Aside from the fitness and health benefits, riding your bike is also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and soak in an amazing view, however, not everyone lives near a bike track and might need car transportation before riding. Whatever the reason is, you want a secure bike rack, which is simple and will not damage your bikes.
This article can help you find the best bike rack for your SUV.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
We highly recommend the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack for the best bike rack for SUVs.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features You Need To Consider
Transporting your bike with an SUV might seem like a considerably simple task, well it kind of is. But choosing the perfect rack for your SUV, now that’s a challenge.
There are infinite choices, and not all are compatible with your vehicle. Consider the distinct features before selecting your very own bike rack.
This guide may just be the thing you need.
Compatibility With Your SUV
You can cut a lot of rack candidates by checking their compatibility. It is clearly stated and easy to spot which bike racks are suitable for an SUV.
Some racks do not work well with spoilers, while others, like a hitch rack, need a hitch to function. The whole point of a bike rack is to securely transport your bike. You will never achieve this if your rack does not attach properly to your SUV.
Confirm before you send off your money.
The Number of Bikes
This feature is fairly straightforward. Most bike racks can carry 1 to 5 bikes. A 4-bike rack is great if you do plenty of family rides or group rides with your friends. If you need this, you might need to combine hitch racks with roof racks. Few racks can transport over 3 bicycles.
It’s also best not to choose the 5-bike racks “just in case”, because it will cost more and be a bigger hassle to install and store. We recommend choosing your every day 1-3 Bike racks if you’re more of a solo rider. Cheaper, easier, and longer lasting.
Trunk Access
It’s all about accessibility and being user friendly. Just because you’re transporting a bike doesn’t mean you don’t need things in your trunk, but maybe you don’t. In that case, you shouldn’t worry too much about this.
But in case you do, it’s definitely worth it to keep an eye out for a bike rack that can swing to the side, or give you easy access to your trunk. Most bike racks can easily be removed once you remove your bike to give you trunk access, but some may require you to take apart the rack completely.
Security
Safely transporting a secured bike. That’s the whole point of even purchasing a bike rack. Most bike racks are already equipped with their own security. The most liable rack is a roof rack. You can overcome this with the help of a third party bike lock.
Installation
The ease of installation can directly affect the experience of using the bike rack. Some bike racks may be easier to install and yet are not as secure. While others may be extremely secure but blocks access to your rear.
Either way, there is usually a manual to guide you through the installation process, but it’s never a bad idea to find a rack with a simple installation.
Your Needs
After all that, it really comes back to your needs. How often will you use the rack? Maybe there are some extra considerations you are worried about. Things like rust, protecting your SUV, and maybe inadequate parking space.
You can always protect your SUV with extra padding, if you’re worried about the fallout of a heavy bike. Look for a smaller, maybe collapsible rack to overcome a smaller parking space. Be aware of your needs before looking for the “best” features in a bike rack.
The Best Bike Rack For SUV Reviewed
Invest in a proper compatible bike rack so you can ride your bike on a track with a spectacular view. We have put together a list of SUV-compatible bike racks that may just excite you.
Here they are:
1. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Key Features:
- Made of steel
- Size: 5 x 34 x 11 inches
- Easy to assemble
- Weighs 32 pounds
- Can accommodate up to 2 bikes
The XC2 can carry up to 2 bikes, compatible with a universal foot of 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receiver. Has a ratcheting frame hook, arms fold down in the center to enable rear access, and can be secured with a hitch pin and security cable, although sold separately. It doesn’t accommodate wheel straps, it can hold up to 35 pounds of load, it has trays for a fat bike, and can accommodate wheel sizes from 20” up to 29”. Other models from Swagman include the XTC2, Chinook, G10 and more.
This bike rack will attach to your hitch easily. The arms adjust to different size bikes and are suitable for bike frames up to 59 cm. The rack is designed to provide a stable journey for the bikes. Using extra protection is always recommended, you don’t want your bike to fall off during the trip.
This rack is compatible with any SUV and folds to give you easy access to your rear. If you’re looking for extra accessories, they are sold separately.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and set up
- Quick to load and unload bike
- Grand design and quality
- Extra space for extra straps
Cons:
- Unstable
- Straps is not enough to secure bike
- Instruction manual is tiny
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. MaxxHaul (70210) 4-Bike Mount Rack
Key Features:
- Made for 4 bikes
- Made of steel
- Size: 32.99 x 10 x 5.98 inches
- Allows easy access to rear
- Compatible with 2” receivers
The MaxxHaul Bike Mount Rack is made to carry up to 4 bikes. The bike holder is thin, and yet sturdy. If you are afraid for your bike and do not feel secure, please add in a 3rd party lock and straps. The rack already has a padded bike cradle, hook & loop straps, and a built-in reflector. The rack offers a great price for value, but is also quite difficult to install. Being a challenge to put together, you might be better off with a more expensive easy to set up model. If you don’t feel confident enough to put this one together on your own. Once you’ve set it up, it swings down to give you easy access to the rear.
This rack is made to transport up to 4 bikes. Of course, it would be much safer to transport 2 or 3 bikes. But if you need to carry 4 bikes, 3 adult size bikes and 1 smaller one should be safe enough. Another glorious thing is that the top rack will fold down, and that is such a convenience for when you need to store the rack.
MaxxHaul promises stability by providing a rigid all steel construction, powder coat finish to resist rust, and an improved support bracket for added stability.
Pros:
- Doesn’t wobble
- Can hold 3 bikes + 1 small bike safely
- Great price for value
- Folds into a small size for storage
- Durable
Cons:
- Bike holder is thin
- Shipping may cause damage
- Issues with the lock
- May not fit 4 bikes safely
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. BV 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Key Features:
- Made of steel
- Carries up to 2 bikes
- Compatible with bikes under 35 lbs each, and 3″ tire width max
- Compatible with Passenger car, SUV, and Truck
- Folds up
The BV 2 Bike Hitch Mount Rack is a sturdy model made of steel that can safely carry 2 bikes. Any wobble or unstable transport of the bike might be because of improper installation. Try to tighten your bolt until you feel confident before hitting the road. You can always add in extra security to help ease your worry.
The rack comes with a tilt back design, you’ll love this, you can easily access the rear without having to detach the rack. It can also fold up whenever it’s not in use. Your bike will be secured with a three point connection system, two tray style arms at the bottom and a vertical arm at the top. This is what will hold your bike steadily in place.
This rack features a safety reflector. Although it doesn’t seem like much, it will help night driving safety. If you are looking for a 4 Bike Hitch Mount Rack, BV also offers that.
Pros:
- Easy rear access
- Minimal rocking movement
- Wobbling can be resolved by tightening the bolt
- Easy to install and dismount
Cons:
- Issues attaching to the hitch
- Might not be stable
- Difficult to fit a fat bike
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 07:27 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Key Features:
- 6 styles available
- Made of steel
- Carry arms can fold
- Easy to install
- Individual protection for the bikes
The Allen Sports 4 Bike Hitch Rack may be called that, but it might be better if you don’t transport 4 bikes. It can still support 4 bikes if you are transporting a combination of big and small bikes. The rack is very easy to install; it attaches quickly to your hitch and will be secure for the bikes. Even though the bikes are securely attached, a third party safety measure is always recommended. The weight limit is 140 pounds, but if you transport less, it would be safer. The carry arms fold, and the mast can tilt to give you easy access to the rear.
The rack is compatible with a 2” hitch receiver. Once installed, it can safely transport your bikes for any road trip, camping, or simple weekend getaways. Perfect for families. The 6 types of racks available are Deluxe, Deluxe locking, Deluxe+ Locking, Premier, Premier Locking, Premier Locking with Spare.
Pros:
- Simple design and stable
- Can safely transport 2 big bikes and 2 small bikes
- Easy to install
- Arms fold down
- Durable
Cons:
- Replacement parts not available for sale
- Doesn’t fully support 4 big bikes
- Rack may bend
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Carrier Rack
Key Features:
- Available for 1 bike, 2 bikes, and 3 bikes
- Compatible with Minivan, Hatchback, Sedan and SUV
- Size: 79 x 12 x 8 inches
- Arrives assembled
- Easy installation
The Tyger Auto Deluxe Carrier Rack offers 3 types of racks. There is a 1 bike rack, 2 bike rack, and even a 3 bike rack. This particular rack is equipped to fit 2 bikes. The weight limit for each bike is 33 pounds. The rack comes assembled and will fit most SUV models. Aside from SUVs, it also fits Sedans, Hatchbacks and Minivans. This model is not compatible with vehicles with rear spoilers.
The rack comprises individual soft cradles for each of your bike frames so they stay protected. It also keeps the frame away from your car to keep your car protected. Installation is also very easy, you can follow the instruction manual. Tyger offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Every rack has its own flaw, the best way to overcome the flaw is by being proactive at tackling the challenges. Opt for a trusted third party security, add external straps, and carry less than the weight limit for maximum safety.
Pros:
- Great price for value
- Sturdy
- Doesn’t slip
- Doesn’t damage car or bike
Cons:
- The bottom bar is short
- Pieces may break
- Side straps is not secure
- A low weight limit
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 07:27 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Key Features:
- Made of aluminum and plastic
- Size: 48.4 x 25 x 26.75 inches
- Fully foldable
- Anti theft design
- High load capacity
The Thule Easy Fold XT 2 is a premium high load capacity hitch bike rack which is capable of carrying your e bike, fat bikes, and heavy mountain bikes. The load capacity is 130 lbs or around 65 lbs per bike. It fits both a 1.25” and 2” receivers. The rack claims to be easy to install, but you might still struggle with it. But once you do install it, it’s pretty easy to attach on to your SUV. It comes with a fully foldable bike loading ramp, which makes loading your heavy bikes easier.
Even though this rack is capable of carrying big and heavy bikes, it is fully foldable for easy storage. It also has wheels and handles for easy transport. All that, and it can even tilt while still attached on your SUV to give you easy access to the trunk. Don’t you just love that?
The rack comes with safety measures. It supports a lock and anti theft design which will secure your bike to the rack. Of course, you can get additional safety measures if you want. Thule also provides other accessories sold separately.
Pros:
- Easy to install on your SUV
- E bikes can fit securely
- Nice and compact
- Safe for your SUV
- Worth the price
Cons:
- Not the best packaging during shipping
- Might be a challenge to put together
- A challenge to fit bigger bikes
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick
The Allen sports bike hitch rack truly stands out with their selection of 6 styles to suit everyone’s needs. They are also sturdy and conveniently fold away to allow easy rear access. They offer individual protection for each of your bikes. Accommodating up to 4 bikes, though safer to use with less, the Allen Rack is all round splendid as a bike rack for SUV.
Each bike rack may have its own pros and cons, but refer back to the things you need to consider and your actual needs to help you decide.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 11:40 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
