Hitch Mount or Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2018 Toyota RAV4 - Which is Better?

Published 05/04/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Saris Bones EX 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms

(91)

$259.99

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

(909)

$183.55

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

(110)

$216.87

Saris Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(312)

$263.50

Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(92)

$479.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$53.59

Question:

Hello, I have a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited Edition not hybrid. I am looking for the best way to attach a bike rack. A dealer I spoke with yesterday advised that they use your brand and provided the model 13149 as they have the customer purchase it. I saw some reviews online saying that this did not fit for some. Will you confirm that this is the correct model? On your site I saw that you have a 3-bike bike rack Saris Bones Ex? that attaches to the back. Is this compatible with my vehicle? Do you recommend one way over the other? Thank you for your assistance

asked by: Lisa H

Expert Reply:

The Saris Bones EX 3 Bike Rack # SA803 will fit your 2018 Toyota RAV4 but the only time I really recommend using a trunk mount rack over a hitch mount rack is when you either don't have room to store a hitch mount rack or you only plan on using it a few times a year and you don't want the expense of the hitch and a bike rack. Aside from that the hitch is 100% the better way to go since hitch racks have a wider variety of design and capability compared to trunk mount options plus the rack won't be making contact with your vehicle.

The Curt Hitch # C13149 will also fit your 2018 RAV4 but I recommend the Curt # C13406 instead. It sits at about the same price-point but the crosstube is hidden so it looks nicer and you don't have reduced ground clearance. Installation videos have been linked for both options so you can see the comparison.

Saris has the Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 3 Bikes # SA883 you might be interested in for a basic 3-bike rack, but if you wanted something with better quality I recommend checking out the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO instead. I'm also adding some review videos of these racks for you to check out.

Please note if any of your bikes has a kid's frame or lacks a horizontal top tube then you'll likely need an adapter bar like part # TH982XT for it to properly fit on a hanging-style bike rack.