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We have analyzed multiple hitches, trunk, truck, and roof bike racks using our patented Rack R score model. Including racks from Yakima, Thule, Swagman, and Allen for your SUVs and cars

Looking for the best bike rack for SUVs, hatchbacks, RVs, or trucks? We have used an innovative data-based method to evaluate over 50 bike racks from different brands to be able to present this review to you. Our Rack Score rating system gives great weightage to the response of people who have spent years with these racks. This data-based approach targets specific features, capacity, brand value, compatibility with cars and bikes, security, aesthetics, and value for money. 

Most users prioritize the security, ease of installation, and use of the bike rack when looking for one in the market. Considering that, we recommend Kuat Sherpa 2.0 to most users and have found it as the overall best rack. After carefully analyzing and comparing it with other bike racks, we can without doubt state that it is best in terms of use, installation, security, and features. 

Since this platform-style hitch bike rack is made for two bikes, we also have our best picks for bikers with other requirements. In this article, we have reviewed Allen 104 Deluxe as the best trunk rack for cars, Saris Bones for SUVs, Thule Raceway as the best for a hatchback, Saris Superclamp as the best 4 bike hitch rack, and more. 

Overall & Best Hitch Bike Rack

Kuat Sherpa 2.0

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is the best hitch rack for SUVs and cars due to multiple reasons. This powder coat finish bike rack only weighs 32lb which makes it lightweight as compared to most platform hitch mount racks. It is available in 1.25” and 2” hitch sizes and has a two-bike capacity with each bike weighing, not more than 40 lbs. The adjustable ratchet arm and foot-assisted pivot system make it user-friendly and convenient i.e., one of the many reasons Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is rated the best bike carrier. 

This rack is also rated high for its security features. It comes with cable locks that are long enough to go through the wheels of bikes. Sherpa 2.0 is present in three different color looks which makes it more aesthetically pleasing with various cars. Another reason it rates better than Thule Easyfold is the impressive response from customers. With around 95% of customers satisfied with the bike rack, it leaves it scoring the highest among bike racks. 
In our review of Sherpa and EasyFold, Sherpa earns higher R scores for customer satisfaction, aesthetics, and value for money. Although both Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Thule Easyfold have a 2-bike capacity, Sherpa has a slightly higher value for money. It is still quite expensive as compared to some other bike racks and even some 4-6 bike racks cost less than Sherpa. Still, we believe that there is no better option than to travel with two bikes. It is our best bike rack for rav4, Toyota highlander, and multiple other SUVs as well.

2nd Best Hitch Bike Rack

Thule EasyFold

Thule Easyfold is the 2^nd best hitch bike rack for SUVs in our review. Like Sherpa 2.0 it has a capacity of two bikes but unlike Sherpa, each bike can weigh up to 65lb which means that you can use it for heavier bikes. But the reason Easyfold is not rated as the top best bike rack is the slightly higher price for the same bike capacity and lower customer satisfaction in contrast to Sherpa. Yet it has some remarkable features, and we recommend it for many cars.

Thule EasyFold has a pedal tilt that allows you to access the trunk of the car even when it is loaded with both bikes. Thanks to its higher load capacity, it is compatible with most bikes including e-bikes. It also contains a loading ramp which makes loading heavier bikes, such as heavy mountain bikes, even more convenient. This loading ramp can be folded after use, in fact, the whole rack can be folded into a very compact size. You can carry it as a briefcase because a carry handle is also installed.

Like most Thule bike racks, EasyFold also contains torque-limiting knobs. It is available in both 1.25” and 2” hitch sizes and like Sherpa, EasyFold also accommodates tire widths up to 3″. The rack has high-end locks to secure the rack to the car and the bikes to the bike rack. But its heavy weight, high price, and comparatively lower customer satisfaction make it the 2nd best hitch mount rack. Thule Easyfold weighs 44lb and 86% of customers find it useful which is great but not comparable to the customer satisfaction of Kuat Sherpa 2.0. Still, if you are looking for the best rack, we recommend you check with EasyFold and especially if you own e-bikes or other heavy bikes. 

Complete comparison: Sherpa 2.0 vs EasyFold XT

Best trunk bike rack for Cars

Allen 104 Deluxe

Allen 104 Deluxe is hands down the best trunk bike rack for cars. This bike rack for SUVs, sedans, or hatchback cars is the easiest to install thanks to its fully assembled design. It has a capacity of up to 4 bikes. other versions include 2 and 3 bike racks. Like most trunk bike racks, it is mounted with integrated straps. But this rack has additional lateral straps for enhanced stability.

Allen 104 Deluxe has a design that is easily compatible with many vehicles such as the 2022 Toyota Prius and 4runner, Ford Escape, and Cadillac. Since it has thick padding, it does not leave any scratches on the rear of the car. The best thing regarding trunk racks is that they are light in weight as compared to hitch bike racks. Deluxe 104 weighs only 18 pounds which means an individual can install it easily, but it is still heavier than other trunk-mount bike racks. You can load 4 bikes, but the load should not exceed 140 lbs.

Allen 104 Deluxe is only available in black color and has long mounting arms because of multiple cradles. That is fine but the rack is not foldable, so even when the bikes are not loaded the long arms stay upright and because it looks odd most people would prefer to uninstall it every time after use.

That said, Allen 104 Deluxe is the best bike rack if you don’t desire to spend a lot for a multi-bike rack on market. It costs only around $105. This shows a high value for money since it has all the essential features a trunk bike rack is expected to include. But there is no way to lock the bikes to the rack, or the rack to the car which is justified if we consider the low price. Yet it’s the best trunk bike rack for cars without a hitch.

Complete comparison: Best trunk bike racks Read rack review: Allen 104 Deluxe

Best Trunk Bike Rack for SUV

Saris Bones

We loved Saris Bones for its impressively high compatibility with different types of vehicles and it is no doubt the best trunk bike rack for SUVs. It can even be used for most cars with a spoiler and that is very rear if to find in a trunk bike rack. It has 2 and 3-bike capacity with 70 and 105-lb load capacity. Saris Bones trunk mount rack is lighter in weight with only 12lb which makes it easier to install. Even though it’s light in weight the structure is strong and quite durable.

Saris Bones racks secure the bikes with the help of ratcheting anti-sway straps. Among the trunk bike racks that we have reviewed, Saris Bones is the best rack in terms of aesthetics. It has a unique design with injection-molded arms and the cradles are arranged in such a way that bikes are separated at different levels and do not come in contact. 

Saris Bones has an edge over Allen 104 Deluxe that its arms are foldable and this enables users to leave it on the trunk. But Deluxe 104 can accommodate a maximum of 4 bikes and has a higher value for money as compared to Saris with double the price but a lesser number of bikes. Also, it is not compatible with women’s and beach bikes, and only 83% of customers are satisfied while Deluxe has a better response. Despite its lower rating as compared to Deluxe, we highly recommend Saris Bones, especially as the best trunk bike rack for SUVs.

Read review: Saris Bones

Comparison Article: Best bike rack for hatchbacks

Best bike rack for a hatchback

Thule Raceway

We recommend Thule Raceway to anyone looking for the best bike rack for a hatchback. And there are many reasons for this recommendation. Like always, Thule impressed us with Raceway especially due to its compatibility with various hatchback vehicles. It has the FitDial which makes it adjustable for most cars. Thule Raceway would be the best rack for you if you own 2 or 3 bikes and want to carry them along. 

Although it is a bit difficult to install as compared to Saris Bones, because it weighs almost double at 23.4 lbs, it is quite simple to use. The rack is built with high-quality material and has a plastic body. This hanging-style bike rack can be folded when not in use which means you can easily store it and like the Saris bike rack you can fold the arms when the bikes are unloaded. But you should only buy it if you are okay without the access to hatch because it will not allow that. 

The cradles on Raceway are built with road-dampening technology and they are compatible with different geometries of bikes. But these cradles are not well spaced so your bikes might come in contact. Thule Raceway completely secures the bikes to the rack and rack to the bike thanks to SureTight ratcheting locking cables which makes it the best bike rack for a hatchback. 

Read review: Thule Raceway

Best 4 bike hitch rack

Saris Superclamp EX 4

If you are looking for the best 4 bike rack for SUVs, that does not substantially extend the length of the vehicle and provides a noise-free traveling experience, then there are chances Saris designed the Superclamp EX 4 for you. Unlike Sherpa 2.0 and EasyFold, Superclamp comes in both, two and four-bike versions. Superclamp EX 2 works with 1 ¼ and 2-inch receivers while EX 4 only works fine with a 2-inch receiver. This platform-style hitch rack, like others of its kind, prevents any frame contact and is the best bike rack for 4 expensive bikes.

Most multi-bike racks such as Allen Deluxe extend the overall length of the vehicle which makes driving a bit difficult. But Superclamp has such a compact profile even with loaded bikes, that it does not look hefty. Also, the bikes are arranged in minimum space, but they are so firmly secured that there is no wobbling or rattling noise. Folding and unfolding this rack is made easier by a push bar. Still, Superclamp lags behind Sherpa 2.0 or EasyFold on aesthetics.  

Superclamp can accommodate different size bikes but adjusting them on the wheel trays can give you a hard time. Also, the shepherd’s hooks on arm require that bikes be aligned perfectly, so you might find it tough to adjust adult and kids’ bikes together but still, it is not impossible. The 4-bike version can carry a total load of 190 lbs but make sure that the outer 2 bikes do not weigh more than 35lb each. The rack has locking cables for securing the bikes. The 4-bike version costs around $1000 and since it has a high capacity and also comes with integrated locks, we believe that it has a high value for money and without a doubt, rate it as the best hitch mount 4-bike rack for SUVs.

Complete comparison: Best 4 bike hitch rack Read review: Saris Superclamp EX 4

Best Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Traveller XC2 Swagman Racks

According to our review, Traveller XC2 Swagman Rack is the best trailer hitch bike rack and it is a 2-in-1 deal because it can be attached with the RV bumper or a hitch. This versatility makes it stand out among all RV-approved bike racks. It is also compatible with most trailers and camper sizes. It fits the standard 2-inch Class 3 size hitch or 4-4.5 inches-tall RV bumpers. But unlike Superclamp, it only carries 2 bikes, and they should weigh not more than 35lb each. 

The Swagman Traveller accommodates most bikes with 20 to 29 inches wheel size but some unique geometries such as cruiser-style or step-through bikes would require you to buy the Swagman’s Bar Adapter. This hitch mount rack is compact and lightweight (36lb) as compared to most hitch racks. It can be folded into an even more compact shape when not in use. 

It is among our best bike racks for trailers and RVs because of its versatility and ease of use. From installation to loading bikes, operating this rack is a piece of cake. It comes in a single unit so it will not waste your time with the complicated assembly. But as compared to Superclamp, the per-bike cost is higher and at this price, they should at least include the hitch pin and bike locking cable. Yet its adjustability, compatibility, rust-free structure, and ratcheting arms, make it the best trailer hitch bike rack. 

Complete comparison: Best Trailer Hitch Bike Rack

Best bike rack for Truck bed

Yakima Tailgate

We recommend Yakima Tailgate as the best bike rack for truck beds. The tailgate pads have numerous advantages such as high bike carrying capacity, minimalist design, compatibility with most bikes and trucks, tool-free and quick installation, and very little weight. Of all the tailgate pads that we have reviewed so far, the Yakima Tailgate is the finest bike rack. It can be used for accommodating e-bikes, beach cruisers, fat, mountain, road, women’s, and kids’ bikes. You can even haul your tandem bike if your truck bed size allows it. The maximum capacity of the Yakima Tailgate pad is 6 bikes, and it is available in black and cascade blue shades. 

It might be the most useful bike rack for truck beds if you do not want to spend on a hitch receiver. You can get the 6-bike version at under $200 which makes it quite cost-effective as compared to Superclamp which is a multi-bike hitch rack and costs around $1000. But unlike Superclamp, Yakima Tailgate does not have any locking cables or any other locking mechanism. Otherwise, it is a perfectly durable bike rack with a HindSight flap allowing back camera clearance and a waterproof exterior. 

Installation of this bike rack is the easiest due to the integrated strap system and the tailgate paint is protected thanks to the soft inner lining. Since the older model contained Velcro straps to secure bikes, customers complained about low quality and Yakima introduced the new model with G-hooks. Unlike other racks, the tailgate pad does not increase the overall length or height of the vehicle and around 91% of the users are satisfied with it. 

Complete comparison: Best bike rack for truck bed Read review: Yakima Tailgate

Best Roof Bike Rack

Thule TopRide

Thule TopRide effortlessly secures the best roof bike rack recommendation according to our review. This fork-mount bike rack for SUVs and other vehicles is versatile because it works for both quick-release and thru-axle bikes. TopRide comes with adapters for 9mm captive, 12x100mm, 12x110mm, 15x100mm, and 15x110mm axles.

However, if you own a 20x110mm thru-axle bike, you can get a separate adapter. It is also compatible with disc brakes and carbon frames. A problem with roof bike racks for SUVs is that you have to lift the bike but other than that, you can easily mount the bike on TopRide and proper mounting can be confirmed by dint of a green indicator and click sound. 

Unlike hitch and trunk bike racks, TopRide does not increase the length of the vehicle so you can drive and park easily. Thule TopRide also contains the AcuTight knob so you would know when your quick-release bike will be securely mounted. You can also secure the rack and bike by using two locks, but they are sold separately. The bike can be quickly and easily removed with the help of the release lever.

Although loading and unloading bikes on roof bike racks is a bit difficult and they experience wind resistance, still Thule TopRide is the best roof bike because of its high compatibility with bikes and high-end user-friendly features.

Complete comparison: Best Roof Bike Rack

Best E-bike Rack for SUV

Vibrelli bike rack

If you are looking for an E-bike Rack for SUV or a Fat bike rack up to 5 inches that attach to a 2-inch receiver, the Vibrelli bike rack offers a bundle of features at an affordable price. Vibrelli is a new brand that offers a 10-year manufacturing warranty and this specific bike rack has a patented anti-wobble design which helps reduce unwanted sway and wobbling.

Overall the Vibrelli bike rack scores a good 8.5 on the overall rack score with its triple levels of security and tilts feature. The major limitation we observed compared to a premium rack is the contact the bike rack has with the bike frame for which the company has provided soft frame clamps. Other than that since Ebikes are heavy we would appreciate it if Vibrelli added a feature that allowed the bikes to be loaded without picking them up.

Racks with the best features

Tilt away feature in hitch bike racks

Some hitch bike racks have the tilt away feature that would let you access the rear of your car. For example, if you need to open the hatch or trunk of your car, you can just tilt away the rack so that it lowers at an angle. If you must travel along with your luggage, you will need to access the back of your car and for that, we suggest that you look for the tilt-away feature in the best bike racks.

If you own only one bike and we recommend Kuat single bike hitch rack. Its tilt-away feature is very easy to use. There is a foot-operated lever below the bike. You can tilt the whole assembly by pulling the bike towards you while pushing the lever. But if you are looking for a 4 bike hitch rack, we would recommend Deluxe 4 Bike Rack from Allen, Yakima ridgeback, or Saris Superclamp EX 4 hitch mount racks. All of these would allow you to tilt even when they are loaded with bikes. Yakima Hangover also has a tilt away feature, but you can only get it if you own suspension fork bikes and you do not have any issue hanging them. But this rack can only be tilted when the bikes are not mounted.

Swing away bike rack

Although the tilting feature is beneficial, a more convenient way to access the rear of the car is by the swing-away feature of a bike rack. This feature is not very common and there are very few bike racks in the market that swing away to allow you to access the cargo. You just have to remove a pin and the rack separates from the trunk just like a pivoting arm. For this, you will not have to unload the bikes which means that you can even have access to the rear of your car if you stop midway during your road trip. 

If you are exploring bike racks with a swing-away feature, you can go for the Thule Apex or Thule Vertex Swing Away bike rack for SUVs and other vehicles. Both racks can carry up to four bikes. The table below shows how they are different from each other. 

What is the difference between apex and vertex swing-away hitch racks?
Features	Thule Apex	Thule Vertex
Maximum bikes	4	4
Hitch receiver	2″	2″
Hitch lock	Included	No
Bike lock	Included	Included
Weight	42 lb	42 lb
Load Capacity	37.5 lb	35 lb
Distance between bikes	7 inches	5.5 inches

Yakima’s FullSwing also has a swing-away feature. This hitch bike rack can carry up to four bikes and you can swing it away even with the bikes loaded. The bikes are secured to the bike rack so there is no need to worry about the rattling bikes. 

Ease of bike rack assembly 

In present times, no one has time for the complicated assembly of bike racks. When looking for the best bike racks, you can look for single-configuration racks for easier installation. Moreover, heavy bike racks are difficult to install and you might need help from another individual that is why we recommend lightweight racks. 

Among the trunk bike racks that we have reviewed so far, Saris Solo is the easiest 1 bike rack in terms of installation because it is fully assembled and weighs only 2 pounds. Other single configuration trunk bike racks for multiple bikes include Schwinn 2 bike rack that weighs 7 pounds, 12 pounds Saris Bones 3 bike rack, and 12 pounds Allen Sports Premier for 4 bikes. If you’re looking for a lightweight rack for your truck bed, you can get the Delta Pro Lock which only weighs 0.84 pounds. 

But if you are looking for a hitch bike rack for SUV, you should be ready for heavier builds because even one bike racks are not as light as a trunk bike rack. The lightest hitch rack that we have reviewed so far for 1 bike is the Yakima single-speed 1-bike hitch rack that weighs 20 pounds. Allen Sports Deluxe hitch mount rack is the lightest 4 bike rack. 

No frame contact bike rack

Some bike racks grip the bike from the frame and can leave scratches on bikes. If you have valuable expensive bikes, you would not want to take this risk. Other bike racks hold the bikes through wheels and they are safer.  Hitch and roof and roof bike racks are usually built in a way that there is no frame contact. 

Some roof bike racks are fork-mount such as TopRide while some are wheel mount such as UpRide. This prevents any contact with the frame of the bike. Most hitch bike racks are built to prevent frame contact with bikes. They usually hold the bikes through wheels such as Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Thule EasyFold for two bikes, and Hollywood Destination and Superclamp EX for four bikes. 

Foldable bike rack for car

Although bike racks make it easier for you to travel along with your bike(s), some of them are heavy or a bit tricky to install. So most of the racks can be left on installed on the vehicle even so you don’t have to waste your time before each road trip with bikes. If you travel frequently, a foldable bike rack for SUVs would be the best for you.

These racks can be folded to some extent and then you can leave them mounted on the vehicle. In this way, you can save space when the rack is not in use and when you want to want to load bikes, you can easily unfold it. Saris Bones trunk bike racks, Thule Gateway and Passage allow users to fold the cradle arms when not in use. 

Foldable bike racks also make storage easier. For example, Thule EasyFold and Saris Superclamp EX can be fully folded into a compact shape, and then you can keep them in your garage unless you have to load your bikes.