Best Acura TLX Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Acura TLX is a compact luxury sedan with a height of 56.4 inch. It has a wheelbase of 111.8 inch, which is the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels.

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

Things to consider buying an Acura TLX bike rack:

  • Price. Trunk racks are much cheaper than hitch and roof racks,
  • Keep in mind that all hitch racks require a trailer hitch of the right size and the right class and all roof racks require compatible crossbars,
  • Some rounded frame bikes won’t fit some racks. So if you have any of  those bikes, you have to make sure they are compatible with the rack you are planning ti buy,
  • Trunk racks can’t carry heavy bikes (up to 35 lb only). Roof racks can’t carry bikes heavier than 45 lb. Hitch racks can carry really heavy bikes (up to 65lb),
  • How many bikes do you need to transport? All rack types can carry 3 bikes. If you need to carry 4bikes and more, then hitch and roof racks are the only options available,
  • Zero frame contact racks are highly recommended for carrying carbon frame and other expensive bikes,
  • Compatibility with Acura TLX. I have verified it for all models in 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 TLX hitch bike racks

Most hitch bike racks will fit Acura TLC until they are compatible with the trailer hitch. The racks from my rating will provide the best user experience.

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

  • Acura TLX 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

Yakima HoldUp EVO is the only bike rack you’ll ever need for your car or truck with a hitch receiver. It’s lightweight, has a simple assembly & installation process, and can carry up to 2 bikes or up to 4 bikes with an adapter. It secures your bike by its wheels instead of its frame, so that you don’t have to worry about scratches on your frame.

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

  • Acura TLX 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 the flagship of Thule bike rack line. The racks are made from a lightweight aluminum and the soft rubber cradles will keep your bikes safe and secure. It supports 2 bikes up to 60 lb each and is available in both 1.25″ and 2″ trailer hitch versions.

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

Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack

  • Acura TLX compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 4
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 2″
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

The Yakima FullSwing bike rack is the ultimate in hitch-mounted bike racks, carrying up to 4 bikes of up to 40 lb each. It’s made from lightweight aluminum and plastic, and has a 2″ receiver, so it will work with any vehicle. It features an easy release clip system that swings away from your vehicle for easier access to your trunk, and is the best rack for transporting bikes.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
  • The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
  • Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
  • This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
  • Compact when not in use (folds up)

CONS

  • Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
  • Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
  • No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
  • Fits only 2″ receivers

Best Acura TLX roof bike racks

Since Acura TLX is not tall, you can fairly easily transport your bikes on the roof. Make sure that you have crossbars first, then check that the crossbars are compatible with the rack you would like to buy.

Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)

  • Acura TLX compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Crossbar spread: between 18″ and 36″
  • Empty rack weight: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

Yakima HighRoad is a versatile rack and carrier system that provides an easy way to transport your gear on your vehicle. Made from durable materials and equipped with a QuikTap mounting system, these racks are easy to install and use, no matter what type of bike you ride.

Key Takeaways

  • Definitely worth the money because of premium quality and useful features,
  • No wobbling at all as the whole construction is extremely sturdy,
  • Lifting a bike up might be challenging or impossible for some people,
  • This bike rack is highly recommended for expensive bikes because of no frame contact. As a result, your bikes won’t get scratches,
  • The best choice for fat-tire bikes (in comparison with other roof racks).

PROS

  • Premium quality overall
  • Straightforward installation
  • Both rack and bike are very robust
  • Can carry quite heavy bikes
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license frame and taillights
  • Locks are included
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Universal (compatible with most crossbars)
  • You don’t have to remove the wheel

CONS

  • The whole system is expensive (since it requires crossbars)
  • Keep in mind that loading a bike requires some muscles
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule FastRide – Elegant roof rack which is super robust

  • Acura TLX 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

The Thule FastRide is an easy-to-use, lightweight bike rack that securely mounts to your car’s roof. This bike rack is aluminum-made and supports up to 40 pounds. You can carry a variety of bikes, but you’ll need crossbars in order to install this rack. This bike rack also secures your bikes by the fork, so there’s no frame contact.

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 TLX trunk bike racks

Normally, I do not recommend trunk racks for premium cars such as Acura TLX since they can scratch your car. However, there are some models that can be considered safer than others. Check them out!

Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars

  • Acura TLX 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: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 6

Say good-bye to those bulky, heavy, and hard to install bike carriers that you drag behind your car. Saris Bones EX is the only bike carrier that will be installed on your car instead of hanging off the back of it. It comes in two sizes and can carry up to 35 lb bikes. Plus, it’s made from composite and plastic so it won’t rust!

Key Takeaways

  • Best-seller trunk rack with a good reason for that (fits most cars and decent quality overall),
  • Don’t expect it to be very sturdy (some wobbling is inevitable),
  • Quite easy to easy overall, but keep in mind that trunk access will be blocked,
  • Fits most bikes under 35 lb (an adapter will help with kid’s and women’s bikes),
  • I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes (especially carbon frame) since it will cause scratches.

PROS

  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to install
  • Fits most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Compatible with most cars (universal)
  • Quite compact
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • Don’t expect it to be super sturdy
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Blocks trunk access
  • Very easy to steal (both rack and bikes)
  • Bikes will be hitting each other (expect scratches)
  • There is some risk of damaging your car

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

  • Acura TLX 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

The Yakima HalfBack is a 2-bike or 3-bike bike rack that’s perfect for anyone who wants to carry either two or three bikes in their car with ease. The HalfBack straps your bikes by the frame, making them easy to load and unload, and it can hold up to three bikes up to 35 pounds.

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)