Car Rack Buyer's Guide
Here are our favorite car racks of the year
We've compiled a list of awesome car racks that customers love.
Go ahead and compare models and find the perfect one for your daily life and next adventure.
Check them out below:
Car racks are a great investment that will make transporting your bike a whole lot easier. A great rack takes all the hassle and worry out of the equation so you can focus on the fun stuff.
We know you look for products that you can count on. We also know that you work hard for your money. That's why we've done some of the work for you and chosen a handful of models that we know will serve you well.
Rest assured, all of the models on this list are great racks, but take a look for yourself to decide which one suits your needs the best.
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Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Hitch Rack
When you need to take a bike or two with you, the Thule T2 Pro XT is an excellent choice. It’s rock solid and comes with all the features you’d expect from a great car rack. There’s no tools required for installation thanks to the AutoAttach system, and you can lock the rack to your vehicle with the included key. The tire cradles are wide enough to fit everything from a road bike to a fat bike, and they can be adjusted to fit kids’ bikes as well. Trunk access is no problem thanks to a robust pivot and it folds up nicely when not in use.
Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Hitch Rack Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: none
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch knob
- Cool features: fat bike tire compatibility
$619.95
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Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Rack
The Kuat NV 2.0 is certainly a favorite for riders everywhere. Tons of adjustability, foldability, and the addition of a super-handy bike stand make this car rack a winner. Lock your rack to your car, and lock your bikes to the rack with the integrated locks and never worry about your prized possessions again.
Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Rack Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: 2" model compatible with optional NV 2.0 2-bike Add-On
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch knob
- Cool features: Trail Doc extending repair stand
$689.99
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Kuat NV Base 2.0 Hitch Rack
Another great Kuat model is the NV Base 2.0. You’ll find almost all the same features as the Kuat NV 2.0, but with the addition of a super tough matte black powder coating and without the extendable bike stand. It’s slightly more affordable, but still a terrific buy.
Kuat NV Base 2.0 Hitch Rack Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: 2" model compatible with optional NV 2.0 Base 2 bike Add-On
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch knob
- Cool features: matte black powder coating
$589.99
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Thule EasyFold XT 2
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 packs in a bunch of great features in a compact size. It sports many of the same features as other Thule racks, but folds up to an even smaller profile so it’s never in the way. If you have a fat bike you’ll need an adapter strap to secure the rear wheel, but all other bikes, even heavy e-bikes, fit nicely and stay securely in place.
Thule EasyFold XT 2 Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: none
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch knob
- Cool features: foldable bike loading ramp
$799.99
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Thule Helium Platform 1
The Thule Helium Platform 1 is a simple, study car rack for when you need to get away with your bike in a flash. It’s super light weight and uses easy tool-free installation so you can set it up quickly. It’s perfect for riders who want a simple system that’s great for fast solo missions and don’t want a lot of extra metal behind them.
Thule Helium Platform 1 Features
- Number of bikes: 1
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: none
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch knob
- Cool features: 3" plus tire compatibility
$459.99
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Thule Helium Platform 2
The Thule Helium Platform 2 is an identical model to the Helium Platform 1 but with additional storage for another bike. You still get the same great features, like integrated locks for both your bikes and your racks, as well as a wheel-holding system that prevents frame damage.
Thule Helium Platform 2 Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: none
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch knob
- Cool features: 3" plus tire compatibility
$699.99
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Kuat Sherpa 2.0
The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is another great rack at a great price. The folding foot cradle adapts to almost all bike sizes (up to 29 x 3”) and disappears when not in use for a clean look. This rack keeps 14 inches of space between your bikes for a great fit every time. Use the semi-integrated locks to ensure your ride is right where you left it when you need to run into the store. Lightweight aluminum and a no tool install makes taking the rack on and off a breeze.
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: none
- Locks: semi-integrated cable bike lock
- Cool features: lightweight aluminum, folding front cradle
$497.99
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Thule T2 Classic
The Thule T2 Classic is a great buy for riders who want an affordable rack that’s sturdy and versatile. This rack holds everything up to a 5” fat bike tire and uses wheel holders to protect your frame. It’s also compatible with an additional 2-bike adapter if you need to start hauling more bikes.
Thule T2 Classic Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: compatible with Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Add-on
- Locks: hitch lock included
- Cool features: fat bike tire compatibility
$499.95
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Saris MTR 1
The Saris MTR 1 car rack is super sturdy and keeps a low profile so it’s always dependable and never in the way. This single bike rack is compatible with a 1 or 2 bike Saris adapter so you can always have the perfect amount of space. It folds up when not in use and tilts down, even when loaded, so you can access your trunk any time. It’s perfect for bikes of all sizes, from road bikes to 5” fat bike tires.
Saris MTR 1 Features
- Number of bikes: 1
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: compatible with 1-Bike Add-On and 2-Bike Add-On
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch pin
- Cool features: pivoting wheel trays, fat bike tire compatibility
$499.99
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Saris MTR 2
The Saris MTR 2 gives you all the same features as the single bike model but with double the carrying capacity. It’s also compatible with 1 or 2-bike add-ons and it’s got all the same folding and downward tilting mechanisms as the MTR 1. If you know you’ll likely be bringing more than just your own bike, the MTR 2 is just what you need.
Saris MTR 2 Features
- Number of bikes: 2
- Mount style: 1.25" or 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: compatible with 1-Bike Add-On and 2-Bike Add-On
- Locks: integrated cable rack for bikes, locking hitch pin
- Cool features: pivoting wheel trays, fat bike tire compatibility
$799.99
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Thule Apex XT Swing 4
The Thule Apex XT Swing 4 is a unique car rack that’s designed to work with vehicles that have a swinging trunk, like Jeep Wranglers, for example. Not only can this rack fit up to 4 bikes, it moves completely out of the way so you can access your trunk easily. The integrated cable locks will ensure your bikes are safe so you can leave your car with confidence that everything will be right where you left it.
Thule Apex XT Swing 4 Features
- Number of bikes: 4
- Mount style: 2" hitch
- Extension compatibility: none
- Locks: integrated bike lock, locking hitch pin
- Cool features: unique swing arm