Best Bike Rack for a Car—Top Trunk, Hitch

Looking for the Best Bike Rack for a Car? Our 2025 guide compares trunk, hitch, and roof racks (Thule, Yakima, Saris, Allen), explains our testing process, and helps you choose the right model for your vehicle and bike type.

Hauling bikes safely and easily transforms weekends—no more folding seats, bike-on-roof gymnastics, or stressed straps. Whether you ride road, gravel, mountain, or e-bikes, the right car A bicycle carrier keeps your wheels secure, preserves your vehicle’s finish, and gets you to the trail faster. This guide covers the best bike rack for a car (trunk, hitch, and roof styles), why each type shines, what to consider before buying, detailed product reviews, our evaluation process, user-review highlights, and an FAQ to clear the last doubts.

Quick Recommendations (Top Picks)

Best Hitch Rack (Premium / Most Secure): Thule T2 Pro XTR—top-tier hitch-mounted platform with easy loading and great security.
Best Trunk Rack (Best Balance of Price & Fit): Saris Bones EX (or Bones 2)—lightweight, durable, and fits many vehicles.
Best for SUVs/High-Clearance Vehicles (Trunk-Style Alternative): The Yakima FullBack 2 is designed to sit higher off the bumper for clearance.
Best Budget Trunk Rack: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike—inexpensive and practical for occasional use.

Why choose a rear (trunk or hitch) bike rack?

Convenience: Quickly mount bikes without lifting them onto a roof.
Loading safety: Platform and tray-style hitch racks hold bikes steady and reduce wheel-to-car contact.
Fuel efficiency: Hitch/trunk racks typically add less drag than roof racks, improving MPG on long drives.
Bike protection: Well-designed racks minimize contact with frames and suspension-sensitive parts.

(Comparative tests and expert reviews across recent rack tests support these performance trade-offs.)

Things to consider when choosing the best bike rack for your car

Vehicle type & mounting points

Hatchback/trunk? Choose a trunk-style rack (strap-mounted), or consider a hitch if you have a receiver.
SUVs with spoilers or rear sensors sometimes fit better with higher-clearance trunk models or hitch racks. (Check model compatibility lists.)

Number and type of bikes

Two bikes vs. four bikes, plus bike weight (e-bikes need more robust hitch racks and higher tongue weight capacity).

Frame safety & wheel sizes

If you have carbon frames or odd-shaped tubes, platform/hitch racks that secure by the wheel or clamp the axle are gentler than strap-style trunk racks. GearLab

Security

Look for integrated locks or the ability to add cable locks; higher-end hitch racks typically include locking features. Car and Driver

Ease of use & storage

Tilt or fold features let you open the trunk with bikes mounted; foldable racks are easier to store. GearLab

Budget

Trunk racks are usually cheapest; quality hitch racks cost more but are easier to use and more secure. GearLab+1

Compatibility with e-bikes/fat bikes

Check weight limits and wheel cradles—many lighter racks struggle with e-bike weight and fat tires.

All of our publications are based on the principle of editorial integrity. The swainauto.com process for creating product reviews can be seen here.

Learn more: How to choose the best roof storage bag

Best Bike Rack for a Car: Detailed Product Reviews

How we evaluate and select products

We combine hands-on testing, expert reviews, and real-user feedback:

Hands-on testing: We assess fit, ease of installation, loading/unloading time, stability on the road, compatibility with different bike frames/wheel sizes, and any effect on vehicle access (tilt/clearance).
Durability & materials: Rust resistance, hardware quality, and the rack’s longevity after repeated use.
Security & safety: Integrated locks, anti-sway features, and how securely bikes are held.
Value: Price vs features and how well the rack performs compared with competitors.
User reviews & brand reputation: We aggregate verified purchaser reviews (Amazon, manufacturer pages) and expert outlets (OutdoorGearLab, Bicycling, Car and Driver) to check for recurring issues or praise.

FAQs

Q: Can I put an e-bike on a trunk rack?

A: Most trunk racks aren’t rated for the weight of e-bikes. Check the rack’s capacity; for e-bikes, a heavy-duty hitch or platform rack is usually required.

Q: Will a trunk rack damage my car’s paint?

A: Properly installed trunk racks include padded contact points to protect paint. Clean mounting areas and follow installation instructions; consider a protective pad if your car has delicate paint or spoilers. Saris

Q: How do I know if a hitch rack fits my receiver?

A: Confirm your vehicle’s hitch receiver size (commonly 1.25″ or 2″) and choose a compatible model. Many platforms come with adapters.

Q: Are there locks to prevent bike theft?

A: Many premium racks include integrated locks or have locking cores available; otherwise, use a secondary cable or U-lock for added security.

Final buying checklist

Confirm vehicle compatibility (spoilers, sensors, trunk shape).
Decide how often you’ll use the rack — frequent use justifies a hitch/platform rack.
Match bike weight/type (e-bike/fat tire need beefier racks).
Check security features or plan to add locks.
Consider storage: foldable racks save garage space.

Final words

If you want the fastest loading, most secure option and plan to haul bikes often, invest in a quality hitch/platform rack such as the Thule T2 Pro XTR. For casual riders on a budget or who prefer no hitch, the Saris Bones EX/Bones 2 and Yakima FullBack are excellent trunk-style choices depending on your vehicle’s rear profile. If price is the primary concern and you ride occasionally, the Allen Sports Deluxe provides functional transport without breaking the bank.

Swain Auto