Bike carriers for SUV: Product Reviews and Buying Guide

Bike carriers are a great way to carry your bicycle when you’re on a long road trip. But when you’re not on a road trip, it’s often a pain to get your bike out of the car. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best bike carriers for SUVs, to make it easier to carry your bicycle around town and on the road.

The best bike carriers for SUV is designed by professional, experienced, and certified bicycle professionals. This guide introduces you to the best bike racks for SUV is a complete solution for safely securing your bike inside the vehicle. Reviewed carrier systems from the article are ideal for anyone who wants a convenient and secure way to store their bike, motorcycle, or scooter inside the car.

Bike Carriers for SUV
Bike Carriers for SUV

The best SUV bike carriers are designed to work with both passenger and driver side doors. A simple yet strong design of selected products makes them a great choice for SUV owners. Our buying guide will help you pick the perfect one for your car and your budget.

A brief history of bike carriers for SUV’s

The first and probably the most widely used style of bike racks for SUV is the integrated style. In this style, the bike carrier is built right into the cargo area of the vehicle. Integrated carriers are very common and there are a variety of styles available including;

Top Entry – The top of the carrier opens up like a book and slides forward when you want to load or unload your bike. The carrier then locks into position. When not in use, the top of the carrier closes back down and is flush with the top of the cargo bed.

Side Entry – This style of carrier opens up on both sides. One side swings out to allow you to load or unload your bike. The other side remains in place and holds the carrier in position while it is locked into place.

Both styles of best bike carrier for SUV are work well but, I prefer the top entry style because it is the simplest and most.

List of Top 10 Products for Bike Carriers for SUV

If you want to bring your bicycle with you while you are out on a trip, then you should buy a bicycle carrier for your SUV. The best bicycle carrier is the bicycle rack that you can install on your own car. So, if you are thinking about buying a bicycle carrier for your car, then it is a good idea to check out all the available bicycle racks for SUVs from the list below

Factors of Consideration Before Buying Bike Carriers for SUV

There are several factors of consideration for buying bike carriers for SUVs. The things like deciding the type and size of your bike are far most the important factor to consider. Cost, Sustainability, Flexibility, and brand are also the other facts. Buy so as to make things short and more clear, We’ll go with the following three factors

  1. Type of bike

The first one is your bike or bicycle, When buying a bike rack for SUV, it’s essential to think about what type of bike you have. Is it an electric bike, a regular bicycle? Considering your type will make things easier for you!

2. Size of your bike

The second point is the size of your bike. A large bike needs more space than a small one, so you should choose a bike carrier that can accommodate both.

3. Size of the Bike Carrier

Last but not least, The third one is the size of the bike carrier you are using for an SUV. A larger bike carrier will provide more space for a larger bike, while a smaller one can be used for a smaller bike. You should always consider the size of your bike carrier and the size of your bike to ensure a safe and hassle-free ride.

Our Recommendations for The Best Bike Carriers for SUV

We are looking forward to helping you find the best bike carriers for the back of an SUV. If you are looking for some recommendations, here is what we recommend.

If you have a large SUV or truck then you will need to get a bike carrier that is specifically designed for your vehicle. Make sure you get one from a reputable company like Mentioned below. Normally all of them do offer a 1-year warranty and they have very helpful and courteous customer service.

Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike carrier

ABOUT PRODUCTSPECIFICATION DETAILS
BrandThule
ColorBlack
MaterialAlloy
Dimensions54 x 15 x 43 inches
Is foldableYes

Product Specifications:

  • HIgher load and weight handling capacity.
  • Auto attach system allows easy installation
  • Frame free ratchet arm help securing bike frames.
  • As it fits to 20 – 29” wheels and up to 5” tires without adapters can be great choice for those who are looking to plan their adventure trip in mountains, downhills

YAKIMA, HoldUp Hitch Mount Tray Bike carrier

ABOUT PRODUCTSPECIFICATION DETAILS
BrandYakima
ColorUnset
MaterialAlloy
Dimensions34.5 x 64 x 12 inches
Is foldableYes

Product Specifications:

  • Additional security is provided with SKS locks.
  • Side-to-side adjustability allows modifying space between tow bikes.
  • Small and compact design maintains look of SUV as it is.
  • Carbon frames comes with color warranty.

Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike carrier

ABOUT PRODUCTSPECIFICATION DETAILS
Brand Swagman
ColorUnset
MaterialAlloy Steel
Dimensions40 x 16 x 9 inches
Is foldableNo

Product Specifications:

  • Highly versatile as easy transport up to 2 bikes.
  • Class 2 or higher Class compatibility.
  • Highly convenient as easy to follow guide for installation process is provided.
  • Adjustable locking ratchet hooks make frame even more secure.

Kuat Trio carrier with Integrated cable lock

ABOUT PRODUCTSPECIFICATION DETAILS
BrandKuat
ColorBlack and Silver
MaterialAlly Steel
Dimensions59 x 10 x 4 inches
Is foldable

Product Specifications:

  • Adopter kit provided for fiat bikes (Optional)
  • 9, 15, 20 mm forks out of the box makes it a 3 way mount option.
  • Easy mounting attachments to cross-bars
  • Kuat bike carrier for SUV are geared up with integrated cable lock

YAKIMA, Dr.Tray Hitch Mount Tray Bike carrier

ABOUT PRODUCTSPECIFICATION DETAILS
BrandYakima
ColorBlack
MaterialAluminum
Dimensions52 x 12 x 16 inches
Is foldableNo

Product Specifications:

  • Easy installation with tool free locking is provided
  • Remote control unit allows easily adjustable as raise and lower the height of carrier made easier.
  • Bike to bike interference is eliminated by easily adjustable tray spacing

Hollywood carriers Over-The-Top Trunk Mounted Bike carrier

ABOUT PRODUCTSPECIFICATION DETAILS
BrandHollywood Racks
ColorGrey
MaterialAlloy Steel, Aluminum
Dimensions9.8 x 19.69 x 19.8 inches
Is foldableYes

Product Specifications:

  • Includes customizable frame intended for SUV’s, Hatchbacks and vehicles with spoilers.
  • Consist 3 distinct sorts of attachment straps to guarantee an ideal choice for your vehicle
  • Hollywood bike carriers for SUV comes completely pre-assembled

Type of Roof carriers

  1. Roof carriers
    As the name suggest, with the roof carriers your bike, luggage can be kept on the roof of your vehicle. With better locking systems installed, roof carriers are a bit costlier than others.

2. Hitch carriers
As these carriers are slide into the trailer hitch’s receiver, commonly known as Hitch carriers. This easy to install carriers are a little less costly than normal roof carriers.

3. Hanging carriers
With arms held by frames, the bikes are supported by hanging carriers. As it is a less secured traveling option, Hanging carriers are normally preferred for small travel.

4. Platform-style carriers
Enabling bikes to be set in place on trays, Platform style carriers are the most easily install-able carriers out of all

Editors Choice: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount carrier

Whether you’re looking for something to mount on your car or for a bike carrier to store your bicycle safely, the answer is simple: the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount carrier is the best bike carrier for your SUV.

  • A single lever lock keeps your bicycle safe and secure, and a sturdy base makes it stable.
  • No tools are needed to install or remove the Allen sport carrier
  • Four-wheel design and easy assembly are enough to separate this bike carriers for the back of an SUV from other products
Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) , Black
  • Hitch insert fits either 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch receiver hitches (2 and 3 bike models) or 2 inch receiver hitches (4 and 5 bike models). Important installation note: never use on trailers
  • 22 inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie down system
  • Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use. Minor assembly required.
  • Rack sets up and installs in less than 5 minutes; Included no wobble bolt secures rack inside of receiver hitch with a movement free installation
  • Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers

Let me clear some of your doubt’s on Bike Carriers for SUV

Can you open the SUV trunk with the bike rack?

As there is the possibility of the trunk’s door hinge getting damaged, Normally bike manufacturers never recommend opening the trunk with the rack. As door hinges aren’t designed to support the rack’s weight, You must know the fact door could come down quickly if It forcefully opened.

How do you transport a bike to an SUV?

There are numerous ways of transporting the bike on an SUV & that depends on how much space you have in your vehicle. If you do not have much room, you can tie it to the roof or to the back of the vehicle. 

If you have a little more space, there are several options for fitting SUV Bike Carriers to your vehicle. One way is to strap the bike to the roof & Another option is to place the bike in the trunk of the vehicle. 

How do YouTube videos help me understand transporting?

I have seen several videos on YouTube and social media which showcase how people transport their bikes on the back of a truck and SUV. In most of the videos, they are carrying one or two bikes in a backpack or using the cargo area in the rear of the vehicle to load them.

Yea! there are as many videos are available on the web about selecting best bike rack for SUV. You are just one search away from clearing your doubts.

Can peloton fit in SUV?

Both have four wheels, but a Peloton has two that are smaller and closer together, and four pedals for riding.

It’s actually more challenging to drive a Peloton than it is to drive an SUV or a minivan. The space needed to turn the Peloton is wider, and the turning radius is shorter because there are no side mirrors to block your vision.

But In the end, I can say, Yes, a Peloton can easily fit into an SUV.

Ending the Reviews on SUV Bike Carrier Buying Guide

Bikes are an important part of your life. They’re your freedom, your passion, and they’re one of the most enjoyable ways to get fit and enjoy nature. But, as a busy person, you may not always have time to go on long rides, and you may not have a dedicated place to store your bike. Luckily, there are now so many options that can help you make cycling more enjoyable.

  • What kind of bike carrier do I want?
  • Will it fit my vehicle?
  • Can my favored bike carrier fill its need?

Asking such doubts to yourself will make it easier to you to find the best one for you.

I have analyzed every suitable best bike carriers for SUVs in the market and this article outlines my process for presenting to you a perfect SUV bike carrier.

Want more guides on the best bike carriers for your home, off-grid living, and more? Check out our best bike racks reviews to help you choose the best. Or, check out our Homepage with our full list of highly-reviewed equipment

Daniel Golson
Daniel Golson

Daniel Golson has been an avid car enthusiast since he was a toddler, and after spending a few years studying automotive design in college, he made the jump to Car and Driver in 2016. When not evangelizing about four-door coupes, he can be found watching The Real Housewives with his two cats.

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