Hitch And Bike Rack For A 2016 Mazda 3

Updated 08/21/2025 | Published 08/11/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Benton LittleShift Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

(93)

$239.99

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(21)

$375.64

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(148)

$188.94

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

(327)

$398.00

Saris MHS DUO Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(20)

$699.98

Question:

Had questions regarding which hitch and bike rack I need for my 2016 mazda 3 car

asked by: Jose

Expert Reply:

Hi Jose!

You didn't mention if you have a 2016 Mazda 3 Sedan or Hatchback, so I have options for hitches on both.

Sedan: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 306-X7303
Sedan or Hatchback: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" # C11377

If you have the Sedan, definitely grab the EcoHitch. The 2" receiver gives you significantly more options for carrying a bike rack. I did see one review online (I went through a lot of different sites) that said they got the EcoHitch on their hatchback, but we haven't tried that here so I can't 100% confirm that it will fit the hatchback properly.

As to a bike rack, it looks like you are only needing to carry one bike? The Benton LittleShift Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount # B54VR would be a great option the 2" hitch on the sedan. It has a lot of capacity and is very beefy. If you have to go with the 1-1/4" hitch, I would recommend either the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # KU64FR if your bike is 60 pounds or less and has 3" wide (or less) tires. If your bike is over 60 pounds and your tires are 5", you will want the Saris MHS DUO Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # SAR23MR.

What kind of bike will you be carrying?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Curt & EcoHitch Comparison Mazda 3
(click to enlarge)

Jose

8/20/2025

I’ve got a 2016 Mazda 3 Sedan and I'm looking for a bike rack that can handle a heavy e-bike like the Aniioki A8 Pro Max Dual Motor (178 lb). I’d prefer a rack rated for around 200 lb to future-proof for even heavier bikes I might get later. Right now, I mainly ride my Movcan Max Pro (about 108 lb) and want something reliable while traveling for work no relying on my vehicle to get around.

Lazer S.

8/20/2025

@Jose Ok that's heavier than I was expecting you to say. Definitely go with the EcoHitch # 306-X7303. There is no 1-1/4" hitch that will work for what you need. If you will only be carrying one bike, I would actually suggest going with the Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp - 77" Long - 500 lbs # UF48-979033. This weighs a hair over 50 pounds, but has plenty of capacity to carry heavy bikes since it's technically a dirt bike carrier. I am not aware of any bike rack that can handle the weights you listed. One thing to note though, it looks like a Mazda 3 is only rated to 165 pounds of tongue weight. Going over that could cause warranties to be voided and things to break. It might be better, and safer, to pull a little trailer with the bike on it. That Aniioki A8 Pro Max Dual Motor looks pretty wicked though. Having dual motors makes it kind of the Rokon of the e-bikes!

Jose

8/20/2025

@LazerS Just to confirm, the EcoHitch will fit my 2016 Mazda 3, correct? And my current e-bike (about 108 lbs) would work safely with the rack you suggested? After hearing what you explained, I’ve decided not to pursue the Aniioki anymore safety is more important, and I don’t want to risk damaging the car or hurting myself/others. Still, I agree, it’s definitely a rad-looking bike!

Lazer S.

8/21/2025

@Jose The EcoHitch # 306-X7303 will definitely fit your 2016 Mazda 3 sedan. And with your current Movcan Max Pro weighing 108 pounds and the Ultra-Fab rack # UF48-979033 handling up to 500 pounds and weighing 50 pounds, you are good to go! May not hurt to pop the battery off when you are carrying it though.