Best Bike Racks for SUVs, With or Without a Hitch (2026)
Hitch, strap-on, spare tire and roof racks for SUVs, compared by how many bikes they carry and what your vehicle needs.
Choosing a Bike Rack for an SUV
SUVs can carry bikes in several ways, and the best option depends on whether your vehicle has a hitch. A platform hitch rack is usually easiest and most secure. Without a hitch, you can use a strap-on rack on the rear hatch, a spare tire rack if your spare is mounted outside, or a roof rack if you have crossbars. SUVs are tall, so roof loading is harder than on a car. Here are eight racks from Thule, Saris, Kuat and Allen across all four types.
Thule T2 Pro XTR
Best hitch rack for SUVs
- Platform rack, nothing touches the frame
- Tilts for rear access
- Integrated locks
Saris SuperClamp
Best lightweight platform
- Lightweight platform carrier
- Fits cars, SUVs, trucks and RVs
- Hitch mounted
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk
Best SUV rack without a hitch
- Straps to the rear hatch
- Listed for SUVs and minivans
- Budget friendly
SUV Bike Racks Compared
| Rack | Type | Needs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule T2 Pro XTR | Platform hitch | Hitch | Any frame, frequent use |
| Saris SuperClamp | Platform hitch | Hitch | Lightweight platform |
| Kuat NV 2.0 | Platform hitch | Hitch | Premium features |
| Thule EasyFold XT 2 | Folding platform hitch | Hitch | E-bikes, easy storage |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch | Hanging hitch | Hitch | Budget |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk | Strap-on | Nothing extra | No hitch |
| Allen Sports Deluxe Spare Tire | Spare tire mount | Rear spare tire | Jeep-style SUVs |
| Thule ProRide XT | Roof, upright | Crossbars | Keeping the rear clear |
The Best Bike Racks for SUVs
1. Thule T2 Pro XTR
The T2 Pro XTR is a platform rack where bikes sit on wheel trays and arms clamp the front wheel, so nothing touches the frame. It suits carbon, full-suspension and step-through bikes, tilts down for rear access and has integrated cable locks.
Good to Know
- Fits almost any bike
- Tilts for hatch access
Watch Out For
- Heavy to install and remove
2. Saris SuperClamp
The SuperClamp is Saris's lightweight platform hitch rack, listed for cars, SUVs, trucks and RVs. Platform racks like this are easier to load than hanging racks and better for bikes with unusual frames.
Check Price on Amazon3. Kuat NV 2.0
The NV 2.0 is a premium two-bike platform rack with an adjustable front tire cradle system that fits a wide range of bikes. It's sold in versions for 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers; check the listing for yours.
Check Price on Amazon4. Thule EasyFold XT 2
The EasyFold XT folds into a compact package with a carry handle and includes loading ramps, making it a good choice for e-bikes and for SUV owners who remove the rack between trips.
Check Price on Amazon5. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch
A simple, affordable hanging hitch rack. Expect more sway and fewer features than platform racks, but it's a practical budget option for conventional bike frames.
Check Price on Amazon6. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk
No hitch? Allen lists this strap-on rack for SUVs, minivans, sedans and hatchbacks. It comes assembled and uses side straps for stability. Check your SUV's fit before buying.
Check Price on Amazon7. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
For SUVs with a rear-mounted spare tire, this rack attaches to the spare and holds bikes away from the road and exhaust, with individual tie-down cradles.
Check Price on Amazon8. Thule ProRide XT
The ProRide XT is an upright roof rack for one bike that mounts on crossbars. A dial controls clamping force on the frame. Lifting bikes onto a tall SUV roof takes effort, so it suits riders who want the rear hatch free.
Check Price on AmazonWhich Type Is Right for Your SUV?
| If Your SUV… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Has a hitch | Platform hitch rack |
| Has no hitch | Strap-on rack, or install a hitch |
| Has a rear spare tire | Spare tire rack |
| Has roof crossbars | Roof rack |
| Carries e-bikes | Platform hitch rack with ramps |
What to Check Before Buying
- Hitch size: 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver.
- Tongue weight: your hitch's limit must cover the rack plus bikes.
- Hatch access: look for tilt-away platform racks.
- Bike types: platform racks fit more frames than hanging racks.
- Height: remember roof-mounted bikes in garages and drive-throughs.
- Locks: integrated locks add security on stops.
More options: hitch bike racks, trunk bike racks and truck bed bike racks. At home, see garage bike racks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of bike rack for an SUV?
If your SUV has a hitch, a platform hitch rack is usually best: it's easy to load, holds bikes securely and handles heavier bikes. Without a hitch, a strap-on rack or roof rack works.
Can I put a bike rack on an SUV without a hitch?
Yes. Strap-on (trunk-style) racks fit many SUV hatches, spare tire racks fit SUVs with a rear-mounted spare, and roof racks work if you have crossbars. You can also have a hitch installed.
Do hitch racks block the rear hatch?
Many platform racks tilt down so you can open the hatch, sometimes even with bikes loaded. Check the listing.
What hitch size do I need?
Hitch racks come for 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers. Check your receiver; 2-inch racks usually carry more weight and more bikes.
Are roof racks good for SUVs?
They keep the rear clear, but lifting bikes onto a tall SUV roof is hard, and you must remember the extra height in garages and drive-throughs.