Car bike rack: The 10 best models for your 2025 adventure
Exterior & Cargo Gear & Accessories
• By CarRev • 12 min read

Car bike rack: The 10 best models for your 2025 adventure

Let’s be real: the hardest part of a cycling adventure is often just getting your bike there. Trying to cram…

Let’s be real: the hardest part of a cycling adventure is often just getting your bike there. Trying to cram a muddy mountain bike into your car’s back seat is a recipe for greasy stains and a whole lot of frustration. This is where a good car bike rack becomes your new best friend.

A quality bike car rack is the key that unlocks a world of new trails, scenic routes, and unforgettable road trips. It’s the difference between riding the same boring loop around your neighborhood and exploring epic new destinations.

But with so many different types—trunk, hitch, roof—it can feel overwhelming. Which one won’t scratch your car? Which is easiest to use? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This is your simple, no-nonsense guide to the 10 best bike racks for cars in 2025.

Table of Contents

  • Before You Buy: The 3 Main Types of Car Bike Racks
  • The 10 Best Car Bike Racks for Your 2025 Adventures (In-Depth Reviews)
  • How to Install a Bike Rack on Your Car (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
  • Real-Life Use Cases: When a Bike Rack Saves the Day
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before You Buy: The 3 Main Types of Car Bike Racks

Before we get to the specific models, let’s quickly break down the three main styles.

Car bike rack
  1. Trunk-Mounted Racks: These are the most affordable and universal option. They use a system of straps and hooks to attach to your car’s trunk or hatchback. Perfect for occasional use or if you’re on a budget.
  2. Hitch-Mounted Racks: If your car has a hitch receiver, this is the most popular and convenient choice. They slide into the hitch, are super stable, and keep the bikes away from your car’s paint. They come in “hanging” and “platform” styles.
  3. Roof-Mounted Racks: These attach to your car’s roof rack crossbars. They look professional, keep your bikes completely out of the way, and leave your trunk fully accessible.

The 10 Best Car Bike Racks for Your 2025 Adventures (In-Depth Reviews)

Here are our in-depth reviews of the top, best-selling models you can get on Amazon right now.

1. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk-Mounted Rack

Best For: The Budget-Conscious & Occasional Rider This is one of the best-selling trunk racks of all time for a reason: it’s simple, affordable, and it just works. It’s the perfect entry-level rack.

  • Key Features: Carries 2, 3, or 4 bikes; patented single-configuration design; padded frame and side straps for protection.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Incredibly affordable, sets up in seconds. Con: Can make trunk access difficult, may not fit cars with spoilers.
  • Real User Experience: I’ve used this simple Allen rack for years on different sedans. For quick trips to the local trail, its reliability is unbeatable for the price.
  • Comparison: While it lacks the stability and ease of a hitch rack, it’s a fantastic, low-cost way to get started with transporting your bikes.

Check Price on Amazon

2. Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Trunk Rack

Best For: A Premium Trunk Rack with Style & Versatility The Saris Bones is an icon. Its unique arc design not only looks cool but is also one of the strongest and most compatible trunk racks available, fitting over most spoilers.

  • Key Features: Carries 3 bikes; arc-based design fits a huge range of vehicles; injection-molded arms and legs are super strong.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Incredible stability for a trunk rack, fits more cars than most competitors. Con: More expensive than basic trunk racks.
  • Real User Experience: My friend has a hatchback with a spoiler, and this is the only trunk rack that would fit. It’s rock-solid and she trusts it on long highway drives.
  • Comparison: This is the top-tier trunk bike car rack, offering near-hitch-rack stability without needing a hitch.

Check Price on Amazon

3. Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack

Best For: The No-Compromise, “Best of the Best” Platform Rack If you’re serious about your bikes, the Thule T2 Pro XTR is the gold standard. It’s a platform-style hitch rack that holds bikes by their wheels, meaning zero frame contact.

  • Key Features: Carries 2 bikes (expandable to 4); tool-free installation; integrated wheels for easy transport; fits bikes of all sizes.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Incredibly easy to load bikes, extremely stable, fits any type of bike (carbon, e-bike, etc.). Con: Very expensive, and heavy.
  • Real User Experience: Loading a heavy mountain bike onto this rack takes about 10 seconds. The stability on the highway is amazing; the bikes don’t move an inch. The tilt-down feature to access the trunk is a lifesaver.
  • Comparison: This is a professional-level car bike rack that offers superior protection and ease of use compared to any hanging or trunk rack.

Check Price on Amazon

4. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Hitch Rack

Best For: The Stylish Enthusiast Who Wants Premium Features The Kuat NV 2.0 is the other king of the platform hitch rack world. It offers similar performance to the Thule T2 but with a focus on sleek design and clever integrated features.

  • Key Features: Carries 2 bikes (expandable); integrated cable lock and a “Trail Doc” built-in repair stand; adjustable tire cradles.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Beautiful design, premium materials, the built-in repair stand is genius. Con: Also very expensive.
  • Real User Experience: The Trail Doc repair stand has saved a ride more than once. Being able to do a quick adjustment in the parking lot without flipping your bike upside down is a luxury you didn’t know you needed.
  • Comparison: It’s a direct competitor to the Thule T2. The choice often comes down to personal preference on design and the appeal of the integrated repair stand.

Check Price on Amazon

5. Yakima RidgeBack 4 Hitch Rack

Best For: Families Needing a Great “Hanging” Hitch Rack A hanging-style hitch rack is a fantastic mid-range option. The Yakima RidgeBack is a top-seller for its ease of use, stability, and ability to carry the whole family’s bikes.

  • Key Features: Carries 4 bikes; tool-free installation; anti-sway cradles prevent bike-to-bike contact; arms fold down when not in use.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Great value for a 4-bike hitch rack, folds down compactly. Con: Bikes can sway more than on a platform rack.
  • Real User Experience: We use this for family trips. Getting four bikes on and off is surprisingly quick, and the anti-sway cradles do a great job of keeping them from banging into each other.
  • Comparison: It’s a huge step up in stability and convenience from a trunk rack, without the high cost of a platform car bike rack.

Check Price on Amazon

6. Thule ProRide XT Roof Rack

Best For: The Enthusiast Who Wants Unobstructed Trunk Access A roof-mounted rack is a classic for a reason. The Thule ProRide XT is a premium choice that holds your bike securely by the frame and wheels, all while leaving your hitch and trunk completely free.

  • Key Features: Carries 1 bike per rack; tool-free installation to roof crossbars; torque-limiter dial prevents over-tightening on the frame.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Unbeatable trunk access, very secure hold. Con: You have to lift your bike onto the roof, can create wind noise.
  • Real User Experience: I love my roof rack because I can get into my hatchback’s trunk at any time, which is essential on a long road trip.
  • Comparison: The best choice for people who need constant access to their rear hatch, but the least convenient for heavy bikes.

Check Price on Amazon

7. Yakima HighRoad Roof Rack

Best For: Owners of Carbon Fiber Bikes If you have a carbon fiber bike, you don’t want anything clamping onto the frame. The Yakima HighRoad is a wheel-on roof rack that secures the bike without any frame contact.

  • Key Features: Carries 1 bike per rack; zero frame contact; tool-free installation; fits 26″ to 29″ wheels.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: The safest option for carbon frames, very stable. Con: Can be more expensive than frame-clamp roof racks.
  • Real User Experience: My carbon road bike is my baby. I would never put it on a frame-clamping rack. The HighRoad gives me total peace of mind that it’s secure without any risk of damage.
  • Comparison: For carbon bike owners, this isn’t just an option; it’s the only type of roof bike car rack you should consider.

Check Price on Amazon

8. Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch-Mounted Rack

Best For: The Best Value in Hitch Racks Just like its trunk-mounted cousin, the Allen Sports hitch rack offers incredible performance for its low price. It’s a simple, no-frills hanging rack that is surprisingly durable.

  • Key Features: Carries up to 5 bikes; quick-install locking hitch insert; tie-down cradles.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Amazing value, can carry a lot of bikes. Con: Basic design, bikes can sway.
  • Real User Experience: If you just need to get a bunch of bikes to the park, this rack is a workhorse. It’s not fancy, but it’s tough and holds up trip after trip.
  • Comparison: It lacks the premium features of a Yakima or Thule hanging rack, but it provides the core function at a price that’s hard to beat.

Check Price on Amazon

9. Yakima SpareRide Spare Tire Rack

Best For: Jeeps, Broncos, and SUVs with a Rear Spare Tire If your vehicle has a spare tire mounted on the back, a spare tire rack like the Yakima SpareRide is a brilliant, purpose-built solution.

  • Key Features: Carries 2 bikes; mounts directly onto your spare tire’s bolts; integrated anti-sway cradles; includes bottle opener.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Super stable, easy to load bikes, doesn’t require a hitch. Con: Only works on specific vehicles.
  • Real User Experience: This was the perfect solution for my Jeep Wrangler. It’s more stable than a trunk rack and I didn’t have to install a hitch. The bikes are up and out of the way.
  • Comparison: A must-have for vehicles with a rear spare tire. It’s a much more elegant solution than trying to make a trunk rack work around the tire.

Check Price on Amazon

10. Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad

Best For: Pickup Truck Owners For truck owners, a tailgate pad is the fastest, easiest, and coolest way to carry up to 6 mountain bikes. Just drape the pad over your tailgate, strap it down, and load your bikes.

  • Key Features: Carries 5-6 bikes; heavy-duty padded vinyl construction; bike frame straps to prevent sliding.
  • Pros & Cons: Pro: Fastest way to load multiple bikes, protects both truck and bikes. Con: Bikes are less secure than on a locking hitch rack.
  • Real User Experience: Heading to the bike park with my friends is so easy. We can load five mountain bikes into the back of my truck in about two minutes. It’s the standard for a reason.
  • Comparison: For a group of mountain bikers with a pickup, no other car bike rack solution comes close to the speed and convenience of a tailgate pad.

Check Price on Amazon

How to Install a Bike Rack on a Car (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Car bike rack

This is the question everyone asks: how do you put a bike rack on a car? Don’t be intimidated! Here’s the super-simple version for each main type.

  • Trunk Rack: Place the main pads on your trunk/hatch. Hook the 6 straps to the edges of your trunk lid (top, bottom, sides). Pull the straps tight. That’s it!
  • Hitch Rack: Simply slide the rack’s post into your vehicle’s hitch receiver. Insert the hitch pin and lock it. Most high-end models have a tool-free knob you just tighten.
  • Roof Rack: This attaches to the crossbars you already have on your roof. Most have a simple clamp system with hand-tightening knobs. No tools are usually needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Will a bike rack scratch my car’s paint?
    • A: It can if you’re not careful. Always make sure your car is clean before installing a trunk rack. For hitch and roof racks, the only contact is with the hitch or roof crossbars, so your paint is perfectly safe.
  • Q: Can I open my trunk with the rack on?
    • A: With a roof rack, yes. With a trunk rack, no. With most modern hitch racks, yes—they have a tilt-away feature that lets you access your trunk even with the bikes loaded.
  • Q: How do I put my bike on the rack?
    • A: For hanging racks, you lift the bike and rest its top tube on the two support arms. For platform racks, you place the bike’s wheels into the trays and secure the arms over the wheels. The second method is much easier for heavy bikes.

Continue Your Adventure: More Expert Guides

If you found this guide helpful, explore our other expert reviews and how-to articles to get the most out of your vehicle and your next trip.

Gear Reviews & Buying Guides

Car Care & Protection

CarRev

Automotive expert and reviewer at carrev store. Passionate about cars and helping enthusiasts make informed decisions.
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