The Audi Q3 is a compact crossover SUV that was introduced by Audi in 2013. The Q3 is the successor to the Audi Q5. The vehicle has a height of 62.9 inches.
There are three bike rack types: hitch, roof and trunk. All these racks can be installed on your Audi Q3.
Consider these before buying an Audi Q3 bike rack:
- If you are on a budget then go for a trunk rack since it does not require either a trailer hitch or crossbars to be installed. Plus this rack type is much cheaper in general,
- Keep in mind that trunk racks can leave scratches on your Audi Q3,
- Are you going to carry any rounded frame bikes? You have to check the compatibility with the rack if this is the case,
- Do you need to carry 4 bikes or more? Then hitch and roof racks are the only ones that are suitable for this task,
- It might not be easy to load bikes on the roof of your Q3 since it is taller than sedans,
- Zero frame contact racks are the best choice for carrying expensive bikes. They secure bikes by the wheels or by the fork so your precious bikes won’t get damaged,
- Finally, don’t forget about the compatibility. Not all racks can be installed on your Q3.
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Best Audi Q3 hitch bike racks
If you are not on a budget, then definitely go for a hitch rack. This rack type is absolutely amazing due to its sturdiness and ease of use. I have talk to so many customers, and nobody has regretted about buying a hitch rack (though you have to buy the right one).
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack
- Audi Q3 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
Never worry about storage space again! The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR rack is the perfect solution for your problem. The bike rack will securely accommodate 2 bikes up to 60 lb each on your vehicle, or up to 4 bikes with the help of an adapter (which is sold separately). You are provided with a wheel strap that will secure your bike and keep it from coming off the rack.
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 Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes
- Audi Q3 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
Yakima Dr. Tray is the perfect bike transport solution for those looking to keep their bikes clean and well protected. The Dr. Tray’s aluminum and plastic design is made for carrying up to 2 bikes 40 lb each (including fat-tire bikes) which are mounted with no frame contact, keeping your bicycles safe from scratches, dents, and rusting.
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
- Audi Q3 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
If you are looking for a bike carrier that will give you the most secure and convenient way to store your bikes, then Yakima Ridgeback is a perfect choice. The lightweight and durable aluminum construction ensures the safety of your bikes. And it is also easy to install with integrated locking system.
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 Audi Q3 roof bike racks
Even though Audi Q3 is an SUV, it is not too tall. As a result, you probably won’t have a hard time loading your bikes on the roof. However, people with certain medical conditions should keep it in mind.
Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars
- Audi Q3 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
This rack can carry up to 40 lb bikes and you don’t have to worry about frame contact like a traditional hitch mount bike rack. There’s no installation needed, it just snaps on and off, so you can load & go in seconds. FrontLoader is perfect for easy loading, no-hassle carrying and storage.
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 ProRide XT – Premium roof rack for not expensive bikes
- Audi Q3 compatible: Yes
- Type of mount: frame
- Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 48.6″ (123.5 cm)
- Downtube diameter: 0.87” to 3.15” (round shaped only)
- Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
The Thule ProRide XT car rack offers all the benefits of Thule’s ProRide car rack series, but in a convenient, lightweight package. The ProRide is made of aluminum and fits only Thule crossbar systems (sold separately), so it’ll fit to any vehicle with the right crossbar.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality roof bike rack,
- The ease of use highly depends on your physical conditions,
- I would not recommend this rack to carry expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting (will scratch your bike),
- Fat-tire bikes require an adapter (sold separately).
PROS
- High quality materials
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel
- Easy to assemble and install
- Can carry relatively heavy bikes
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Looks modern and fancy
CONS
- Quite pricey considering it requires crossbars
- Not that easy to load a bike
- Won’t fit fat-tire bikes out of the box
- Frame contact mounting will leave some scratches
- Does not fit all crossbars
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Best Audi Q3 trunk bike racks
It is possible to find a safe trunk rack that won’t damage your car. However, you have to always keep in mind and get the rack properly installed.
Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable
- Audi Q3 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
With Yakima’s revolutionary HalfBack, you can haul bikes in an instant and with ease. Never worry about loading up crossbars and a hitch again! With the HalfBack you can carry either two or three bikes, which are secured by the frame to the rack. It’s easy and hassle-free for all of your cycling adventures.
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
- Audi Q3 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
Hollywood F2 is the world’s most compact folding bike carrier – No crossbars required, no hitch, and no trailer. With Hollywood F2, you can take your bike with you wherever you go. The Hollywood F2 carrier comes in two different versions to carry 2 or 3 bikes. The Hollywood F2 is made from an alloy steel frame and aluminum components for a lightweight design that allows for quick release and easy installation.
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