Will Adding a Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Affect Gas Mileage on a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq

Question:

I just got a 2018 Ioniq and am now confronting the bike carrier dilemma. A recommended carrier in the post I saw on your site was SUPERCLAMP EX 2-BIKE, and this is said to attach and detach easily to/from the hitch. My question is how much constant weight/effect might the hitch exert even when the carrier is off during times Im not riding? Would it cut into mileage much? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

asked by: Fox

Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 24963 weighs all of 20 pounds. The Saris SuperClamp EX # SA4025F weighs 35 pounds. So you could place 55 pounds in your 2018 Hyundai Ioniq's storage area and see if that affects mileage. I believe that it would have a minimal impact if it is even measurable in the short term.

The only other option for carrying bikes with this vehicle would be a roof rack and that will definitely affect the mileage.

There are lighter bike racks you could use. The Neo2, # B01748, weighs just 20 pounds. It holds the bikes at the wheels so it is compatible with many bike styles. I have linked a video of this bike rack for you.

Presumably you would remove the bike rack when not in use (it is recommended to do so). With the Neo2 being so light it is easy to do so. Neither rack would increase the wind resistance of the vehicle since most of the wind would be blocked by the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H