Best Bike Rack For Carrying Electric Mountain Bike On A 2016 Subaru Outback

Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 05/14/2025

Question:

Dear etrailer, I am looking at a platform style bike rack for my Subaru Outbaxk 2016. I will carry a eMTB of 55 pounds with a wheelbase of close do 50“. I have a draw tine trailer hitch mounted on a car and tried my friend. Rockymounts Monorail 2 on the car and it doesn’t fit see pictures attached. When I read the directions for Thule t2 it says I need 6,3“ of bumpers clearance, it seem k have about 5,75“ of clearance. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks in advance

asked by: Jean-Philippe T

Rockymounts Monorail 2
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Jean-Philippe, thanks for reaching out. How many of those bikes are you looking to carry? For two bikes, a great rack that will fit all of your specifications is the Kuat N.V 2.0 # BA22B. It has a weight capacity of 60 lbs per bike, and it will fit the 50" wheelbase.

As far as the bumper clearance, with the rack installed in your hitch, the closest part of the rack will sit 11-3/4" back from the hitch pin hole when folded down, and 6-5/8" back when folded up. So if your clearance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the farthest edge of your bumper is 5-3/4", you will have plenty room to use this rack.

I have actually been using the NV 2.0 as my personal rack for about 5 years now and I am very happy with it. Loading and unloading is easy. The rack weighs about 50 lbs by itself so it isnt too difficult to lift and put in the garage to store. It is fully lockable, and it comes with a built in repair stand (which thankfully I have never had to use. Fingers crossed lol). It also looks cool on the back of the car in my opinion.

Just keep in mind this rack will not work for bikes with front fenders.

Hit the reply button below and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Kuat NV 2.0 Example
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

9/29/2025

Hey Jean-Philippe, did you have a chance to try out the Kuat N.V 2.0 rack for your eMTB? I'm curious to know if it worked out for you, as it could help others with similar needs.