The Kuat NV 2.0 represents a ground-up redesign of the original NV platform hitch rack. Kuat spent three years refining every element: the pivot mechanism, wheel retention, cable locks, hitch interface, and overall aesthetic. The result is a rack that handles the practical demands of transporting bikes while looking like it belongs on your vehicle rather than just bolted to the back of it.

Platform-style hitch racks hold bikes by the wheels rather than clamping the frame, which matters for carbon frames, unusual tube shapes, and full-suspension designs where finding a suitable clamping point can be difficult. The NV 2.0 takes this approach and executes it with attention to the details that make loading, securing, and living with a bike rack less frustrating over years of use.

The expanding wedge hitch cam system addresses one of the most common complaints about hitch-mounted racks: wobble. The hand-tightened cam creates a secure, tool-free fit that eliminates play between the rack and receiver. This matters on rough roads where a loose rack can oscillate and stress both the bikes and the mounting hardware. The included hitch lock secures the rack to the vehicle, adding theft deterrence at the connection point.

Loading bikes onto the NV 2.0 starts with the foot-assisted pivot lever. A tap with your foot drops the rack from its upright storage position to horizontal loading position, leaving both hands free to guide the bike. This sounds like a minor convenience until you are standing in a trailhead parking lot with muddy gloves, holding a bike, and trying to manipulate a rack with one hand. The pivot also allows the rack to tilt away from the vehicle for rear hatch access without removing the bikes.

The front wheel retention uses ratcheting hooks that drop over the tire and cinch down with satisfying mechanical action. The release is intuitive once you understand the mechanism, and the hooks hold firmly without requiring excessive force. Front tire cradles adjust to three positions, solving the problem of bike interference when handlebars and seatposts would otherwise collide between two bikes mounted side by side.

Rear wheel retention uses straps with co-molded soft sections that contact the rim without marking or scratching. The straps slide along the tray to accommodate different wheelbases up to 50 inches. This covers the vast majority of bikes including long-travel enduro machines, though some of the newest extra-long geometry bikes may push this limit.

Tire compatibility spans 20 to 29-inch wheel sizes and widths up to 5 inches. The base configuration handles standard road and mountain bike tires without issue. Fat bike tires require the included strap extender kit, which accommodates the additional width. Wheels in the 20-24 inch range require a separate adapter available from Kuat.

Weight capacity sits at 60 pounds per tray in the standard two-bike configuration. This number matters increasingly as e-bikes proliferate. Many pedal-assist bikes with integrated batteries fall in the 50-60 pound range, making them compatible with the NV 2.0 where lighter-duty racks would be overloaded. For particularly heavy e-bikes, Kuat offers an optional loading ramp that eliminates the lift entirely.

The integrated Trail Doc work stand distinguishes the NV 2.0 from the more affordable NV Base 2.0. The Trail Doc swings out from the end of the rack and provides a clamp point for holding a bike during trailside repairs. The utility depends on your maintenance habits, but having the option beats improvising when something needs attention away from home.

Security features include cable locks integrated into each tray. The cables are long enough to loop through most frame triangles, providing theft deterrence during quick stops. When not in use, the cables retract into the rack body and hold in place magnetically, keeping them out of the way and reducing visual clutter.

The 2-inch hitch version accepts optional add-ons that expand carrying capacity to three or four bikes. Weight capacity per bike drops to 50 pounds in the three-bike configuration and 40 pounds with four bikes, reflecting the increased load on the hitch receiver. The 1.25-inch version does not accept add-ons.

Build quality shows in the powder-coated finish and the durability of moving parts over extended use. The rack weighs 52 pounds assembled, which is substantial but expected for a full-featured platform rack. Kuat backs the NV 2.0 with their No Worries Limited Warranty.