Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Vinson Lozano
Are you planning a road trip with your bikes on board? Don’t let the hassle of transporting your precious bicycles bring stress to your adventure. Investing in a reliable bike rack can save you time, space, and peace of mind.
With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best one for your car or SUV. But fear not, we’ve done the research and testing for you and compiled a list of the top bike racks of 2023.
From hitch to trunk and roof mounts, we’ve got you covered. So, pack up your bikes and hit the road with confidence, knowing that your beloved two-wheelers are in good hands.
Importance of having a good bike rack for car and SUV owners
For many bike enthusiasts, travelling with their bikes can be a hassle, especially if you own an SUV or a car. This is where investing in a good bike rack comes in handy.
Not only does it make it easier to transport your bike from one location to another, but it can also prevent damage that may usually come with squeezing your bike into your car’s backseat or trunk. And yes, I remember when I first bought my gravel bike 200km away from my place, I had to put in on the back seat for several hours, and I accidentally pressed the hydraulic brakes while the wheels are off, which turns to be a problem after I got home.
Furthermore, having your bike securely fastened on a bike rack means you can focus on driving and not worry about your bike falling or bumping into other items in your car.
There are several types of bike racks available in the market, depending on your vehicle and bike type. Taking the time to research and find the right one for you will make transporting your bike a breeze and ensure your bike stays in pristine condition.
So, if you love riding your bike and enjoy taking it out on adventures, investing in a good bike rack is a must!
Brief overview of the best bike racks for cars and SUVs
When it comes to the best bike racks for cars and SUVs, there are a variety of options to choose from. One popular type is the tray hitch rack, which is easy to install and use, and can securely hold one or two bikes.
The Thule T2 Pro XT is our top pick for this type of rack. Hanging hitch racks, like the Saris Bones EX, are also a great option, especially for those on a budget.
While they can be slightly harder to load, they are lightweight and easy to install and store. Trunk racks, like the Thule EasyFold XT 2, are another option, and are ideal for those who don’t want to lift their bikes too high.
Roof racks and pickup-bed carriers are also available, but come with their own pros and cons. Ultimately, the best bike rack for your car or SUV will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Types of Bike Racks
Tray hitch racks
Tray hitch racks are one of the most popular types of bike racks for cars and SUVs. These racks feature trays that are designed to hold bikes by the wheels, making them more secure and stable than other racks that attach to the frame or top tube of the bike.
Tray hitch racks can be installed on the back of your vehicle’s hitch, and they are available in various capacities, from one-bike to multiple-bikes. They are also often easy to install and remove, allowing you to quickly change between using the rack and not using it.
The Thule T2 Pro XTR and the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 are two of the best tray hitch bike racks on the market. They both feature solid construction, are easy to use, and accommodate most types of bikes. If you’re looking for a secure and convenient way to transport your bikes, a tray hitch rack may be the perfect solution for you.
Hanging hitch racks
Hanging hitch racks are a great option for those on a tighter budget or those who need to haul multiple bikes. They are significantly lighter than platform and vertical racks, which makes them much easier to install and remove.
Although hanging racks are not as secure as the other types, they are adept at accommodating a wide range of bike sizes and styles. Hanging racks are available in capacities ranging from 2 to 5 and can often accommodate bikes with wheel sizes 16” and up.
However, bikes on hanging hitch racks are spaced much closer together and make significantly more contact with each other compared to platform and vertical racks.
Therefore, scratches and damages are common and should be expected. If you are hauling higher-quality bikes, we advise you to skip hanging racks and opt for the more secure platform or vertical racks.
Nonetheless, if you can only afford a hanging rack, make sure to buy a rack with more capacity than you need, so you can leave extra space between the bikes when loaded. Bikes with carbon frames should never be carried on a hanging rack. If you have a carbon frame, platforms and vertical racks are your only options.
Trunk racks
For owners who don’t have a hitch on their vehicle, trunk racks can be a lifesaver. Trunk bike racks are designed to fit virtually any car, whether it’s a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or van.
They are also typically more affordable than other types of bike racks, making them a great option for those who don’t want to break the bank. One of the advantages of trunk racks is that they are transferable between vehicles, making them a versatile choice for families with multiple cars.
However, some potential disadvantages include the time it takes to install and remove the rack and the risk that a pedal could scratch your car’s paint.
It’s important to choose the right trunk rack for your vehicle and bike, as not all racks are compatible with every car. To make sure you’re getting the right fit, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s “rack fit guide” before making a purchase.
Overall, trunk racks are a convenient and affordable way for bike owners to transport their bikes without the need for a hitch.
Roof racks
Roof racks are a popular bike transporting option for those looking to keep their trunk or hitch free. While they are often more expensive than other options, they offer unimpeded access to the vehicle’s cargo area.
However, loading bikes onto roof racks can be more challenging than other types of racks, and they can also dramatically reduce your car’s gas mileage. When it comes to roof racks, there are a few different options to choose from.
The Kuat Piston SR is a high-end option that secures the bike to the rack with arms that come from either side and squeeze against the tires. Thule UpRide is another great option that accommodates tires up to five inches wide and does not require a rear hoop for front wheel retention.
Yakima HighRoad and Rockymounts TomaHawk are other roof racks that are straightforward and easy to use. Despite their downsides and higher cost, roof racks can be a great choice for those looking for convenience and full access to their vehicle’s cargo space.
Pickup-bed carriers
For drivers who own a pickup truck, using a pickup-bed carrier is an excellent option for transporting bicycles. These types of carriers allow drivers to transport bikes in their truck’s bed, which ensures that the bikes stay out of the driver’s line of sight while still providing easy access to the bikes.
Although trunk racks and hitch-mounted carriers are popular for SUVs, using a pickup-bed carrier is the best solution for truck owners. The RockyMounts Velo Gripper is a great example of a pickup-bed carrier that holds the bikes securely and in an upright position. This carrier is designed to fit regular pickup-bed sides, and its clamps are compact enough to be stored in a toolbox when not in use.
Additionally, the Velo Gripper allows for maximum storage space in the truck’s bed, freeing up space to load other equipment or cargo. Overall, the Velo Gripper and other pickup-bed carriers are a must-have for anyone who owns a pickup truck and wants a practical and efficient way to transport bikes.
Pros and cons of each type
When comes to choosing the best bike rack for your car or SUV, there are a variety of options to consider.
Each type of bike rack has its own set of pros and cons that make it suitable for different types of riders and vehicles. Tray hitch racks, for example, are easy to load and unload bikes and can quickly be removed from the car.
However, they add a few feet to the rear of the vehicle and can cause wear on bike frames or forks. Hanging hitch racks can typically accommodate more bikes than platform racks but may not work well for e-bikes, road bikes, or kid’s bikes.
Trunk racks are less expensive and can accommodate a variety of bike types, but there is more risk of bikes coming into contact with each other and getting damaged.
Roof racks free up the rear hitch receiver and provide extra security from bike theft but lifting a bike onto the roof can get old real quick, and they increase the height of your vehicle.
Lastly, pickup-bed carriers are a good option for carrying one bike but won’t work on a trunk or hitch.
Best Overall Hitch Bike Rack
Thule T2 Pro XTR
If you’re a serious bike enthusiast, then Thule’s T2 Pro XTR is the bike rack for you. It’s designed to accommodate a wide variety of bikes, including e-bikes, and with its integrated cable lock and lock knobs, you can secure it to your vehicle with peace of mind.
One of the standout features is the tool-free AutoAttach system, which makes installation and removal of the rack a breeze. Plus, the integrated wheels allow you to maneuver the rack easily, even when it’s not attached to the car.
The HitchSwitch lever tilts up when not in use or down for rear vehicle access without removing the rack is also a nice touch. The Thule T2 Pro XTR is a versatile rack that fits into both 2 and 1.25-inch hitch sizes, making it a great investment for those who like to switch up their vehicles frequently.
And if you need even more space, you can add two more bikes using the Thule T2 Pro XT Add-On (sold separately). Thule is known for its top-quality products, and the T2 Pro XTR is no exception.
Best Budget Hanging Hitch Bike Rack
Saris Bones EX
Looking for a reliable bike rack that fits most cars and SUVs? Look no further than the Saris Bones EX.
This trunk rack features a unique leg design that can avoid contact with most plastic spoilers found on many popular sedan, hatchback, and SUV models.
With a capacity of up to three bikes, it provides six and a half inches of space between each bike, reducing the chance of contact and damage. Plus, the arced rack arms reduce interference between handlebars and saddles.
The ratcheting straps are narrow and easy to move, making it a breeze to load and unload bikes. The Bones EX is lightweight, easy to take on and off, and comes fully assembled right out of the box.
And with its unique mounting legs and integrated strap management system, the Bones EX is one of the best trunk racks on the market. So, whether you’re a small family with two or three bikes to transport or a solo rider looking for a reliable and affordable bike rack, the Saris Bones EX is a great option that won’t disappoint.
Best Electric Bike-Friendly Hitch Bike Rack
Thule EasyFold XT 2
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 is a top-of-the-line bike rack that is fully foldable, easy to install and use, and fits both 2 and 1 1/4 receivers. It is e-bike compatible and has a load capacity of up to 130 pounds, enough to transport even the heaviest of bikes.
The rack also has torque limiting knobs and ratcheting wheel straps for securing your bikes in place during transport. One of the best features is the smart foot pedal tilt that allows you to access your trunk even when your bikes are mounted on the rack.
Additionally, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is equipped with fully locking capabilities to ensure the safety and security of your bikes during transport. Overall, this bike rack is perfect for car and SUV owners who want a reliable and easy-to-use solution for transporting their bikes.
Best Roof Bike Rack
Thule UpRide
The Thule UpRide is a versatile and reliable bike rack that takes a unique approach to carrying your bike. One of its standout features is that it delivers a very secure hold without any contact with your frame or fork.
This is especially great for those with carbon fiber road frames or expensive suspension forks. It’s also capable of holding a huge range of wheel sizes and tire widths, and doesn’t require removal of the front wheel.
While the loading process may seem a little complex at first, it becomes easier with practice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the secure hold, stability, and versatility of the UpRide. It’s reasonably priced, has solid construction, and is user-friendly with a tilt release and locks included. However, it’s best suited for vehicles with lower roof heights and lighter-weight bikes.
Overall, if you’re in need of a roof-mount rack with an exceptionally sturdy and secure hold, the Thule UpRide is a great option to consider.
Best Pickup-Bed Carrier
RockyMounts Velo Gripper
RockMounts Velo Gripper is a great option for those who prefer carrying their bikes in a pickup truck. It secures the bike to the side of the truck bed, which keeps it out of the driver’s line of sight.
What’s even better is that its clamps are compact enough to fit in a toolbox when not in use. This feature makes it very portable and convenient for those who frequently travel with their bikes.
Whether you’re hitting the trails for a mountain biking adventure or going for a leisurely ride through the countryside, you can now take your bike anywhere with you without worrying about the hassle of loading and unloading it.
