Best Hitch Bike Racks

• Cost: $600
• Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5.0
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Bike capacity: Two bikes
• Load capacity: 80 lbs.
• Receiver size: 1.25-inch, 2.0-inch

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a versatile and well-designed hitch bike rack. It will fit snugly in any hitch receiver and is incredibly easy to use. The Sherpa can fold down to allow for truck access when installed, and it will securely grip any compatible bicycle. It also has integrated locks for added bike security.

If you’re looking for a reliable hitch rack to carry one or two bikes, we recommend the Sherpa 2.0. You may be able to find a less expensive hitch rack, but you generally sacrifice stability and longevity for a lower cost. 

You can see how the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 performed in each category below:

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 was among our favorite car racks to assemble and install. Even the packaging is designed to assist with assembly. Because there are so many parts, it does take some effort to build the Sherpa. Even so, the instructions are clear, and all the components fit together well.

Once installed, the Sherpa is extremely secure with no wobbling whatsoever. The tightening mechanism ensures that it will fit snugly in your trailer receiver. The tilt design allows for trunk access after this hitch is attached, and it is very easy to load bikes. The platform design is stable and secure.

Engaging the pivot system is simple thanks to a foot-assist lever. This means you can raise and lower the hitch rack without using your hands.

Among the hitch racks that we tested, the Kuat Sherpa felt the most secure and was the rack we would first choose to carry our own bikes.

Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (over 640 reviews)

Most love the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 because it is exceptionally sturdy and does not wobble. Many like the look and that it tightens in the hitch receiver for a perfectly snug fit.

One downside of this hitch bike rack is that it will not fit especially long bikes. The platform-style bike rack does not allow for much adjustment, so make sure your bike is compatible before buying this bike rack. The Sherpa can hold bikes up to 40 lbs. with wheelbases up to 47.0 in. and tires as large as 3.0 in.

• Cost: $450
• Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
• Weight: 35 lbs.
• Bike capacity: Two to five bikes
• Load capacity: 150 lbs.
• Receiver size: 1.25-in., 2.0-in.

The Thule Apex XT is a hanging-style rack that fits snugly into your hitch receiver. While a hanging rack isn’t compatible with bikes that only have a small gap between their top tube and down tube, they are good for carrying a large number of bicycles. Choose the Apex XT if you’re looking for the most stable hanging rack or if you need something capable of carrying a large number of bikes. This rack also includes an integrated cable lock for a bit of added security.

Below are the Thule Apex XT’s ratings in each category:

The Thule Apex is the only bike rack we tested that matched the stability of the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. The Apex also has a tightening feature that ensures a snug fit with the hitch receiver. It is simple to install and even has a special key to secure it to the tailgate and prevent theft.

Unlike the Sherpa, the Apex features a hanging rack design, which allows for more bikes to be attached. That said, the hanging design is not compatible with all bikes, and you’ll need to be sure that your frame can fit.

The Apex’s securing straps are made from thick, quality rubber and can be tightened to prevent sway or rocking.

Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (over 860 reviews)

Many reviewers are happy with the Thule and feel that it is more secure than any other option. It can fit any size hitch receiver and is totally stable once tightened. Reviewers often comment that it is not difficult to attach and remove bikes.

Some have had trouble assembling the Thule, as the included instructions don’t explain the locking system very well. If you’re struggling to install this hitch rack, you can find videos to guide you through the process. Another issue is that the securing mounts (where you attach your bike to the rack) can wear down over time.

• Cost: $850
• Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
• Weight: 62.1 lbs.
• Bike capacity: Two-, three-, and four-bike models available
• Load capacity: 120 lbs.
• Receiver size: 1.25-in., 2.0-in.

The Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack is a great option for drivers who have multiple bikes they’d like to take out on the road with them. Although the NV 2.0 only holds two bikes out of the box, you can grab a +1 or +2 bike add-on that can potentially double the rack’s bike capacity.

The Kuat NV 2.0’s ratings are highlighted below:

Our team loved the Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack. It was easy to install, and even easier to use and uninstall. With the rack being as easy to install as it was, we weren’t expecting it to be one of the most stable of the bunch we tested. Surprisingly, the NV 2.0 is up there with the best of the best in terms of hitch bike rack stability.

In terms of durability, Kuat has been making high-quality bike racks for a number of years. Whether you’ve noticed it or not, you’ve likely driven past a car on the road with a NV 2.0 installed on the back, as it is one of the most popular bike racks around. You can trust this hitch bike rack will go the distance.

Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (more than 40 reviews)

Reviewers rave over the Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack. Customers say you get what you pay for, in the best sense of that phrase, as reviews frequently mention the quality of this hitch bike rack. One reviewer notes that they chose this rack over others because few could support their 60-lb. downhill mountain bike.

• Cost: $400
• Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
• Weight: 52.8 lbs.
• Bike capacity: One to two bikes
• Load capacity: 190 lbs.
• Receiver size: 2.0-in.

Specifically built with electric bicycles (e-bikes) in mind, the KYX E-Bikes Hitch Mount provides a secure platform to mount your machine(s) on. An incredibly helpful feature of this bike rack is its quick-release tilt lever, allowing users trunk access without having to remove their e-bike or hitch-mounted rack.

Another benefit of this e-bike rack is its quick-fold design, allowing drivers to easily stow away the rack in their garage when not in use.

The KYX E-Bikes Hitch Mount’s ratings are highlighted below:

The instructions to set up the KYX E-Bikes Hitch Mount are clear and concise, and our team had no issues assembling the rack or mounting it onto our test vehicle. Once we mounted two Pedego electric bicycles to the rack, we went for a test drive.

During our test drive, we didn’t see or sense any lack of stability. The Pedego e-bikes hardly swayed when we grabbed the handlebars and attempted to remove the bikes while they were locked in place. In terms of stability, this e-bike rack was rugged to the touch and felt like it wouldn’t give out on you prematurely.

Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 (over 50 reviews)

The KYX E-Bikes Hitch Mount is hailed by customers as easy to install and incredibly sturdy. As e-bikes are typically heavier than your average bicycle, the heavy-duty design of this hitch bike rack is well-praised by reviewers. One man claims the ergonomic design of this bike rack allows him to mount and unmount his bikes on his own. 

One main point of criticism is the fact that, as you can see in our photo, you need a wrench to install/uninstall this mount. While this fact wasn’t an issue for us, some customers reported stripped screws and complained about this extra hassle.

• Cost: $130
• Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5.0
• Weight: 25.2 lbs.
• Bike capacity: Two-, three-, and four-bike models available
• Load capacity: 143 lbs.
• Receiver size: 2.0-in.

If you have a smaller bike or are looking for a bike rack that takes up less space in the garage, consider the KYX 4-Bike Car Hitch Rack. This hanging bike rack only has a few parts to assemble and is not as wide as some other hanging racks. This enables you to mount bikes with only the slightest gap between the top and down tubes. That said, the saddles are small and so may not be the best at securing bikes with especially thick top tubes.

You can see how the KYX 4-Bike Car Hitch Rack performed in each of our testing categories below: 

While the included instructions for the KYX bike rack were not very helpful, assembly is nonetheless simple. There are only three parts to attach, and the overall design is intuitive. This rack fits nicely into the hitch receiver and even includes a stabilizing plate that helps reduce wobble once installed.

One thing we noticed about this hitch bike rack is the smaller space between the hanging bars. This allows users to secure bikes with minimal space between the top and down tubes.

The KYX hitch rack uses rubber straps to secure bicycles. While these straps provide a nice tight fit, they are difficult to use. We struggled to stretch the rubber hole over the shoe. We tested this bike rack on a cold day (49.0 degrees Fahrenheit), so it may be easier to use when it’s warmer outside and the rubber is more supple.

Amazon review score: 4.1 out of 5.0 (over 190 reviews)

The consensus among Amazon reviewers is that this KYX bike rack is an excellent option for the price. It’s sturdy, reliable, and compatible with most bikes. Reviewers like the included metal saddle, which adds extra security and stability where the rack attaches to the hitch receiver.

There are mixed reviews about how well the KYX fits a 2.0-in. hitch. Some say it fits loosely, while others claim perfect stability with very little wobble. We found that the KYX bike rack wobbled in our hitch receiver at first, but was stable after we firmly tightened the securing bolt.

• Cost: $175
• Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
• Weight: 28 lbs.
• Bike capacity: Two bikes
• Load capacity: 70 lbs.
• Receiver size: 1.25-in., 2.0-in.

The Swagman XC2 is a lightweight tray hitch bike rack. It costs considerably less than the Thule and Kuat racks we recommend. This does come with a tradeoff, as it does not fit as tightly in the hitch receiver, and the Swagman is made from a lower-quality metal that may rust over time.

However, this is a secure bike rack that is also very lightweight. It has a maximum weight capacity of 70 lbs. but is a good pick for those who only need to carry one bike or two light bikes. You might consider the Swagman if you have a small car and are worried about extra tailgate weight.

You can see how the Swagman XC2 performed in each of our testing categories below:

We like the cradle design of the Swagman, and it was able to firmly secure our test bikes. 

However, this rack did wobble in the (2.0-in.) hitch receiver. The Swagman locks securely with a hitch pin but shakes and makes noise on the road. This can be fixed by using shims or stabilizing inserts. The Swagman may fit more securely in a 1.25-in. hitch.

Mounting bikes onto the Swagman can be difficult for one person, but removing them is no trouble at all.

Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (more than 970 reviews)

Amazon reviewers like the Swagman because it is lightweight, easy to use, and inexpensive. Some opt for this type of bike rack because of the low cost, while others prefer it over premium racks due to its weight. While the written instructions aren’t the best, the Swagman is not too difficult to assemble.

Some don’t like this rack because of the low weight limit. For this reason, it’s not a good option for those with heavy bikes. One person has commented that their Swagman began to rust after exposure to the elements.

• Cost: $500
• Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
• Weight: 39 lbs.
• Bike capacity: Two bikes
• Load capacity: 60 lbs.
• Receiver size: 1.25-in., 2.0-in.

Those who need to carry a range of bike sizes—children’s bikes, road bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes, fat bikes, e-bikes—should consider the RockyMounts Monorail. The design allows it to hold most bike sizes comfortably. It has wide wheel saddles and includes straps for securing fat tire bikes.

The Monorail’s design is similar to the Kuat Sherpa, though the materials, stability, and look are a slight downgrade. That said, this is still a premium bike rack and a good pick in the $500 range.

You can see how the RockyMounts Monorail performed in each of our testing categories below:

The Monorail has a similar design to the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. However, it does not tighten at the hitch and is therefore less stable. We were able to adequately secure our bikes, but they were noisy during our test drive. This is another rack that would benefit from stabilizing tape.

Assembling the Monorail is not difficult, nor is loading and unloading bicycles. The rack can tilt up to 30 degrees to allow for trunk access once installed.

Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (over 210 reviews)

Reviewers praise this rack for its versatility, as it can carry a range of bike sizes. Others note that RockyMounts has responsive customer service that will help with installation. Overall, the RockyMounts Monorail is described as sturdy, well-designed, and easy to store (as it folds up).

Customers noted this rack can be damaged by your vehicle’s exhaust. Make sure to check your exhaust pipe and that it doesn’t blow directly onto the tire saddle. For this reason, the Monorail is incompatible with certain vehicles (such as the Subaru Forester). Unfortunately, RockyMounts has not made a list of such vehicles.

• Cost: $230
• Overall rating: 3.8 out of 5.0
• Weight: 43 lbs.
• Bike capacity: Four to five bikes
• Load capacity: 225 lbs.
• Receiver size: 2.0-in.

The Curt Premium Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a low-cost alternative to the Thule Apex. It has a high weight capacity and can hold up to five bikes. Choose this bike rack if you plan to carry several bikes and don’t want to shell out more than $500 for your rack.

You can see how the Curt Premium Hitch Mount Bike Rack performed in each of our testing categories below:

The Curt is one of the easiest hitch racks to assemble because it only has three pieces to connect. There is a good amount of bolt-tightening involved, but this isn’t complicated. While the Curt fit into our receiver hitch, it wobbled some and there is no hitch-tightening mechanism. Depending on your hitch, you may want to use some shims for full stability.

As with any hanging bike rack, bikes with a small gap between the top and down tubes cannot fit on the Curt. This was the case with our smaller test bike. While attaching bikes to this rack is easy, our test bike felt imbalanced once attached. It takes more time and care to properly attach bikes to this rack.

Amazon review score: 3.7 out of 5.0 (over 210 reviews)

According to customer reviews, most find that the Curt bike rack provides excellent value. It is easy to assemble and the parts are durable. Some have noted, as we did, that the Curt Rack sways a little bit in the hitch. According to these reviews, this did not cause any issues on the road.

It can be difficult to mount five bikes on the Curt, and the hanging system isn’t compatible with some bikes. That said, this hitch bike rack secures nicely and doesn’t leave a residue where it makes bike frame contact.