Roof Rack Vs Hitch Rack Fuel Economy

He found that compared to the baseline of no roof rack the empty rack reduced his mpg by 12 7 and the roof rack with a bicycle reduced it by a whooping 27 3.

Roof rack vs hitch rack fuel economy.

Beyond that the two items tested with the least impact on gas mileage were the paddle board and thule luggage carrier both of which caused about a 19 percent decrease in fuel economy or 5 5. For comparison the additional fuel consumption caused by roof racks is about six times larger than anticipated fuel savings from fuel cell vehicles and 40 percent of anticipated fuel savings. For some people the. Adding any rooftop carrier cargo box or ski rack doesn t come free.

To find out how bike racks affect a car s fuel economy consumer reports tested a roof rack and a trailer hitch rack loaded with two adult sized bicycles on a 2019 nissan altima and a 2019 toyota. With a roof rack and carrying two mountain bikes there was a 19 percent reduction in fuel mileage and 5 percent less when empty. Hitch racks by the time you get the whole family loaded up in your vehicle there s no room for all the luggage and gear. In fact it significantly cuts your highway mileage all the time it s installed whether there s weight up there or not.

The empty roof rack had a nearly 2 percent impact on fuel economy which. But that s where you ve found a dilemma. Hitch racks or roof racks which one should you choose. With a hitch rack carrying the same two bikes the suv had a 12.