Comparing the Saris Freedom and Kuat Transfer for Use on a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Published 07/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(211)

$379.99

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(168)

$156.63

Phat Bike Adapter Kit for Kuat Bike Racks

(140)

$19.00

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(226)

$46.02

Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(314)

$549.00

Cable Locks and Hitch Lock for Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack

(293)

$48.95

Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks

(77)

$39.99

Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Fat Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(9)

$479.97

Question:

kuat transfer 2 vs Saris freedom 2 For Prius Prime? Or something else? Have to plus mtn. bikes. One full suspension. Looking for something sturdy, but won’t break the bank either. It’s a Prius, so I’m not going over hard terrain. from you guys as well. Am I on the right track here? Thanks

asked by: David R

Expert Reply:

One of the biggest factors when it comes to deciding bike rack fit is the distance from the center of your hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of your bumper. When we installed the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver # 24966 on a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime we found that distance to be 7".

Out of the Saris Freedom 2 # SA4412B and the Kuat Transfer 2 # KU74FR, or their Fat Bike variations # SA4412B-FB and Transfer's Adapter # APBK, I prefer the Transfer. It is a wheel mount bike rack so there is no frame contact, and it has tilting and folding features for rear hatch access and close parking situations. The Freedom does have frame contact, and the tilting/folding feature can only be used with the bikes unloaded since the center post folds down.

What the Freedom does have over the Transfer is higher weight capacity (60 lbs per bike vs 40 lbs ber bike) and further distance from the center of the hitch pin hole. This measures 12" for the Freedom but 6" for the Transfer. So even though I prefer the Transfer, in your case the Freedom might be the better option due to clearance.

Locks aren't included but you can add them to the Freedom with parts # SA3022 and # e98891.

Review videos have been linked for both racks so you can compare the functions visually as well.