Best Acura ILX Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Acura ILX is a sedan that is a great option for those who are looking for something that is both sporty and luxurious. It has a height of 55.6 inch and has an impressive interior.

There are three rack types that can fit Acura ILX: hitch, roof and trunk (learn more about car bike rack types).

Things to consider buying an Acura ILX bike rack:

  • All hitch racks require a trailer hitch and all roof racks require crossbars. Trunk racks do not require anything of these,
  • Moreover, hitch and roof racks normally cost significantly more than trunk racks,
  • On the other hand, trunk racks pose the greatest risk of damaging your car,
  • How many bikes do you need to carry? For carrying 4 and more bikes, only hitch and roof racks are suitable,
  • Keep in mind that some rounded frame bikes won’t fit all racks,
  • Also, really heavy bikes can be transported on hitch racks exclusively,
  • Consider buying zero frame contact if you have carbon frame bikes,
  • Not all racks fit Acura ILX! I have checked the compatibility if you use my rating.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!

Best Acura ILX hitch bike racks

To carry bikes using a hitch rack your Acura ILX must be equipped with a trailer hitch. Once it is done, the installation will be quite easy. Moreover, it will be quite easy to use this rack type as well. Hitch racks are the best choice for Acura ILX, in my opinion.

Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 51 lb (23 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

The Yakima HoldUp EVO is designed to hook on to your vehicle’s receiver hitch, and carry up to 2 bikes or 4 with an adapter. The saddlebags are made with a strap system that secures at the wheel and doesn’t touch the frame of the bike. The bike rack is made from aluminum and plastic, which are both durable materials.

Key Takeaways

  • Very well-made premium bike rack that is worth the money spent,
  • Both rack and bikes on the rack are very sturdy, very easy to install and load bikes on,
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted,
  • Excellent choice if you are planning to use it rather often,
  • This bike rack is truly universal in terms of diversity of bikes it can carry,
  • It is especially good for expensive bikes because of zero frame contact.

PROS

  • Premium materials
  • Super straightforward installation
  • Easy to mount bikes
  • No wobbling (both rack and bikes)
  • Can carry most bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s and so on)
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Enough clearance between bikes
  • No frame contact mounting system
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Very compact when not in use

CONS

  • A bit pricey
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 50 lb)
  • To carry more than 2 bikes you have to buy an add-on

Thule EasyFold XT (2)- Premium hitch rack

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 65 lb (29.5 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 130 lb (59 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (4.7″ with an adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ both compatible (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Bring your bikes everywhere, no matter the terrain! The Thule EasyFold XT can be folded and unfolded with only one hand, and a quick release lever lets you fold it down in 1 second. It’s easy to transport, too – the EasyFold XT fits into the back of a compact car. If you have a hitch, it will work with that too!

Key Takeaways

  • Great choice if you are not on a budget (very high quality overall and many useful features so it is worth the money),
  • No hitch or bikes wobbling,
  • This rack is very easy to use (both bikes mounting and access of the trunk) so it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will use it often,
  • Perfect choice for not fat-tire heavy bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for fat-tire bikes since it won’t be much space between bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for carbon frame and other expensive bikes as it might leave scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials (rust-resistant)
  • Super easy to install (no assembly required)
  • Bikes and rack itself are very sturdy
  • Has additional taillights and license plate frame
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Won’t reduce your mileage much
  • Bike rack to the receiver lock included
  • Can carry really heavy bikes
  • Bike loading ramp (no heavy lifting required)
  • Foot pedal tilt (trunk access with bikes mounted)
  • Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers
  • Compact since it is fully foldable

CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • Bikes to the rack locks are not reliable
  • Clearance between fat-tire bikes could be better
  • Frame contact (not recommended for expensive bikes)

Thule Apex XT (2, 4 or 5) – Hanging hitch rack for up to 5 bikes

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2, 4 or 5 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 37.5 lb (17 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

The Thule Apex XT is one of the few racks that securely carries a range of bike types and styles. It has a maximum load capacity of 37.5lbs and can be used by all sorts of bikes, including road, mountain, electric, and women-specific frames.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality rack for a reasonable price given that it can carry up to 5 bikes,
  • The rack itself is quite sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
  • Relatively easy to install and load bikes,
  • A good choice if you need to transport bikes rather occasionally,
  • This rack can not carry heavy bikes, and it is not recommended for expensive bikes, because bikes will be hitting each other. For ordinary bikes this rack will get the job done.

PROS

  • Reasonable price for 4-5 bikes carrier
  • Fairly easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is sturdy
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • No rick of damaging your car
  • Both receiver sizes compatible (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble (the same is true for any other hanging rack)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Be ready for scratches on your bikes

Best Acura ILX roof bike racks

Roof racks are another great option for Acura ILX. It is true due to the fact that this model is not tall. So to speak, you probably won’t have a hard time loading\unloading bikes unless they are really heavy.

Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

You’ll love the Thule TopRide bike rack for its simplicity, ease, and security. It’s made from aluminum and is strong enough to carry up to 40 lb bikes. The bike is mounted by the front fork, which stabilizes the entire rack. With a Thule lock and key, this bike rack will be a dependable investment for years and years to come.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium fork-mounted rack with nice design,
  • A bike will super sturdy on the rack since it will me secured by the fork,
  • Quite easy to load a bike on. The only thing you will ave to do is to remove the front wheel,
  • This rack is perfect for basically all bikes (fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, etc.). Expensive or carbon frame bikes won’t get scratched.

PROS

  • Very well made
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • A bike will be super sturdy on the rack
  • Universal (fits most bikes)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not obscure license plate and taillights
  • Locks included
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks good
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)

CONS

  • Quite pricey as it requires crossbars to be installed
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 42″
  • Empty rack weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • No frame contact

Stop messing with your bike’s racks and use Yakima’s FrontLoader. It weighs only 13lb and can carry up to 40lb of bikes – this is more than enough for your friends or family to accompany you on your next cycling adventure.

Key Takeaways

  • Really premium roof rack that worth every penny,
  • A bike will be very sturdy (no wobbling at all),
  • You need some muscle to get your bike lifted up to the roof of your car,
  • Fits most bike types (even most fat-tire bikes),
  • An excellent choice to carry expensive bikes because of zero frame contact mounting.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Secures a bike very sturdily (no wobbling)
  • Can carry most bike types under 40 lb
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Locks included
  • No frame mounting (won’t damage your bikes)
  • Won’t scratch your car
  • Universal (fits most crossbars)

CONS

  • Rather expensive since it requires crossbars
  • Not that easy to load a bike on
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Best Acura ILX trunk biek racks

Trunk racks are also available for Acura ILX. However, be aware that it might not be a good idea to save money this way. Why? Because a trunk rack will be installed directly on your Acura ILX and sooner or later it will scratch the car.

Thule Outway Hanging (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for not heavy bikes

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 99 lb (44.9 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 19.6 lb (8.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 2

Perfect for those who love to bike, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing a hitch. The Thule Outway Hanging rack is an easy solution for carrying your bikes on your Acura ILX. This rack is built to carry 2 or 3 bikes, up to 33 lbs each. The bikes are secured by the frame and equipped with rubber straps to protect the paint job.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality trunk rack that won’t break the bank,
  • The whole construction is quite sturdy though you should be prepared for some wobbling of bikes,
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded. Other than that, it is quite easy to use,
  • This bike racks fits most bikes regardless of their frame shape. The only limit is that a bike must not exceed 33 lb,
  • Don’t transport expensive bikes on it since some scratches are basically inevitable.

PROS

  • Reasonable price given that it is a premium brand
  • Relatively easy to assemble and install
  • Fits most bikes under 33 lb
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Low mileage reduction
  • Quite compact

CONS

  • Some wobbling of bikes (problem of all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded
  • Bikes will scratch each other
  • Very easy to steal
  • Might scratch you car

Yakima FullBack (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for a reasonable price

  • Acura ILX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 23 lb (10.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 4

Stop worrying about carrying your bikes around with you everywhere you go. Yakima Fullback is the perfect solution for bike aficionados. The hitchless design is sleek and easy to install, so it’s compatible with most cars, not Acura ILX only!

Key Takeaways

  • Very well made truly premium trunk rack,
  • The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
  • Fairly easy to use overall though keep in mind that accessing your trunk won’t be easy,
  • Universal in term of bike types it can carry (for women’s and kid’s bikes you have to buy an adapter),
  • This rack is not good for carrying expensive and carbon frame bikes (will leave scratches at the very least).

PROS

  • Affordable given that it is a premium brand
  • Goes assembled, easy to install
  • The rack is sturdy
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Low mileage reduction
  • Compact when not in use

CONS

  • Some wobbling is inevitable (true for all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk
  • Very easy to steal
  • No clearance between bikes
  • Can scratch your car (all trunk racks have this problem)