Best Bike Rack for Kia Soul 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide
A Kia soul has an interesting design. It has less capacity than an SUV, but more than any other standard car of its size. While a Kia Soul is a great vehicle if you want the cargo capacity of an SUV coupled with the ease of use and compatibility of any regular-sized car, the space inside this vehicle is not enough to carry a bike, whether it’s one or more.
Other than running the chance of damaging your vehicle, your bikes might not make it to the destination at one point if the roads are too rough!
The solution to this is having a suitable bike rack for Kia Soul. When we say “suitable”, we are mainly eyeing the type of bike rack that will be most compatible with your wagon. It can be a hitch mounted or rooftop mount rack, and it might also trunk mount bike rack for Kia Soul. For a trunk style, steer away from the smaller sizes!
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Contents
- What is Kia Soul?
- What Style Bike Rack Will Fit a Kia Soul?
- What Should You Be Aware of When Choosing a Kia Soul Bike Rack?
- Best Bike Racks for Kia Soul
- Frequently A
- Final Thoughts
What is Kia Soul?
Kia Soul is considered to be a more compact version of a typical SUV and has been in production since 2008. It was first the unique model was first manufactured in Korea. Now, the vehicle is marketed all over the word as “Kia Soul”, with no alternative names.
Kia Soul combines the total interior space of an SUV with the usefulness and functionality of a smaller sized car. The vehicle is commonly classed as a “Subcompact crossover SUV” with a hatchback body type, along with 5 door SUV body style. The typical layout of the vehicle has front wheel drive and an engine in front.
Additionally, Kia Soul has been upgraded in years of its production, the latest being the third-generation model (SK3), in production since 2019. The first generation (AM) was manufactured from 2008 to 2013, while the second generation of Kia Soul models came into the market between 2013 and 2019.
The latest model of the crossover SUV vehicle has an X-line trim option, better turbo 4 engines, and a dual choice of both gasoline and electric engines. The Kia Soul EV is the electric car option available in the third generation of models. However, this version is only available in Europe.
What Style Bike Rack Will Fit a Kia Soul?
In choosing the best bike rack for Kia Soul, you must also consider how many bikes you would be carrying and how much security you want for your bike rack. Moreover, you may have to adjust through budgets and take into account the fuel economy involved when riding with a particular style of bike rack. Besides, few bike carriers are easy to install, while some fold down without trouble.
Whichever style or brand you choose, make sure you choose the one that suits your needs. To make sure you choose the best bike rack for your Kia Soul, we have conducted thorough research to review the most sustainable and reliable options in the market!
Through in-depth research, we have concluded that the different generations of models that have been manufactured and produced through the years can fit bike racks that are trunk mount, roof mount or hitch mount. Although the models are each an upgrade from one another, there are no major differences in design or construction that could specifically affect the choice of bike rack.
Roof Mount
For a roof mounted bike rack, your Kia Soul must have an installed rack already. Roof mounted bike carriers are versatile as they can carry a wide range of other gears along with your bikes. With hassle free hauling and no obstacle to any of the doors, these bike racks are incredibly stable. However, your little Kia Soul might see some extra fuel use on windy days due to air drag.
Hitch Mount
For your Kia Soul, a hitch mounted can be perfectly compatible for you if you have a tow hitch already attached to your vehicle. If you want a bike rack style that is easy to assemble, good for daily use and has good security, hitch mounted carriers could be a great match. For all that, the price is comparatively higher than a trunk or roof mount.
Trunk Mount
As they vary in size and have easier access to bikes, they are sometimes used as a common bike rack style for Kia Soul. A lot of people don’t have an additional rack or hitch system for their wagons. In such a case, the inexpensive truck mount styles are ideal for them.
The downside of such a style when using it with a Kia Soul car is that trunk mounted bike carriers aren’t the most stable in terms of swaying. Plus, the rear access is fully hindered.
What Should You Be Aware of When Choosing a Kia Soul Bike Rack?
While the style of the rack and the budget may vary based on how often you use and where you carry your bikes, they can vary from person to person and is more dependent on what feels comfortable to the rider. Nevertheless, there are few factors that you may want to keep in mind and be aware of when choosing the best bike rack for Kia Soul.
Panoramic Sunroof
Few Kia Soul vehicles, especially the latest models can have a panoramic sunroof. In that case, you should always sway away from using a roof top bike rack. A panoramic sunroof is more prone to damage and even sudden cracking if you haul a loaded bike rack onto it.
Avoid Small Trunk Racks
Trunk mount racks vary greatly in size. Always opt for the bigger sized ones even if you are carrying a single bike. Small truck racks, when loaded with bikes, have the potential to damage the paint of the bike.
Moreover, when you use a smaller size for the trunk rack, your bike will be at a worrying distance. The bike might come so close to the rear of your wagon that there would be a risk of contact and severe paint damage. With a bigger sized trunk mount Kia Soul bike rack, you’ll never have to face this issue.
Using Hitch Rack with Kia Soul EV
If you are willing to install a hitch on your Kia Soul EV, you may want to find time to thoroughly look into the benefits it will bring, how you should set it up and whether it is allowed in the area you live in. This is because few countries have disallowed the brand’s electric vehicle to carry any trailer. Even if a hitch is installed, you might now get to use it.
Besides, the hitch is mounted on panels below the vehicle. In the case of the Kia Soul EV, the panels underneath the vehicles are covered with fairly huge plastics. If you still wish to install a hitch, you might have to make great changes to the underbody of the vehicle.
Best Bike Racks for Kia Soul
Now, let’s discuss my selection of best bike racks for Kia Soul so that you can find the best one according to your needs.
Thule ProRide Roof Bike Rack Model 598001 (1 Bike Roof Rack)
When it comes to bike racks, a crowd favorite brand that has built its reputation through the years is Thule. The ProRide Roof bike rack is just another addition to their lost list of premium quality products.
One of the most popular upgrades in this bike rack is the newly designed frame holder capable of positioning itself automatically. Additionally, the torque limiter lets you have complete control over how much you want to tighten the security. This ensures that the bike frame does not have to endure too much pressure and subsequent damage. A bonus, especially if your bike is carbon framed!
The back lined and sleeved wheel straps take seconds to release, and are a much-wanted change in a roof bike rack because of the increased stability they provide. Moreover, this easy to mount bike rack for Kia Soul has cushioned “claw pads’” that allows you to secure several bikes with a range of tube sizes. The primary job of these pads is to distribute any heavy pressure on the frame of the bike.
Key Features:
- Maximum load capacity: 45 lbs.
- Fits various bike tube sizes
- Fast release wheel straps
- Integrated torque limiter
- Self-positioning frame system
- Built-in cable locks
- Soft claw pads included
Pros:
- Incredible security
- Padded support to decrease frame damage
- Easy installation
- Sturdy and stable
- Quick mounting and unmounting
- Improved claw and lock feature.
Cons:
- The built-in cable locks are not very sturdy.
Thule Apex XT (4 Bike Hanging Hitch Rack)
If loading different-sized bikes for a family outing is on your mind, you might want to envision Thule’s Apex XT. Considered one of the best Kia Soul bike racks, this product is designed to carry up to 4 bikes, ranging from smaller bike with 16-inch wheel sizes to bigger ones of 20-inch wheel size.
You can also invest further to have a 5-bike capacity or a swinging 4 bike rack. We love that the large capacity in this bike rack is not compromised with staggering 7’ bike spacing.
With a titling HitchSwtich lever, you won’t have to worry about rear vehicle access either. Like any other hitch mount bike rack, loading and unloading your bikes is not a breeze. However, the built-in anti-sway cradle and cable locks make sure your bikes are carried about without jerks, damage, and chances of theft, even in the coarsest of roads. Moreover, you won’t need any tools or much effort to assemble this easy folding bike carrier in place.
With the stabilizing effects, the ratcheting straps that secure the bike’s frames in place are not bulky or interfere during the loading process. If there are women’s or children’s bikes to be carried, this 4-bike hitch rack is ideal, although you might need an extra tube if the wheel size is too small.
Key Features:
- Maximum capacity: 4 bikes
- Tilting HitchSwitch lever
- 7 inches gap between bikes
- Built-in receiver locks
- Anti-wobble cradle
- Ratcheting security straps
- Double folding wing arm
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ease of folding and unfolding
- Minimum swaying
- Great locking security
- Simple installation process
- Adequate spacing
- Can hold various sized wheels
Cons:
- Loading and unloading is not easy
- Smaller bike wheels might need an additional adapter
Saris Bones EX 2 Bike Rack (2 Bike Trunk Rack)
The new and upgraded EX version of the original Saris Bones bike rack is specifically designed for vehicles like Kia Soul in mind. The mounting legs are spaced out in a way that they don’t touch the spoilers easily. More so, the unique arc shape makes sure there is little to no hindrance caused by the handlebars.
Made with premium, non-rusting materials, this 2-bike trunk mounted rack is versatile in holding fatter tires to thinner ones, with adequate spacing between the bikes as well. If you are worried about all that sea saw movement on the roads, the anti-sway cradles and straps also take care of that issue.
Although the 3 strapping points are an added advantage and only provide more security, it may sometimes seem like there are too many of them.
Since it is a trunk rack bike carrier, you probably already expect some obstruction to the rear view of your vehicle. Even though, the adjustable arms fold down without hassle. Moreover, the same feature ensures you can change the height of the rack frame according to your need.
Key Features:
- Maximum capacity: 2 bikes
- 5 bike spacing
- Arc like design
- Multiple strapping points
- Integrated anti sway straps
- Injection molded plastic
- Aluminum core construction
- Easy mounting
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Damage preventing rubber feet
- Rust resistant
- Super durability
- Frame shape can be adjusted
- Anti-wobbling features
- Easy folding and unfolding
Cons:
- No locking system is available
- Straps are bulky and metal clamps at the ends may hit a car when there is jerking
Allen Sports Premier S-102 (Affordable 2 Bike Trunk Mounted Rack)
Allen Sports, an already popular brand making bike carries of the highest quality for a very reasonable price, has designed a trunk mounted bike rack patented set up design.
This design ensures that the already assembled bike Kia Soul bike rack “snaps” into position during installation. This easy to install set up can hold 2 bikes but can be upgraded to have a greater capacity of up to 3 bikes.
Another patented feature is this incredibly strong construction, which is the tie down system consisting of rubber straps and cushioned cradle base. To add, your bikes and Kia Soul is further protected from damages and stretches with the help of the wide profile feet that make sure no point of the rack takes in too much pressure.
Whether it’s an adult bike or smaller bikes for kids, this bike rack can hold a wide range of tire sizes. Apart from its super quick set up system, this carrier has a reputation for its affordable price point as well.
Key Features:
- Maximum capacity: 70 lbs. total
- Large cushioned paddings
- Tie down cradle system
- Various bike size fit carry arm
- Wide base feet
- Dual side strapping system
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- No tool, easy to set up assembly
- Durable build
- Outstanding security
- Great pressure distribution
- Can fit many bikes
Cons:
- Rubber straps may come in contact with the bike causing damage
Frequently A
Can I use a single bike trunk rack like Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B or Saris Solo?
The smaller sized trunk racks look appealing and on top of that are one of the most inexpensive options of bike racks available in the market.
However, it is not advisable to use one because the bike closes in the distance and comes too close to the vehicle. The close distance might result in the bike hitting the vehicle to cause paint damage. A more reliable option is the larger trunk racks, which make sure the bike and car are at a safer distance.
Final Thoughts
When you are researching and surveying the options for the best bike rack for Kia Soul, you’ll come across myriads of options. Some with more security features than others, some with sturdier straps and better security.
You may want to buy something more affordable but do not wish to find a middle grown on the indispensable features. For all that, we’ve reviewed the finest and answered all the possible questions that might sound an alarm while looking for a quality Kia Soul bike rack.
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