Hitch for a bike rack?

P250 of the 2023 Prime manual:

Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Toyota also
does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or
the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter,
bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing
or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.

 

That just legal coverage, the usual CYA wording to ensure you are liable if something bad happens as a result of the install.

 

The previous generation had the same language in the manual. It also had a 725kg tow rating in Europe. Toyota did not use a whole different frame between the two markets.

Europe isn't getting the noplug Prius, so we can't know if the new one would have had a tow rating, but the weight of a hitch and bike rack shouldn't be an issue. Finding a hitch at this time would be the bigger issue.

 

I expect the aftermarket may eventually produce a suitable mount for bike racks.

They're going to watch to see how many of these cars sell- they need to use their own production resources wisely.

Eventually hitches appeared for earlier cars with zero tow ratings listed in their manuals.

 

My 2001 Prius was in great need of a hitch for carrying bikes. I couldn't wait, especially back when it was very uncertain if there would be one available. So, I had a hitch shop cut & weld one to match the frame holes available.

One from Curt Mfg. for my bZ4X became available just a few weeks ago. So, it might not be until next year for the new Prius.

 

Yup. Look to CURT to make one....send them an email. I have 2 both our 2008 Prii have them now.

 

100% , it's only a matter of time. Looking under the rear there is definitely fixings available for a class 1 hidden hitch. I'm eagerly waiting since I plan on doing some bike road trips with this car.

 

from what I saw of previous Prius (say that 5 x quickly) the aftermarket did come up with hitches.

Seemed like in some cases a lot of work was involved... bumper removal, cutting hole in bumper for hitch.... etc. At least one vendor rated it at a fairly high level of difficulty.

 

I got one right away (April 2017) for my Prius Prime... and it got quite involved installing it. Here's photos of that:

John's Stuff - Toyota Prius Photo Album 205

 

That's a good guide. Looks tough enough to hold the bike. My neighbor will start the mod projects on his new '17 Prius after installing the new tires from 4Wheelonline this week. He'll surely consider that bike rack.

 

Coincidently, I just ordered the hitch (from Curt) for my bZ4X this morning. The one for my Prius Prime was really nice.

 

Any updates on a 3rd party hitch for a 2023 prius? Thanks

 

Nothing yet at Torklift Central, and it isn't one their wanted -- get one free list either.

 

U-Haul will make you one for free is you leave them your car in Tempe for 4-5 days. It becomes the prototype for their production model.

 

So... if anyone is in So Cal and wants one for no charge... let me know and we can set up a day to get measurements and 3D scans... We just need the car for a full day and the prototype will be done the same day!

This video is just one of the many happy customers with the strongest hitch on the market for a Prius!

2010-2015 Toyota Prius Trailer Hitch with 500lbs TW - black_jmyntrn

 

U-Haul Custom-Fitted Hitch Kit

In stock on 11/17/2023

Not having a hitch is almost a deal killer - looks like uhaul has one on the way....

 

It says it fits a 2023 prius on uhaul website. I currently have a 2019 and am in process of purchasing a 2023 need that hitch for kuat bike racks though...

 

It wasn't for me either time... April 2017 with my Prius Prime or March 2023 with my bZ4X.

Both were purchases before a hitch was available. Both ended up getting one shortly afterward anyway.