Best Hitch Bike Racks for Cars and SUVs

There are many reasons why you need a bike rack. Sometimes you may need to drive a long distance before you can get to ride, and sometimes it could be other reasons. No matter why you need it, there is the need to go for the best bike rack you can get.

Before settling for a bike rack, there are things you will need to put into consideration such as how you want your bike carried; on top of the car or behind. If you need your bike atop, you will have to go for a roof rack instead of a hitch mount. You also need to put into consideration the type of bike you intend to carry.

Most importantly, before picking a bike rack you will need to ask some questions as regards how secure it can carry your bike, the ease of assembly and installation, security, and overall convenience.  The durability, price, the number of bikes it can take, tire size, and other things should as well be considered.

Why it is important to consider a lot of things is because you do not want a piece that will not be able to carry your bike or one that will not carry it securely. Also, you don’t want a rack that will allow an unauthorized person to take your bike away or one that will be hard for you to assemble and take off.

Best Bike Racks

Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

The Thule T2Pro XT 2 is one of those bike racks that don’t get to come every day. To be honest, it is one of the most complete that you will get, as it is detailed, durable, easy to assemble and install, and at the same time, it is very functional.

The hitch mounted tray rack is very friendly as it isn’t just easy to adjust, but the adjustability is also top-notch.

If you have fat tires, this will accommodate it as it has a wide tray adjustment range which will accommodate up to a 5” tire bike.

More so, it is very easy to move it from the storage to the carrying position. With the bikes on, you can still tilt it away if you want to pick anything from the back of the car.

Looking at the secure hold of the rack, this has a very good ratcheting arm that fits 20-29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires.  There is also an integrated cable lock. For security purposes, it features a 24″ cable lock that is very strong.

Although it can only take 2 bikes, with the Thule T2 Pro XT Add-on which you buy separately, you can have as much as 4 bikes on the rack.

Key Specifications

• Bike Capacity: 2 bikes 
• Style: Platform-style hitch-mounted rack
• Lock: Integrated cable locks and locking knob
• Rack Weight: Approximately 52 lbs.
• Maximum Supported Weight: 60 lbs per bike (120 lbs total for two bikes)

Pros

• It is very easy to attach.
• Compatible with fat tires.
• It will fit most vehicles.
• Very stable and secure.

Cons

• Not the cheapest out there.

Verdict

If you need a solid rack for carbon frames, mountain, downhill, or fat bikes specifically, this may just be your best bike rack. While it is expensive, it is completely worth the money.

Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack

The NV 2.0 comes in after the very popular and powerful Kuat NV. The original came with great functionality but the newer model is even much better.

It has a very good design and it is one that has been designed to last for a very long time. The rack has the ability to hold wheelbases of up to 48” and it can take 2 bikes that are up to 60 lbs. And it will take any type of bike including road and mountain bikes.

One of the best things that you will come to see with this bike rack is that it offers a very secure bike loading. This is because of the burly cable locks that it comes with to ensure that you are able to have your bikes well secured on the rack.

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When you want to get this rack assembled, it may not be the easiest thing you would attempt to do. The guide it comes with does very well in explaining the steps to take, but it may still be some labor, however, it works out much easier when two people install it.

Finally, it is a very convenient one to use, as you can easily get to fold it when not in use, and as it comes with every tool that you will need for the setting up.

Key Specifications

• Bike Capacity: 2 bikes with capacity for 2 more when paired with the NV 2.0 base rack.
• Style: Platform-style hitch rack
• Lock: Fully integrated cable locks
• Rack Weight: Approximately 33 lbs
• Maximum Supported Weight: 40 lbs per bike

Pros

• It offers a lot of security.
• Aesthetically on point.
• It is a very durable rack.

Cons

• Not the easiest when it comes to loading a bike.
• It may be expensive for some.

Verdict

This is one of the best bike racks you will get when you are looking to get a rack that is strong, secure, and quite versatile. Although the price is rather on the high side, it is worth every penny it asks for.

See Also: 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Bike Mirrors

Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2-Bike Rear Mount Bike Rack

Made in the USA, the Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2-Bike is a compact and lightweight rack that has beauty and quality to it.

The design is made intelligently to allow you to easily have your bike on and off. It comes without any frame contact that may damage any part of your bike. Instead, its ratcheting hooks hold the wheels of the bike firmly.

Looking at the weight capacity, it is able to take two bikes of 35 pounds per bike. If you need something for your fat tire bike, this may serve, but that is only possible when you are able to get the Saris Fat Tire Wheel Holder separately on Amazon.

Apart from the ease and secure fitting you get with the bike, it also comes with security for your bike. Thanks to the Rack-integrated locking cable. The cable is adjustable to ensure that it is well held.

Pros

• It is of high quality and it is made of non-rusting materials.
• Top-notch functionality
• It accommodates bikes of different sizes easily.
• Strong overall components.

Cons

• Not one of the cheapest.

Verdict

The Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2-Bike is a very good piece that comes very unique, strong, and functional. While the price may be an issue for some people, it will serve as well as one needs it to.

Read: Best Entry-Level Road Bike for Beginners

Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack 

If you are on a budget, the Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike rack may be the best bicycle rack for you. It comes as a very convenient and simple piece that still gives you the ease of installation and a secure fit.

The rack is designed to accommodate 2 bikes that have 35 pounds maximum weight each, and a 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receiver. Also, it is able to fit from 20 inches to 29 inches of tire sizes.

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While on one hand it is very well and intelligently designed, on the other it has decent build and quality. Admittedly, it is not the strongest on the list, but it still comes better than what one gets to pay, and better than many others in its class.

Its main strength is its functionality. From the assembly to the installation, everything is mostly breeze with it. What is even better is that it offers secure fit once properly placed and held tightly. It is very easy as well to adjust.

Finally, if you need this for a fat tire bike, it comes with separate tire trays.

Key Specifications

• Bike Capacity: 2 bikes with a max weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike.
• Style: Hitch
• Lock: No lock but has an anti-rattle hitch lock and cable as accessories.
• Rack Weight: Approximately 25 lbs
• Maximum Supported Weight: 70 lbs (35 lbs per bike)​

Pros

• Ease of loading and storing when not in use.
• Great functionality.
• Secure holding with an anti wobbling feature.
• The value is good.

Cons

• Not the best in quality on the list but one of the cheapest.

Verdict

Although one of the main selling points for this rack is the value, it still has a lot of offer in the friendliness of use, secure fit, and overall good features. What is more, is that you can use it for various tires including the fat ones even though it would need separate trays.

Yakima HighRoad Top Car Bike Rack

There are those that prefer to have a roof rack instead of a hitch mount. For such people, the Yakima HighRoad Upright may just be the best roof bike rack.

It comes with a simple beauty that easily pleases and it is able to take 26″ to 29″ wheels on the hoops and tires of up to 3.25″.

With many roof racks, the problem that many people have is the inconvenience they come with, most especially if you consider that they require that the front wheels of your bike be taken off. This is one place that this rack has an advantage over many others as you can have your bike with the wheels on.

For loading on and off, it is very easy with this, just as it is also secured using a tool-free mount for the rack with a knob that tightens the hoops once they hold the wheels very well.

This is very easy and convenient, thanks to the design which has a quick fix and release strap that is very strong.

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For security against people that may wish to steal your bike, it comes with a very strong integrated cable lock.  The only thing though, is that Yakima decides to sell the SKS Lock Keys and Core separately so if you need one, you can as well order for it with the rack. You can also lock the carrier to the load bars easily.

Pros

• You don’t need to take off the front wheel.
• It gives secure loading and security.
• Accommodates different types of bikes.
• Easy to use and it has good quality.

Cons

• You need to buy the lock separately.

Verdict

The Yakima HighRoad Upright retuned as the best roof bike rack when the need is a roof rack that is strong, easy to use, convenient, and very valuable.

See Also: Best Electric Bike: Commuter Mountain, and Folding Bike Reviews

Other Worthy Mentions

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

The Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack by Allen Sports is a very attractive choice to buy because it is cheap and easy to use. The rack, which can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 70 lbs has a universal design that makes it compatible with different types of cars. 

Reviewers of this product have always pointed out that it is easy and straightforward to set up. It has also been written that there may have a few scratches on your car because there is no padding on the mounting hooks. To avoid this, add some protective layers. You should also look out for wear on the straps over time.

When driving, the rack stays stable unless you are on rough roads where you can expect movement. Generally, it is a secure, economical option for the casual rider.

Rengue Hitch Bike Rack

If you need a rack that can easily carry heavy bikes, don’t look past the Rengue hitch bike rack. It is one of the sturdiest and most versatile options in the market with its 160 lbs capacity for two bikes and anti-wobble design. The rack also has a smart tilting mechanism that allows you to access your trunk easily even when bikes have been loaded on.

Installing the rack is a straightforward process. You wont have to worry about changing it after a few years because it was made from very good metal material and is also corrosion-resistant. Aside from the occasional cleaning, almost zero maintenance is required on the product. On the aesthetic side of things, the sleek black design looks good with most cars.

Overall, the Rengue Hitch Bike Rack is ideal for avid cyclists seeking durability, ease of use, and adaptability for various bike types.

MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

While the MaxxHaul 50027 is not aesthetically pleasing and is relatively cheap, it is a reliable option for carrying two bikes of any frame and wheel size. It is made from steel and can carry a maximum weight of 80 lbs (40 lbs per bike). The rack is also versatile as it is not peculiar to a certain type of car but can be used on a sedan, truck, SUV, or minivan.

First time users of the rack will not find it challenging to use as it is pretty easy to install and adjust. It comes with a hitch tightener that reduces movement while driving. If for any reason there is more movement than anticipated, bungee cords can be used to stop it.

This rack is perfect for budget-conscious people who just want something functional and simple.

Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

This hitch mount rack is a practical and pocket-friendly bike carrier that can take up to four bikes at once. The rack is not very hard to assemble and install, as it would take less than five minutes to complete. It is also easy to put a bike on the rack thanks to its low loading height. 

There are, however, a few challenges that users have pointed out; first one being the tight bolt alignments and that the rack is bike selective since non-standard frames don’t easily hold. Another issue is that the rack does not have built-in locks or advanced anti-wobble mechanisms that will stop the bikes from moving around while driving.

Regardless, the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is still a reliable option. Cyclists who do not ride often or families that need a rack that can carry many bikes will find it to be a more affordable option than the others in the market.

Questions You May Have About Hitch Bike Racks

1. What is a hitch mount bike rack?

A hitch mount bike rack is a piece of equipment that you connect to your car through the trailer hitch receiver to carry your bikes around safely.

2. Which type of bike rack is better for a CR-V, a roof or hitch?

A hitch rack is generally preferred for a Honda CR-V. You won’t break a sweat trying to load it, it doesn’t affect roof clearance, and it works well with SUVs.

3. Is a roof rack or trailer hitch bike carrier better for fuel mileage?

Hitch racks are better for fuel mileage. Roof racks create wind resistance which makes the engine burn more fuel than normal. You don’t have this with hitch racks located behind the car.

4. Are hitch bike racks legal?

There is nothing illegal about hitch bike racks as long as they do not block your license plates and tail lights, and are not above the legal weight limits of your car.

5. Can I shim a hitch bike rack to prevent rattle noise?

Of course. Use a hitch tightener or shim made for hitches to help take out movement and noise while traveling.

6. Are front hitches legal for bike racks?

Because of the visibility problems that come with having a front hitch bike rack, using it may be illegal in some places. However, they are generally thought to be legal so you would have to look at your state and country laws to be sure. 

7. Do I need an adapter for my 2-inch hitch for a bike rack?

You don’t need an adapter for a 2-inch hitch if the bike rack is made for it. Adapters are only necessary for mismatched sizes.

8. How much does it cost to get a bike rack hitch installed on my car?

It depends on what type of car and hitch are being installed. That said, it should run you anywhere from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

Meet Our Industry Experts

In the course of our research for this article, we consulted two highly experienced cycling professionals and experts to determine the best hitch bike racks they can recommend for cars and SUVs, we were particularly interested in the hitch bike racks that offer high level of durability, ease of use, and can deliver excellent value for transporting bikes securely.

• Chris Anderson has been in the bike business for over 18 years. He specializes in vehicle modifications and bike racks installation services, helping develop practical, high-quality racks for both recreational and professional cyclists.
• Mike Carter is an experienced professional mechanic and owner of a bike shop in northern California. He has extensive knowledge of bike rack installations and repairs

Conclusion

When you decide to look, you will find that there are many racks that are quite cheap. The problem, however, is that many of those lack durability, ease of use, and in most cases, their features are limited. This is why we put together these recommended bike racks for cars and SUVs so that irrespective of the cost, you will find something that will last for you.