Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2018 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Question:
Im looking for a bike hauling solution not in the roof for my 2018 5-door Impreza. Im wondering about installing a hitch since the manual says the vehicle is not intended for towing - Is using a hitch mounted bike rack considered as towing? Intention is to use a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 or Thule T2Pro. Also, if I want to go the trunk rack route, do you know if the Thule Raceway Platform Pro would fit this vehicle it is the version with the spoiler. Thules compatibility chart is not updated yet for the 2017 Impreza.
asked by: Rafael
Expert Reply:
Using a hitch mounted bike rack is not towing so it is still a viable option for your 2018 Subaru Impreza. When it comes to Thule trunk mount bike racks generally they consider vehicles that have spoilers as no-fit applications so I do not recommend a trunk mount rack for your vehicle.
For a trailer hitch I recommend Draw-Tite hitch # 24886. Please note that all of the hitch options for the hatchback models only fit if the vehicle has single exhaust as opposed to dual. I have linked a video showing an example installation of this hitch for you.
This is a Class I hitch meaning you will need to use a Class I compatible bike rack and will be limited to 2 bikes maximum. The Kuat Sherpa 2.0, # SH12B, # SH12G, and # SH12P are all Class I compatible as is the T2 Pro, # TH23JV. I have included links to videos on the T2 Pro and Sherpa 2.0 for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Pearl
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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