There are many different types of bike racks for sedan cars. There are trunk racks, hitch carriers, and roof racks. These all have their own pros and cons that need to be considered when deciding which one is the best for you.
Trunk racks are by far the most popular type of bike rack for sedans because they are much cheaper. They typically attach to the rear bumper and are easy to install without any tools needed. However, they don’t offer any protection from theft and scratch your car. Moreover, bikes can wobble a bit.
Hitch carriers work by attaching to a receiver hitch on your vehicle with a locking pin. They offer protection from theft, easy to use, can’t damage your car. I would call them the best rack type overall. The only disadvantage is that they are pricey.
Roof racks are good for sedans because it is much easier to load a bike on the roof of a sedan, than on the roof of an SUV.
Things to consider buying a sedan bike rack:
- Be aware that roof sedan racks require crossbars, hitch sedan racks require a trailer hitch to be installed. Trunk racks for sedans, on the other hand, require nothing and will be installed directly on your car,
- If you need to carry more than 3 bikes then you probably need to buy a hitch rack. For less than 3 bikes, all rack types are suitable (hitch, trunk and roof),
- The weight of your bikes is a big decision-making factor. Only hitch sedan racks are capable of carrying really heavy bikes (40 lb+),
- Keep in mind that some racks secure bikes by the frame which can result in scratches. So for expensive bikes, I would recommend zero frame contact racks,
- Moreover, trunk sedan racks have the highest potential of damaging your car (scratches or even dents). Hitch and roof racks are much safer (basically no risk),
- Bike types you need to carry. If you need to carry fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, BMX or other similar bikes, check the compatibility.
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Best hitch racks for sedans
The hitch rack is the best rack type overall and for sedans specifically. Just install a trailer hitch receiver of proper size and class if you don’t have one already. All racks in my rating will be very sturdy once installed, bikes won’t wobble, and, that is more important, hitch racks basically can’t damage your sedan (opposite to trunk racks).
Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes
- Most sedans 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
The Kuat NV Base 2.0 is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can be installed on any vehicle with a 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver. It’s made of alloy steel and plastic, carries up to 2 bikes (4 with an add-on), and secures the bike frame with no contact. The Kuat NV Base 2.0 is perfect for transporting your bikes on road trips, short commutes, or anywhere you need to take them
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 HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack
- Most sedans 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 HoldUp EVO is a lightweight and aerodynamic bike rack that can carry up to 2 bikes. This bike rack is made of aluminum and plastic and requires a receiver hitch (either 1.25″ or 2″). The HoldUp EVO fits most bikes up to 50lbs each, can carry up to 2 bikes, or up to 4 bikes with an adapter. This bike rack secures the bike at the wheels.
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
Hollywood Destination (2 or 4) – Budget hitch rack for many bikes
- Most sedans compatible: Yes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 42 lb (19 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ (2″ only for 4 bikes version)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): No
Hollywood Destination’s hitch-mounted bike carrier is the perfect solution for transporting up to 4 bikes! It’s made from durable alloy steel and has a plastic coating to help protect your bike frame. It installs in just a few minutes and can be used with either 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers. You’ll be able to transport two bikes or four bikes on the Hollywood Destination Bike Carrier, depending on your needs.
Key Takeaways
- This is a good bike rack given that it won’t break the bank,
- The whole construction is quite sturdy,
- It is easy to install and load bikes but you won’t be able to access the trunk with bikes loaded,
- Perfect choice for those who are on budget and planning to use it rather occasionally,
- This bike rack can’t carry most fat-tire or heavy bikes. This bike rack can’t carry some rounded frame bikes,
- I don’t recommend this rack for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes because it secures bikes by the frame which can result in scratches.
PROS
- Very cheap in comparison with most hitch racks
- Easy to install and mount bikes
- Quite robust
- No risk of damaging your car
- Both 1.25″ and 2″ receiver size versions available
- Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)
CONS
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Can’t carry most fat-tire bikes
- Won’t fit some rounded frame bikes
- Can’t access the trunk with bikes mounted
- Frame contact mounting (can damage your bikes)
Best roof racks for sedans
Roof racks are especially good for sedans because sedans are not high in general. As a result, it won’t be so hard to lift a bike up in comparison with, let’s say, SUVs. There are two different ways of how your bikes will be secured, either by the wheel or by the fork (requires the front wheel to be removed).
Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)
- Most sedans 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 the most secure, easy-to-use bike rack on the market. It’s designed to carry virtually any type of bike, including downhill and fat bikes. And because it’s made from steel, it’s built to last. You can install it on your car roof in minutes and be on your way.
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 TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy
- Most sedans 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
Thule TopRide is the perfect bike rack for any rider. With a weight limit of 40 lbs, it can hold almost any bike. You can use this rack with any crossbars that are on your car. It is easy to install and is made from durable aluminum.
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 trunk racks for sedans
Not all trunk racks fit all sedans. In the rating below I have chosen the best trunk racks that can easily be installed on most sedan cars. However, be aware that trunk racks are not capable of carrying heavy bikes (no more than 35 lb). Moreover, your car can get scratches or even dents if inproperly installed.
Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most sedans
- Most sedans 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
You’re going to love this bike rack! Saris Bones EX is a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-use bike carrier that’s perfect for your car. It’s designed to mount on the back of your vehicle without the need for any accessories.
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
Allen Sports Premier (3 or 4) – Budget trunk rack for budget bikes
- Most sedans compatible: Yes
- Max number of bikes: 3 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 12.7 lb (5.8 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Allen Sports Premier bike rack is a great way to transport your bikes without having to take up space in your vehicle. The rack mounts on the rear of your vehicle and is capable of carrying either 3 or 4 bikes, depending on the model you purchase. The rack is made from high-grade steel and does not require a trailer hitch or crossbars to be installed.
Key Takeaways
- Budget trunk rack for carrying more than 3 bikes,
- Not 100% sturdy. Moreover, expect bikes to wobble a bit,
- Not that easy to use (strap adjustment is a bit tricky),
- Fits most bikes under 35 lb, including fat-tire, women’s and kid’s bikes,
- Not recommended for expensive bikes because of low clearance between bikes (they will hit each other leaving scratches).
PROS
- Very affordable
- Universal as it fits most bikes under 35 lb
- Does not require anything to get installed (no trailer hitch or crossbars)
- Low mileage reduction
CONS
- The installation process is not that easy
- Bikes are not sturdy on the rack
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No trunk access with bikes loaded
- Easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other
- Can damage your car (scratches)