Bike racks for hatchback cars are a perfect solution for people who want to go on a cycling trip but can’t find any space to store their bikes.
Hatchbacks are one of the most popular car models in the world, but they have one major problem – they don’t have enough space to store bikes. The only option is to buy a bike rack and mount it on the back or roof of the car.
Things to consider buying a hatchback bike rack:
- All bike rack types (hitch, trunk and roof) are available for hatchback cars. However, hitch racks require a trailer hitch of proper size and class, roof racks require compatible crossbars, whereas trunk racks for sedans require nothing to be installed,
- The weight of your bikes plays a big role in which rack types are available for you. For heavy bikes (40 lb and more) you have to go for a hitch rack. Basically any rack type can carry bikes under 35 lb,
- If you need to carry four bikes or more, then hitch and roof racks are the only option. For three bikes and fewer bikes, trunk racks will get the job done as well (keep in mind that trunk racks can scratch your car though),
- Different types of bikes may require a special rack. For example, fat-tire bikes require a wider tray so check the compatibility before you buy anything,
- For expensive bikes you’d better buy a rack with zero frame contact, This way there won’t be any scratches or any other damage to your bikes.
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Best hitch racks for hatchbacks
Hitch racks are absolutely awesome for hatchbacks. They fit most car models, are very easy to install and load bikes on, can’t damage the car and are very sturdy as a whole. The only disadvantage is that hitch racks require a trailer hitch which adds another $400-$800 to the bill.
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack
- Most hatchbacks 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
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is the perfect bike rack for people who want to carry their bikes on the back of their vehicle. It’s made from aluminum and premium plastic, requires a trailer hitch in order to be installed, can carry 2 bikes up to 60 lb each (up to 4 bikes with an adapter), and bikes will be secured with zero frame contact. You’ll never have to worry about your bike coming loose!
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
Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes
- Most hatchbacks 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 NV Base 2.0 is the best bike rack for your hitch. Made from steel and plastic, this bike rack can carry up to 60 lb each and can carry 2 or 4 bikes with an add-on. The bikes are secured with no frame contact, so you don’t have to worry about scratching your bike while you’re driving. It’s quick and easy to install, too!
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 RidgeBack (2, 4 or 5) – Premium hanging hitch rack
- Most hatchbacks 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
Yakima RidgeBack is a lightweight, durable, and stylish bike rack that can carry 2-5 bikes up to 35lbs per bike. It’s made from aluminum and plastic and can be installed on either 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers, depending on the type of hitch you have. It also has a locking cable system for added security.
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 roof racks for hatchbacks
Roof racks is a good choice for hatchback owners since these cars are not that tall so loading bikes on won’t be a challenge for most people. Moreover, roof racks won’t block trunk access. The only disadvantage is that you have to be ready for up to 20% mileage reduction and probably some noise (can be fixed though).
Thule Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars
- Most hatchbacks 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
Get the most out of your Thule crossbars with the Thule Upride bike carrier. This durable, lightweight, and easy-to-use bike carrier is designed for use with Thule crossbars and can carry most bikes up to 44 lb. Thule Upride is easy to install and fits only Thule crossbar systems.
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
- Most hatchbacks 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
Yakima ForkLift is a revolutionary bike rack that will make you rethink how you transport your bike on the roof of your car. Made from alloy steel and weighing just 7 lbs, the ForkLift can be installed in minutes with just two screws. Once installed, it will hold up to 35 lbs of weight and is compatible with most bikes that are under 35 lb.
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 trunk racks for hatchbacks
Trunk racks fit most hatchbacks though you’d better check the compatibility anyway. The racks you can find below are the most universal and fit most popular hatchback models.
Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality and quite affordable at the same time
- Most hatchbacks 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 the first and only bike rack to offer a truly innovative, hassle-free way to transport your bikes. With no crossbars or trailer hitch required, you can load up two or three bikes and head off on your adventure in just minutes. The HalfBack is easy to install, fits most cars, and secures your bikes with the frame.
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)
Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most hatchbacks
- Most hatchbacks 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 is the ultimate bike rack for your car. It’s designed to carry up to 3 bikes and can be installed on any vehicle without the need for a trailer hitch or crossbar. The Saris Bones EX has been engineered with a patented locking system that makes it more secure than other bike racks, while also being easier to install and use.
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 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