Best Acura MDX Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Acura MDX is one of the most popular SUVs in the market. It has a height of 67.1 inches and is a luxurious vehicle that can be used for both business and family purposes.

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

Things to consider buying an Acura MDX bike rack:

  • Budget. Hitch and roof racks are much better since they won’t damage your car and are much easier to use. However, they cost significantly more than trunk racks,
  • All hitch racks require a trailer hitch (of the right size and class) and all roof racks require crossbars. Trunk racks are installed directly on the car,
  • Types and weight of bikes. Not all racks fit all bikes (such as lady’s, fat-tire, etc.) so you have to make sure that your bikes will fit the rack you are about to buy. Moreover, trunk racks can’t carry heavy bikes (up to 35 lb),
  • How many bikes are you planning to transport? For carrying 3 bikes, all rack types are suitable. For 4 bikes and more, only hitch and roof racks will get the job done,
  • Hitch racks are the easiest to use since most of them include the tilt function for trunk access with bikes loaded. It can be challenging to load bikes on the roof of such a tall car as Acura MDX. Trunk racks require that you remove bikes each time you need to open the trunk,
  • For expensive bikes, zero frame contact racks are highly recommended since they won’t damage your bikes,
  • Finally, not all bike racks are compatible with Acura MDX. I have checked the compatibility of all racks you can find in the rating below.

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 MDX hitch bike racks

The best way to carry bikes outside of your car if you are an Acura MDX owner is using a hitch rack. This rack is the safest rack type. There is basically no risk of damaging your car. Moreover, it will be very easy to load/unload bikes and access the trunk due to the tilt away function.

Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack

  • Acura MDX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 5″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ different versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is a two-bike hitch carrier that securely transports two bikes up to 60 lb each in a sleek, aerodynamic design. It’s the one for hauling your bikes with confidence on narrow roads or through challenging terrain.

Key Takeaways

  • Definitely worth the money since it is really robust and well-made,
  • Bikes are very sturdy on the rack so you won’t experience any annoying wobbling,
  • Very easy to use and load bikes on, if you are planning to use this rack rather often then you won’t regret about the money spent,
  • This bike rack is awesome for fat-tire bikes because of a lot of space between bikes, for e-bikes because it can easily carry up to 60 lb and expensive bikes because of zero frame contact which guarantees your bikes won’t get damaged.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Very easy to load bikes
  • Bikes are very secure (no wobbling)
  • Can carry heavy and fat-tire bikes
  • Can carry different types of bikes (lady’s, kid’s, etc.)
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Can’t damage your bikes
  • No frame contact
  • No risks of damaging your car
  • Both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches are available
  • Can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ version)

CONS

  • Rather expensive
  • Bike-to-rack locks are not reliable
  • Is not universal in terms of receiver size

Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes

  • Acura MDX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 190 lb (54.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 63 lb (28.6 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

Saris SuperClamp EX is the best bike rack with the widest range of carrying capabilities around. With the ability to carry either 2 or 4 bikes, at a maximum weight of 60 lb each, and easy, zero frame contact mounting, let’s face it: other bike racks can’t compete.

Key Takeaways

  • It is worth the money due to overall quality and features,
  • This rack is sturdy in general but some wobbling has been reported,
  • This rack is easy to install and load bikes on,
  • This bike rack can carry very heavy bikes (up to 60lb),
  • Also, due to zero frame mounting your expensive bikes won’t get scratched so it is recommended for such bikes.

PROS

  • High quality overall
  • Easy to install and mount bikes
  • Bikes are secure on the rack
  • Can carry very heavy bikes
  • Can carry most bikes (at-tire, e-bikes, women’s, etc.)
  • Trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks included
  • No frame contact mounting
  • Fits both receiver sizes (1.25″ and 2″) with an adapter
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Reasonable mileage reduction

CONS

  • A bit expensive
  • Some wobbling of the rack has been reported
  • Bikes will be close to each other

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

  • Acura MDX 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 hitch rack is a sturdy and reliable bike rack that can be installed in your car. It is made of a durable alloy steel and plastic construction, which secures your bike against theft. It can carry up to 37.5 lb bikes, with either 1.25″ or 2″ receiver.

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 MDX roof bike racks

Bikes can be transported on the roof of Acura MDX, and it is quite elegant way to do it. However, keep in mind that Acura MDX is tall so the loading process won’t be that easy. It will impossible to it for people with certain medical conditions.

Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars

  • Acura MDX 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

The FrontLoader is Yakima’s newest product that helps you load bikes with ease. No more struggling to get bikes onto your car, with the FrontLoader you can easily mount them and get on the road in minutes. With the FrontLoader you’ll be able to carry up to 40 pounds of bikes, which is perfect for those who want to take their bicycles on a journey or two without any hassle!

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

Thule FastRide – Elegant roof rack which is super robust

  • Acura MDX 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: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

With the Thule FastRide, you’ll get a sleek, aerodynamic design that won’t take up any precious garage space. The rack can hold most bikes as long as they are under 40 lb, and it doesn’t contact the frame. Bike attachments are easy to load and unload thanks to the ratcheting arm. Our innovative design is made from aluminum, giving it durability and strength.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is really well made (premium quality materials on top of good design overall)
  • Zero wobbling since a bike will be secured by its fork (most reliable mounting),
  • You are supposed to lift a bike up. Moreover, the front wheel must be removed,
  • This rack is truly universal since it fits most bikes. Especially it is good for expensive and carbon frame bikes as it won’t leave any scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials
  • Won’t take much time and effort to install
  • It is as sturdy as you can get (both rack and bike)
  • Can carry most bikes (women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, etc.)
  • Easy trunk access (does not block it as some hitch or trunk racks)
  • Does not cover taillights and license frame
  • No frame contact mounting (no scratches on your bikes)
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks beautiful

CONS

  • Pricey (keep in mind that you have to have crossbars to install it)
  • Mounting bikes on the roof is not that easy
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Best Acura MDX trunk bike racks

If you would like to save some money buying a trunk rack, I would not recommend doing it. Acura MDX is a premium vehicle, and it will cost more to fix scratches. if you are still willing to buy a trunk rack, choose the models below. They are the safest ones.

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

  • Acura MDX 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

Yakima FullBack offers a hassle-free way to transport your bikes with your car, without any need for a trailer hitch or crossbars. You can take it on and off easily as needed and it’s even easier to use than a bike rack. Whether you’ve only got one bike or two, the Yakima FullBack will do you right.

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)

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

  • Acura MDX 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

Thule Outway is a revolutionary bike carrier that can carry 2 or 3 bikes at once and can be installed without a trailer hitch or crossbars. Weighing in at only 19.6 lb, the Thule Outway is super light and easy to transport, even with a trunk full of groceries. With no tools required for installation, you can take your bike anywhere with this sleek and safe bike carrier.

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