SUVs are popular in the United States and they offer more space than cars. However, as many of you would agree, there is never enough space. As a result, SUV owners who also like to bike have a problem: where to put their bikes?
There are different types of bike racks for SUVs, and they all have different features. Some racks attach to the back of your car, while others are mounted on the roof.
Let’s go through things you should keep in mind buying a rack for an SUV:
- All rack types (hitch, trunk and roof) fit SUVs. However, roof racks might not be the best choice for SUVs because you will need to lift 20-45lb up which can be challenging given the SUVs’ dimensions,
- Trunk SUV racks require nothing to be installed. However, as they are installed directly on your car, these racks can damage your car. Hitch SUV racks require a trailer hitch and roof SUV racks require crossbars, but these racks won’t damage your car,
- Keep in mind that there is a limit to a bike’s weight. For really heavy bikes (40 lb and more) you would need a hitch rack. For 35-40 lb bikes, most rack types are suitable,
- How many bikes do you need to carry? Most SUV racks can carry at least two bikes. However, for more than four bikes you will probably need a hitch SUV rack,
- Last but not least, there are basically three ways of how your bikes get mounted: by the frame, by the wheel or by the fork (the wheel must be removed). If you need to carry expensive bikes, choose a no-frame contact rack (either by the wheel or by the fork) to avoid scratches.
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Best hitch racks for SUVs
Hitch racks are the best rack type for SUVs. This is the case because SUVs are not necessarily affordable vehicles (to put it mildly), and hitch racks have basically zero risk of damaging your car. Yes, they are quite expensive and require a trailer hitch to be installed, but super sturdy and easy to use (most have tilt function for easy trunk access).
Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack
- Most SUVs 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 lightweight, easy to use bike rack that will secure your bikes and make them easier to transport. It’s made from aluminum and plastic and fits most bikes up to 50 lb each. The Yakima HoldUp EVO can carry up to 2 bikes or up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ versions). It secures bikes at the wheels and can be used with both receiver sizes.
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
- Most SUVs 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 ultimate bike rack for anyone looking to carry 2 bikes up to 60 lb each. Made from aluminum and premium plastic, it requires a trailer hitch in order to be installed. The T2 Pro XT/XTR can carry 2 bikes up to 60 lb each, or 4 bikes with an adapter (sold separately). Bikes will be secured with zero frame contact.
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
- Most SUVs 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 FullSwing is a bike rack that can carry up to four bikes of equal weight. It has a durable aluminum frame and is made from plastic. It is easy to install, requiring a 2″ hitch receiver and can carry up to 40 lb per bike. The system mounts the bike by the frame for safety and stability.
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 roof racks for SUVs
Roof racks might not be the best choice for SUVs due to the height of these cars. It is not easy to load a bike on the roof of a sedan, and when it comes to SUVs ut becomes even more challenging. Don’t be discouraged though, it can be done by most people, but definitely requires some muscle strength. Just keep in mind that this task can be impossible for people with certain medical conditions.
Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)
- Most SUVs 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
The Yakima HighRoad is a great bike rack for those looking to transport their bikes in style. With its durable steel construction, the HighRoad can securely carry up to 45 pounds of weight and has a unique no-frame contact design that prevents any bike from being scratched or damaged.
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
- Most SUVs 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
You’ve found the perfect bike for you and now it’s time to make sure it’s safe by getting a bike rack. Thule’s FastRide is perfect for your needs because of the aluminum material, which will never rust, and the crossbars, which are required to install this bike rack. It can carry almost any bike under 40 pounds and secures your bike by the fork (not the frame).
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 trunk racks for SUVs
There are dozens of racks that fit SUVs. Below you can find the best two of them. However, please keep in mind that this rack type has the highest potential of damaging the car, which cab become really critical if you are an owner of a premium SUV.
Yakima FullBack (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for a reasonable price
- Most SUVs 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
Yakima FullBack is the easiest, most convenient way to transport your bikes. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to invest in a trailer or crossbars, and it’s a great alternative for those who are tired of loading and unloading their bikes. With the Yakima FullBack, you’ll never have to worry about loading and unloading your bikes again.
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)
Tyger TG-RK3B203S (1, 2 or 3) – Super affordable trunk rack
- Most SUVs compatible: Yes
- Max number of bikes: 1, 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
- Total load capacity: 99 lb (44.9 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
Tyger’s TG-RK3B203S is a heavy-duty bike rack that will securely transport up to three bikes. The rack is made from alloy steel and is installed directly on your vehicle. There are three versions of this rack (can carry 1, 2 or 3 bikes) up to 33 lb each, bikes are getting mounted by the frame.
Key Takeaways
- Very cheap rack that gets the job dome,
- Unfortunately, it is not as sturdy as we would like it to be,
- This rack is fairly easy in daily life use,
- The weight of a bike is the only thing you should keep in mind. Other than that it fits most bikes (an adapter might be needed),
- Highly not recommended for carrying expensive (especially carbon frame) bikes as bikes will scratch each other.
PROS
- The price is super low
- The installation is straightforward
- Fits fat-tire bikes
- requires nothing to be installed (no crossbars, etc.)
- Low mileage reduction
CONS
- Not sturdy enough
- Bikes will wobble hitting each other
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Block trunk access
- Super easy to steal
- Can damage your car