Best Bike Racks for Hatchbacks in 2023

A bike is an important asset for most of us, especially when we travel. It allows for some nice sightseeing and can also help you save money you’d waste on hiring a cab to travel. Plus, it’s adventurous as well. However, carrying a bike can often be trouble.

There might not be enough space at the back of your car to slide your bike in and close the trunk. It requires dismantling the bike and folding it to accommodate the space.

A simple solution to the problem is to get the best bike rack for a hatchback. They are bike carriers that are installed on the backside of your car.

You will come across three different kinds of bike racks on the market:

• Roof racks – installed on the roof.
• Hitch bike racks – installed to the hitch of the car.
• Trunk bike racks – installed on the truck of the car.

We have shortlisted some of the best bike racks for cars on the basis of features and price.

Let’s go into the details.

Best Bike Racks for Hatchbacks

1. Tyger Auto Deluxe 1-Bike

The Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B is a single-bike rack that mounts directly on your vehicle’s hatchback.

Key Features

• Hatchback-mounted bike rack
• Holds 1 bike
• Weighs 8 pounds
• Collapsible when not in use
• Limited lifetime warranty

The Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B is a hatchback-mounted bike rack that’s capable of carrying a single bike. If you’re a solo cyclist who wants to take their bike to local riding hotspots, this rack is a solid choice for you.

Your bike is suspended by its top frame bar and mounts in secure nylon straps. If your bike doesn’t have a top bar, there’s an adapter available through Tyger’s store.

One nice thing about this rack is that it doesn’t interfere with your hatchback’s operation. You can open or close your trunk at will and can collapse the frame when you’re not using it. That said, we wouldn’t recommend it for long trips. The mounting straps are held in place with spring-loaded clips, which gives us some concerns about interstate travel.

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Can open your hatchback while it’s mounted
• Adapter available for bikes without top frame bars
• Affordable

Cons

• Cheap, spring-loaded clips

This rack is very reasonably priced, a great choice if you just want to run your bike across town now and then.

2. Hollywood Racks F1B

If you’re not good with assembling units then opt for Hollywood Racks F1B as it comes pre-assembled.

Key Features

• Foldable.
• Indestructible.
• Tie-down straps for extra security.
• Fits any car truck thanks to the multiposition hinges.
• 14.5 inches distance between the support arms.

Multiposition hinges are easy to fit and adjust to the car’s trunk without any trouble. This is as sturdy as it comes and is often claimed to be indestructible by the manufacturer.

The rack is designed to carry 3 bikes at max and you don’t have to worry about the bikes colliding with each other and getting damaged because there’s a 14.5 inches space between each of them.

There’s a tie-down system that lets you attach straps on the bike to make sure they don’t move or get loose.

Pros

• Comes pre-assembled.
• Very easy to install.
• Can be folded for storage purpose.
• Lightweight – weighs only 13 pounds.
• Designed to last long and also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons

• Security straps are made of average rubber quality.
• Tech support from this company is not up to the mark.

If you are looking for an affordable trunk bike rack then the Hollywood Racks F1B is your best bet. The lifetime warranty it comes with should be enough to keep you satisfied.

3. Kuat Racks NV 2.0

The Kuat Racks NV 2.0 is a platform-style bike rack that can be collapsed when you’re not transporting a bicycle.

Key Features

• Hitch-mounted bike rack
• Holds 2 bikes
• Weighs 61 pounds
• Can mount in either a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver
• Collapses when not in use
• Built-in foot assist for opening the rack
• Available in 3 colors

The Kuat Racks NV 2.0 is a platform-style rack. Much like the RockyMounts Monorail we already looked at, this makes it a poor choice for bikes with fenders. However, it’s an excellent choice for carbon fiber bikes, since it makes no contact with the bike frame.

This rack is very secure, with a ratcheting system that locks the restraining bar down securely on top of your tire. It’s also a good choice for smaller vehicles since it’s available with a 2-inch class III hitch, as well as with a smaller, 1.25-inch class I/II variant. If you don’t want a hatchback-mounted rack on your smaller vehicle, this is a solid alternative.

Pros

• Secure ratcheting system
• Does not obstruct access to your hatchback
• Can be mounted on smaller vehicles
• Good choice for carbon fiber bikes

Cons

• Not suitable for bikes with fenders
• Expensive

This bike rack features a secure ratcheting system that’s exceptionally reliable.

4. Overdrive Sport 

The Overdrive Sport 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack is a rugged, hitch-mounted bike rack that comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Key Features

• Hitch-mounted bike rack
• Holds up to 4 bikes
• Weighs 50 pounds
• Mounts in a 2-inch hitch
• Tilts away for easy hatchback access
• Includes hitch lock
• Limited lifetime warranty

The Overdrive Sport 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack is our top choice for bikes with non-standard configurations. Specifically, the wheel supports are wide enough to accommodate snow tires, and each bike can weigh up to 60 pounds. Even if you own a beefy electric bike, you’ll be able to transport it with no issues.

This rack is available in both a 2-bike variant and a larger 4-bike variant, and the 4-bike version can be broken down to use as a 2-bike rack if you want to eliminate some of the bulk. Be aware of sizing, though; each 2-bike section shares a locking arm, which means you may run into trouble if your bikes are different sizes.

Pros

• Strong enough to support electric bikes
• Accommodates ultra-wide tires
• Available in 2-bike and 4-bike variants

Cons

• Locking arms can’t move independently

This bike rack is very sturdy, enough to support even heavy electric bikes.

5. Thule T2 Pro

The Thule T2 Pro bike rack is special because it can accommodate not just bikes with thin tires but with thick tires as well (up to 5 inches). You won’t have to make any alterations to the bike or the rack, it supports a wide variety of bikes with different frames.

Key Features

• Easy assembly.
• Fold rack in 3 different positions (down, up, and folded).
• Locking knob restricts the hitch or rack from moving.
• Cable lock system for added security.
• No tools required for installation.

It is hassle free to assemble and install because the two important parts, support arm and pivot, comes pre-assembled. So, you only need to assemble the wheel trays and you are good to go.

The rack can be folded when not in use, put in a horizontal position when carrying bikes and in a downward position when you want to move it away from the trunk access.

Once the pin is in lock, there is no movement.

Pros

• Foldable rack.
• Fits a wide range of bike types.
• Can bear 70 pounds in total.
• Ratcheting arms to secure the bikes.
• Cable lock for added security.

Cons

• The cables that come with the unit are not so strong.

If you find installing a rack a difficult process then this product is right for you as it doesn’t require any tools. You only have to assemble the wheel trays to make the Thule T2 Pro bike rack operational.

6. Monorail Platform Rack 

The RockyMounts Monorail 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack has a capacity of two bikes, but can be extended to three bikes with an optional attachment.

Key Features

• Hitch-mounted bike rack
• Holds 2 bikes
• Weighs 43 pounds
• Mounts in a 2-inch receiver
• Attachment available for a 3rd bike
• Folds up when not in use
• Tilts away for hatchback access

The RockyMounts Monorail 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack is a platform-style rack that mounts directly to your 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. A platform-style rack is an ideal choice for carbon fiber bikes since the bike doesn’t hang by its frame. However, the wheel restraints will only work if they contact the tire directly, so they’re not well-suited for bikes that have fenders.

This rack has a corrosion-resistant finish, which keeps it safe from road salt and other hazards that can eat away at more inexpensive choices. It also features a tilt handle that’s located on the front of the rack for easy access, rather than behind your bikes.

Pros

• Rugged design
• Corrosion-resistant
• Easy-to-use ratcheting system
• Easy access to tilt handle
• Good choice for carbon fiber bikes

Cons

• Not suitable for bikes with fenders
• Pricey

The coating on this rack is exceptionally durable, providing powerful corrosion resistance.

7. Swagman Chinook 

The Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack is a hitch-mounted bike rack with exceptional security; no additional locks required.

Key Features

• Hitch-mounted bike rack
• Holds 2 bikes
• Weighs 45 pounds
• Mounts on both 2-inch and 1.25-inch hitch receivers
• Tilts away for hatchback access
• Collapses when not in use
• Includes a locking hitch pin

The Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack mounts to a 1.25-inch hitch receiver, which is ideal for smaller vehicles. It also includes a 2-inch adapter for mounting in class III hitches. However, this results in a loose fit which isn’t a safety issue, but which causes some rattling while you’re driving.

This rack features locks on both the hitch pin and the mounting brackets. No matter where you’re parked, you can rest assured your bikes will still be attached when you come back to your vehicle. Best of all, it tilts out of the way for easy access to your hatchback and can be collapsed when not in use.

Pros

• Locking brackets and hitch pin for security
• Bikes are easy to load and unload
• Provides easy hatchback access
• Good choice for smaller vehicles

Cons

• Wobbles while driving

This bike rack has easy-to-use nylon straps for securing your wheels, so you can get on the road in just a couple of minutes.

8. RockyMounts BrassKnuckles

The Rocky Mounts Brass Knuckles is a no-nonsense roof rack that secures your bike without any contact with the frame.

Key Features

• Roof-mounted bike rack
• Holds 1 bike
• Weighs 19.5 pounds
• Mounts on factory roof racks as well as Rocky Mounts, Thule, and Yakima bars

The Rocky Mounts Brass Knuckles is a roof-mounted bike rack that’s designed for transporting a single bike. When mounted on a standard roof bracket, it has a capacity of 35 pounds, but it’s capable of supporting 45 pounds when it’s mounted on Rocky Mounts, Thule, or Yakima bars.

This rack is an excellent choice if you ride a carbon fiber bike. The brass knuckle bracket closes down over the wheel and makes no contact with the frame, so you won’t need to be concerned about any micro-fractures.

The Brass Knuckles also doesn’t block your tailgate while it’s mounted since it’s up on the roof and out of the way. If you want to mount your bike rack and forget about it, this is a good way to go.

Pros

• Expert installation available
• Good choice for carbon fiber bikes
• Does not block your tailgate when not in use
• Affordable

Cons

• Not suitable for bikes with fenders
• Difficult to load on taller vehicles

This affordable roof rack is an affordable option that will nonetheless secure your bike securely.

9. CyclingDeal Alloy

The CyclingDeal Alloy Car Roof Bicycle Carrier Rack is constructed from lightweight aluminum, which is immune to corrosion.

Key Features

• Roof-mounted bike rack
• Holds 2 bikes
• Weighs 14 pounds
• Mounts directly to most standard roof racks
• Aluminum construction
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

The CyclingDeal Alloy Car Roof Bicycle Carrier Rack is an aluminum bike rack that mounts directly to any standard roof rack. It’s easy to attach by turning a few simple thumb screws, and expert installation is available if you’re concerned about security. Both wheels and the frame are secured by sturdy nylon straps, which will keep your bike locked in place even if one of the straps malfunctions.

Because this rack is made of aluminum, you don’t need to worry about rust. You could literally submerge it in saltwater for a year and it would be just fine. And because it’s a roof rack, it stays conveniently out of the way when you’re not using it. That said, it can be awkward to load on a van or SUV, since it will be high off the ground.

Pros

• Will never rust
• Stays out of the way when not in use
• Easy to install
• Expert installation available

Cons

• Difficult to load on taller vehicles

This roof rack mounts easily on virtually any standard roof rack.

10. Swagman XC Cross-Country 

The Swagman hitch bike rack is big enough to accommodate two bikes. It’s very secure and makes sure your bike remains still even if the ride is bumpy.

Key Features

• Secures bikes from 3 spots.
• Easy to load and unload thanks to the upright arm with ratcheting hooks.
• Arms can be folded down to get easy access into the back.
• Perfect for bikes up to 3-1/2″ wide wheels.
• Corrosion-resistant.

The shank is 4 inches elevated to provide sufficient distance between the rack and the road so that the bike doesn’t hit the ground.

The rack can easily bear a total weight of 70 pounds. You can carry two bikes of 35 pounds each without any hassle.

It fits 1-1/4 by 1-¼ or 2 by 2-inch receiver which pretty much covers all the cars. There is a no wobble bolt system to ensure that there’s no wobbling between the hitch and the rack.

Pros

• The soft cushion on the grip arms protect the bikes from damage.
• Push-button ratcheting system.
• The rack is foldable.
• Rear window can be opened while there’s a bike on the outer rack.
• No rattling and no wobbling.

Cons

• Quite heavy – 40 pounds.
• It doesn’t come with a lock.

If you’re looking for a hatchback that’s secure then Swagman XC can be a good pick.

11. Tyger Auto Deluxe 4-Bike

The Tyger rack can accommodate all dual armed bikes with 1.25 or 2-inch hitch receiver. This beauty can carry 4 bikes without any trouble.

Key Features

• Installed in minutes.
• Bar cushions and soft cradles.
• Safety strap provided.
• Bike lock available.
• Rust-resistant coating.

With the safety strap and bike lock, your bikes are safe and can’t be stolen.

There’s an e-coating on the body of the rack which makes it immune to rust. So expect this beauty to work for a longer period of time.

Pros

• Affordable.
• Foldable arms.
• Tilt down feature.
• Rustproof

Cons

• It doesn’t fit on the Toyota Tacoma.

You don’t get to buy such heavy-duty racks at such a low price. The Tyger rack has a limited lifetime warranty and can carry up to 4 bikes.

12. Saris Bones

The Saris Bones is one of the most versatile racks you’ll see on the market. It supports almost all the cars with rear spoilers. You can either opt for a 2 bike or a 3 bike version.

A 2 bike rack can bear 35 pounds per bike, making it suitable for a total weight of 70 pounds.

Key Features

• Arc based design looks beautiful.
• Injection-molded arms.
• Anti-sway straps for security.
• Lightweight and easy to install (9 pounds).
• Protection against the vehicle’s finish.

This rack will transport two bikes easily without damaging each other. The injection-molded arms and legs are there to provide amazing stability and restrict movement in the rack.

The bikes are locked securely thanks to the hold-down straps. The dual-level setup provided by the rack makes sure that the bikes do not clash with one another.

Pros

• Anti-sway rung.
• Solid and stable rack.
• Doesn’t scratch the car’s surface.
• Sturdy design.

Cons

• Too many straps.

Saris Bones can be a good choice if you need a lightweight hatchback that can support two to three bikes.

13. Allen Sports Deluxe

The Allen Sports Deluxe is one of the best hitch bike racks that you’ll find on the market. It aces in almost every depart including ease of use, durability, security, and price.

Key Features

• Tilt the rack backward when not in use.
• No movement in the racks due to no wobble bolts.
• Easy to assemble and install.
• Doesn’t scratch the car’s body.
• Can carry 4 bikes together.

This steel constructed bike rack installs to a 2-inch hitch and comes with a lifetime warranty. The best part? It can carry up to four bikes

The bike rack offers amazing security thanks to the 22” carry arm that secures each bike separately.

Since there are no wobble bolts installed on the bike rack, there is no movement in the racks. Hence, no risk of scratching and damaging the car’s paint.

When the rack is not in use, the carry arm can be folded away and the rack can be tilted backward to access the liftgate without having to remove the bike rack.

The patented tie-down system further lets you secure your bikes and restrict movement in the rack.

Pros

• The quick install locking hitch locks the rack to provide more security.
• Easy to install.
• Affordable.
• Fits on a 2 inch or 1 ¼” hitch perfectly.

Cons

• Removing the rack requires a lot of effort.
• The rack is quite heavy – 20 pounds.

If your group of friends or a large family of people who love to take their bikes along when traveling then the Allen Sports Deluxe is the right bike rack for you. It’s durable and affordable as well.

14. Yakima DoubleDown

Carrying four bikes is not a problem for the Yakima rack thanks to its durability and design. Its arms can swing all the way down and give access to the trunk area. Moreover, the arms are padded to prevent the bike from damage due to rubbing.

Key Features

• Lock system to avoid bike stealing.
• Cheaper in price.
• Swings all the way down, offering access to the trunk area.
• Ratchet style straps keep the bikes secured.

This bike rack can bear 150 pounds of weight in total. Hence, carrying four bikes is not a problem for it.

The arms that hold the bikes are padded which is why you won’t find a single scratch on the bikes.

There’s an integrated bike lock system that prevents your bikes from getting stolen.

Pros

• Anti-sway cradle avoids bike contact.
• Supports 2- and 1-1/4-inch hitch receivers
• Lifetime warranty.
• It provides amazing security.
• Tilts when not in use.

Cons

• Arms are not foldable.

If you are looking for an affordable bike rack that can carry serious weight and multiple bikes then the Yakima rack is the right choice.

15. Thule 910XT Passage

If you don’t like the idea of attaching a bike rack to the hinge of your car then a trunk bike rack is what you need. Thule Passage Trunk mount carrier can be a good option. It offers amazing durability and also keeps the bikes secured when being transported.

You can opt for either a 2 bike carrier or a 3 bike carrier. They’re similar in terms of security but differ in prices.

Key Features

• Soft rubber cradles to protect the bike.
• Accommodates a wide range of different bikes.
• Prevents contact between the bikes transported.
• Six straps for added security.
• Affordable.

The design of this trunk rack is not only stylish but convenient as well. You can fold down the rack arms when not in use to make room and access the trunk.

The hatch and the trunk receive no damage or scratches because of the soft cushioning leg paddings on the rack.

With a patented fit dial feature this lets you fit a wide range of bikes regardless of their frame types.

It offers top-notch security by offering a six strapped security system by which you can hold down your bikes. Thanks to this, the bikes stay very still.

Pros

• Bike clearance – anti-sway avoids contact between the bikes.
• It can bear around 10 pounds per bike.
• Foldable for storage.
• No sway cages restrict frame movement.
• Vinyl coated buckles prevent scratches.

Cons

• Lock strap needs to be bought separately if the bike has a non-conventional frame.

The Thule Passage Trunk mount carrier will cater to your bike transporting needs like a pro by offering good security, easy loading, and longevity.

Key Information

To choose the perfect and most suitable bike rack for your car, consider these factors first:

Bike Capacity

You need to pick a bike rack as per your requirement. If you are willing to carry 1 or 2 bikes then there’s no need to spend extra and buy a bike rack for 4.

However, if you have a large family and you love to take frequent trips then getting a 4-bike carrier rack is a wise choice. Also, make sure to enquire about the types of bike frames it can accommodate and the wheel sizes as well.

Lastly, the rack should be able to bear the total weight of the number of bikes you want to move.

Type

If you have no issues in accommodating the bikes on a trunk or a hitch rack then go for it. However, if you own an SUV and there’s extra space on the top of your vehicle then you can also get rooftop racks. At the end of the day, it depends upon what you’re comfortable with.

Ease Of Use

A bike rack doesn’t have to be a complex tool that you find hard to handle. It should be easy. Make sure that the rack has foldable features so that you can tilt it when you want to access the trunk.

In the case of hitch racks, there should be no wobbling because a wobbling rack squeaks a lot and can also cause damage to the bikes.

Ease Of Installation

A mechanic can drain your pockets if you ask him to install a bike rack to your car’s trunk or hitch. Therefore, getting a rack that you can install on your own can be a good choice.

Do Racks Damage The Car And Bikes?

It depends on which one you buy. A bike rack that is rustproof and has soft cradles and protective padding on the arms won’t damage the bike even if you are carrying multiple bikes together.

As for damaging the car, a few precautions will keep your vehicle safe. These include locking the bikes tightly so that they do not move and scratch against the vehicle. Hence, go for bike racks that offer a good distance between the bikes and the vehicle.

In case there are straps, make sure they are tight or else loosely held bikes will scratch against the car’s body and cause scratches.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, choose a bike rack that’s best for you. Consider the number of bikes you want to move and the weight they have in total. When you do, enquire if the rack will be able to bear the weight or not.

Other than this, consider security, ease of use, durability, and ease of installation as well. If you are looking for a new bike to go with the racks then consider Fitness Equipment Reviews detailed reviews for the following:

• Bikes for overweight females
• Road bikes
• Mountain bikes under $1000