The Best Bike Racks For Suvs For 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Bike Racks For Suvs
Best Bike Racks For Suvs

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Carrier

The Allen Sports Premier QR model has all the capabilities necessary to transport you and your bikes to new destinations in a safe and secure manner. The rack can be locked in place for an additional layer of protection. Read Review

2. Best For Price: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack

Featuring folding carry arms that quickly drop out of the way when not in use, this rack is designed for fast installation and easy mounting. With 22-inch long carry arms and Allen's patented tie-down system, your bicycles are securely held while you travel. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Store: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

This bike rack makes it easy to transport up to two bikes safely and securely. It comes with two foam-padded hooks that may be used to attach and stabilize bikes on the shelf without damaging the bikes' finish. With its quick and easy installation, you can hit the road in no time. Read Review

4. Best Durable: IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks

This sturdy bike rack is made entirely of steel and can easily transport up to four bicycles. It is designed with cushioned bike cradles that have hook-and-loop straps to protect the bike finish. Read Review

5. Best Sturdy: Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack.

This rack features individual soft cradles to protect your bike frame and secure your bikes, OE standard black E-Coating for rust resistance, and foldable carry arms when not in use. Experience a worry-free ride with Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack. Read Review

Are you looking for a bike rack that will fit your SUV? With so many options available, finding the right one cannot be easy. However, if you know what to look for, you can find the best bike racks for your SUV that will help you transport your bikes safely and securely. The right bike rack will protect your bikes from damage and keep them securely in place during transport.

In this article, we'll look at some of the best bike racks for SUVs and discuss their features and benefits so you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect bike rack for your vehicle. We'll also discuss how to install a bike rack, the different types of bike racks, and why you should choose a bike rack for your SUV. So, if you're in the market for a bike rack for your SUV, read on to find the best bike rack for your needs.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 21 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As a result, We believe the best bike racks for suvs is the Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Carrier. It will be ready to use in a matter of minutes and will only require you to tighten three bolts to put it together after it has been delivered. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Carrier
Our Score:
9.9
Allen Sports

This rack is simple to assemble, does not require any tools for vehicle installation, has folding carry arms, provides speedy access through the lift gate, and protects your bicycles with a dual compound Spine Shield. It will be ready to use in a matter of minutes and will only require you to tighten three bolts to put it together after it has been delivered. However, if you use it in an area with a lot of rain, some nuts, bolts, and other components may rust.

The lockable quick-install hitch insert ensures a secure attachment to your vehicle without requiring additional tools. In the QR variants, there is a locking knob that enables the rack to be tightened into the receiver hitch for a wobble-free installation. Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle in place and work with various tube sizes. During transport, your bikes will be held in pristine condition thanks to the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed.

TOP Choice #2 Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.7
Allen Sports

This device features a hitch insert that is not only user-friendly but also provides increased security for your bicycles. You need to attach it to the receiver hitch of your car, and then you can use the tie-down cradle system to secure and protect the bicycles individually. You can also easily transport both a child's mountain bike and an adult's road cycle with comparable ease thanks to the carry arm's ability to suit a varied range of frame sizes and designs.

The four-bike carrier has a powder-coated black finish and a no-wobble bolt that stops the rack from moving around inside the hitch. Both of these features are convenient. On the other hand, you will require additional bungee cords to secure the rotating wheels and the handlebars that may be moved from side to side. It is not because the bicycles will become separated; instead, it is to prevent everything from repeatedly rubbing against one another and scratching each of your bikes.

TOP Choice #3 MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.5
MAXXHAUL

The MaxxHaul 2-Bike Rack is the perfect accessory for your sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, or sedans with a hitch receiver measuring 2 inches. Adjustments to the one-of-a-kind hook design made using fast hitch pins make it possible to accommodate frames of varying sizes for transport that is both secure and dependable. A hitch tightener is incorporated into the design to minimize hitch play, wobbling, and noise.

The hooks and tire cradles are adjustable to suit most bicycles' frames, with wheel diameters ranging from 20 inches to 26 inches. The vertical post can be easily removed and stored more compactly. Tire cradles for bicycles have fast knobs that allow for easy adjustment along horizontal bars, and they come with rubber straps that provide additional support for the tires. Nevertheless, it should never go beyond the 75-pound limit on the maximum dispersed weight capacity to be broken.

This KRB-H040B Hitch Rack will be ready to use in a matter of minutes after you remove the box because it requires the installation of only three bolts during the assembly process. It can be mounted onto most regular Class III & IV hitches 2 inches wide. When the rack is not being used, the Easy Fold-Down Arm Design allows the 24.8-inch long folding carrying arms to rotate out of the way so they can be transported more easily and stored more efficiently. 

The design allows you to open the rear gates without removing the hitch rack thanks to the swing-down rearward design, which also features an easy fold-down arm design for compact transit and easy storage. This clever Double-Down design is ideal for fun-loving families who are also cautious of their financial situation and ride together. Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle in place and work with various tube sizes. Your bikes will be securely in place by the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed for further protection. Even though it may obscure the view of the rear lights, this bike rack does an excellent job.

5 Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack.
Our Score:
9.3
Tyger Auto

Get your bikes ready for an adventure with Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack. This bike rack is designed to securely transport up to three bikes with individual soft cradles that protect your bike frame and secure your bikes. The OE standard black E-Coating helps prevent rust and corrosion, while the foldable carry arms allow easy storage when not in use. Whether you're hitting the trails or cruising around town, this bike rack has you covered. Once the bicycles are loaded, the only drawback is that it will be rather tricky to raise your vehicle's rear gate.

This easy-to-install bike rack fits most vehicles and is designed to hold up to three bikes. With a built-in safety strap for added stability, you can rest assured that your bikes will stay securely in place during transit. The included DIY instruction guide makes installation a breeze, allowing you to hit the road in no time. This sturdy and handy construction is designed to fit up to 3 bikes, with a maximum capacity of 99lbs. The padded lower frame ensures that bicycles are kept away from your vehicle, while the included safety strap keeps them secure.

6 IKURAM R 2 Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.1
IKURAM R

This bike rack has the Swing-Down Backward Design that enables access to the rear of the car, such as when getting anything out of the trunk and swiftly pops back up to its original position using locking pins. This design also allows for access to the rear of the vehicle. When the rack is not being used, the Easy Fold-Down Arm Design allows the 14.5" long folding carrying arms to easily rotate out of the way so that they may be transported and stored more compactly.

Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle in place and work with various tube sizes. Your bicycles will be securely in place by the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed for further protection—designed with cushioned bike cradles with hook-and-loop straps to protect the bike finish. It can be mounted onto most regular Class III & IV hitches 2 inches wide. On the other hand, the frame can move over the bumps, so you need to tighten it carefully.

7 Leader Accessories Hitch Mounted 2 Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.9
Leader Accessories

Access to the back of the car is made more convenient with a tilt-down feature that is simple to operate. This product is compatible with standard hitch receivers measuring 2 inches. When the bike racks are not being used, the folding carry arm design allows the rack's arms to be folded up fast so that the frame may be transported more easily and stored more compactly.

Bicycles can be secured and safeguarded using a dual compound tie-down cradle. Rack movement within the hitch can no longer occur thanks to the no-wobble bolts. If you don't want to use no-wobble bolts, use a larger-diameter pin instead. You need to remember that there is a clearance of 7.87 millimeters between the exit of the hitch and the vertical bar of the tack; you should kindly measure the distance to ensure sufficient support for a spare tire to be installed on the vehicles.

More To Consider

9 HYPERAX Volt 2 -E Bike Carrier
Our Score:
8.5
HYPERAX
10 MARVOWARE 2'' Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.3
MARVOWARE

What to Look For in a best bike racks for suvs?

To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best bike racks for suvs of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!

Here are the main features of best bike racks for suvs that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:

Bike Weight

Maximum bike capacity
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.

Bike Capacity

Generally speaking, platform racks are capable of holding anywhere between one and four bikes (if an extension is purchased), while hanging racks hold up to five bikes. The 1UP Recon Rack 6 can hold six bikes vertically and is a notable exception. Most riders prefer the 2-bike model, however families and those who plan to take their bikes on group rides may want to consider a hanging model with a larger capacity or one of these platform add-ons.

Mounting Systems

Two ways can you lock your bike on a mounting system are available. First and foremost is the strap system. The strap system is usually composed of an elastic or ratcheting strap that covers a portion of your bicycle. It's usually the frame in hanging racks, but it can also be used for platform racks to hold the wheels.
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).

Tilting Feature

A tilt-feature hitch rack is a good choice if you are like many cyclists and plan on keeping your rack attached to your car for extended time periods or want access to your rear cargo space. With the exception of a few very inexpensive options, almost all bike racks with a hitch mount have this feature. Tilting racks are able to be tilted over using a lever. This allows you to lift the rear hatch of the vehicle or open its tailgate. Tilting is possible on platform and hanging racks. However, platform racks can be tilted with bikes loaded. Hanging racks must first unload bikes. It's another reason why we like the platform rack design.

Security

Two main vulnerabilities of bike racks are theft. The bikes can be taken off the rack and the rack can be taken down. It doesn't matter if the bikes are there; racks can also be valuable items to potential thieves.
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.

Ease Of Use

You've likely had to lift a mountain bike with full suspension onto a hanger rack. Or, if you have tried to Tetris on four bikes from a rack that was poorly made, then you understand the importance of ease-of-use.
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.

FAQs

Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?

A hitch-mounted rack has a greater chance of being preferred to a trunk-mounted one. This is because the hitch does not have contact with the vehicle's body. It reduces rubbing on the paint. This keeps the rack from contacting any parts of the body where it could damage or dent.
No matter how careful a company takes when creating a rack system, human error is always possible. If the rack is not on the car, opening the hatchback can cause the rack to be lifted off the vehicle.
It can damage the rack and cause scratching. When you reach the back of your car, make sure that the rack is not in the way.
If you aren't careful, bikes can contact your car. Sometimes platform racks are used to transport the bike near a car's rear window. If the road is particularly bumpy, this can make it more likely that the handlebar will pass through the window.
This can be solved by moving the cradles closer to the windows. The front tire can hang unsupported, which could lead to it bumping into your car.
Although it's not as serious as breaking windows, the damage to the finish can be severe over time. This is a simple fix. To solve the problem, secure the wheel using a strap and bungee rope.

Can You Put A Bike Rack On Any Car?

You should find the right bike rack for your vehicle amongst many options. For some styles, you will need to attach a hitch or crossbars/tracks to the roof. Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the specifications on the rack.

Do All Bike Racks Fill All Cars?

Although most bikes racks can be adjusted, they are not universally compatible. There are simply too many shapes and sizes of bikes to make this possible.
You need to know the dimensions of your rear bumper if you are thinking of buying one. There are different rear racks that work well with various cars, such as saloons and hatchbacks. You can find the manufacturer's website to check which racks will fit your vehicle.
A roof rack that is not compatible with the current roof bars may also be incompatible. There are two types: the traditional square-profile or more modern, oval aero bars. Oval bars cut through air and reduce drag. They also produce less wind noise. Make sure your roof rack will fit with any shape of roof bar you choose.

What Is The Best Bike Rack For Four Bikes?

There are versions of both platform and hanging racks that can accommodate four bikes. The hanging racks are more difficult to protect your bikes as they attach from the top. The bikes can swing or hit each other while traveling thanks to this.
It is possible to space out fewer bikes, which reduces risk. Space is constrained with only four bikes. Make sure that your cradles are sufficiently spaced so the bikes don't collide, even with minimal swings.
Platform racks make this less problematic as bikes can be locked in place by both wheels. This adds stability and strength. Because the platform racks are lower, it's easier to place the bikes onto them.

Are Hitch Bike Racks Better?

Hitch racks can be a good option if your car has that capability. Mounts that attach to the hitch receiver are better than trunk racks and roof racks. They also protect your vehicle's finish.
These racks are also easier to set up than any other option. This is great news for those who don't need a rack in their car all day. It's attached with a steel pin so it takes only one step to attach it to a trailer hitch and then one to take it off when it's time to go.

What Is The Easiest Bike Rack To Use?

Each type of rack has its advantages. Hanging racks can be used if you don't have to lift your bike. You can secure your bike by placing it on the arms. Then tie the straps and bungee your front wheel.
The platform racks are easier to use than the cradles, but they require less muscle. They do require a little more effort to secure the bike. Swing-away racks make it easy to reach the rear of your bike. If you have a lot to carry (for example, camping trips), one of these racks might be a good choice. ).


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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