Will Backup Sensors and Camera Be Affected When Transporting Bikes on 2019 Kia Niro PHEV

Updated 08/26/2019 | Published 08/23/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(118)

$199.93

Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms

(261)

$298.95

Question:

2019 Kia Niro PHEV Were planning to add a 2inch hitch for a 2-bike rack platform variety. Do you know how this will affect/interfere with the back up camera and safety sensors?

asked by: Susanna

Expert Reply:

I do have a great option for you, however there isn't a trailer hitch available that's designed to fit your 2019 Kia Niro PHEV (plug-in Hybrid).

With this in mind your best option for transporting a couple bikes is with a trunk-mount bike rack. For this I highly recommend the Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack # Y02634, which is confirmed to fit your vehicle. This is an extremely nice carrier that features SuperCush anti-sway cradles that will hold the bikes at 3 different points for a stable connection and integrated locks to help protect your investments. It can handle 2 bikes that are up to 35 pounds each.

The rack won't affect the safety sensors at all, which are located towards the bottom of the rear bumper on your Niro, but it will likely obstruct the view from the backup camera when the carrier is in place. Because of where the camera is located on your vehicle (at the bottom of the rear hatch glass) this would be the case with any trunk rack or even a hitch-mounted rack if one were available. You might still have a limited view when there aren't any bikes loaded but with a couple bikes in place the camera will likely be mostly blocked.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this rack that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R