Will A Mountain Bike Fit In A Prius?

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Are you an avid mountain biker who also owns a Prius? Well, you’re not alone.

Many outdoor enthusiasts who own smaller vehicles like Prius and Honda Civic question whether they can transport their bikes without the need for a larger car or a bike rack.

So, can you fit a mountain bike in a Prius?

A mountain bike can fit in a Prius with some adjustments. The back seats may need to be folded down, and the front tire of the bike may need to be removed. However, it is important to measure the dimensions of both the bike and the car to ensure a proper fit.

Below, we will explore the different options and provide you with helpful tips to ensure a successful transportation experience.

How to Fit a Mountain Bike in a Prius

Putting your mountain bike in a Prius is easy with its cleverly designed space-saving features. It may require some patience to fit a larger bike but aim for balance and ensure nothing touches or damages your bike or the car’s interior.

Take precautions when loading and unloading to avoid any mishaps. Packing separate items together will prevent scratches or damage.

To fit a mountain bike in a Prius, you can follow these simple steps:

  • Fold down the back seats: Begin by folding down the back seats of your Prius. This will create extra space in the rear of the vehicle for your mountain bike.
  • Rearrange the space: With the back seats folded down, you can now rearrange the space to accommodate your mountain bike. Depending on the size of your bike, you may need to angle it or position it in a specific way to ensure a proper fit.
  • Remove the wheels (if needed): If you’re bringing along camping supplies, extra tools, food, clothes, or anything else for your adventure, removing one or both wheels will give you the space you need to comfortably fit everything else. This can save additional space and make it easier to fit your mountain bike in the Prius.

Can You Fit Two Bikes In a Prius?

Yes, it is possible to fit two bikes in a Prius, but it may require some disassembly and creative packing.

Here are some ways to fit two bikes in a Prius:

  • Lay the bikes one on top of the other with cardboard in between. One bike will fit in the back with the rear seats up, but both wheels need to be removed.
  • Fold at least one of the seats down and take the front wheel off of each bike. This method has been confirmed to work by a user on the Beginner Triathlete forum
  • Stack the bikes on top of each other on their sides.
  • Turn the bike over so the wheels are up and angle it a little so the wheels are around two o’clock. Then put the front of the bike in first.

How Big Is Prius Trunk’s Space Compared to Other Cars?

The Toyota Prius may seem to have less trunk space compared to other cars, but it’s important to note that the carrying capacity can vary due to the cargo area’s shape.

Let’s take a closer look at the cubic-feet of space in the Prius LE, XLE, and Limited models. The Prius LE provides a comfortable 27.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Prius XLE offers a slightly larger 27.7 cubic feet. The Prius Limited boasts a spacious 24.6 cubic feet.

Don’t let these numbers fool you though, the Prius’s hatchback design allows for flexibility in arranging your items, maximizing the available space.

So, even though the trunk space may appear smaller, the Prius surprises with its actual carrying capacity. With its unique design, the Prius is a practical and efficient option for all your storage needs, whether it’s groceries, luggage, or other items.

Different Ways to Fit Your Bike in a Prius

If you’re a mountain bike enthusiast and own a Prius, you may be wondering if you can transport your bike with ease.

Luckily, there are several ways to fit your bike in a Prius without sacrificing trunk space.

There are 3 options I would recommend:

  • Hitch Rack
  • Roof Rack
  • Trunk-Mount Bike Rack

Hitch Rack

If you’re looking for a convenient and easy way to transport your mountain bike in a Prius, hitch racks are a popular choice. There are different types to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.

One option is the hanging-style hitch rack, which suspends the bikes from the top tube. It’s lighter and more affordable, but you may need to tighten and adjust it more to keep your bikes secure. The downside is that it can make accessing the trunk a bit trickier.

Hitch Rack for Bikes

Another choice is the swing-away hitch rack, like the Thule Apex Swing 4 or Yakima FullSwing. This design allows the entire rack to swing away from the back of the Prius, giving you easy access to the trunk even when the bikes are loaded. However, these racks are usually heavier and pricier.

Vertical-hanging hitch racks are also available, which hold the bikes upright. They offer better ground clearance and work well for larger mountain bikes. Just keep in mind that loading and unloading can be more challenging.

When picking a hitch rack for your mountain bike in a Prius, think about factors like ease of use, trunk access, and the rack’s size and weight. Also, make sure the rack is compatible with your Prius and provides proper security for your bikes during transportation.

Roof Rack

Fitting a mountain bike in a Prius is easy with a roof rack. Roof racks provide a strong and safe platform for transporting bikes without taking up space inside the car.

There are different types available, like square bars, round bars, and factory bars.

Square and round bars are versatile and compatible with various accessories, while factory bars are the most common and easily work with different roof rack accessories. Toyota offers its own factory bars, known as part number PW301-47009, for the Prius.

Roof Rack for Bikes

Installing a roof rack on a Prius is simple. Just attach the bars to the roof using specialized mounting brackets. These brackets come with the roof rack kit and are designed for the Prius.

Place the brackets on the roof, align them with the mounting points, and secure them tightly. Then, attach the bars to the brackets and tighten them.

Make sure the roof rack is level before loading your mountain bike. With the right roof rack, transporting your bike on a Prius is a breeze.

Trunk-Mount Bike Rack

Transporting your mountain bike with a trunk mount bike rack on your Toyota Prius is a breeze.

It’s practical, convenient, and secure.

Installing this type of rack is a piece of cake – just attach it to your Prius trunk, tighten the straps, and you’re good to go.

Trunk mounted Bike Rack

No need for specialized brackets or complicated steps. Plus, the locking mechanism ensures your bike stays firmly in place, even on rough roads. You can trust that your bike will be safe and sound during transport.

When you’re not using the rack, it’s super easy to remove, giving you extra trunk space. No need to worry about any damage or marks on your Prius. With a quick release, you can detach the rack without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible to put a roof rack on a Prius. Here are some ways to install a roof rack on a Prius :

  • For a base roof rack (two bars running door-to-door across your roof), you can start by checking the best-fitting rack for your Toyota Prius
  • Rhino-Rack offers a variety of options when it comes to roof racks for the Toyota Prius. You can select your vehicle model to find compatible roof rack systems
  • Yakima is one of the best roof rack brands and has a rack that fits the Gen 3 Prius.
  • You can also find Toyota Prius roof racks on Amazon, such as the OMAC Smooth Roof Rack Cross Bar Set.
  • Thule Wingbar Evo is a premium crossbar for standard Prius, Prius V, and Prius Prime.

Yes, a bike will fit in the car with the seats down. By folding the seats, you can create enough space to accommodate the bike comfortably.

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