I've tried about every sort of bike rack on many different vehicles over the years. By far, my favorite way to carry a bike on the outside of a vehicle is via a hitch mounted platform carrier that contacts the bike only at the wheels. I've used racks from Yakima, Thule, Softride and Saris personally over the years and experimented with less expensive versions from other companies. Like most things, this decision comes down largely to one of personal opinion. The less expensive versions of this sort of rack inspire no confidence in me, so I refuse to put my bike on and my money into something that just causes me to constantly worry about my bike falling off the back of the car or damaging the frame. The Yakima T2, Yakima Holdup and Softride Versa are quality products that I could be happy with, but I have found the Saris Cycle-On Pro to be the rack I have been most pleased with.  All have slightly different features that may appeal to different folks, but I like the bike behind the car and secured without touching the frame. It also keeps rain off my bike at speeds over 50mph or so, doesn't seem to effect my gas mileage and allows me to go through drive throughs, garages and carports without concern. Some worry that they might back into something with a rack sticking out back, but I haven't had that problem. I think that's mainly due to the fact that I usually look behind me when backing up and immediately see the bike on the rack. I have, however, on more that one occasion run my bike into my carport while on a roof mounted rack. I have no doubt that I would do that again and again, so I've sworn off of roof mounted bike carriers.

Recently, I had a chance to look at the Kuat NV, a hitch mounted 2 bike rack, and was very impressed. Made of aluminum, it felt significantly lighter than my Cycle-On Pro. While I doubt that matters in the ride or fuel economy of my car, it certainly would be important to those who regularly remove the rack from the vehicle. The NV is quite attractive with a power coat finish and coordinating hardware. The NV also includes an integrate work stand making it ideal for light maintenance work, bike washing and pre-race adjustments. In addition, all the important features one wants in this type of carrier are there: anti-sway, bike locks (integrated), fold up and tilt, etc.

Kuat mentions that the rack "sits low for easy loading", but in relation to other racks in this class it actually sits a bit higher. Not high enough to worry about for use on an SUV, but high enough that your bike will be in the wind over the top of most sedans or wagons. Personally, I wouldn’t worry too much about that, but I thought is was worth noting. The position could effect fuel economy for some vehicles, making a competing rack a better choice.

More than a review, I want to call this product to your attention. As I mentioned early on, carrying bikes on cars is a personal preference far more than it is a black and white issue. The Kuat NV and its sibling, the Sherpa, are well made, functional, attractive and worth consideration if you are interested in this type of carrier. I will tell you that when I replace my current Saris Cycle-On Pro, it will most likely be with the Kuat NV.
 
Mark

PS: I'd like to give a special thanks to Steve at Madison Cycles, www.madisoncycles.com, in Madison, AL for granting me access to the Kuat NV you see in the pictures. One more reason I am a huge fan of supporting local bike shops - informed guidance and products in stock I can evaluate before purchasing.