Comparing Kuat NV and Sherpa Hitch-Mount Bike Racks for 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Non-Hybrid

Question:

comparing KUAT NV 2.0 with Sherpa 2.0 for my 2016 Crosstrek non-hybrid. Any reason not to save money and weight with the Sherpa? Wondering about the shank length. I was told by one of your reps, that I need at least 7 inch to clear the bumper with your C13135 2inch receiver. Is that correct?

asked by: Catherine S

Expert Reply:

When we installed Curt 2-inch hitch # C13135 on a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek we did find that the hitch pin hole was positioned 2-1/2-inches from the rear edge of the bumper cover. This is a fairly close placement and this means you will not need too much clearance from a bike rack in order for it to clear the bumper. A rack that offers at least 4-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole should be just fine since this gives you 1-1/2-inches of space between the bumper and the rack.

The Kuat NV # NV22G hitch bike rack offers 7-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole (and that may have been the dimension that was provided to you) so it will easily clear the back of the car. The Kuat Sherpa # SH22G provides even more clearance, a full 9-inches, even when the rack is folded up, so it too will easily clear the back of the car and give you 2-inches more space for the inner bike.

Both racks will fit your hitch and clear your bumper but they do differ in weight capacity: 60-lbs per bike for the NV and 40-lbs per bike for the Sherpa. The NV also can handle wider tires, up to 4-1/2-inches versus 3-inches, and slightly longer wheelbases too. Last but not least, the NV does weigh quite a bit more than the Sherpa, as you noted. So long as it is compatible with your two bikes I too would suggest the Sherpa to let you save some cash.

Videos for both carriers are linked for you reference.

expert reply by: Adam R