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10 Best Bike Racks For Cars 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KUAT 2" Piston Pro X LED Dual Ratchet Hitch Rack - Secure Rugged Kashima-Coated Portable Foldable Easy-to-Use No Frame Contact 2-Bike Hauling Platform with 53" Max Wheelbase & 5" Max Tire Width

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,148
Ease of Installation
Security Features
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
77 reviews

Ease of Installation
Installation is straightforward with clear instructions, making setup quick and hassle-free.
Security Features
The sturdy cable lock system provides reliable security to keep bikes safe while on the move.
Durability and Build Quality
The rack's solid build quality and premium materials deliver durability even under frequent use.
Accessibility
Its design allows easy tilting to access the vehicle's rear hatch without removing bikes.
Other
Integrated rear LED taillights significantly enhance road visibility and safety during nighttime travel.

The Kuat Piston Pro X is a high-quality hitch bike rack designed for carrying two bikes, making it ideal for serious cyclists or those with heavier bikes like e-bikes and mountain bikes. It supports bikes with wheelbases up to 53 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide, offering a strong load capacity of 67 pounds per tray. The rack stands out for its innovative OneTap hydro-pneumatic levers, which make loading and unloading bikes quick and easy—no wrestling with awkward clamps. Its rugged build features stainless steel and genuine Kashima-coated struts, ensuring durability and a sleek look in Galaxy Gray finish.

Security is well thought out, with an integrated cable lock system to help keep your bikes safe while on the road. The built-in LED taillights improve visibility for added safety during night drives and connect simply to your vehicle. Installation is straightforward on a 2-inch hitch, and the rack folds for convenient storage and transport. It also offers expandability and is rated for RV use on certain hitches, adding flexibility for various travel needs.

The rack is relatively heavy at 64 pounds, which could make handling it alone a bit challenging. Also, it’s a premium product, so it comes with a higher price point that may not suit casual riders or those with occasional bike transport needs. If you want a durable, easy-to-use, and secure rack that handles larger bikes and frequent use, the Kuat Piston Pro X provides thoughtful features designed to save time and enhance safety.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,148
Ease of Installation
Security Features
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
77 reviews

Ease of Installation
Installation is straightforward with clear instructions, making setup quick and hassle-free.
Security Features
The sturdy cable lock system provides reliable security to keep bikes safe while on the move.
Durability and Build Quality
The rack's solid build quality and premium materials deliver durability even under frequent use.
Accessibility
Its design allows easy tilting to access the vehicle's rear hatch without removing bikes.
Other
Integrated rear LED taillights significantly enhance road visibility and safety during nighttime travel.
#2

Hollywood Racks Destination E Hitch Bike Rack with Ramp for 2 Bikes up to 70 lbs Each - Secure, Lockable Electric Bike Rack - Premium, Foldable Bicycle Car Racks for Standard or E-Bikes

Rating
9.7
Rack Type
Bike Capacity
Ease of Installation

Most important from
1748 reviews

Rack Type
This e-bike rack is both sturdy and manageable, providing confidence that it can securely hold 58-pound bikes while still being easy to handle.
Bike Capacity
The rack's design includes 4 points of contact per bike, ensuring a secure hold during transport.
Ease of Installation
Installation is straightforward, taking only about 25 minutes to assemble.
Security Features
An anti-rattle tightener and included locks enhance security, though users should still be cautious about bike theft.
Durability and Build Quality
Well-built and thoughtful design make this rack a high-quality choice for transporting e-bikes.
Accessibility
The included loading ramp is a standout feature, making it simple even for older users to load heavy e-bikes.

The Hollywood Racks Destination E Hitch Bike Rack is designed to carry two bikes, including electric bikes, with a maximum weight of 70 lbs each. This makes it a strong choice for those with heavier bikes. Its compatibility with a 2-inch hitch and ability to accommodate tires up to 4.5 inches wide add to its versatility. Installation is made easier with an included 46-inch aluminum ramp, which simplifies loading and unloading of the bikes, a significant plus for users who may struggle with heavier loads.

The rack also boasts special security features like an adjustable locking frame, seat post clamps, and a hitch tightening system to ensure a secure, wobble-free transport, enhancing peace of mind during travel. One of its standout features is its foldability and balanced tilting, which allows easy access to the vehicle's trunk or rear without needing to unload the bikes. This is particularly useful for road trips or frequent travelers.

Durability is suggested by its build quality and metal construction, but at 46.2 pounds, it may be on the heavier side, which could be a drawback for some users when handling or installing the rack. However, it’s important to note that this rack is not suitable for use on front hitches, trailers, fifth wheels, or towed vehicles, and is only approved for Class B RVs, limiting its utility for certain vehicle types. This rack is ideal for electric bike owners who need a secure, easy-to-use, and durable solution for transporting their bikes, provided their vehicle meets the specified compatibility requirements.

Rating
9.7
Rack Type
Bike Capacity
Ease of Installation

Most important from
1748 reviews

Rack Type
This e-bike rack is both sturdy and manageable, providing confidence that it can securely hold 58-pound bikes while still being easy to handle.
Bike Capacity
The rack's design includes 4 points of contact per bike, ensuring a secure hold during transport.
Ease of Installation
Installation is straightforward, taking only about 25 minutes to assemble.
Security Features
An anti-rattle tightener and included locks enhance security, though users should still be cautious about bike theft.
Durability and Build Quality
Well-built and thoughtful design make this rack a high-quality choice for transporting e-bikes.
Accessibility
The included loading ramp is a standout feature, making it simple even for older users to load heavy e-bikes.
#3

Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack , Black

Rating
9.4
Bike Capacity
Compatibility
Ease of Installation

Most important from
1097 reviews

Bike Capacity
Love this bike carrier! It holds 2 bikes (1 electric/1 not) tightly. Bikes don't wobble even at 75 mph.
Compatibility
The tilt is perfect for the back gate of my SUV to clear completely with bikes on the rack.
Ease of Installation
Very easy to install and use. It's very sturdy, this rack doesn't move at all once it's in place.
Security Features
This rack is worth the money. Security! You can lock the rack to the hitch and you can lock the bikes to the rack.
Accessibility
Really like the foot lever on the back to easily tip the bikes and rack away from the vehicle so I can open the rear hatch.

The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a premium bike rack designed to carry heavy bikes, making it ideal for e-bikes and mountain bikes. It can hold up to two bikes with a maximum load capacity of 130 lbs, or 65 lbs per bike. This rack fits both 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers, offering broad compatibility with many vehicles. Installation is straightforward and tool-free, thanks to the Power Grip mounting system. The integrated folding bike loading ramp and ratcheting wheel straps make loading and securing bikes easy and quick. Additionally, the rack's foot pedal tilt feature allows for easy trunk access even when bikes are mounted.

Security is well-addressed with locks to secure the bikes to the rack and the rack to the receiver. Durability is ensured with its solid build quality, made primarily from aluminum, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The fully foldable design, complete with transport wheels and a carry handle, adds to its convenience and portability. However, the optional Thule Fat Bike Wheel Strap Kit, which is necessary for fitting longer wheelbases and wider tires, is sold separately, which could be an additional expense for some users.

Despite being a bit on the heavier side at around 50 lbs, this bike rack is highly rated by customers, boasting a 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews, indicating satisfaction with its performance and reliability. If you need a high-capacity, durable, and user-friendly bike rack, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is a strong contender in the market.

Rating
9.4
Bike Capacity
Compatibility
Ease of Installation

Most important from
1097 reviews

Bike Capacity
Love this bike carrier! It holds 2 bikes (1 electric/1 not) tightly. Bikes don't wobble even at 75 mph.
Compatibility
The tilt is perfect for the back gate of my SUV to clear completely with bikes on the rack.
Ease of Installation
Very easy to install and use. It's very sturdy, this rack doesn't move at all once it's in place.
Security Features
This rack is worth the money. Security! You can lock the rack to the hitch and you can lock the bikes to the rack.
Accessibility
Really like the foot lever on the back to easily tip the bikes and rack away from the vehicle so I can open the rear hatch.

Buying Guide for the Best Bike Racks For Cars

Choosing the right bike rack for your car can make transporting your bike easier and more convenient. The right bike rack will depend on your vehicle type, the number of bikes you need to transport, and your personal preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a bike rack for your car.
Rack TypeThere are several types of bike racks, including roof-mounted, hitch-mounted, trunk-mounted, and spare tire-mounted. The type of rack you choose will depend on your vehicle and how you prefer to load and unload your bike. Roof-mounted racks are great for keeping the rear of your car accessible but require lifting the bike overhead. Hitch-mounted racks are easier to load and unload but require a hitch receiver. Trunk-mounted racks are versatile and easy to install but may obstruct rear visibility. Spare tire-mounted racks are ideal for vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires.
Bike CapacityBike capacity refers to the number of bikes a rack can hold. This is important if you plan to transport multiple bikes. Racks typically range from holding one to five bikes. If you only need to transport one bike, a single-bike rack will suffice. For families or groups, a rack with a higher capacity is necessary. Consider your current and future needs when choosing the capacity.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the bike rack fits your vehicle and your bike. Not all racks fit all vehicles, so it's important to check if the rack is compatible with your car's make and model. Additionally, ensure the rack can accommodate the size and type of your bike, including frame design, wheel size, and weight. Some racks are adjustable and can fit a variety of vehicles and bikes, while others are more specific.
Ease of InstallationEase of installation is how simple it is to mount the bike rack on your car. Some racks require tools and more time to install, while others are designed for quick and easy setup. If you plan to frequently remove and reattach the rack, look for one that is user-friendly and doesn't require extensive effort. Reading user reviews and watching installation videos can help gauge the ease of installation.
Security FeaturesSecurity features are important to protect your bike from theft while it's on the rack. Look for racks that come with locking mechanisms for both the rack itself and the bikes. Some racks have integrated locks, while others may require additional accessories. Consider how secure you need your bike to be, especially if you plan to leave it unattended for extended periods.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the bike rack is constructed and how long it will last. High-quality materials like steel and aluminum are more durable and can withstand the elements better than cheaper materials. A well-built rack will provide better support for your bike and ensure safety during transport. Look for racks with good reviews on build quality and longevity.
AccessibilityAccessibility refers to how easy it is to load and unload your bike from the rack. Some racks allow for easy access to the trunk or rear of the vehicle even when bikes are loaded, while others may require you to remove the bikes first. Consider how often you will need access to your trunk and choose a rack that provides the level of accessibility you need.

FAQ