10 Best Bike Racks For Cars 2025 in the United States

The Thule Epos 3 bike rack is designed to offer a hassle-free experience for loading and unloading all types of bikes, including heavy e-bikes. It features patented telescopic bike arms with pivoting cradles and steel-reinforced straps, ensuring a secure attachment to the bike frame or rear wheel. With a high load capacity of 66lb per bike and a total maximum load capacity of 160lb, this rack can comfortably handle even the heaviest bikes.

The generous 9.8-inch spacing between bikes reduces the risk of damage due to bike-to-bike contact. Additionally, extra-long wheel holders make it easy to transport bikes with long wheelbases of up to 53 inches, and ratcheting pump buckles and wheel straps simplify tire fastening for tires up to 3.2 inches wide (or up to 5 inches with an additional accessory). The rack is built with durability in mind and comes in a sleek black/silver frame.

Some users might find the package weight of 27.17 kilograms (approximately 60 pounds) a bit cumbersome during installation. While the Thule Epos 3 bike rack ranks #130 in bicycle car racks, its ease of installation and robust security features make it a compelling choice for avid cyclists, especially those with e-bikes.

The KUAT NV 2.0-2" is a sturdy hitch-mounted bike rack designed to carry two bikes, making it a strong choice for riders who need to transport heavier bikes, including e-bikes up to 60 pounds each. Its all-metal construction and use of a 2-inch hitch receiver means it attaches firmly to your vehicle, reducing wobble and ensuring safer transport. One standout feature is its adjustable front tire cradle system, which fits a wide range of bike sizes and tire types, from road bikes to fat tires, holding the bikes securely in place. The rack also includes a convenient Trail Doc repair stand, allowing you to perform basic bike tune-ups on the go—very handy for cyclists who like to keep their bikes in top shape during trips.

Accessibility is enhanced by a foot-operated pivot lever, so you can tilt the rack down to reach your car’s rear without unloading your bikes. This is particularly useful when the rack is loaded. Installation is described as easy, which is important if you want a hassle-free experience. The rack’s durable aluminum build and high weight capacity make it a long-lasting investment for those who frequently travel with multiple or heavy bikes.

One limitation is that the rack is designed only for vehicles with a 2-inch hitch, so it won’t fit smaller hitch sizes without an adapter. Also, while the rack holds two bikes, those with larger bike collections might find the capacity limiting unless they invest in an expansion. This rack is well suited for active cyclists, especially e-bike owners, who seek a reliable, user-friendly, and durable solution to transport their bikes safely.

The Thule Pro XTR 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a versatile rack designed to accommodate a wide range of bikes, including e-bikes, with a load capacity of 60 pounds per bike. It's an excellent choice for those who need to transport various types of bikes such as carbon frames, mountain, downhill, or fat bikes, due to its compatibility with 20 to 29-inch wheels and tires up to 5 inches wide without requiring adapters. One of its standout features is the tool-free installation through the AutoAttach system, making it user-friendly and convenient.

The rack's HitchSwitch lever allows for easy tilting to access the vehicle's trunk or to store the rack upright when not in use, adding to its practicality. Additionally, the integrated wheels make it easy to maneuver the rack when off the vehicle, which is a thoughtful touch for users who frequently detach the rack. Security is well addressed with integrated cable locks that secure the bikes to the rack and a locking knob that locks the rack to the hitch receiver. The 12.5-inch spacing between bikes and adjustable side-to-side positioning help prevent bike interference, ensuring your bikes remain secure and undamaged during transport.

It's worth noting that while the rack can carry up to 4 bikes with an additional add-on, this add-on is sold separately, which could be an extra expense for users needing to transport more than 2 bikes. The durability and build quality are robust, supported by Thule's reputation and a limited lifetime warranty. This rack combines ease of use, security, and flexibility, making it an excellent investment for bike enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile transport solution.