Best Bike Racks for SUV 2023 | Reviews & Buying Guide
In this article, we will review some of the best bike racks for SUV. Let’s start!
Are you moving to a different city? Do you have a vacation planned? You won’t be able to ride your bike to your desired destination, but if you’re riding, you should be able to transport it.
It’s possible that taking your two-wheeled best friend on a road trip in your SUV will turn into an exciting adventure. Why risk not being able to rent a bike at all while on vacation by spending money on daily bike rentals? You never know what amazing terrain you’ll come across, so bringing your bike along is a great option.
To do this safely and securely, you’ll need a nice bike rack on your car. We’ve put together this guide to assist you in finding the best bike rack for your SUV – have a look at these five options and pick the one that best suits your needs.
Top 5 Best Bike Racks for SUV
Without further ado, here are the best bike racks for SUV of this year.
- Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack
- MaxxHaul 4-Bike Deluxe Rack
- Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack
- Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
- BV 2 Bike/4 Bike Hitch Rack
Best Bike Racks for SUV Reviews
The features and benefits of the best bike racks for SUV will be discussed in this article, and they will most likely pay for themselves if purchased.
We’ll also go through the pros and cons of each bike rack so you can choose the best one for you.
Let’s go into the in-depth reviews of the best bike racks for SUV now that we’ve cleared things up.
1. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack
Key Features:
Are you planning a family vacation? If you choose the Allen Sports rack, which can hold up to three bikes, almost everybody can have a fantastic time on vacation.
This sturdy steel rack is easy to put up and use. It’s also really safe, so you won’t have to be concerned about your motorcycles when driving. The hitch insert is straightforward to install and is designed to fit 1.25 and 2-inch receiver hitches. You’ll be ready to go in minutes after installing only three bolts.
To keep your bikes secure while being transported, Allen Sports designed the tie-down cradle system. They will not only be securely connected to your vehicle but they will also be protected separately, considerably reducing the possibility of them being damaged in any way. Because of the no-wobble bolt, the rack will not move and cause damage to your car.
You can very much attach any bike to it, whether it’s a small mountain bike for your child or a knobby-tire mountain bike for your own off-road trail adventures because the rack is compatible with a number of bike sizes and frames types.
You won’t have to remove the Allen Sports bike rack to grab something out of the trunk, which is another feature you’ll appreciate. The rack may be tilted back to provide you with convenient access to the back of your car. You can fold it fully when you’re not using it.
Pros
- Extra secured against wobbling
- Easy to assemble
- Easy access to the car trunk
Cons
- The warranty only covers a direct purchase from the manufacturer
2. MaxxHaul 4-Bike Deluxe Rack
Key Features:
This one is a must-see if the number of bikes it can carry is one of your criteria for the best bike rack for an SUV. The MaxxHaul mount rack can safely transport up to four bicycles if you’re planning a road trip with your friends or traveling with your spouse and kids. Carrying four adult-sized bicycles, on the other hand, could be a challenge.
Keep in mind that the maximum weight capacity of the rack is 150 pounds. It’s great for SUVs, RVs, fifth wheels, and campers, but it’s not the best choice.
You’ll need a typical 2-inch hitch receiver (classes III and IV) and a few minutes to put the rack together. It is made of robust steel and secures your bike in a padded cradle, decreasing the danger of harm to the bikes while connecting and moving them.
The bikes will not slide off while you’re driving if you use hooks and loops to attach them. At the same time, if traveling at night, the built-in reflector enhances the vehicle’s overall safety. The manufacturer has also improved the overall stability of the rack by updating the support bracket.
Assume you require anything from the trunk. There’s nothing to be concerned about. By folding down the central upright, you can quickly access the back of your car. When you’re not using the rack, just fold it up and stow it in your trunk.
What happens if it starts to rain? The rack will not corrode due to the powder coat coating.
Pros
- Rust-proof
- Can carry four bikes
- Built-in reflectors for extra safety
- Padded bike cradles for anti-damage protection
Cons
- May not be able to fit four adult bikes
3. Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack
Key Features:
Have you got a minivan? This is a wonderful alternative if you’re going to bring your bikes on your next trip. The Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-bike mount rack fits most minivans, hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. It should not be installed on RVs, trailers, or campers since it is incompatible with vehicles with a rear spoiler.
You’ll need to use the safety strap that comes with the rack to keep the bikes entirely stable. The strap protects the bicycles from shaking if you encounter any bumps on the route. This is vital to remember because any damage caused by failing to follow the instructions will void the warranty. Even yet, there have been instances of scuffed motorcycles, possibly due to poor manufacture.
The Tyger Auto Deluxe can support up to three motorcycles and 99 pounds. Its sturdy design guarantees that your two-wheelers stay as safe as possible. It has an adjustable multi-position cradle to match the number of bikes you’re attaching. If your bike doesn’t have a top frame bar, you’ll need an extra adaptor bar. But don’t fret; assembling the full adaptor bar assembly is simple.
To protect your car safe, make sure you follow the guidelines. The coated hooks protect the paint on your car, and the padded lower frame ensures that there is enough space between the bikes and the vehicle. The rack is finished in a traditional black finish to prevent rust.
Pros
- An extra strap for increased security
- Padded frames to protect your car
- Adjustable cradle positions to fit the number of bikes
Cons
- The rack may scratch the bikes
4. Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Key Features:
For SUVs, sedans, minivans, and hatchbacks, this Premier model could be the best bike rack. It will fit the majority of these vehicles but go to the manufacturer’s website for further details on your specific vehicle. Depending on your needs, you can pick between a two-bike model, a three-bike model, or a four-bike model.
You’ll be up and running in less than five minutes, thanks to the quick snap design and the fact that it comes completely assembled. The carry arm can be anywhere from 12 to 21 inches in length, depending on the number of bikes to be transported. It has a weight capacity of 70 to 140 pounds, making it suited for a wide range of bike sizes and types.
This versatile Allen Premier rack keeps your bikes safe at all times. The cradles have a unique tie-down system that keeps the bikes in place even on bumpy roads, preventing scratches and falling off. At the same time, the rack’s dual-compound feet protect your vehicle from potential damage during transit, thanks to the extra-large car pads. It also allows the load to be equally distributed, which improves stability.
Pros
- Wide-profile feet and pads for more car protection
- Suitable for all bike sizes
- Fully assembled
- Patented tie-down system keeping the bikes protected and in place
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all SUVs
5. BV 2 Bike/4 Bike Hitch Rack
Key Features:
There are two sizes of this two- or four-bike mount rack carrier. It is not appropriate for many bike designs, however, because it does not accommodate fat-tire bikes. It’s suitable for bikes that weigh less than 35 pounds and can support a maximum weight of 70 to 140 pounds.
The BV rack is incredibly handy for a multitude of reasons. When not in use, it folds up easily and may be kept in the trunk or left at home. If you need to get something from the back of your car while it’s attached, it’s also no problem. You can tilt the rack backward and open the trunk without having to unhook it.
The BV rack is unique for having a safety reflector that is useful for night driving. It increases your visibility on the road and, as a result, your vehicle’s safety.
The rack features padded arms and tray-styled hooks that hold your bikes while also protecting their frames from damage. The three-point connection method keeps the motorcycles from wobbling and causing damage to your vehicle.
If your vehicle lacks the 2-inch hitch receiver required for installation, don’t give up on purchasing this rack. A power adaptor is provided in the box.
Pros
- A safety reflector
- Folds and tilts back for easy access to the trunk
- The package includes a hitch adaptor
Cons
- Doesn’t support fat-tire
Buying Guide
Are you still unsure which of the bike racks offered is right for your SUV or minivan? Here’s a quick best bike rack for SUV buying guide to help you narrow down your choices. Look for these features when purchasing a bike rack for your vehicle.
How Many Bikes Can It Transport?
Trunk racks are relatively easy to set up and can accommodate up to four bicycles. Your requirements and the circumstances will determine the number of bikes you move.
If you’re going by yourself and only need to move one bike, the weight of the cargo shouldn’t be an issue.
If you’re going on a road trip with the whole family, make sure your vehicle and rack can handle the weight of three or four bikes. Not all frames will be able to provide enough stability and security for this many two-wheelers. If you’re towing more than two bikes, other rack options, such as roof or tow-bar racks, should be considered.
Anti-Rust
If you have a well-equipped bike, you can ride even if it’s snowing and the roads are ice. Don’t forget to consider the weather’s impact on your car’s bike rack when going in these circumstances and knowing you won’t be able to park under a roof.
It’s best to choose a rack that won’t rust. The anti-rust system refers to the black powder coating used as the top layer on various rack models. Even in wet and snowy weather, it provides further rust protection.
Ease of Assembly and Use
If you choose a bike rack that attaches to the back of your vehicle, ensure sure it doesn’t obstruct your rear-view mirror view of the road. Your plates and lights must also be visible at all times, as they are not allowed to be covered in any way.
Most modern models of the racks come mostly completed, so it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to set them up. If you get a hitch model, make sure you buy an adaptor in case it doesn’t fit right away in your hitch receiver.
It should also be simple to load and unload the rack. When the bikes are locked, they must be fastened in place at the same time. Foldable rack arms make loading and unloading the bikes a breeze. Make sure the rack you choose is suitable for your bike. Not all frames are capable of hauling little children’s bikes or those with fat tires, even if they are adequate for your vehicle.
Build Quality
A bike rack with a higher build quality may cost more. It shouldn’t be too heavy, as adding the bikes can make your automobile too heavy to handle. It is unlikely to be a particularly cost-effective form of transportation in this case.
Look for solid construction with a powder finish for corrosion resistance. Almost always, steel frames are a solid bet. Carbon fiber racks may also be found, as these materials have become increasingly popular in recent years. Plastic objects that are prone to cracking should be avoided on racks.
Conclusion
There you have it: the best bike racks for SUV of the year.
Before completing your order, we recommend that you check with the manufacturer because what may be the best bike rack for SUVs may not work for all vehicles of this type. Regardless, we can pick a winner based on these reviews.
Allen Sports does not appear to be a company where you can go wrong. The company has a long history of providing high-quality products for outdoor lovers, having been founded in 1967.
Both of their bike racks, Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack and Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack, which are reviewed in this article, are excellent choices. The large cushions on both racks will protect your vehicle as you quickly attach them to it. Their tie-down method, along with additional stability to avoid swaying, will make your trip worry-free and ensure that your bikes stay in place without scratching. Some Allen Sports models are also delivered fully assembled, making installation even easier.
