Best Audi Q5 Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Audi Q5 is a five-door luxury crossover SUV that was introduced by Audi in 2008 and has been on the market ever since. The Audi Q5 has a height of 65.5 inches and length of 184.3 inches, which makes it an ideal vehicle for urban environments or for anyone who prefers to have their car closer to the ground when driving in congested traffic or mountainous areas.

There are three bike rack types: hitch, roof and trunk. All these racks can be installed on your Audi Q5.

Consider these before buying an Audi Q5 bike rack:

  • Hitch and roof racks are more expensive than trunk racks,
  • You have to have a trailer hitch for any hitch rack and crossbars for all roof racks (on top of that, they have to be compatible),
  • Non-standard bikes (rounded frame, etc.) won’t fit all racks (at least out of the box, without an adapter) so verify the compatibility,
  • You can carry 4 bikes and more only using a hitch or a roof rack (you will have to buy 4 of them),
  • No frame contact racks (most racks in my ratings go with this awesome feature) won’t damage your bikes,
  • Don’t forget that not all racks will fit your Audi Q5. 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 Audi Q5 hitch bike racks

Hitch racks are absolutely the best for carrying bikes on your Audi Q5, in my opinion. The whole construction will be very sturdy if you buy the right one. Moreover, it will be very easy to load bikes on regardless of your physical conditions.

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

  • Audi Q5 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 a great bike rack for your hitch. Made from aluminum and plastic, this bike rack is easy to install and can carry up to 2 bikes or 4 bikes with an adapter (sold separately). Secures bikes at wheels (no frame contact system) and can fit most bikes up to 50 lbs each.

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

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

  • Audi Q5 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

Kuat’s NV Base 2.0 is just what you need to get the job done. It is made from alloy steel and super durable plastic, can carry up to 60 lbs each and can carry either 2 or 4 bikes. The bikes are secured without 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″

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

  • Audi Q5 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 bicycles carrier is here to make it easier to carry your bikes around! With other carriers, you need to attach your bike’s frame to the mount, but our carrier mounts the whole bike for an easier and more stable ride. With options for carrying two or four bikes and a 60 lb weight limit per bike, the Saris SuperClamp EX is secure and sturdy traveling companion.

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

Best Audi Q5 roof bike racks

Audi Q5 is not the tallest SUV on the market. However, you have to keep in mind that it is 65.5 inches tall. So if you have certain medical conditions, then a roof rack is not for you. In general, I like roof racks a lot. They look great and are very sturdy.

Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars

  • Audi Q5 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 easiest way to carry your bike, Yakima FrontLoader is the ultimate bike rack for cars. It has a lightweight design that doesn’t damage your crossbars and can carry up to 40 lb bikes. No more frame contact mounting and scratching your bikes and car, now there’s universal mounting for any type of bike!

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 TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy

  • Audi Q5 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

Now you can take your bike with you everywhere! The Thule TopRide is a sturdy, life-saving rack that will transport your bike where you want it to go. It’s made from lightweight but durable aluminum that can withstand up to 40 lbs of weight. The Thule TopRide is an amazing way to take your bike with you on all of your adventures.

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

Best Audi Q5 trunk bike racks

Trunk racks are not what I normally recommend for premium cars like Audi Q5. Why? Because sooner or later there will be scratches from the rack since it directly contacts your car. Anyway, I have tried my best to offer the safest trunk racks.

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

  • Audi Q5 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

The Yakima FullBack is a revolutionary new way to transport bikes. It’s a hitchless device that attaches to the back of your car so you can carry up to three bikes at once. There’s no need for crossbars or racks. And, unlike a trailer hitch, it doesn’t come with any of the difficulties (like low clearance). Yakima’s proprietary design allows you to securely and easily mount a bike by the frame.

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)

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

  • Audi Q5 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

Saris Bones EX are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who love biking on unpaved roads, trails and bike parks. They are super lightweight and easy to install, thanks to their patented design. They also look great on most car models and can carry up to 35 lb bikes.

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