Bike Rack Solution for 2013 Kia Sorento to Allow Access to Rear Hatch Area

Question:

Im considering the Thule Passage hanging rack for my 2013 KIA Sorento. I watched the video and it looks like when the bikes are not mounted I could raise the rear hatch with the bike rack attached that the hitch is attached only to the rear hatch, so it could be opened. I need access to the rear when traveling. Is this true?

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

We can't recommend opening the hatch or trunk of any vehicle with a trunk mounted bike rack installed including the Thule Passage part # TH910XT that you mentioned. The weight of the rack would prevent the struts from holding the hatch open which would cause it to slam down hard which would potentially cause an injury.

To have complete rear cargo area access with a bike rack (and even bikes) loaded what you'd need is a swinging bike rack like the Thule Apex Swing part # TH9027XT which swings out and away from the rear of the vehicle so that you could have complete access. Due to how your hatch opens a tilting rack would most likely not give you complete access. You'll need to have a hitch installed on your vehicle as well like with the Draw Tite part # 75684 which is mostly hidden and has plenty of weight capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C