Best Trunk Bike Racks for Cars Without a Hitch (2026)
Six strap-on trunk racks for sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs, and how to fit one so your bikes stay put and your paint stays clean.
Why Choose a Trunk Bike Rack?
A trunk bike rack straps onto the back of a car with hooks and padded feet, so you don't need a hitch or roof bars. Trunk racks are affordable, light and easy to store, making them ideal for occasional rides and for cars without a hitch. The trade-offs: they carry fewer bikes, have lower weight limits, can block the license plate or rear camera and don't fit every vehicle. Fit is the most important thing to check. Here are six trunk racks from Saris, Allen, Thule, Hollywood Racks and Yakima.
Saris Bones EX 2-Bike
Best overall trunk rack
- About 11 lb
- Anti-sway straps
- Fits many vehicles
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk
Best budget trunk rack
- Fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs
- Side straps for stability
- Comes assembled
Thule Outway Trunk
Best for mixed bike frames
- Carries 2 bikes
- Adjustable arms fit kids' bikes
- Anti-sway system
Trunk Bike Racks Compared
| Rack | Bikes | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Saris Bones EX 2-Bike | 2 | About 11 lb, anti-sway straps |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike (102DN) | 2 | Budget, side straps |
| Thule Outway Trunk | 2 | Adjustable arms, anti-sway |
| Saris Bones 2-Bike | 2 | Classic arched design |
| Hollywood Racks B2 Baja | 2 | Pre-assembled, folds flat |
| Yakima FullBack 3 | 3 | SuperCush ZipStrip cradles |
Specs are as listed at the time of writing.
The Best Trunk Bike Racks
1. Saris Bones EX 2-Bike
The Bones EX is a newer version of Saris's classic arched rack. It weighs about 11 lb and uses anti-sway straps, and Saris provides a QR code to check fit with your vehicle before buying.
Good to Know
- Light and rust-free
- Easy fit check
Watch Out For
- Two-bike limit
2. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk (102DN)
Allen's Deluxe is one of the most affordable trunk racks. Allen lists it for sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs, with side straps for lateral stability, and it comes fully assembled.
Check Price on Amazon3. Thule Outway Trunk
The Outway carries two bikes with adjustable bike arms that fit a variety of frames, including kids' bikes, and an anti-sway system that prevents bike-to-bike and bike-to-car contact.
Check Price on Amazon4. Saris Bones 2-Bike
The original Saris Bones has been around for decades. Its arched design lifts bikes over many spoilers, and Saris says it fits most vehicles.
Check Price on Amazon5. Hollywood Racks B2 Baja
The B2 Baja holds two bikes with rubber anti-sway cradles and EPDM rubber straps. It comes pre-assembled and folds flat for storage.
Check Price on Amazon6. Yakima FullBack 3
The FullBack is a premium three-bike trunk rack with tool-free installation and SuperCush ZipStrip cradles to hold bikes securely.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose a Trunk Rack
Vehicle Fit
Use the maker's fit guide. Spoilers, glass hatches and steep rear windows can rule out some racks.
Number of Bikes and Weight Limit
Trunk racks typically carry two or three bikes and have lower weight limits than hitch racks, because they rest on the car's body. Heavy bikes and e-bikes usually exceed them.
Bike Frames
Hanging racks hold bikes by the top tube. Step-through, kids' and full-suspension frames may need a top tube adapter.
Security
Most trunk racks don't lock to the car. Don't leave bikes unattended on one.
License Plate and Lights
Bikes can cover plates and lights. Check local laws; some places require a light board.
How to Fit a Trunk Rack
- Clean the car and the rack's pads where they touch.
- Rest the rack on the trunk or hatch at the recommended angle.
- Attach top, side and bottom hooks, then tighten straps evenly.
- Load the heaviest bike first, closest to the car, alternating directions.
- Use the anti-sway straps and tie down loose wheels.
- Recheck straps after the first few miles and at each stop.
Trunk vs Hitch vs Roof Racks
| Trunk | Hitch | Roof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest | Higher | Higher (needs bars) |
| Installation | Straps, no hitch | Needs a hitch | Needs crossbars |
| Weight limits | Lowest | Highest | Medium |
| E-bikes | Usually not | Yes (platform) | Hard to lift |
| Rear access | Blocked | Tilt-away models | Free |
Have a hitch? See hitch bike racks. Driving an SUV? See bike racks for SUVs. Pickup owners can use truck bed bike racks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trunk bike racks safe?
Yes, when fitted correctly and checked before each trip. Use every strap, tighten them firmly and stay within the rack's weight and bike limits.
Will a trunk rack damage my car?
It can if the pads or hooks are dirty, or straps are loose and the rack shifts. Clean the contact points, use the rack as instructed and avoid leaving it on for long periods.
Do trunk racks work with spoilers?
Some do and some don't. Saris and others offer models with extra clearance or vehicle fit guides. Check before buying.
Can I carry an e-bike on a trunk rack?
Usually not. Most e-bikes exceed trunk rack weight limits. A platform hitch rack is a better choice.
Do trunk racks fit step-through or kids' bikes?
Many need a top tube adapter for step-through frames. Racks with adjustable arms, like the Thule Outway, fit more frame types.