Bike Rack Recommendation for 2022 Toyota RAV4 to Carry Carbon Frame Bike

Question:

I have a 2022 Toyota Rav4. It has the rear trunk system where the rear door can open by kicking feet under the bumper. If I install a hitch, this feature will be disabled. Since I have a carbon full suspension bike, I usually look for the platforminch style racks, like on my old car, which are hitch mounted. I like the concept of the Thule OutWay Platform since its platform and does NOT require a hitch. Thules official response is it does not fit, but does not say why. Do you know why i cant use this bike rack on my 2022 Toyota Rav4? Thanks!

asked by: Phil L

Expert Reply:

Thule doesn't recommend any of their trunk mounted bike racks for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 but actually the Outway wouldn't be ideal for a carbon frame bike at all since it grabs the bikes by the bike frame and not the front wheel. Carbon bikes shouldn't use bike racks that attach to the bikes by the frame since the material is delicate.

Best option would be a hitch bike rack that only touches the tire like the Thule T2 Pro part # TH83JV. Then for a hitch you'd want the Curt # C13416 which will still allow your hands free liftgate to function but you'd just need to kick to either side of the hitch opening.

expert reply by: Jameson C