How to Carry Bikes on a 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport 5-Door Hatchback

Question:

Can you confirm that this will work on the new 2012 Impreza sport 5 door? Also, we only plan to use this for a bike rack that we already own. My concern is that it wont be high enough for the bike wheels to maintain sufficient clearance. Are there accessories that can increase the height of the receiver?

asked by: Mark M

Expert Reply:

The Curt trailer hitch, # C11120, only fits WRX or WRX STi models. If your 2012 Subaru Impreza hatchback falls into this category, the hitch will fit. This is a Class I trailer hitch which means that only a bike rack that is compatible with a Class I trailer hitch will fit. Adding an adapter will decrease the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent, so I do not recommend using an adapter with this hitch.

If your Impreza cannot accept the trailer hitch, you may be able to use a trunk mount bike rack as long as the vehicle does not have a rear spoiler. For about the same cost as a hitch, you could use the Thule Gateway, # TH88VR, for 2 bikes, or # TH78VR for 3 bikes. I have included a link to a video review of the 3 bike version for you.

If you will be carrying womens, childrens, or alternative frame bikes, I recommend using the bike adapter bar, # TH982XT, to carry the bikes so that they are level. I have included a link to a video that shows how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H