which is beneficial from an aesthetic standpoint.  It may be folded when not in use and is very simple to install and uninstall. It will also be suitable if you are looking for a bike rack that includes a built-in bike lock. You can buy Kuat Sherpa 2.0 bike rack for Toyota Prius at around $630 which seems expensive but the rack is worth the money. 

So if you own 2 bikes, and want to get a rack that is easily installed, and looks good on the car look no further. Kuat Sherpa will ensure a safe and secure road trip. 

Complete comparison: Sherpa 2.0 vs EasyFold XT

Thule t1 hitch bike hitch| Best For One Bike

For hauling one bike at the back of your car, the Thule T1 single bike hitch rack is a reliable option. It requires a 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver so if you can get that for your Toyota Prius, this rack will carry your bike without frame contact. This high-quality platform-style hitch bike rack is ideal for carrying an expensive bike at the back of your car.

The best thing about Thule T1 single bike hitch rack is that it has locks for the bike as well as the rack. So if you get this bike rack for Toyota Prius you will not have to separately invest in bike and rack locks. The locking cable secures the bike while the STL2 lock protects the rack from theft because it locks it to the hitch receiver. 

You can carry any bike type in this rack if it weighs under 60 pounds, has a bike frame in the range of 20-29″, and has tires up to 5″. If you own an e-bike, fat tire, mountain, or downhill bike that fits the abovementioned measurements, you can get this rack. It offers a secure environment that enables you to transport the most priceless bikes, including carbon frames. 

The Thule T1 single bike hitch rack may be folded for convenient storage.  In addition, it has a more elegant appearance than other bike racks. You can purchase it for around $380.

Complete Comparison: Best Single Bike Rack

Yakima Hangover 6 Vertical rack for multiple bikes

Yakima Hangover would be a great option if you want to carry multiple bikes up to 6. This is available in 4 and 6-bike capacity at around $600 and $950 respectively. Considering the per-bike cost, this rack is quite economical as compared to other hitch bike racks. Hangover has some elite features such as foot-operated tilting, vertical orientation, and different configurations for better loading of bikes. 

But this bike rack for Toyota Prius would only be suitable for you if you own suspension fork bikes. The bikes can be loaded easily but each bike should not be more than 37.5 pounds. This means that it might not work with some e-bikes or downhill. However, if you leave the car alone for a while, the safety of the bikes and rack would not be a problem. This is because of the bike lock present on the top and the double-latching system that fits over your fork.

Complete Review: Yakima HangOver 6

Allen 104 Deluxe Economical and Best trunk bike rack for Cars

The Allen Deluxe bike racks come in three variations with 2, 3, and 4 bike capacities. According to our research, only the 2 and 3-bike versions fit Toyota Prius. While all three versions are compatible with Toyota Prius C and Toyota Prius V. This means that with these models of Prius, you can carry as many as 4 bikes on this trunk mount rack. 

This 18-pound rack is made up of steel and with the 4-bike version, you can load bikes with up to 140 pounds of total weight. Over 86% of users like the rack due to its simple design and easy installation. Allen Deluxe is the most economical bike rack for multiple bikes and that too is of great quality. 

You can get the 2, 3, and 4 bike racks at around $33, $45, and $105 respectively. But at such a low price you cannot expect a locking mechanism so you will have to figure out a way to secure the bikes such as with a usual locking cable. 

Complete comparison: Best trunk bike racks Read rack review: Allen 104 Deluxe

Saris Bones Popular Trunk Mount Rack for SUV

The Saris Bones 2 and 3 racks are popular for the right reason. The racks are lightweight bike racks weighing only 11-12 pounds. The arc-based design separates the bikes at different levels and stops them from colliding with each other. 

Saris Bones racks are durable, rust-free, and have rubber feet that keep the car safe from scratches. This rack will be the best bike rack for Toyota Prius even if you have spoilers. You can use it for most bikes weighing up to 35 pounds and easily load them onto the rack with the help of ratchet straps.

The racks are lightweight, making it very simple to mount them on the back of automobiles and that too without using any tools.  When the rack is not in use, the folding arms on both racks may be lowered.

Saris Bones racks are also extremely adjustable that prevent the bikes from tipping over. However, neither the bike rack on the car nor the bikes on these Saris Bones bike racks can be locked so you will have to figure out a way to secure the bikes and rack.

Read review: Saris Bones

Yakima Hangout 

Yakima Hangout 2 and 3 are also compatible with some models of Toyota Prius such as the 2015 Prius C and Prius V. But since it is not compatible with all models, you should check the compatibility of your car model beforehand. 

These racks are attractively built, easily installed, and enable easy loading of bikes. Like other trunk mount carriers for bikes, they are mounted with the help of straps. The Hangout 2 and 3 have a loading capacity of 35 pounds per bike. If you are planning to get it for your Toyota Prius, the padded feet will protect its paint.

Individual cradles are present to easily carry the bikes. Unlike other sophisticated bike racks, Hangout may save a significant amount of time spent loading bikes. To keep it in your garage or car trunk with the least amount of room, you can also fold it until it becomes flat.

Because the majority of e-bikes weigh more than 35 pounds, Yakima Hangout might not function with them. You can get the 3-bike version of this bike rack for a Toyota Prius at around $160. In this way, you will spend about $55 for each bike. Fine catch!

Best roof bike rack- UpRide 

This rack is compatible with the latest models of Toyota Prius and with a variety of bikes, including those with carbon frames, and rear suspension. The rack holds the bike safely and securely in place while preventing any frame contact. However, this rack is pricey and the bikes sway a little bit on it.

The rack weighs around 18 pounds and can carry a bike up to 44 pounds.  If you possess a fat bike you can purchase the fat bike adaptor. There is no frame contact with the bike and the rack can be switched from one side of the roof to another. 

So if you own a Toyota Prius, Prius AWD-e, and Prius Prime without a solar roof you can consider this roof bike rack. But since Toyota Prius is 57.9 inches high you should have an estimate of high it will get after loading the bike. In this way, you will be sure about the overhead clearance. 

…Comparison Roof Bike Racks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bike rack for Prius?

Different racks including, roof mount, trunk mount, and hitch mount bike racks are suitable for Toyota Prius. But the best one depends on your requirement. If you want access to a car trunk and can lift your bikes to the roof every time you have to travel, then roof bike racks would be the best option. But if your bikes are heavy and you do not want to lift them, then you can go for hitch or trunk mount racks. Hitch bike racks are the most suited for expensive bikes because they keep bikes stable and there is no frame contact. But hitch bike racks are expensive and if you are on a budget, a trunk bike rack would be the best fit. They come in different bike-carrying capacities.

What bike rack can you use for a 2016 Prius?

You can buy an Allen Deluxe 3-trunk rack for a 2016 Prius. The rack accommodates up to 3 bikes and is easily installed. You can also buy a hitch receiver and get a hitch bike rack. If you own multiple bikes you can buy Hollywood Destination or Yakima Hangover. If you only own one bike, you can get the Thule T1 single bike hitch rack or the Saris Solo. 

Best Bike rack for Toyota Prius 2012?

A trunk bike rack can be suitable for Prius 2012. You can buy Allen Deluxe 2 or 3 bike rack which is quite user-friendly, or you may go for Allen Sports Premier racks with 2 or 3 bike versions. Premier has even better features than Deluxe. The 4-bike version of both these racks is not compatible with Prius 2012.

The best bike rack for Toyota Prius with a spoiler?

Due to the spoiler, only a few trunk bike racks would be compatible with Toyota Prius. For example, Saris Bones 2 and 3 bike racks work with most spoilers. Otherwise, you may go for a hitch rack.

What is the best bike rack for Toyota Prius 2005?

The 3-bike version of Allen Deluxe and 2 to 3-bike versions of Yakima Hangout are compatible with the 2005 Prius. Both Saris bones 2 and 3 bike racks are also suitable for this car so you can buy any of them according to the number of bikes you own.