No hitch bike racks for SUVs are climbing the popularity ladder as the number of hobbyist cyclists go up. These bike racks will take care of moving your beloved bicycle from point A to point B while cutting down a lot of extra expenses.
Riddle me this. Do you want to take your cycle up the mountain for a lovely ride without shelling out your entire week’s wage? Do you want to avoid the number-crunching that comes along with a hitch?
If the answer is a big fat YES, you need the best bike rack for SUV no hitch. Not only will it slash your expenses down by 30%, but it’ll also get the job done. You’ll be able to transport your cycles without any hassle.
I’ve designed this roundup to help you find the RIGHT non-hitch bike rack for your SUV from the crowd of collections. Apart from the in-depth review of each bike rack, I’ll provide some handy tips on how to choose the perfect no hitch bike rack for SUV.
Best Bike Rack for SUV No Hitch – Comparison
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick | Saris Bones EX Rack |
| |
 | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack |
| |
 | Thule Gateway Pro |
| |
 | YAKIMA FullBack |
| |
 | Thule Passage |
| |
 | Tyger Auto Bike Rack |
| |
 | Schwinn Trunk Bike Rack |
| |
 | Hollywood 4-Bike Hitchless Rack |
|
Top 5 Bike Racks for SUV No Hitch
Now, from the bike racks I’ve tested, I’m going to highlight five that have impressed me. All the bike racks in this list are well-rounded and have the ability to cater to the needs of everyone- from budget hunters to premium pickers. So, let me show you what each bike rack had to offer. Don’t worry. If there’s any dirt, I’ll make sure to throw them in as well.
1. Saris Bones EX Bike Carrier for SUV Without Hitch
- Color: Black
- Material: Composite, Plastic
- Dimensions: 22″ x 9″ x 20″
- Item Weight: 12.23 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 3
- Load Capacity: 105 lbs
- Brand: Saris
Okay, mates, I have to admit that I went a little overboard with this one. The bike rack did make a dent in my wallet, but in the end, I had no regrets because I came to love it. Today, it holds the 1st spot on my list of the best, and I’m actually glad that I went full-on with the Saris Bones bike carrier.
So, I have two vehicles, one is an SUV, and the other is a sedan. I was not worried about the rack’s compatibility with my SUV because all the other carriers I have used seemed to be suitable for it. However, I was concerned about attaching it to my sedan because back then, it had rear spoilers. My concerns didn’t last long as the rack went perfectly along with my Infiniti G37.
If you still have any queries about approved fits, you should check out Saris Fit Guide for more information.
Well, the details on the official website or instruction guide say that the carrier can hold three bikes. However, as per my experience, it can easily hold two bikes. However, in terms of three bicycles, you will have a hard time settling them in. I was able to place three racing bicycles but didn’t have the same sort of luck with three mountain bikes.
What caught my eyes is the articulated rubber feet of the mount rack. It ensured the safety of my car’s paint and also protected it from scratches and chips. I also liked the premium bike rests and had no trouble placing my bicycles there. It was fast and easy.
The arms and legs of the rack are injection molded, meaning it strengthens them and keeps them safe from rust for many years. I have this trunk rack for a few years now, and I haven’t seen any sign of rust yet, will let you guys know if there is any in the future.
If you are using a female or beach bike (bikes that don’t feature a bar), you will have a very time adjusting them to the rack. Apart from that, due to the L shape straps, it becomes very easy to connect and remove the carrier to and from the trunk. Sometimes, a little too easy; so, make sure to keep an eye out because, like you, anybody can easily remove the rack and steal it within a few minutes.
Nevertheless, the rack comes with foldable arms, which made it easier to store when not in use. I would like to add a few things about the ratchet straps as well because they did keep my bikes safe and secure. The straps are of great quality, and I was able to use them easily to tighten the hold on my bicycles.
In the end, the rack deserves the given spot. It is very easy to use and suitable for quick trips. If you are ever confused about the compatibility of your car, you can always have a look at this trunk-mount rack.
2. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitchless Rack for SUV
- Color: Black
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Fully assembled
- Item Weight: 18 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 4
- Load Capacity: 140 lbs
- Brand: Allen Sports
I’ve already touted price as the biggest perk of having a no-hitch rack. I wanted to see how many corners I can cut with money when it comes to hitchless bike racks without getting my SUV or bike wrecked. I’ve tried my hands on a few budget racks, and the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitchless Rack is what caught my eye.
The one shining benefit of this trunk rack is the sweet-as-it-comes price point. Without even spending $120, I got a bike rack that made my cross-country trips a breeze. However, as it is a budget-friendly product, I would recommend you keep your expectations in check.
I didn’t expect a less-than-$120 bike rack to hold four bikes. Not only does it hold four bikes, but it also can carry 140lbs. That’s more than enough to take a road or mountain bike out for a trip. But if you want to take beach cruisers or commuter bikes, you’re out of luck.
Although most of my bikes are road, hybrid, and mountain, I have a few beach cruisers. The Schwinn Men’s Largo 7 Cruiser I have weighs around 40 pounds. Whenever I planned to take that particular bike out for a spin, I had to contend with taking one.’
This rack has high-quality foam padding. Once I installed the mount and foam padding came into contact with the SUV’s trunk, there was no issue whatsoever. I have a 2018 Hyundai Tucson, and I got it up and running without any hassle.
I loved the tie-down system as well. I didn’t expect such a versatile tie-down mechanism from a budget-friendly rack, to be honest. While you can’t rotate the tie-down part itself, but the carrying arms can be adjusted to fit different bike styles and frames. So, you have the option of carrying different types of bikes.
The side straps add more stability to the entire mount. You have to put the straps inside the trunk to make it work, though. While it does make the trunk mount stable, it takes away your access to the trunk. So, make sure you take out anything important from the trunk once you’ve got the rack all set and ready for action.
The Allen Sports Deluxe 1104DB does have a few shortcomings as well. The distance between the upper and bottom mount should’ve been more. The less-than-optimal distance made me somewhat nervous about putting two bikes on it. Because when I put my CANNONDALE CAAD13 on the first bike rest, it seemed too close to the trunk.
The tires on the bike you’re carrying can hit the trunk if you don’t use bungee cords to keep them stationary. There’s a chance the tires don’t hit, and you get a smooth ride to your destination as well. But I wouldn’t risk it. A handful of scratches on the trunk, and you’ll be losing tons of dough on a paint job.
Still, the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack is a bang for the buck. If you follow the instructions to the tee and take some safety precautions (adding bungee cords to the equation), you’re good to go. This hitchless SUV bike rack gets the job done for an extremely reasonable price.
3. Allen Sports Premier SUV Bike Rack Without Hitch
- Color: Black
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 23.62″ x 13.58″ x 4.72″
- Item Weight: 11 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 70 lbs
- Brand: Allen Sports
Well, I couldn’t help but put another non-hitch SUV bike rack of Allen Sports in the third spot. I would have taken this one up to rank two, yet I couldn’t do it because of the carrying capacity. However, it was a very tough decision so, the best I can say is that if you are willing to spend a little more cash, the Allen Sports Premier bike rack can be an excellent alternative to the former product.
I had already talked about my SUV a while ago, but I forgot to mention that I have a sedan as well. So, the purpose behind stating this is that the Allen Sports rack is suitable for both my sedan and SUV. As per my experience, the carrier fits with most minivans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and sedans. However, you should still check out a guide for specific vehicle compatibility before making a move.
The bike rack came fully assembled, and I did have to go through a bit of a learning curve before I was able to set it up on my car within minutes. Don’t worry the learning curve is easy to master, and you can do it in just a few tries. Folding the rack is also a piece of cake, and you don’t even need both hands for it.
On the other hand, the carrying arms were 12-inches long and held two of my bicycles easily. The maximum weight capacity is 70lbs, so make sure your bikes don’t exceed that.
There were tie-down rubber straps with soft cradle beds that ensured the safety of my bikes. These straps are UV resistant and durable and can secure a bike very quickly. For additional protection from scratches or streaks, there are large vehicle pads. These pads are also known as the rack’s feet.
The narrow carry arms were useful for me due to the fact that I own two bikes, which are different from each other. One of them is a mountain bike, and the other is a beach cruiser. What the narrow arms do is, allows most bikes to fit with the trunk rack.
I had a bit of trouble with the clips that are used to stabilize the product. They were bare metal, and it did mess up my paint a bit. However, I was careful the next time and used some tape. One annoying thing about the rack is the strength of the nylon straps. Sometimes, it needs to be retightened, or the rig becomes very loose.
One more aspect you must be concerned about is the obstruction of your license plate. If you don’t want cops on your tail, make sure the plate is visible, or you have a copy attached to the rear window.
Overall, using the rack to its full potential will seem a little tricky, but once you get used to it, there is no coming back. I have been using this trunk rack since the beginning of my biking adventures, and I’m still using it.
4. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe 3-Bikes Rack for SUV no Hitch
- Special “E-Coat” inside-out
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 25″ x 4″ x 3″
- Item Weight: 11 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 3
- Load Capacity: 99 lbs
- Brand: Tyger Auto
At this moment, you are probably wondering, what’s with this guy and bicycle racks. Don’t worry; I’m not a crazy guy who owns dozens of the same thing. Most of my friends and I are bike enthusiasts; so, each of us has a trunk rack of our own. We exchange them when we need to, and this is how I got to know about the TG-RK3B203S bicycle mount.
What I first noticed about the product that it comes with three bike rests and a maximum capacity of 99lbs. I own two bikes, and I was able to place both of them easily. I would have used the third slot as well, but I was fresh out of bicycles.
The rack was assembled from the beginning. I didn’t need to tap into my rocket science skills to bring it together. When you are trying to attach the rack to your vehicle, make sure it doesn’t have any rear spoilers. I have seen many people trying hard and soul, but trust me, it won’t work.
On the other hand, the overall build felt quite sturdy. The rack looked strong enough to easily carry a few bicycles, but if I were you, I wouldn’t cross the 99lbs threshold. There is a padded lower frame right underneath the bike rests. I found it quite useful because the frame kept the bikes from touching the rear of my car.
Additionally, the bicycle rests feature individual soft cradles. It kept my bike secure and protected the frame from any sort of damage. Due to the black E-coating, the rack never came across rust even after years of usage.
The installation process was relatively easy, especially due to the instruction manual. I was able to set it up all on my own without any help. Apart from that, the carry arms are foldable, which is useful when you need to store the carrier.
The package includes a safety strap, and I would suggest that you always use it to remain on the safe side. The limited warranty will not cover any accidental damage unless you install the safety strap before driving with your bikes.
I had a pretty hard time pulling down rubber straps at the top. It required a lot of effort, and sometimes I thought I would end up damaging the good or, worse, my car. It would have been better if they were a little loose.
My friend once carried three bikes with this rack, and he was quite upset because it chipped the rear of his car a little. Afterward, he always stuck to two bicycles or three slim bikes.
Well, my car is still untouched. I didn’t have to face the same disaster my friend did. I think it is because of the model of his car. Anyways, I have already listed out my complaints about the rack, and as you can see, they are rather negligible. So, the pros greatly outweigh the cons.
5. Schwinn SUV Bike Rack Without Hitch
- Color: Black
- Material: Aluminum, Plastic, Steel
- Dimensions: 27″ x 25″ x 7″
- Item Weight: 7 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 70 lbs
- Brand: Schwinn
Although the Schwinn bike rack is at the bottom of my list, it doesn’t mean that it is in any way falls short in the race of the best. I stumbled upon this when a friend of mine suggested a road trip to the mountains. We went on the trip in my other car, it is an Infiniti G37, the rack, on the other hand, was his. It was my friend and me, so naturally, we took two bikes, and the first thing I realized that the rack came he brought came with two carrying slots.
My friend said the rack has a weight capacity of 70 lbs, but I was doubtful about it at first because the two bikes are quite heavy together. However, I wouldn’t be writing this review if the rack came off at any point of the trip, now, would I?
I own a typical sedan, and the rack did fit properly with it. By the looks of the overall design, I think I would have been able to attach it with most vans and hatchbacks as well. Additionally, the rack came with ratcheting straps, which made sure it was safe and secure.
The rack didn’t require any assembly, so it only took us a few minutes to attach. Furthermore, when we reached our destination, I was able to fold it effortlessly without any prior instruction. When I was done folding it, I noticed that it becomes very small and was able to store it in the trunk of my sedan. So, when we went on the bike trip, we didn’t have to worry about somebody stealing the rack.
I’m quite fond of the cars I use, so most of the time, I’m concerned about accidental bumps, scratches, or streaks. When my friend was fixing this, still new to me rack, to the back, I couldn’t help but worry about what it might do to my car. He was awfully careless about the process, but the heavy-duty foam pads and the coated hooks saved my precious. He would have ended up with a right hook on his face if there was even a slight scratch, but no harm, no foul.
The rack comes with a narrow frame configuration, meaning it is able to hold different styles of bikes. I took my CANNONDALE CAAD13, and my buddy took Pivot Mach 429 Trail, both are completely different bicycles, yet we didn’t come across any issues placing them in the bike rests.
However, if our bikes were large, the rack may not have been able to hold them. It seemed a bit too small to me. While returning from the trip, I took the task of reattaching the rack because I couldn’t risk my friend going nuts with it again. He did give me the instruction guide, but it was not clear. It seemed like I was building a robot or something.
We did use some extra side straps while coming back to make sure the rack stays put. Overall, I had a satisfying experience with the rack. It well deserves the number 5 spot in my list and no more or less.
No Hitch Bike Rack for SUVs Buying Guide
Whenever we look at something, whether it’s a course of action or a product, we prefer having a golden rule. An actionable, easy-to-follow rule that’ll guide us straight to where we want to be. That’s what I’m going to give you now. If you want to assess the quality of a bike mount, you need to weigh them against certain features. Let me show you what perks every best non hitch bike rack for SUV should have. Plus, I’ll throw in some general considerations as a bonus!
Check the Maximum Carrying Capacity
This factor stares at you from the very beginning. That’s why the carrying capacity of a bike rack doesn’t need an elaborate introduction.
Whenever you’re out hunting for a top-tier hitchless bike rack, the first thing that should strike you is how many bikes it can carry. All the SUV no hitch bike rack I’ve listed in this article can carry two bikes. There are a lot of one-bike racks as well. But I prefer two-bike mounts because only a long ranger goes out on a biking excursion with one bicycle. Also 4-bike rack for suv without hitch is another good option to pick.
If you want to have a lovely time with your friend or partner, get a hitchless trunk rack that supports two bikes. This way, you’ll be on the safe side.
Also, how much weight can the bike rack withstand is another related and significant concern. Two-bike carrying racks have a load capacity of 70lbs or more. While the average 70lbs load capacity should cater to most of your needs, it will fall short on some occasions.
Let’s say that you have two beach cruisers or tandems. Your mount won’t be able to stand against such weight. So, think about the type of bike you and your friend/partner who you want to go out with own. Get a rack that can comfortably take the weight of both bikes and voila.
A Measurable Distance Between Upper and Lower Mount
The next item on your what-to-consider plate should be the proper distance between the upper and lower mount. You can observe it from the overall structure of the rack. A greater distance between the two mounts will ensure a safe and proper bike-to-trunk gap.
Plus, if you’re getting a two-mount rack, as I recommended earlier, make sure the first bike rest is considerably far from the trunk. You have to account for the tires swaying while you’re on the highway. That’s why more distance will help you save the trunk from tires knocking your car’s pristine trunk.
You can also use bungee cords to keep the tires in place if the gap between the trunk and the first bike rest isn’t optimal. Using cords to fix the tires and the bicycle itself in one place will give you the peace of mind that all of us want during a road trip.
A Bike Rack That Can Take a Hit
It sort of goes without saying that the mount’s durability is another factor you can’t look past. SUV hitch mount bike racks can fall back on a vehicle’s hitch to handle things on the durability end. However, when it comes to no-hitch mounts, the task of holding strong against weather and other elements comes down to the mount itself.
Try to settle for nothing less than steel if the bicycles you’re carrying are heavy and expensive. While composite plastics can also hold strong against rust, corrosion, and other elemental damage, you shouldn’t risk losing your high-end bike over a few extra bucks.
A lot of people worry that getting steel material will cost them a ton of green. To that, I say, don’t stress it. The Allen Sports Deluxe 102DN-R is built with steel, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. You can’t get top-notch build quality without trashing your budget.
Go for Flexible Structure
Bike racks come in different shapes and sizes. And the different structures aren’t just an aesthetic concern. They also play a major role in determining the flexibility of a rack. For instance, a hitchless SUV bike racks with an adjustable carrying arm will be able to carry a wide variety of bikes.
That’s why you should always check whether the overall structure of the mount is versatile. Whether the rack allows you to make adjustments or not is important. Even when the bicycle you or your partner has may not fit into the bike rest first, you’ll have the option to adjust the mount accordingly.
However, I would recommend not putting on your creative DIY boots during the adjustment phase. There will be instructions in the manual for each rack. While you are free to experiment with it, exercise caution because both the SUV’s trunk and bike don’t come cheap.
Packs Like a Pro
If you don’t have a Batcave, chances are, storage space is in short supply. Nobody has a ton of space in their basement. Why? It’s simple. All the non-essential junk, the seasonal junk, and the scarcely used junk go into the basement or storehouse.
So, I suggest you get a hitchless bike rack for suv that doesn’t require too much real estate. There are racks on this list that fit into the SUV’s trunk storage. Easy disassemble, and storage means added convenience. It’s another headache off your shoulder.
The target, then, is to get a non hitch SUV bike rack that’s lightweight, can fit into tight spaces and has a comfortable breakdown.
A Warranty is a Big Plus
While warranty is not the first thing I look for in a bike rack, it’s up there with the other key considerations. I sleep well knowing that the hitchless bike carrier I’ve purchased is backed up by the manufacturer. Also, it helps me put my faith in the product.
I would recommend hunting for a warranty when you search for a trunk mount rack. Not all of them have a warranty. As long as you use the mount correctly, the event of availing a warranty shouldn’t arise at all.
However, all of us are prone to mistakes. That’s when the warranty can save your skin. If you want to lay back after you get your mint-condition bike rack, keep an eye out for warranty.
Fixing a Budget
After you’ve placed all the different variables in the best bike rack for SUV without hitch equation, it’s time to look at the budget. The factors I’ve mentioned can change depending on your budget. If you have a generous amount, you shouldn’t have a problem ticking all the boxes I’ve listed in this guide.
If you don’t have the dough to make it big, you can still have a wonderful time with a budget-friendly best bike rack without hitch for suv. All you have to do is take some precautionary measures like tying up the bicycle with a cord. As long as the bike remains stationary, even a budget rack should work just fine.
Ask yourself this question. If you have an expensive SUV and a high-end bike, is putting your money on a low-end trunk-mount worth the risk? So, all I can say is- do the math and think about what you want to save. A few bucks or your trunk and bicycle.
FAQs
If you’re not a seasoned veteran in the cycling world, you’ll often stumble upon questions about hitchless bike rack for suv and their functions. I’ve prepared this complete FAQ section, keeping in mind the needs of novice cyclists.
Are there bike racks that don’t need a hitch?
Of course. The trunk-mount rack I’ve talked about this entire time is a type of rack that doesn’t require a trailer hitch. Apart from the hitchless bike rack, there are two other no-hitch options available for users.
1. Roof mount rack
2. Spare tire rack
3. Suction cup bike rack
Each bike mount has its distinctive advantages and shortcomings. Amongst the three no-hitch options, the trunk mount rack is the most affordable. A new cyclist who has just taken up the hobby and doesn’t know much about mounting bikes and transporting will have an easier time with trunk mount racks.
Are non-hitch SUV bike racks safe?
I face this question a lot, and understandably so. A lot of people faced terrible accidents with non-hitch bike racks. The same can be said for hitch-mount racks as well. It all boils down to how you’re using the bike rack.
If you install the bike rack by following the instructions properly, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be 100% safe. You can get an added layer of safety by using cords to lash the bike to mount. So, the answer is- yes, non-hitch bike racks are safe if you know how to use them.
What type of bike rack is best for an SUV?
The hitchless bike rack is best for an SUV. However, the roof-mount rack is also a viable option. The spare tire mount can be a little tricky if the user doesn’t have the knowledge of managing the bicycle-to-tire weight ratio.
I would recommend using the hitchless trunk mount rack for people who want to be on the safe side.
Can you use a non hitch car bike rack on an SUV?
That would depend on the compatibility of the bike rack. Most bike racks are compatible with different vehicles. Whether it’s a sedan, an SUV, the type of car is moot. What matters is the model. For instance, the Allen Sports Deluxe 102DN-R works fine with most SUVs but doesn’t fit the ones from the Volvo XC line.
All the rack manufacturers have a compatibility table on their websites. You should check it out and see if your SUV model suits the particular bike rack.
Do non-hitch bike racks damage your SUVs?
This kind of corresponds to the earlier question of whether non-hitch racks are safe. The ugly truth is- Yes, bike racks CAN damage your car. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Bike racks damaging the car is an accident. It’s not an everyday occurrence.
The best advice I can give here is- use the rack by following the instructions to the letter. If you use it accordingly, you have nothing to worry about.
Are hitch bike racks better than bike rack without hitch?
There is no straight answer to this question. The utility of a bike rack is dependent upon the user’s needs. Each mount has its perks and disadvantages that you have to deal with. Let me give a clear picture of what you can expect from a hitch and a hitchless bike rack.
Hitch Rack:
• High-end models are expensive
• User has to keep hitch load capacity in mind
• Can access the trunk if needed (in high-end models only)
• Can be used to carry bikes, snowboards, skis, etc.
Non-hitch Bike Rack:
• Beginner-friendly installation
• No need to spend money on installing a hitch
• Relatively inexpensive
• Can be used to carry bikes only
• Portable and easy to store
Ready for a Ride?
We all want to spend some quality time outdoors, free from the shackles of everyday routine. One way of doing it is taking your bike with you. Things get dicey when you start looking into the price of hitch-mount bike racks. That’s where no-hitch racks come into play.
With a bike carrier for suv without hitch, you can go plan for a bike-riding weekend without the headache of spending hundreds of dollars. It’s an inexpensive, no-hassle, and convenient way of enjoying your holiday. And if you don’t want your plans getting stymied with low-tier racks, getting the best bike rack for SUV no hitch is the only option.
The no hitch SUV bike racks I’ve listed here are my personal favorites. They’ve served me well over the years. If you want to take a budget route, my suggestion would be to get the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack.
Some of you may want to go the extra mile in ensuring the safety of your bicycle and SUV. If you fall under the quality-first umbrella, I would recommend looking into Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack. It costs a bit more. But it’s durable, the bike rests are incredible, and it fits a lot of different vehicles.
Now that you know all there is about no-hitch bike racks for SUVs, why not go out there and put the pedal to the metal?
Thank you for the excellent information! Would one of these no-hitch racks work with an e-bike? Thanks!
Hi, Thank you. I prefer platform hitch rack for e-Bikes.