Comparing the Thule Gateway, OutWay, and Yakima KingJoe for a 2015 Subaru Forester

Updated 06/03/2015 | Published 06/02/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount

(967)

$199.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(827)

$48.99

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(15)

$499.95

Thule Gateway Pro 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms

(84)

$349.95

Question:

How does the Thule Gateway 3 compare to the Thule Raceway for a Subaru Forester2015? ALso considering a Yakima King Joe thanks

asked by: Lisa

Expert Reply:

The Thule Gateway trunk mount bike carrier # TH78VR is one step up from the Thule entry level carriers. It has more versatility and an easier to use design compared to the Passage, which is the next step down, # TH911XT.

But there is no comparison between the Gateway and the OutWay. The OutWay # TH56BV is superior in every way and is really in a class by itself. It is high quality and has road dampening technology to better protect the bikes. The rack secures to the vehicle using only 2 retractable cables rather than the 4-6 straps like other racks. This makes installation or removal much quicker and easier.

The cables are more durable and the slack is stored in the rack so no loose straps flapping in the wind. And the access to adjust the cables can be locked to deter theft. There is also an integrated cable lock in the last bike position to deter bike theft. Hands down the greatest trunk mount carrier available is the OutWay series.

The KingJoe, Y02620, was on par with the Thule Gateway but has been discontinued.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.