> Since the Kona EV has some unique considerations—like the battery placement and the lack of a factory-installed hitch...

I'd actually suggest a different approach—respectfully, I'd skip the hitch. I was worried about range too, but honestly, I've found the SeaSucker Talon 1-Bike Rack way more practical. No permanent mods or ground clearance issues! I just pop it on the roof when needed. It’s super stable for my MTBs, and tbh, the range hit isn't that bad if you're not speeding. Plus, it's way cheaper than a professional hitch install. Hope this helps!

Seconding the recommendation above! I've tried roof racks before, and honestly, the range hit is just too painful on long trips. Since you're worried about ground clearance and stability for two MTBs, here are two solid hitch options I've looked into:

1. 1UP USA Quik Rack Single with an Add-On: This is super low-profile and has a unique stepped design that helps with ground clearance.
2. Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 - 1.25": It's heavy, but the stability is rock solid for mountain bikes.

In my experience, a hitch is definitely the way to go for the Kona EV... just watch those steep driveways!

Seconding the recommendation above regarding a hitch! Honestly, as an experienced rider, I value safety and stability over everything else. Roof mounts are a nightmare for range, and trunk straps can seriously damage your paint or sensors.

I've found the best balance is getting a professional install for a 2-inch receiver like the EcoHitch by Torklift Central for 2018-2023 Hyundai Kona EV. It sits higher than some 1.25" options, which helps with that ground clearance concern.

Here’s my safety-first comparison:

* **Platform Hitch (Best):** Most stable, won't block the battery, and keeps bikes secure. I'm really happy with the RockyMounts MonoRail 2-Bike Platform Rack because it has a slight rise in the shank for extra clearance.
* **Roof Mount:** Bad for range and a risk for garage accidents. Just don't.
* **Trunk Straps:** Too much movement for heavy MTBs.

Go with a solid hitch rack; it's definitely the safest bet for your Kona! Hope this helps!

For your situation, I'd definitely go with a hitch setup. Over the years, I've found roof racks absolutely tank the Kona's range because of the drag. I installed the Curt 11529 Class 1 Trailer Hitch on mine—it’s a 1.25" receiver that fits the EV geometry perfectly. Pair it with the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack since it's lightweight and easy to tilt away from the hatch. Ground clearance is a bit tight, but honestly, it's manageable if you take speed bumps slow! Hope this helps!

> Since the Kona EV has some unique considerations—like the battery placement and the lack of a factory-installed hitch I actually went the DIY route with my install because the local shops were quoting me CRAZY prices just because it was an EV. Its realy not as intimidating as it looks if you have some basic tools and a couple of jack stands. Basically, you just have to be careful with the plastic trim panels under the car, but once those are off, its pretty straightforward to bolt things up to the frame. Before you commit to a specific rack tho, I have to ask:

• Are you planning on doing the install yourself or paying a shop for the labor?
• How heavy are those MTBs exactly? Knowing the weight is definitely important because even if the hitch is rated for it, the tongue weight limit on a small car like the Kona can get sketchy fast if youre hauling two heavy downhill rigs. Honestly, if you can turn a wrench, DIY is the way to go to save some cash for better gear. Tbh the hardest part is just not losing the clips for the bumper!