If you are fond of biking, having a quality bike rack is a must. It allows you to join cycling tours wherever you travel. However, bike racks are available in many sizes and styles, which may make it difficult for you to select the best one.
Check out my top 14 best bike racks for SUV below. Scroll down to find a detailed buying guide as well.
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What Are The 14 Best Bike Racks for SUV In 2021 To Buy?
Before scrolling down to know the top 14 best bike racks for SUV, make sure you know your needs and preferences to pick the most suitable one. And if you are ready, take a look now!
- Best Overall – MaxxHaul 70210 Bike Rack
“All-steel construction; Improved support bracket for added stability; Built-in reflector; Padded and adjustable bike cradle; Four-bike capacity.”
- Best Budget – Allen 102DN-R Bike Rack
“Affordable price; Patented tie-down system; Nylon straps with plastic buckles; Two side straps; Limited lifetime warranty.”
- Best For Versatility – Swagman XC2 Bike Rack
“Lightweight and foldable design; Upright ratchet arms; Built in anti-wobble hitch; Soft frame-friendly coating.”
- Best For Families – Allen Sports Bike Rack
“Family-friendly four-bike carrier; Affordable price; 22 inch long folding carry arms; Individual Tie-Down System; Tilt-away main mast.”
- Best For Adjustment – MAXXHAUL 50027 Bike Rack
“Unique and effective hook design adjustments; Adjustable rubber straps; Two foam-padded hooks; 2″ x 2″ hitch bar.”
- Best For Portability – Allen Premier Bike Rack
“Lightweight and portable; Patented quick snap set up design; Individual dual compound tie down cradles; Extra-large car pads.”
- Best Lightweight – Allen Ultra Bike Rack
“Patented ultra compact folding design; Dual compound cradles; Padded spine; Nylon carry bag included.”
- Best For Stability – YAKIMA RidgeBack Bike Rack
“Outstanding stability; Upper Hand lever; Zero-hassle ZipStrips; Anti-sway cradle; Four-bike capacity.”
- Best For The Environment – Saris Bones Bike Rack
“Environmentally-friendly non-rusting composite material; Arc-based design; Injection-molded arms and legs; Rubberized feet.”
- Best For Ease of Use – Thule Apex XT Bike Rack
“7″ of space between bikes; Integrated cable lock; Built-in anti-sway cradle; Dual folding arms; HitchSwitch lever for rear access.”
- Best with 3 bikes: Allen 103DN-R Bike Rack
“15″ Long Carry Arms; Patented individual tie-down system; Patented Sure Strap bottom straps; Lifetime warranty.”
- Best with 2 bikes: MAXXHAUL 50025 Bike Rack
“Sturdy alloy steel construction; All-steel hitch adapter; Built-in locking knob; Swing back feature for rear access; Padded column.”
“Affordable price; A single configuration design; Twelve-inch long carry arms; Limited lifetime warranty.”
“Rubber bike cradles; EPDM rubber straps; Adjustment tubs; Affordable price; Fully assembled.”
Best Bike Racks For SUV In 2021 Comparison Chart
Before digging in the reviews section, take a quick look at the best bike racks for SUV comparison chart to get an overall view.
Top 14 Best Bike Racks For SUV In 2021
Now, let’s get deeper into the top 14 best bike racks for SUV by reading the reviews.
Best Overall: MaxxHaul 70210 Bike Rack 
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting steel construction
- Padded and adjustable bike cradle
- Reflector included for added safety
- Easy access to rear of the vehicle
- Four-bike capacity
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Not for RVs and campers
If your family loves cycling and often go on large cycling excursions, this MaxxHaul is the best choice. It offers a great capacity of four bikes and fits most family cars, including SUVs. More notably, it is durable and long lasting, even with frequent use.
What makes it my number one choice is the rigid steel construction with powder coat finish to resist rust. Rest assured that the bike carrier can accompany your families for a long time to come.
More excitingly, the manufacturer not only protects the rack itself but also the bikes it is carrying. To be specific, the bike cradle is padded to make sure the bike finish stays intact against direct contact with the carry arm.
Besides, the cradle is adjustable with hooks and loop traps to fit a wide range of bike frames and sizes. I also love that it includes a reflector for added safety.
Another notable feature worth mentioning is the swing down function, which allows easy access to the rear of the vehicle.
If there is anything to complain about, it must be the fact that the MaxxHaul rack does not support RVs, campers and fifth wheels.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 4-bike/150lb |
| Dimensions | 32.99 x 10 x 5.98 inches |
| Weight | 25 Pounds |
Key Features
- All-steel construction
- Improved support bracket for added stability
- Built-in reflector
Best Budget: Allen 102DN-R Bike Rack
Pros
- Low price tag
- Lightweight and foldable
- Easy to install and use
- Backed by Allen’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited capacity
- No security features
If you have a tight budget and just want a basic bike rack, this Allen Sports Deluxe 2 is the ideal option. It is a bare-bones trunk rack for those who are on the tightest of budget.
Its simple patented tie-down design offers great ease of use. To be specific, loading and unloading bicycles from this carrier is relatively easy with a low loading height. It can hold two bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 70 lbs.
The rack uses nylon straps with plastic buckles to secure the bikes placed on the cradles. There is no need to remove the front wheel for transport, which is a huge bonus. However, these straps tend to loosen overtime.
It is also disappointing that this Deluxe 2 rack boasts no security features to secure the bicycles against theft.
To make up for that, this bike rack is pre-assembled and ready to use out of the box. It is lightweight and more notably, folds up very small to save you some storage space when not in use.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 2 bike/ 70 lb |
| Dimensions | 23.03 x 13.58 x 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 Pounds |
Key Features
- Patented tie-down system
- Two side straps
- Fully assembled
Best For Versatility: Swagman XC2 Bike Rack
Pros
- Highly versatile to accommodate many bikes
- Lightweight and space-saving
- Improved stability for bikes
- Affordable price
Cons
- No security features
I am highly impressed with the overall versatility of the Swagman XC2 hitch mounted bike rack. It is adjustable to fit a wide array of bike, wheel, and tire sizes. The wheel trays are compatible with up to 3.5-inch tire widths and from 20 – 29 inches wheel sizes. The suitable wheelbases range from 15 to 52 inches.
Another notable thing is the improved stability that the XC2 offers. Thanks to the hooks and wheel cradles along with the anti-wobble hitch, your bikes will not sway from side to side when you drive.
The rack makes it hassle-free for anyone to load and unload bikes with a low loading height. Also, it is lightweight and folds up small for storage.
Its grip arms do protect your bike frames from damage. However, it still lacks security features against theft. You need to buy a locking hitch pin and cable to prevent your bikes from being stolen.
The main disadvantage that prevents many people from buying this rack is its limited capacity. It can only transport up to two bikes at a time, which is not enough for family use.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 2-bike/ 35 lbs. per bike |
| Dimensions | 5 x 34 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 12.7 Kilograms |
Key Features
- Upright ratchet arms
- Built in anti-wobble hitch
- Improved soft frame-friendly coating
Best For Families: Allen Sports Bike Rack
Pros
- Affordable price for a 4-bike capacity
- Lightweight and low loading height
- Space-saving design when not in use
Cons
- Assembly required
- No security features
The Allen Sports hitch-mount rack is a family friendly solution that your family will love. It can keep up to four bikes while costing much less than other products with the same capacity. As an added perk, it is super lightweight and easy for an adult to take on and off without help.
This carry arm is designed to accommodate a wide variety of frame sizes and designs, from road, standard to hybrid adult and kid bikes. Regarding the wheel size, it fits bikes with 20’’ and larger wheels. The ones smaller than 20’’ have a short frame that cannot fit inside the carrier.
To increase the further appeal, the Deluxe 4 is easy to install. Once assembled, the carry slides into a 2’’ hitch receiver with ease.
However, holding the bikes by the top tube of the frame reduces its overall versatility. You may find it difficult to attach full suspension mountain bikes or unique frames on this Allen Deluxe 4. In addition, the lack of security features is a major drawback.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 4 Bike/ 140 LB |
| Dimensions | 26.38 x 12.2 x 13.98 inches |
| Weight | 23 Pounds |
Key Features
- 22 inch long folding carry arms
- Individual Tie-Down System
- Tilt-away main mast for easy rear access
Best For Adjustment: MAXXHAUL 50027 Bike Rack
Pros
- Unique and effective adjustments
- Rubber straps and hooks included
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Limited capacity
Although it is not the best overall today, the MAXXHAUL 50027 is totally worth your consideration. It offers unique hook design adjustments, which aid in accommodating different bike frames for safe transport. More specifically, the rack can fit bikes with 20″ to 26″ wheel sizes.
In addition, the rack allows adjustments along horizontal bars using quick knobs for more convenience.
Your bikes are well-protected against scratches thanks to two foam-padded hooks. There are rubber straps for added stability and prevention of bike-to-bike contact, especially on bumpy roads.
This MAXXHAUL platform bike rack is equipped with a 2″ x 2″ hitch bar for use by SUV’s, trucks, and sedans with 2″ hitch receiver.
There is little to complain about this rack, except for the fact that it is not a family-friendly solution. It carries only two bikes at maximum, which is somewhat limited.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 2-bike/80lb |
| Dimensions | 31.5 x 11.5 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 32.9 pounds |
Key Features
- Unique hook designs adjustments
- Adjustable rubber straps
- Two foam-padded hooks
Best For Portability: Allen Premier Bike Rack
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Easy to install and use
- Durable straps to keep the bikes stable
- Fully assembled out of the box
- Affordable price
Cons
This is another Allen Sport product that you should take into account if you want a portable model. The Premier is really small and lightweight. When you are not carrying your bikes on your SUV, you can fold up the rack and fit it inside the back of your car.
Installing the carrier is easy as it opens up and snaps into place easily with two spring-loaded clips. There are five durable straps to keep your bikes in place and rubber mounts to protect their finishes. Meanwhile, the red ends on the mounts are meant to prevent anyone from running into the car and damaging the rack.
You will also appreciate how affordable the rack is. It comes at a low price point that saves you some bucks to spend on bikes instead. But the limited 2-bike capacity may be a minus.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 2 bike/ 70 lb |
| Dimensions | 23.62 x 13.58 x 4.72 inches |
| Weight | N/A |
Key Features
- Patented quick snap set up design
- Individual dual compound tie down cradles
- Extra-large car pads
Best Lightweight: Allen Ultra Bike Rack
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- Nylon carry bag included
- Padded spine for more security
Cons
- 1-bike capacity
This Allen Sport trunk mount is an ultra-lightweight and compact carrier, which offers all benefits of Allen’s patented design. It allows you to fold the rack down to a size smaller than a shoe box. What’s more, the manufacturer even provides a nylon carry bag along with the rack for easy storage when not in use.
Another notable feature is the padded spine meant to protect your bicycles on the go and to keep the bicycles away from your SUV. Both your bikes and your vehicle can stay safe from scratches due to direct contact.
Like other racks from the same brand, this one uses the individual tie-down system to secure the bikes and fits a wide range of bike frames. It is fully assembled out of the box for easy installation.
Before making any decision, note that this is a 1-bike carrier.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 1 Bike/ 35 LB |
| Dimensions | 14.37 x 7.28 x 3.54 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 Kilograms |
Key Features
- Patented ultra compact folding design
- Dual compound cradles
- Padded spine to protect bicycles
Best For Stability: YAKIMA RidgeBack Bike Rack
Pros
- Outstanding stability
- Lightweight and portable
- Four-bike capacity
- Incredibly easy and quick to install
Cons
- Not for women’s and kid’s bikes
The YAKIMA Ridgeback is an outstanding bike carrier when it comes to stability. It features an anti-sway design as well as an innovative tilting lever, which keeps your bikes stable and reduces bike-to-bike contact, even when you are driving on bumpy roads.
As an added perk, this hitch rack is designed to hold a whopping four bikes at maximum, making it ideal for family outings. It works best with bikes featuring a standard horizontal top tube rather than small frames or sloping down tubes.
Installation is a breeze with this YAKIMA bike carrier. It is already assembled right out of the box, and the locking SpeedKnob allows you to attach the rack to your SUV in no time. On arrival, you can fold it flat for easy storage.
However, I do not recommend this bike rack for anyone who needs to carry either women’s or kid’s bikes.
Product Specs
| Material | N/A |
| Capacity | 4 bikes |
| Dimensions | 44.00 in x W 12.00 in x H 16.00 in |
| Weight | 32.00 lbs |
Key Features
- Upper Hand lever
- Zero-hassle ZipStrips for security
- Anti-sway cradle
Best For The Environment: Saris Bones Bike Rack
Pros
- Environmentally-friendly bike rack
- Non-rusting composite material
- Easy to attach and use
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No security features
- A bit expensive
The Saris Bones 2 is easily the best bike rack for the environment on the market since it is made out of 100% recyclable material. As an added perk, its material is solid and non-rusting, which means you do not have to worry about moisture and rain damaging the product after a few uses.
It can comfortably hold two bikes of all types and keep them safe on all road conditions. However, it holds bikes using the top tube with three plastic straps like the Allen Sports hitch mount rack. This method is ideal for carrying bikes with traditional frame and horizontal top tubes only.
In other words, if you need to transport bikes with an abnormally shaped frame, look elsewhere.
The Bones 2 does not require any assembly. You can use it right out of the box by attaching to your vehicle.
Overall, this Saris Bones is a decent option for environmentalists. But I find it somewhat expensive for such a basic rack without bells and whistles.
Product Specs
| Material | Composite |
| Capacity | 2-bike/70lb |
| Dimensions | 30 x 8 x 30 inches |
| Weight | 4 Kilograms |
Key Features
- Arc-based design
- Injection-molded arms and legs
- Rubberized feet
Best For Ease of Use: Thule Apex XT Bike Rack
Pros
- More space between bikes
- Less loading time
- Secure locking mechanisms
- Low profile when folded
Cons
- Quite difficult to configure
What makes the Thule Apex XT stand out is the fact that it provides 7″ of space between four bikes, more than most bikes in today’s list. More space means greater ease of use as you can load bikes on and off the rack more effortlessly. Also, the bikes are less likely to come in contact with others and cause damage.
Also, the anti-sway design and ratcheting straps are easy to use and move out of the way, which reduces the overall loading time. But like any hanging rack, it is more difficult to configure than a platform rack.
The Apex XT boasts a cable to keep bikes secure on the go, whereas the carrier itself locks onto the hitch to prevent theft. Not all racks offer such locking mechanisms, and I highly appreciate that Thule does.
There are two folding points on this rack, with one at the top and the other at the base. Once folded, it has a low profile that saves much space.
Product Specs
| Material | Metal |
| Capacity | 4-bike/150lb |
| Dimensions | 42.1 x 11 x 37 inches |
| Weight | 35 Pounds |
Key Features
- Integrated cable lock
- Built-in anti-sway cradle
- Dual folding arms
- HitchSwitch lever for rear access
Allen 103DN-R Bike Rack
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Fully assembled out of the box
- Backed by Allen’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- No security features
There are not many differences between the Allen Sports Deluxe 102DN and 103DN, except for the loading capacity. As you can see, this model can carry up to three bikes at a time with a weight limit of 100 lbs.
Other features stay the same. To be specific, this bike rack features individual tie-down cradles along with side straps to secure the bikes. Its patented design fits a wide range of bicycle sizes and styles, while being compatible with sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs.
Allen Sports covers this product with a limited lifetime warranty to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase. Therefore, you can be confident in giving it a try.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 3 bike/ 100 lb |
| Dimensions | 28.35 x 14.17 x 4.33 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 Kilograms |
Key Features
- 15″ Long Carry Arms
- Patented individual tie-down system
- Patented Sure Strap bottom straps
MAXXHAUL 50025 Bike Rack
Pros
- Sturdy alloy steel construction
- Fit a wide range of vehicles with the hitch adapter
- Padded column to protect the bikes
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Not foldable
This model is almost identical to the MAXXHAUL 50027 bike rack, with a slightly higher weight limit at 100lb. However, the number of bikes for carrying is the same. So if you need to transport two heavy bikes that weigh more than 80 lbs, consider the 50025 instead of 50027.
It guarantees to offer a long-lasting service with a sturdy construction of alloy steel. In addition, it comes with an all-steel hitch adapter for installation on 1-1/4″ or 2″ hitch receivers. Your SUV will surely work with this product.
Like the 50027, the bike carrier is equipped with a padded column to prevent bike scratches. Also, it features a built-in knob to reduce wobble and keep the bikes stable during transport.
The only downside is that the MAXXHAUL 50025 does not fold down, which means it may take some space in your garage.
Product Specs
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Capacity | 2-bike/100lb |
| Dimensions | 35 x 8.8 x 5.2 inches |
| Weight | 14.5 Pounds |
Key Features
- All-steel hitch adapter
- Built-in locking knob
- Swing back feature for rear access
Allen 102DB Bike Rack
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to install and use
- Affordable price
- Backed by limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- No side straps
- No security features
This model belongs to the same series as the Allen Sports Deluxe 2 102DN. However, it lacks the side straps for improved stability. Apart from the additional straps, there is no difference between the 102DB and 102DN regarding the set of features.
Like the 102DN, this one features a tie-down design, which makes loading bikes a breeze with a low loading height. There are nylon straps and buckles to keep the bikes in place, and you can transport two bikes with the 102DB trunk mount carrier.
This Allen Sports is also available at a competitive price. No surprise that the drawbacks remain the same without any improvement. It still lacks security features against theft.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Capacity | 2-bike |
| Dimensions | 23 x 15 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 8 Pounds |
Key Features
- A single configuration design
- Twelve-inch long carry arms
Hollywood Express Bike Rack
Pros
- Fit most vehicles with adjustment hubs
- Great stability with six straps
- Easy to assemble and use
Cons
- Not for heavy bikes
Are you looking for an affordable 3-bike trunk rack? Look no further than this Hollywood Express bike rack. It fits most vehicles with adjustment tubs and six attachment straps to keep the bikes secure. Meanwhile, the soft rubber cradles will protect the coating finishes of the carrying bikes.
When properly installed, the rack is really strong and reliable. It has foam to cover all areas where it will come in contact with the paint on your car, so rest assured that your SUV is well-protected.
Like most ergonomic racks on the list, it comes fully pre-assembled and folds flat for easy storage when not in use.
This Hollywood rack is covered with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can give it a try if you want.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel ; Aluminum |
| Capacity | 2-bike/70lb |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 5.4 x 30.4 inches |
| Weight | 10 Pounds |
Key Features
- Rubber bike cradles
- EPDM rubber straps
Buying Guide
Types of Bike Racks
I will discuss four types of bike racks that fit SUVs below.
Hitch Mount Bike Racks
As mentioned above, hitch mount is one of the most popular types of bike racks for SUVs. It makes loading and unloading bikes on and off the vehicle easy as pie. Depending on the specific model, a hitch mount carrier can hold from two to five bikes at a time.
Although it is not as versatile as a roof rack, a hitch mount rack can make your vehicle more aerodynamic in the wind and save much gas.
Strap-on Trunk Racks
Trunk racks are an ideal option if your vehicle does not have a hitch receiver. Strap-on trunk racks are lightweight and easy to set up, but they cannot carry many bikes at a time. Typically, this type of rack is designed to carry only one or two bikes maximum.
However, trunk mount bike racks are not the safest since most of them only use nylon straps or cables to secure the bike. Also, using strap-on trunk racks means you cannot access the rear door with the installed rack.
Spare Tire Bike Racks
If you only need to carry one or two bikes, and your SUV already carries a rear spare tire, consider spare tire bike carriers. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to install. In addition, using a spare tire rack minimizes the chance of damaging your car since there is no direct contact between the bikes and the vehicle.
On the negative side, you will have to remove tire covers, and the suspended bikes may sway from side to side when you are driving.
Roof Mounted Bike Racks
A roof rack is really versatile; it not only carries bikes but any other cargo you want. However, using roof mounted racks means you have to lift the bikes up over your head, which is not an easy task for the faint-hearted.
Besides, pay attention to the height restrictions if you drive with bicycles on the roof.
Number of Bikes
Consider how many bikes you want to carry to pick the suitable bike rack for your SUV. roof mounted and hitch mount racks can carry up to five bikes, while trunk carriers are designed for one to two bikes only.
Anti-rust
Make sure you invest in an anti-rust bike rack if you have to drive through the rains or near the beach. Doing so will ensure your racks offer a long-lasting service.
Rear Access
You should look for a rack that does not block the rear view. Having rear access also allows you to access the rear luggage with ease.
Fit Level
Before you buy any rack, it is important to check the fitting specifications to ensure the rack will fit your SUV model.
Easy Storage
As mentioned above, you should remove the bike rack when not in use. Therefore, make sure your house has enough space to store it. But if you decide to leave the rack on your vehicle permanently, I recommend a foldable one for more convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to improve the life of a bike rack?
There are many tips for maintaining the quality of your bike rack. For example, remove the rack when not in use and wash it by hand instead of leaving it to an automatic car wash. Make sure you check for damage regularly to repair it in time.
How many types of bike racks?
The exact number depends on the criteria you use to categorize the bike racks. Generally, bike racks are divided into three distinct categories, namely roof bike racks, hitch-mount racks, and strap-on trunk racks.
What is the maximum number of bikes for bike racks?
Again, it depends on the specific type of bike carriers. A hitch bike rack can carry up to five bikes safely, while most rear-mounted racks are designed to hold a maximum of two bikes only. Check the manual that comes with the rack to know the maximum weight and recommended number of bikes it can hold.
What is the best type of bike rack?
There is no such thing as the best type of bike rack. Each has its own pros and cons, Ann you should spend time investigating and choosing the most suitable one for your vehicle and your needs.
Do bike racks damage your car?
As it is in direct contact with your car, a bike rack can cause scratches and damage the vehicle coatings. Also, if not properly locked, the bikes mounted to the rack may sway and cause damages.
Do trunk bike racks work on SUVs?
Yes of course. Trunk-mounted bike carriers are compatible with many different kinds of vehicles, and SUVs are no exception. It is much easier to install trunk bike racks if your SUV has a spoiler.
Do I have to drill holes in my car for bike racks?
It depends, but I do not recommend doing so since it can cause damage to your car. Fortunately, modern bike racks often use clips to remove the needs of drilling holes for installation.
Can I replace some parts of my bike racks?
Yes. Many manufacturers offer replacement parts for bike carriers, for example, replacement rubber straps, replacement keys and locks, and so on.
My Top Pick
My favorite pick in today’s list is the MaxxHaul (70210) bike rack. It is a family-friendly carrier with a four-bike capacity. In addition, it keeps your bikes safely and secure with useful security features. Crafted out of sturdy steel, the model will surely offer a long-lasting service, even with frequent use. Highly recommend it!
Have you made up your mind on what to purchase? If not, read the buying guide carefully, jot down your needs as well as preferences, then you will know what you need most. I hope you can pick the right bike rack to enjoy your cycling trip.