Best Acura RDX Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Acura RDX is a great SUV for families. It’s spacious, has lots of safety features, and offers plenty of comfort for everyone in the family. The height is 65.7 inches which makes it perfect for people who love off-roading or just want to feel more secure when driving on the streets with taller cars around them.

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

Things to consider buying an Acura RDX bike rack:

  • What’s your budget? Trunk racks are always much cheaper than hitch and roof racks since they require nothing to be installed,
  • All roof racks require compatible crossbars and all hitch racks require a trailer hitch of the right size and the right class,
  • For heavy bikes, hitch racks are the best choice. Some roof models can carry bikes up to 45lb. Trunk racks, on the other hand, can’t carry bikes heavier than 35 lb,
  • How many bikes do you need to carry? Only hitch and roof racks are capable of carrying four and more bikes,
  • Are you going to carry carbon frame bikes (or other expensive models)? If so, then you’d better buy a no-frame contact rack. That way there will be no scratches,
  • Last but not least, not all racks fit Acura RDX. I have checked the compatibility and all racks from the rating will fit, no problem.

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 RDX hitch bike racks

Hitch racks are absolutely the best for Acura RDX. You will be able to open the trunk with the bikes loaded thanks to the tilt function. Moreover, the whole construction will be sturdy so you will experience no annoying wobbling.

Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes

  • Acura RDX 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): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 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″ versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Look no further than Kuat’s NV Base 2.0 to carry your bikes in style. This rack is made from only the finest alloy steel and high-quality plastic, to withstand all the use and abuse you’ll put it through. It can even carry one bike, two bikes, or if you need more space, four bikes with an add-on. All of your precious cargo will be secured with no frame contact!

Key Takeaways

  • Even though it is quite expensive rack you won’t regret,
  • It is super sturdy since it is designed for really heavy bikes,
  • It is easy to install but keep in mind that rack itself is pretty heavy (52 lb empty),
  • Easy to load bikes and access trunk with bikes loaded (thanks for tilt function),
  • This rack is definitely recommended for bike enthusiasts,
  • Designed to carry really heavy bikes. That’s why it is made from steel and rather heavy itself. For not too heavy bikes it might be an over-kill.

PROS

  • Top-notch quality materials
  • No assembly required
  • The most sturdy rack on the market
  • Can carry super heavy bikes and most bike types
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Proper clearance between bikes and no frame contact
  • This rack won’t damage your car
  • Goes in two receiver size versions (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Compact when not in use
  • Negligible mileage reduction

CONS

  • Quite pricey
  • Keep in mind that this rack quite heavy (52 lb empty)
  • The hitch receiver must be either 1.25″ or 2″

Yakima Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes

  • Acura RDX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 80 lb (36.3 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ (class 2)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

If you’re going to invest in a hitch rack, make sure you’re getting the best. Yakima Dr. Tray is the original, revolutionary product that’s been on the market for over 2 years. It’s made from durable aluminum and plastic, has a patented locking bike tray system, and can carry up to 2 bikes weighing up to 40 pounds each (excluding fat tire bikes).

Key Takeaways

  • Very robust and high quality materials make this rack a very good choice,
  • Rack itself and bikes on it will be secured very sturdy,
  • The installation process is very straightforward and takes less then 10 minutes,
  • Perfect choice for those who need to transport bikes rather often,
  • This bike rack is amazing for fat-tire and expensive bikes due to great spacing between bikes (18″) so they will fit and won’t be hitting each other. However, keep in mind that this rack is not designed for really heavy bikes, up to 40 lb each bike only.

PROS

  • Highest quality materials
  • Very easy and tool-free installation
  • The whole construction is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes out of the box
  • Tilt function for easy trunk access
  • Locks included
  • Unprecedented spacing between bikes (18″)
  • Zero frame contact (won’t damage bikes)
  • No risks of damaging your car
  • Folds up when not in use
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • High-priced
  • Rather low load capacity (40 lb each bike)
  • Only 1.25″ hitch receiver version

Yakima RidgeBack (2, 4 or 5) – Premium hanging hitch rack

  • Acura RDX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2, 4 or 5 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 160 lb (72.6 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 Yakima RidgeBack is a lightweight, durable and affordable hitch rack for transporting up to five bikes. The Yakima RidgeBack is made from aluminum and plastic, with a weight of 35 pounds each bike. Depending on your bike and how many bikes you need, the Yakima RidgeBack comes in 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receiver versions.

Key Takeaways

  • This is a very high quality hanging hitch rack,
  • The rack itself is very robust but bikes will wobble a bit,
  • It is relatively easy to load bikes, you can access the trunk with bikes loaded,
  • This bike rack is a good choice for rather occasional cyclists,
  • This bike rack can not carry really heavy bikes,
  • You might need an adapter for some rounded frame bikes,
  • This rack is not recommended for expensive bikes since it will probably leave scratches.

PROS

  • Reasonable price for premium brand
  • Easy installation (goes assembled)
  • The rack itself is sturdy
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • No risk of damaging you car
  • Comes with locks
  • Both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers compatible
  • Good aerodynamics (moderate mileage reduction)
  • Won’t tale much space (foldable)

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble on the rack
  • You will have to tie bikes up each trip
  • Can’t carry very heavy bikes
  • No clearance between bikes (expect scratches)
  • Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes require an adapter

Best Acura RDX roof bike racks

You absolutely can transport your bikes on the roof of Acura RDX. However, please keep in mind that since Acura RDX is a quite tall vehicle, loading the bikes won’t be an easy task.

Thule Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars

  • Acura RDX compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

If you own a bike and need to carry your bike easily, the Thule Upride is the perfect solution for you! It is made from aluminum, so it is strong and durable. The Thule Upride can carry most bikes up to 44 lb, and it does not contact your bike’s frame. The Thule Upride will fit only on Thule crossbars.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality materials make this rack worth the money spent,
  • No wobbling since a bike will be properly secured by the wheel,
  • It does not block the trunk access obviously but lifting bikes up can be challenging for some people,
  • A good rack for those who have no problems with lifting up 20-40 lb,
  • An awesome rack for expensive bikes since it won’t damage your bikes due to zero frame contact.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials
  • You don’t have to remove the front wheel
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself and a bike will be very sturdy
  • Can carry most bike types
  • Does not block your trunk access
  • Locks included (not that reliable)
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Won’t damage your bike (zero frame mounting)
  • Low risk of damaging your car
  • Looks modern

CONS

  • Quite expensive given that it requires crossbars and can carry only 1 bike
  • It might not be that easy to load bikes
  • For fat-tire bike you need to buy an adapter
  • Not universal (fits Thule crossbars only)
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Yakima ForkLift – Premium roof rack for not heavy bikes

  • Acura RDX compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 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: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • No frame contact

Time to take your bike to the next level! Yakima ForkLift is a heavy duty cargo rack that will hold up to 35 lbs, fits a standard car roof, has a tray for easier loading and bike fork protection. Get your Yakima ForkLift today and you’ll be able to take your bike anywhere!

Key Takeaways

  • This is a really light and well made fork-mounted rack,
  • The whole construction is super sturdy (zero wobbling),
  • You have to be ready to remove the front wheel each time you would like to transport a bike,
  • This bike rack is designed to carry rather lightweight bikes (up to 35 lb). Except for this limitation, it can fit basically all bikes,
  • The rack is amazing for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes since no frame contact ensures no scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality overall
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Your bike will be super sturdy
  • Most bikes will fit
  • Easy trunk access
  • Won’t obscure license plate and taillights
  • No frame contact mounting ensures no scratches
  • Negligible risk of damaging your car
  • Universal since it fits most crossbars

CONS

  • The whole system is expensive (requires crossbars)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • The front wheel must be removed each road trip
  • Expect 10-20% mileage reduction

Best Acura RDX trunk bike racks

Acura RDX is a premium SUV that costs a lot of money. Trunk racks, on the other hand, can scratch your vehicle. Use the racks from my rating as they are the safest ones.

Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable

  • Acura RDX 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: 22 lb (10 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 4

Looking for a rack that can carry 2 or 3 bikes? Make your life easier with the Yakima HalfBack. This practical and lightweight rack can carry either 2 or 3 bikes and installs directly on your vehicle, without crossbars. The HalfBack is easy to install and use, carrying bikes of up to 35 pounds each. Stop worrying about transporting your bikes and get the Yakima HalfBack today!

Key Takeaways

  • Worth every penny due to really high quality and affordable price,
  • Super sturdy once installed (rather uncharacteristic for trunk racks),
  • Fairly easy to use overall, but you have to remove bikes each time you would like to open the trunk,
  • This rack is recommended for carrying lightweight bikes of most designs and shapes,
  • Not suitable for carrying expensive bikes since bikes will inevitably scratch each other.

PROS

  • Good price for a premium rack
  • Goes assembled, fairly easy to install
  • The rack is sturdy
  • Relatively easy to load bikes on
  • Most bikes will fit including fat-tire (kid’s and women’s bikes require an adapter)
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Negligible mileage reduction
  • Folds up when not in use

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble a bit (any trunk rack has this problem)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
  • Very easy to steal
  • Bikes will scratch each other
  • Some risk of scratching your car (true for all trunk racks)

Hollywood F2 Over-The-Top (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack but a bit pricey

  • Acura RDX 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: 21 lb (9.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 6

The design of Hollywood F2 is simple, practical and light weight. Besides these features, it’s foldable and small when being stored, which could be a great choice for people to travel with.

Key Takeaways

  • The quality is premium but there are cheaper premium models,
  • The rack is sturdy once installed (though bike will wobble a bit which can be said about all trunk racks),
  • Fairly easy to use (except for first installation),
  • Can carry most bikes under 35 lb (kid’s, women’s and other rounded frame bikes require an adapter),
  • This rack is not recommended for carrying expensive bikes since there is basically no clearance between bikes which will result in scratches.

PROS

  • The rack is quite sturdy
  • Fits most bike types under 35 lb
  • Requires nothing to be installed (neither a trailer hitch nor crossbars)
  • Manageable mileage reduction

CONS

  • A bit pricey
  • The instructions are unclear
  • Bikes will wobble a bit (“feature” of all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Blocks trunk access
  • Very easy to steal
  • Bikes will scratch each other (problem of all trunk racks)
  • Some risk of scratching your car