If you’re an avid cyclist and own a Honda CRV, then you may be wondering which is the best bike rack for this particular vehicle. There are many different types and brands of bike racks available for Honda CRVs, so how do you choose the best one?
The best bike racks for Honda CRV’s need to be compatible with this model of vehicle, and must meet your needs as far as the types and number of bikes you plan to carry. Plus, are you comfortable lifting bikes overhead, do you want access to your trunk or does your Honda CRV have a hitch?
Whether your Honda CRV has a hitch or not, there is a bike rack that will work for you. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best bike racks for Honda CRV’s to take some of the guesswork (and legwork) out of it for you.
So, if you’re in the market for a bike rack for your Honda CRV, keep reading – we’re sure you’ll find one that works for you, your bikes and your budget.
Best Bike Racks For Honda CRV This Year: Our Criteria and Results
The following table includes some of the best bike racks for Honda CRV’s available on the market today. We’ve included examples of the three types of bike rack that work with a Honda CRV including hitch mount, roof mount and trunk mount bike racks.
To use a hitch mount bike rack you will need to have a hitch mount. Maybe your Honda CRV already has one fitted? If not, there is an extra expense involved to have one fitted, which, if you’re not a regular rider, may take you well over your budget.
Roof mount bike racks, you guessed it, fit on your roof. You will need a roof rack with crossbars to fit a roof mount bike rack. Plus you do need to be strong and tall enough to lift your bike overhead to load and secure it.
If you don’t need regular access to your trunk, then a trunk mount bike rack could be a good option. They’re generally more affordable than other types of bike rack, plus you don’t have to lift your bikes too high to load them.
There are pros and cons to each type of bike rack, but all you have to do is pick the ones you like and then click on the links below for more info and the latest price!
| Brand | Model | Top Advantage | Top Disadvantage | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick |   | Hollywood Racks | Destination | Comes in a 2-bike, 4-bike or an E-bike version | A bit bulky to store away | Click To Check Price |
| Best Value Option |   | Allen Sports | Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack | Comes fully assembled and installs in seconds | Metal hooks need extra padding to stop damage to your car | Click To Check Price |
| Honorable Mention |   | Tyger Auto | TG-RK3B101S 3-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack | Compatible with both a 1.25” or a 2” hitch receiver | At 20 lbs this rack is a bit on the heavy side | Click To Check Price |
| 4 |   | Yakima | Frontloader Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount | Secures a bike by the wheel, so no frame contact | Limited as it only carries 1 bike | Click To Check Price |
| 5 |    | Thule | T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack | Can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each | Heavy and expensive | Click To Check Price |
| 6 |   | Saris | Bones EX Trunk Mount Bike Rack | Compatible with most vehicles, including those with spoilers | An adapter is needed for frames without a horizontal top tube | Click To Check Price |
| Avoid This One |   | Blueshyhall | 2 Bike Carrier Trunk Mount Bike Rack For SUV | Weighing in at only 9.9 lbs it’s a lightweight rack | No instructions included which makes it difficult to install and load | Click To Check Price |
So there you have our top picks, but how did we make this selection? Keep reading for our criteria and some of our top tips about what to look for when choosing the best bike rack for a Honda CRV.
How We Select The Best Bike Racks For Honda CRVs
If you’re a Honda CRV owner and looking for a quality bike rack, there’s a few factors to consider. It’s not only about the type of bike rack you choose, but there are other important considerations. To help you out, the following are some of the criteria we use:
Bike Capacity
Firstly, you need to think about how many bikes and what type of bikes you want to carry. Most bike racks can accommodate 1 or 2 standard mountain bikes. However, fat bikes, lady’s bikes, kids bikes and bikes with different frames can become a bit more complicated.
Roof mount bike racks only carry 1 bike, but you can always add a second one to carry an extra bike. Trunk racks are limited by their weight capacity, and hitch racks can carry more bikes and are the most versatile, however, they do come with a more expensive price tag.
Overall Weight Capacity
Make sure you know the weight limit of your rack and the weight of the bikes you plan to carry. Each rack will have a specific weight limit which you don’t want to go over. An overloaded bike rack could fail, resulting in damage to both your bikes and your vehicle.
Modular Design & Ease Of Use
The different types and brands of bike racks have different ways to attach to your Honda CRV and for loading your bikes. We look at the overall design and quality of each rack and its components, and how quick and easy it is to install and load.
Security
Try to choose a bike rack that has a secure locking system for both the rack and your bikes. Some brands and models include an integrated locking system, whereas others don’t. So, in that case, you will need to add your own cables or bike locks.
Brand Reputation
Some people might think what’s in a name? But why risk your hard earned cash (and your beloved bicycle) on some no-name brand with no track record? Well-known brands have earned their reputations by offering good quality products that work.
Customer Reviews
While the team here at Mudbike try to test most of the bike racks ourselves, it’s not always possible. So, in addition to testing, we look at customer reviews across a number of the most popular cycling websites. After all, who better to get the dirt from than the very riders themselves.
Your Budget
Bike racks come in many different shapes and sizes and vary in price too. A simple rack can cost as little as around $50 for a decent trunk or roof mount bike rack and can run into hundreds of dollars for a top of the line hitch mount bike rack.
So, before you start shopping, determine your budget and stick to it. Look for bike racks that fit your needs while balancing price and any luxury features. Plus your budget will play a part in what type of bike rack you can afford for your Honda CRV.
So there you have our criteria and some top tips about what to look out for. Now let’s take a closer look at the best bike racks for Honda CRVs that made it onto our list.
Best Bike Rack for Honda CRVs [2023]
The best bike racks for Honda CRVs will be subject to your needs and what you feel comfortable using. There are 3 types of bike racks that are compatible with Honda CRVs – hitch, roof and trunk mount bike racks.
If your Honda CRV is already fitted with a hitch and you want to carry a few bikes of different types or sizes, then a hitch mount rack could be your best option. However, if you don’t have a hitch fitted then there are some great roof or trunk mount racks available.
While there are wrong ways to transport bikes, there is no wrong type of bike rack. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and weight limits, having a good bike rack will make transporting your bikes with your Honda CRV super easy.
Best Overall Bike Rack for Honda CRV Option: Hollywood Racks Destination 2, 4 Or E Bike Rack
Hollywood Racks began in 1973 when this family owned business started to make bike racks in the back of their bicycle shop in Hollywood, California. While they might not be as well known as some of the other top brands, the Hollywood Destination is our top choice for a Honda CRV.
Advantages:
- Comes in a 2-bike, 4-bike or an E-bike version
- Accommodates any size bike and frame style
Disadvantages:
- A bit bulky to store away
- Initial installation can be a bit tricky
The Hollywood Racks Destination bike rack is one of the most versatile bike racks available.
It’s a tray-style hitch rack that has individual wheel trays to make loading and unloading your bikes super easy. Plus it includes padded frame holders to protect your bike even on the roughest of roads.
It also includes ratcheting straps that slide vertically along a center post which rotates 360° so that this rack accommodates every shape and size of bike frame. The 2-bike and E-bike versions can accommodate tire widths up to 4.5”, while the 4-bike version accommodates tires up to 3” wide.
Weight capacities are 70 lbs per bike for the 2-bike version and 35 lbs per bike for the 4 bike version. As you would expect the E-bike version can also accommodate 2 bikes weighing up to 70 lbs each, plus it comes with an expandable aluminum ramp for easy on and off-loading.
You can’t go wrong with this one, so click on the link below, the price will definitely surprise you.
But don’t jump in and buy the first one – keep reading for our best value option.
Best Value Bike Rack for Honda CRV Option: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
Allen Sports has been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts around the world for more than 50 years. Their products are designed, built and tested to the highest standards of quality, and the Allen Sports Deluxe makes a great budget bike rack choice.
Advantages:
- Comes fully assembled and installs in seconds
- Fits a wide variety of vehicles
Disadvantages:
- Metal hooks need extra padding to stop damage to your car
- There is some play between the cradles
If you’re a casual rider who is looking for a bike rack for weekend or occasional use, then you can’t go wrong with the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike trunk rack. This trunk rack is compatible with Honda CRVs as well as many other vehicles.
It comes in 2, 3 or 4 bike carrying capacities with bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each. Plus this rack comes pre-assembled and is quick to install with a 5 point strap system, although you’ll have to make a few adjustments the first time around.
The patented tie down system secures each bike individually, but the straps may need checking regularly on longer trips. This rack also accommodates one of the widest range of bicycles. Plus the padded lower frame helps to protect your vehicle from any damage.
With more than 30,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this is one of the most popular racks out there. But don’t take our word for it – click on the link below to get all the details and the latest price.
And don’t stop here, keep reading for some more great options!
Honorable Mention Bike Rack for Honda CRV: Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S 3-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Founded in 2013 in California, Tyger Auto is a proud car culture innovator inspired by a group of adventure seekers who have a wealth of automotive accessory experience. The Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S 3-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack deserves an honorable mention due to its ease of use, sturdiness and durability.
Advantages:
- Compatible with both a 1.25” or a 2” hitch receiver
- Cable lock, hitch lock & security strap included
Disadvantages:
- At 20 lbs this rack is a bit on the heavy side
- Bikes sit very close to the back of a Honda CRV
The Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S is another great bike rack for those on a budget. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and can carry up to 3 bikes with a total maximum weight capacity of 99 lbs.
This hitch mount bike carrier will fit either a 1.25” or a 2” hitch receiver on many types of vehicles, including a Honda CRV. But please note that this rack will not fit vehicles longer than 18 feet such as RVs, campers or trailers.
The rack comes with two locks, a cable lock and a hitch lock. There’s a tilt feature to lower the rack to get access to the trunk without having to remove it, plus the carry arms fold away when not in use.
This 3-bike rack is really easy to install and secures your bikes exceptionally well, thanks to the additional straps that are included. The steel construction is impressively sturdy and well-built, and it has a powder coated finish to prevent any rust or corrosion.
Like the sound of this one? Then click on the link below for the latest price.
Still not ticking all your boxes? Then keep reading for some more good options.
Best Roof Bike Rack For Honda CRV: YAKIMA FrontLoader Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount
Longtime favorite Yakima has been making racks for more than 40 years. The Frontloader is a versatile, aerodynamic rooftop bike rack that is easy to install and load. It grips your bike securely by the wheels and so it doesn’t need any wheels removing.
Advantages:
- Secures a bike by the wheels, so no frame contact
- Simple to install and load
Disadvantages:
- Limited as it only carries 1 bike
- Need to lift your bike overhead to load
If you don’t have a hitch and still want access to your trunk then the Yakima Frontloader is a good choice. However, you will need a roof rack with crossbars fitted to install this rack, which not all Honda CRVs have as standard.
Once assembled, this rack is super easy to load (if you’re comfortable lifting your bike overhead). It holds your bike upright and secures it by the front and back wheel. Plus this rack can hold most types of bikes, and fits wheels of between 20” and 29” and tires of up to 3” wide.
As an added bonus, there is no frame contact making it a great rack for carbon frames or custom paint jobs. While there are no locks included there is the option to purchase Yakima’s SKS (same key system) locks for added security.
Overall this is a great bike rack for an individual rider who doesn’t plan to transport more than one bike.
Not a fan of roof top bike racks? Then keep reading for our best hitch bike rack option.
Best Hitch Bike Rack For Honda CRV: Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack
The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is an extremely popular bike rack that gets consistently good reviews. It’s a solid and very durable bike rack that, once set up, is super easy to use. It’s also very versatile as this rack fits 20 – 29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires without needing any adapters.
Advantages:
- Can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each
- Integrated locks included
Disadvantages:
- Heavy and expensive
- Assembly instructions are difficult to follow
The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is a very popular bike rack and with good reason. Once installed, it’s super easy to load and offload bikes. Plus the very generous 12” spacing between bikes means you can load any combination of bikes without having to worry about contact and damage between frames.
This heavy-duty bike rack can accommodate two bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each, making it perfect for even the heaviest of E-bikes. The integrated wheel strap system keeps your wheels secure, while the adjustable frame hook system ensures a custom fit for your bike.
While this rack is not the cheapest, it includes many extra features like integrated cable locks to secure your bikes to the rack and a locking knob locks the rack to the hitch receiver. Plus Thule has added wheels to make maneuvering this heavy rack in and out of your garage even easier.
Ticking all your boxes? Then click on the link below for the latest price.
A bit too pricey for your budget? Then keep reading for our best trunk mount option.
Best Trunk Mount Rack For Honda CRV: Saris Bones EX
The Saris Bones EX comes in both 2 and 3-bike carrier versions and is an updated version of the very popular Saris Bones. Saris claims the new and improved Saris EX is now compatible with 90% of the top vehicles sold in the USA, including the Honda CRV.
Advantages:
- Compatible with most vehicles, including those with spoilers
- Carries 2 – 3 bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each
Disadvantages:
- An adapter is needed for frames without a horizontal top tube
- Expensive for a trunk mount rack
The Saris Bones EX is one of the fastest and simplest trunk mount bike racks to load on the market today. Weighing in at only 11 lbs it’s easy to install by only 1 person who can hold the rack in one hand while securing the streamlined 6-strap system with the other.
The straps that secure the rack are very sturdy and give a wobble-free hold to the rack and your bikes. Plus the hooks and feet are rubber coated to prevent any damage to your vehicle’s paintwork.
The Saris Bones EX trunk mount bike rack comes in 2 or 3 bike versions and can carry bicycles weighing up to 35 lbs each. This should be more than enough for standard bikes, although you will need to purchase an adapter for bikes with sloping top tubes.
Like the sound of this one? Then make sure you click on the link below for more details about the Saris Bones EX and to get the latest price.
Don’t like it? Then keep reading for more details about one to avoid!
Avoid This One For Honda CRVs: Blueshyhall 2 Bike Carrier Trunk Mount Bike Rack For SUV
Blueshyhall is a company that sells automotive accessories on Amazon. They offer 3 different trunk mount bike racks and the Blueshyhall 2 Bike Trunk Carrier is rated for SUVs including the Honda CRV.
Advantages:
- Weighing in at only 9.9 lbs it’s a lightweight rack
- Features individual rubber cradles to protect your bike’s frame
Disadvantages:
- No instructions included
- Needs a screwdriver to tighten the cradles
While this bike rack does feature in some of the ‘best bike rack’ review lists, the consumer reviews do little to back this up. Most reviews complain about the fact this product comes with no instructions and there is a vague installation video to follow on Youtube.
However, it does come fully assembled and once it is successfully installed it does feel quite sturdy. While it does come with rubber cradles, loading bikes is not so straight forward as you do need a screwdriver to secure the cradles to prevent your bikes from moving.
In addition, this is a 2-bike trunk mount bike rack, but we’re not sure we would trust this rack with 2 bikes as we could find no weight limit specifications. Plus, after much research we could also find no information about the company, and any returns must be handled through Amazon.
So, unfortunately, this is why we say this is one to avoid. But don’t take our word for it; click on the link below to check out the reviews and the latest price.
So there you have the 7 best bike racks for Honda CRVs. We hope you find our tips useful. But, if you’re still unsure which to pick, then keep reading for a summary of our final results.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Bike Racks for Honda CRVs Per Section
A Honda CRV is a very popular vehicle in the US and around the world, and as you can see there’s quite a bit of choice of bike racks that are compatible with this car available. Everyone will have their favorites and we’re no exception.
The team here at Mudbike have tried, tested and researched each of the different racks, so you don’t have to, and below is a list of our top 3 favorites that met and even surpassed all our criteria. So, make sure you click on the quick links provided to check out the latest price.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Hollywood Racks | Destination | This versatile and affordable rack comes in a 2-bike, 4-bike or an E-bike version | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | Thule | T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack | This quality rack can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Allen Sports | Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack | This rack comes fully assembled and installs in seconds | Click To Check Price |
There are clearly a lot of bike racks for Honda CRVs in the market today, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Click the link on the bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price, because you never know, it could be on sale at this time of the year.
People Also Ask:
Can I put a bike rack on a Honda CRV?
Yes, you can put a bike rack on a Honda CRV, no problem. While we have included 7 of the best, there are still many different brands of bike racks that are compatible with a Honda CRV available.
If none of the ones we have included takes your fancy, then make sure you follow our criteria when you make your choice. In addition, make sure you check with the manufacturer’s to confirm that the bike rack you choose is compatible with your Honda CRV and the bicycles you plan to carry.
Do Honda CRVs have a hitch for bike racks?
No, Honda CRVs do not come with a hitch for bike racks as standard. However, if you do plan to regularly transport your bikes with a hitch-style bike rack you can have one fitted as an optional extra.
Your Honda dealer should be able to help you with this, as will any good bike rack or trailer dealer.
Can you put a Thule on a Honda CRV?
Yes, you can put a Thule on a Honda CRV. While we have included the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack there are many other different Thule options that are compatible with a Honda CRV available.
Thule bike racks for a Honda CRV include a choice of hitch bike racks, roof bike racks and trunk bike racks. However, not all Thule bike racks are compatible with a Honda CRV. So make sure you check with your Thule agent or the manufacturer’s website before you make your purchase.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Bike Racks for Honda CRVs Per Section
A Honda CRV is a very popular vehicle in the US and around the world, and as you can see there’s quite a bit of choice of bike racks that are compatible with this car available. Everyone will have their favorites and we’re no exception.
The team here at Mudbike have tried, tested and researched each of the different racks, so you don’t have to, and below is a list of our top 3 favorites that met and even surpassed all of our criteria. So, make sure you click on the quick links provided to check out the latest price.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Hollywood Racks | Destination | This versatile and affordable rack comes in a 2-bike, 4-bike or an E-bike version | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | Thule | T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack | This quality rack can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Allen Sports | Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack | This rack comes fully assembled and installs in seconds | Click To Check Price |
There are clearly a lot of bike racks for Honda CRVs in the market today, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Click the link on the bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price, because you never know, it could be on sale at this time of the year.
Also read: How Do You Open a Tailgate on a Bike Rack?
