Once you have a car it means freedom. You can go anywhere, on any adventure, and that’s pretty exciting. If you are a bike rider, then you can easily take your gear with you, as long as you have the right accessories. And, while these accessories can be car-specific, with a bit of research you can quickly find what you need.
In this review, we’ll cover what the options are for the best bike rack for Kia Soul. Fun and sporty, the Kia Soul is large enough to store all your gear but you will also need to purchase a bike rack you can mount on it, so that you can take your ride with you on your adventures. We’ll cover six of the best bike racks, all of which are compatible with the Kia Soul. We’ll cover the weight capacity, how to install them, and how many bikes each rack can hold. Our aim is to get you on the road, so you can get on your bike.
More features: carries 2 bikes, adjustable locking ratchet hooks, tilts down, frame protection
Our Editor’s Choice for the best bike rack for a Kia Soul is the Swagman CHINOOK. The reason for this designation is that it is brilliantly constructed, works well, and won’t give you any issues. When we tried out the rack, we were instantly impressed with it. With an alloy steel build, a light, 5-pound weight, and easy set-up, you’ll quickly understand why this is such a good purchase.
The Swagman CHINOOK can hold two bikes, so it’s perfect for you and a riding partner. Each bike can be up to 45 pounds, which is more than the average weight, so there’s nothing to worry about. You can hook the bike rack up to the read of your vehicle as long as you have a trailer hitch and it has a nice tilt feature so you can actually access your trunk, too. This makes it convenient so you can open the trunk, put on all your gear, and not be encumbered by the bikes right in your face. What’s more is that the rack comes with ratchet hooks that are adjustable but still incredibly sturdy so even if you are driving off-road, you don’t eve have to worry about your bikes flying off.
More features: carries 2 bikes, 1.5-2 in hitch sizes, 50 in max wheelbase
We know there are some serious biking enthusiasts out there and if you want an upgrade pick, you will instantly fall in love with the Kuat NV 2.0. First, let’s look at the weight capacity which has a whopping 60 pounds per bike. This is almost double the average, which means even if you have an extreme mountain bike, you can still trust this sturdy rack. It can accommodate two bikes with a maximum of a 50-inch wheelbase and is made out of incredibly strong metal.
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a bit of a beast, however, so you will need an extra person helping you set it up. We really struggled with the weight of the rack, which comes in at 52 pounds. But, in order to accommodate such heavy bikes, it makes sense that the rack itself would need to be so heavy. The Kuat NV 2.0 also comes with a handy tilt feature which is extremely convenient. You can tilt the rack so that you can still access the trunk of your car, which is definitely important if you have a lot of gear packed away. Another impressive feature is that it is foldable. You can take the bike rack off your car, easily store it away, and have it ready to go for your next adventure.
More features: carries 2 bikes, 20-29 in wheel size, locking hitch pin, foldable arm, 2 in hitch
We love a good deal and when we tried out the Swagman XC2, we knew we had a good find on our hands. This alloy steel bike rack can hold two bikes and is easy to attach to the back of your Kia Soil, via a trailer hitch. It works great and is actually affordable, which we know are two attributes that are usually in opposition. This bike rack is easy to assemble and use, and because of its compact size, we know you’ll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
The Swagman XC2 holds two bikes up to 35 pounds in size, which is pretty standard. IT has a locking hitch pin that means your rack, and your bikes, will be incredibly secure. When not in use, you can fold the rack so that it takes up less space, which is perfect if you don’t have a large area to store it in. There are a number of extra accessories you can purchase, including fat tire trays and different locking pin sizes. While these will cost extra, it’s always nice to know there are options if you need to customize your bike rack. Overall, assembly is ok but we did find there were a few extra parts. It’s best to really look at the instruction manual and if in doubt, check out some online videos.
More features: carries 2 bikes, foldable
By now you may come to the sinking realization that bike racks are expensive. However, we were quite impressed by the performance of the Hollywood Racks Express given its incredibly affordable price. At a fraction of the cost you would have to pay for other racks, you still get stability and decent craftmanship, making this a worthwhile option.
The Hollywood Racks Express can hold two bikes what weigh up to 35 pounds each, which puts it in the category of most other bike racks. Unlike other racks that require you mount them to a trailer hitch, this rack fits around the trunk of your car. While this does mean you can’t really open the trunk and still have the hikes secure, this lack of convenience is more than made up for it by the price. It is easy to install, especially after you get used to the straps, and placing your bikes in the rack is very easy. As a bonus, the Hollywood Racks Express will actually fold flat while not in use, which is an impressive feature and one that not many bike racks offer.
More features: safe mounting, torque limiter
When you have enough clearance on top of your car, like with the Kia Soul, then you can opt for a roof bike rack. This way you don’t have to worry about trailing an extra length behind your car, which can be a bit of a safety hazard if you aren’t used to it. The Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack is a single rack that you can easily install on the roof of your car. While we did need to find extra hardware to properly secure it, this is readily available either online or at a local bike shop. And, once we had all the parts, installation was quite easy.
The Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack is nice and lightweight, at only 9.2 pounds. It can hold bikes up to 35 pounds in weight and if you want you can add extra racks to the roof of your car. This is an especially nice option if you only need space for one bike as it is almost half the price of other racks, and thus you can save a bit of money. When you place your bike onto the rack, the design will automatically position your bike so it is in the best place. Then, you don’t have to worry about bumps along the road.
More features: carries 2 bikes, padded feet, lifetime limited warranty
There are some people who constantly ride their bike and so leave their bike rack on their car. Then there are others who are occasional riders and therefore want more convenience and adaptability when placing their bike rack on their car. For these people, a compact bike rack like the Yakima Hangout 2 is the way to go. It is easy to attach and detach from your car and because it is so compact, you can easily store it away when not in use, even if you live in a small condo.
The Yakima Hangout 2 carries two bikes and weighs 14.5 pounds, which although slightly heavier than other options is till manageable for one person. The rack can hold bikes up to 35 pounds in weight, which should be able to accommodate most rides. When we tested the bike rack out, we found it to be very easy to attach to the back of your car and thanks to the patented StableCradles, we were never worried that the bike would come off, even on bumpy terrain. For those that want to protect their Kia Soul, you’ll be happy to note there are padded feat on this bike rack and the metal buckles are coated so that there won’t be any annoying scratches to worry about.
There are three methods to installing your bike rack on your Kia Soul. They are not interchangeable so you will need to purchase the one you want to use.
To attach a bike rack via a hitch, you obviously need a hitch first. Your Kia Soul might not come with one on purchase, but if not, you can still have one attached for you. Then, thread the bike rack into the hitch and tighten the clamps.
Roof bike racks work with a series of clamps. You will want to have another person help you in order to keep everything steady and in place. This can be a bit complicated, so be sure to consult the instruction manual.
If you want to install a bike rack onto the trunk of your Kia Soul, you will need to work out the strap system. These hook inside your trunk and once you close the trunk, they become secure. Just remember that if you open your trunk while your bikes are still in the trunk, they may slide around.
You have your Kia Soul and your bike. You’re ready to get moving and stay healthy. The next step is to find the right bike rack. Take into consideration your budget, the size of your bike, and how mechanical you are. Then, you will be able to find the bike rack that gets you moving as fast as possible.
For the most part, bike racks are very easy to install. There is the main rack part and then a few other accessories or screws to attach everything. You should always read the instruction manual closely and if you are confused, check out online videos.
While one person is usually able to attach a bike rack via a trailer hitch, if you are attaching a rack to the top of your car, you should ask another person to help in order to keep it steady.
There are three types of bike racks and while they are all capable of holding bikes, they are created differently.
Roof racks sit atop your car and while they take up less space, it can be a bit strange having extra height atop your car.
Hitch bike racks are anchored into your trailer hitch and stick out on the back. It can take some time getting used to driving with this type as you need to make allowances for the extra distance.
Trunk bike racks have straps that go around the trunk of your car. They are usually nylon in material and therefore you want to remove them when not in use as they can be easily vandalized and stolen.
Your bike rack needs to be strong, not bend, and able to hold a lot of weight. Therefore, it will either be made out of metal or alloy steel. Both materials are incredibly strong and as long as you follow the maximum weight capacity, they won’t buckle under pressure.
All of the bike racks on our list can hold two bikes, so the size won’t vary too much. However, there is a difference between a roof rack and a rack that attaches to the back of your car.
Roof racks are usually the smaller, and can be compact like the Swagman XC2 which has dimensions of 5 x 34 x 11 in.
Load capacity should be one of the first features you look for in a bike rack as it will determine whether it fits your bike or not.
Most bike racks have the same load capacity, which is 35 pounds per bike. On average, most bikes will fit in this category.
If you do have a larger bike, then obviously you will need a rack with a higher load capacity. For this we recommend the Swagman CHINOOK, which can hold 45 pounds per bike or the Kuat NV 2.0, which can hold 53 pounds per bike.
A bike rack for your Kia Soul needs to be sturdy. Otherwise, your car could become damaged, not to mention your bikes. All of the bike racks on our list have premium construction so there is no need to worry, even if you want to head off-road in search of a new biking adventure.
The most durable, however, is the Kuat NV 2.0. It weighs 52 pounds and definitely won’t bend or break.
We hope your search for the perfect bike rack is nearing its end. Our Editor’s Pick is the Swagman CHINOOK. This sturdy, well-built bike rack can hold two bikes with a maximum weight of 45 pounds, and is easy to install. If you want a premium option, then consider the Kuat NV 2.0. Its metal frame may be heavy but because of it, it can store two bikes with weights up to 60 pounds. Finally, our best value pick for the best bike rack for Kia Soul is the Swagman XC2. It locks in easily to your car and can handle two bikes, plus is easy to assemble. By finding the right bike rack, you can pack up, hit the road, and get out on an amazing adventure.
