Best Hitch Bike Racks for 2025, Tested

Car and Driver

23-05-2025

We tested these bike racks the only way that matters: by actually using them. We assembled each one, mounted it on a vehicle, loaded it with everything from lightweight road bikes to fat-tire e-bikes, and drove over city streets filled with the kind of potholes that would likely count as craters on the moon. We tilted them, folded them, cursed at their hardware, and figured out which racks would make our weekends easier—and which made us question our career choices.
Some bike racks impressed us with their precision and polish. Others reminded us that a low price often comes with compromise. But every one of these hitch-mounted racks was put through the same gauntlet, and we've ranked them based on what matters most: ease of use, bike compatibility, stability on the road, and whether you'd actually want to live with it long-term.
Key Takeaways
Our Best Overall pick was the Thule Verse 2 because of its versatility in stowing a wide range of bikes, its reliable locking system, and its robust materials and construction.
pick was the because of its versatility in stowing a wide range of bikes, its reliable locking system, and its robust materials and construction. The Yakima StageTwo was a close runner-up because it has the build quality and polish of a high-end rack, but with a more user-friendly design that's simple, effective, and quick to use; we especially liked the squeeze-handle tilting mechanism.
was a close runner-up because it has the build quality and polish of a high-end rack, but with a more user-friendly design that's simple, effective, and quick to use; we especially liked the squeeze-handle tilting mechanism. The Küat Piston Pro X earns the Best Premium badge with performance, polish, and usability that's second to none; it's pricey but worth every penny.
Things to Consider
Not all hitch-mounted bike racks are created equal. Once we started testing them back to back, it became clear how much subtle (and not-so-subtle) variation there is between models. Here's what really matters once you get past the marketing:
Hitch Compatibility
Like hitch receivers, hitch bike racks come in 1.25- or 2.0-inch versions. Some models are available in both sizes, some come with an included adapter, and others might only be compatible with a single-size hitch receiver. While hitch compatibility varies by model, nearly any rack can be made to work with any vehicle using inexpensive aftermarket adapters, so long as you're mindful of your vehicle's and the rack's weight ratings. That said, adding an additional adapter adds yet another friction point in the process that you may not want to deal with.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for a hitch adapter, this from MaxxHaul is a reasonably priced choice from a company we've had positive experiences with. It's also available in a .
Bike Compatibility
Not every rack fits every bike. When we originally planned out this test, we meticulously collected bikes with various wheel sizes with the thought that wheel diameter would be the biggest indicator of compatibility.
As it turns out, that wasn't the case. Instead, we found out things like wheelbase, whether the bike had fenders, and frame design were the key determining factors more than anything else. Specifically, here are a few issues we ran into that you might want to consider when looking for a bike rack for your hitch:
Step-through frames , which often require a separate adapter bar
, which often require a separate adapter bar Carbon-fiber frames , which shouldn't be clamped directly
, which shouldn't be clamped directly Fat tires , which require racks rated for wider tires (3.5–5.0 inches wide)
, which require racks rated for wider tires (3.5–5.0 inches wide) Small kids bikes , which many platforms can't accommodate
, which many platforms can't accommodate Bikes with fenders, which didn't always play nice with the ratcheting fold-down mechanism that folds over tires
Load Capacity
E-bikes and larger cruiser bikes can easily weigh north of 60 pounds. If that's your cargo, look for racks rated for 60 pounds per tray or more. Anything less and you're risking damage to the rack—or worse.
Access to Rear Hatch or Tailgate
The best racks tilt down or swing away even when loaded, so you can grab gear from the cargo area, trunk, or truck bed without unloading bikes. Some do this easily; others turn it into an upper-body workout.
Ease of Use
You'll be loading and unloading bikes a lot. Some racks are intuitive and quick to operate; others have fiddly locks, tricky ratchets, or awkward arms that don't quite cooperate.
Storage Footprint
When not in use, how much space does it eat up? Racks that fold flat against the vehicle or stand upright are easier to live with than those that demand their own ZIP code in your garage.
Security
Some racks offer integrated locks for both the rack and the bikes. Others don't. In this test, we saw everything from beefy keyed mechanisms to Velcro straps and prayers.
Best Hitch Bike Racks