Bike rack for SUV – Top 10 best bike racks for SUV reviews, Buying Guide & FAQ

I like to travel a lot in my SUV. Whenever I’m going for a picnic, outing or camping, I take my SUV with me. One of the main reasons for this is that not only it can help me carry a significant amount of luggage but also it is easy to mount the bike rack on the SUV. It can handle the weight of bikes quite easily. Over the years, I have tried out numerous bike racks for SUV to figure out the best one. It is safe to assume that not all bike racks for SUV are created equal. That is one of the main reasons why I’m writing this article.

I will share with you the best bike rack for SUV today. I have tried most of these bike racks, and therefore you can be sure that they are up to the mark. If you haven’t chosen a bike rack before, my buying guide and the list below will help you out.

1. Overdrive Sports 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

 

The option on top of my list is a hitch bike rack which you can use to carry two bikes. With the help of anti-wobble design, you can be sure that it will be highly stable.

At the same time, the patented design means that it can release the bike quite quickly. You can also tilt the rack for cargo access. With the help of adjustable bike holders, it is compatible with most bikes. The weight handling capacity of this rack is up to 60 lbs per bike. It means that you will not have to worry about the weight handling capacity.

The bike rack comes pre-assembled. With the help of individual bike lock mechanisms on offer, it is easy to stabilize the bikes in place. It will help you carry the bikes with ease. The bikes will not bump into each other so; they will be completely safe. The design is such that the bikes will not scratch the rear of the SUV as well. Due to these features combined, this bike rack for SUV is on top of the list.

Pros

  • Suitable for two bikes
  • Can handle 60 lbs per bike
  • Anti-wobble design
  • Quick-release mechanism
  • Comes pre-assembled
  • Easy to install
  • Bikes do not touch the rear of the SUV

Cons

  • Bike frame locks take time to get familiar with

2. BV Bike Hitch Mount Rack

 

The tilt-back design of this bike rack makes it convenient to use. You can open the rear of your SUV due to the tilt-back design without having to remove the rack. It means that the full functionality of the SUV is available to you while using this bike rack. That is why; it is such a great feature. Additionally, it can carry up to 2 bikes. Since it consists of the anti-wobble system, you can be sure that the bikes will remain in their place.

One of the primary reasons why I like this bike rack is because of its folding design. You can fold up the rack when it is not in use. It has a safety reflector which helps you increase visibility. It means that you can drive your SUV around in the night with the bikes mounted.

With the help of padded arms, you can be sure that the bikes will be in perfect condition. You will not have to worry about the bikes getting scratched even when carrying up to 2 bikes. It can carry up to 35 lbs per bike, which is more than enough for most of the bike options. With the help of a 3-point connection, you can be sure that it can carry the bikes stably. Since it is a hitch Mount rack, it is easy to install as well. All the above features combined make it an option worth buying.

Pros

  • Can carry up to two bikes
  • Handles the weight of 35 lbs per bike
  • Tilt-back design
  • Consist of safety reflector
  • Padded arms
  • Can carry the bikes stably

Cons

  • Does not include locks

3. Swagman XC Cross-Country Hitch Mount Rack

 

The thing which you like the most about this two bike hitch Mount rack is that the center arm can fold so that, you can access the rear of your SUV. You will not have to remove the rack. Due to this very reason, this bike rack is a great option. It can carry two bikes with a weight of 35 lbs per bike. As a result, it is suitable for most of the bikes.

Also, with the help of upright arms, you can easily adjust the bike of various sizes. It means that it is highly versatile and suitable for a variety of options. It can accommodate bike frames up to 59 cm. The tires which it can carry can range from 20 inches to 29 inches.

The anti-wobble design means that you will not have to worry about the bikes bouncing into each other. You can fold and store it in a small amount of space. It means that you will not have to worry about the space which it occupies. It has a coating on the outer side which protects the finishing of your bike. The easy access to the rear and the protective coating makes it a reliable option.

Pros

  • Additional coating to protect your bike
  • Can carry two bikes
  • Compatible with the tires ranging from 20 inches to 29 inches
  • Can carry the weight of 35 lbs per bike

Cons

  • The rack is a bit bulky

4. Hollywood Racks 4-Bike Trunk Rack

 

If you’re looking for a trunk mount rack for your SUV which can carry more bikes, you can go with this option. It can carry up to 4 bikes. It means that you can carry the bikes for the entire family when heading out. Also, when not in use, you can fold it flat to ensure that you can store it in the trunk or the garage of your car. It can carry weight up to 35 lbs per bike. It means that it is suitable for most bikes.

With the help of rubber-coated hooks, you can easily mount the bike and keep them in place. When you look at the construction, it consists of heavy-duty steel tubing. The hardware is equally sturdy. It means that the durability is on the higher side. Also, with the help of tie-down straps and extra side straps, securing all the bikes is easy.

It comes pre-assembled, which means that you will not have to worry about installation. Also, it consists of a safety flag on offer. It means that when using this rack, it will be visible in darkness as well. It will help you avoid any accidents. Also, the bike rack is highly versatile, and you can use it not just on SUV but sedans as well. Hence; it is such a versatile option. If you’re looking for bike racks which can carry more bikes, you can go with this option.

Pros

  • Can carry up to 4 bikes
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Highly versatile
  • Plenty of securing options
  • Consist of a safety flag

Cons

  • Installation is time-consuming

5. IKURAM 2/3/4 Bike Carrier Racks

 

The main advantage of this hitch bike rack is that it comes in 3 variants. Depending on the variant, it can carry 2/3/4 bikes. The one which I’m speaking about now can carry four bikes. That is why; this is the rack which you should use when you plan on carrying the bike for the entire family. With the help of steel construction, it can last for a long time. Additionally, it consists of a protective powder paint finish, which means that it can handle any weather. Hence, it is sturdy and can last for a long time.

With the help of dual-arm mount design, it is easy for you to accommodate the bi-cycles. It can keep all the bikes stable. With the help of tilt-down design, it is easy for you to use the rear of the SUV with the bike mounted.

It consists of folding arms, which means that when not in use, you can store it in a small space. It has a weight carrying capacity of 140 lbs, which means that you can carry heavy-duty bikes. With the efficient design, the bikes will not bump into each other. Also, it consists of tie-down cradles which can help you keep the bike in their place. With numerous bike securing features and quick assembly, this rack design sets it apart.

Pros

  • Multiple mechanisms to secure the bike
  • Can carry four bikes
  • Weight handling capacity is140 lbs
  • Dual-arm mounting design
  • Compact when folded

Cons

  • Installation requires two people

6. Allen Sports Trunk Mounted Rack

 

The option which I am highlighting now is a trunk-mounted bike rack. It can carry up to two bikes. However, it is also available in the three bike variant and the four bike variant. The advantage is that you can mount it not just on the SUV but also mini-van and hatchback. As a result, it is highly versatile.

When you look at the construction, you will realize that it is easy to setup. Also, it consists of 12-inch long arms. It can accommodate two cycles with the help of these arms. The maximum weight which it can carry is 70 lbs. As a result, you can easily use it for heavy-duty bikes as well.

With the help of dual compound tie-down cradles, it is easy for you to keep the bikes in their place. It also consists of lower straps which can secure the tires and the lower half of your bike. With the help of extra-large car pads, the load of the bikes is equally distributed. It means that you will not have to worry about deteriorating the finish of your car. You can use this bike rack consistently without having to worry about scratches on the car or SUV. Hence; it is such a good option. If you’re worried about the bike damaging your vehicle, you should not ignore this one.

Pros

  • Weight handling capacity is 70 lbs
  • Can carry two bikes
  • Available in different variants
  • Easy to secure the bike
  • Incorporates extra-large car pads

Cons

  • The strap quality could have been better

7. MaxxHaul (70210) 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

 

The hitch mount rack which I am highlighting now can carry four bikes. Also, with the help of swing down feature, you can be sure that accessing the rear of your SUV is possible as well.

It consists of 2-inch receivers, which mean that mounting it is quite easy. Additionally, with the help of steel construction, the durability is on the higher side. Once you install it, you will not have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. It consists of 4 hook and loop velcro straps with the bike cradle. The cradle is adjustable. It means that you can customize the rack according to the type of bike which you mount on it.

Additionally, it is suitable not just for SUVs but campers, fifth wheel and RVs. Also, it holds your bikes in the upright position, which will ensure that there is no damage to the bike at all. It also consists of a powder coat finish, which makes it dust resistant. When it comes to the weight carrying capacity, it can carry up to 150 lbs. With the help of built-in reflector, you can be sure that it will illuminate in the dark. The safety features, along with the high weight carrying capacity, sets it apart.

Pros

  • Can carry four bikes
  • The weight carrying capacity is 150 lbs
  • Powder-coated finish
  • Built-in reflector on offer

Cons

  • Velcro strap length could have been more

8. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S 3-Bike Rack

 

With the help of this three-bike rack, you can carry the bikes on your SUV. It is suitable for hatchbacks, sedans and other vehicles as well. With the help of sturdy construction, it is easy to use it for a long time. It has a padded frame as well. It means that the bikes will not touch the frame of the vehicle. Hence; it becomes easy for you to avoid any scratches on your car.

With the help of an extra coating, you can be sure that the rack is dust resistant. When not in use, you can fold the arms to store it in a small space. The installation procedure is quite easy and the installation instructions which you need to follow come with it. The carrier is lightweight, which means that installing it will not pose any problem.

Even after the mounting of this rack, you can access the rear of your SUV easily. It comes with heavy-duty straps to secure the bikes firmly. All the features which you might look for in a bike rack for SUV are included in this one.

Pros

  • Can carry three bikes
  • Padded frame
  • Rust resistant
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Extension distance from the vehicle is short

9. XCAR 2-Bike Carrier Rack

 

One of the unique features of this rack is that it has minimal design. Due to this very reason, you can mount two bikes easily, and the installation is simple. It utilizes heavy-duty steel material for construction. As a result, the durability is on the higher side. With the help of the 2.5 MM carrying arm, it is easy for you to mount the bikes.

The total load which it can carry is 80 lbs. The folding arms mean that when it is not in use, you can fold and store it in a small space quite easily. It consists of adjustable mounting saddles as well, which means that you can accommodate the bikes easily. Due to this design, it is compatible with a variety of bike options as well.

With the help of tie-down cradles and straps, securing the bike will never be an issue at all. It comes with the 2-inch receiver, which makes it easy to install. The securing mechanism of the bike is quick to mount to the bikes and get going in no time. The ease of use makes this bike rack for SUV a worthy choice.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty steel construction
  • Can carry up to 80 lbs of weight
  • Adjustable saddle
  • Multiple securing options

Cons

  • Quality of straps is not up to the mark

10. Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier

 

The trunk mount carrier which I am highlighting now consists of rubber cradles. It means that your bike will remain secure and stable. With the help of anti-sway cages, you can be sure that irrespective of the type of road on which you are driving, bike to bike contact is prevented. The bike to vehicle contact is also prevented.

With the help of patented design, you can be sure that you can mount it on any SUV easily. If you want to store it in a small space when not in use, you can fold the arms easily. With the help of strap racks, you can secure the bike without any issue.

It has a load-carrying capacity of 105 lbs, which means that you can carry two bikes quite easily. Also, you can use it for heavy-duty mountain bikes as well. The number of straps in total is 6. It means that it provides better security than any other option. Due to all of these features, it has made it to this list.

Pros

  • Consists of 6 straps to secure the bike
  • Easy to fold
  • Rubber cradles included
  • Prevents bike to vehicle and bike to bike contact

Cons

  • Women’s bike might require you to buy an additional adapter

In my opinion, these are the ten best bike rack for SUV. Using these racks, you can carry any bike whenever going out. I will also highlight FAQ and a buying guide to help you pick between these ten options.

Bike rack for SUV Buying Guide

The buying guide aims to help you know the factors to consider while comparing the bike rack for SUV. I will share with you these factors below.

Things to consider while buying a bike rack for SUV:

The parameters which you should keep in mind while comparing the bike rack for SUV include:

• Capacity:

You have to first look at the number of bikes which it can carry. It can carry two bikes, three bikes or four bikes. There are carriers which can carry a single bike as well. You have to always take into account the number of bikes which it can carry and then make your decision.

• Locking mechanism:

The carrier needs to keep the bikes in place. Only when the bikes are secure, you can use the racks consistently. You have to look at the locking mechanism. It can either be a proper lock which can secure the bikes, or it can be the straps, or it can be a blend of both. You have to look at the locking mechanism and then take a call.

• Weight limit:

You have to also look at the weight which it can handle. The weight will decide whether you can carry heavy-duty bikes like mountain bikes or not. Hence; you have to take into account the weight limit.

• Accessibility:

Most of the bike racks which I have highlighted above are the hitch mount bike racks. When choosing one such bike rack, it is essential to pick the one which allows you to access the rear of the SUV. When that is the case, you can use the entire vehicle. That is why you have to take the accessibility into account and then make your decision.

These are the factors to keep in mind while comparing the different bike rack for SUV. I will now answer some of the FAQs which will help you pick the right option.

FAQ

What is the best bike rack for SUV?

The Overdrive Sport 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack is the best bike rack for SUV. It can carry two bikes and can handle the weight of 60 lbs per bike. With the help of a quick-release mechanism, you can mount and un-mount the bikes with ease. That is why; it is such a good option.

Can you use a trunk bike rack on an SUV?

Yes, you can use a trunk bike rack on SUV. It is easy to install using the hooks, straps, or buckles.

How to choose a bike rack for SUV?

If you’re confused between different bike racks for SUV, you can use my buying guide above to help you out. It will help you understand the factors to consider while choosing one.

So, if you’re looking for a way to carry bikes on your SUV, the best bike rack for SUV options above will undoubtedly help you out. I have compiled this list of top 10 bike racks to include only the best options available. If there is any confusion, you can certainly use the buying guide and go through the FAQs to make the right decision.

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