Whether you’re a casual weekend rider or a regular bike enthusiast and have a Toyota RAV4, you might be wondering what’s the best way to transport your bikes to the trails, or the coast, or wherever you want to ride?
If you only plan to carry one bike, then of course, it’s possible to take off the front wheel and throw your bike in the back of your vehicle. But over time, you risk damage to your bike and your car. So if you ride regularly, the best thing to do is to invest in a good quality bike rack.
But what are the best bike racks for Toyota RAV4s? Firstly, the best bike rack for a Toyota RAV4 is one that is compatible with this model of vehicle. Secondly, the best bike rack for a Toyota RAV4 is one that meets your requirements and your budget.
We’ve put together the following list of what we think are the best bike racks for Toyota RAV4s available today. Each one has its pros and cons, but, if you’re in the market for a bike rack for your Toyota RAV4, keep reading, we’re sure we’ve got you covered.
Best Bike Racks For Toyota RAV4s This Year: Our Criteria and Results
The following table lists the top 7 best bike racks for Toyota RAV4s. However, the best bike rack for you and your RAV4 will depend on how many bikes you plan to carry and the style of rack you are comfortable using.
We’ve included examples of the different types of bike racks that are compatible with Toyota RAV4s, and at different price points. All you have to do is figure out which ones are suitable for you and the number of bikes you plan to carry, and click on the links below to get all the details and the latest price.
| Brand | Model | Top Advantages | Top Disadvantages | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick |   | Yakima | Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Rack | Yakima’s SKS (same key system) full locking package is included | Heavy for a trunk mount bike rack | Click To Check Price |
| Best Value Option |   | Allen Sports | Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack, Model S102 | Patented quick-snap set-up design allows for a super quick set up | Not suitable for longer trips | Click To Check Price |
| Honorable Mention |   | Thule | 963PRO Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier | Features ‘Stay-Put Cradles’ with anti-sway cages to hold your bikes in place | Some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter (sold separately) | Click To Check Price |
| Best Roof Rack Option |   | Yakima | Frontloader Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount | Secures your bike by the wheels, so no need to remove them | Limited as it only carries 1 bike | Click To Check Price |
| Best Trunk Mount Rack Option |   | SportRacks | Pursuit Anti-Sway Trunk Mount Bike Rack | Universal fit, so fits most vehicles, including Toyota RAV4s | Tricky to install and load bikes first time around | Click To Check Price |
| Best Hitch Mount Rack Option |   | Kuat | Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Trunk Mount Bike Rack | Carries 2 bikes weighing up to 40 lbs each | Needs adapters tires more than 3” wide and for smaller 20” – 24” wheel sizes | Click To Check Price |
| Avoid This One For A Toyota RAV4 |   | Saris | Bones EX Trunk Mount Bike rack | Saris claims this rack is compatible with most vehicles, including those with spoilers | This rack is NOT compatible with Toyota RAV4s | Click To Check Price |
So there you have our top picks. Maybe you’ve found one that works for you already? But don’t make your purchase just yet. Keep on reading for all the details about how we made this selection and for some top tips to help you choose the best bike rack for your Toyota RAV4.
How We Select The Best Bike Racks For Toyota RAV4s
If you’re a Toyota RAV4 owner and looking for a quality bike rack, there’s a few things to consider. It’s not only about the type of bike rack you choose, but there are other important considerations. To give you an idea, the following are some of the criteria we use:
Overall 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 adult bikes, but if you want to carry more, then you will need to make sure the rack you choose can accommodate them.
In addition, if you want to carry different bikes like fat bikes, lady’s bikes, kids bikes and bikes with sloping frames you may need to buy additional adapters for some bike rack models, which will increase the price.
Overall Weight Capacity
It’s important to know the weight limit of your rack, plus the weight of the bikes you plan to carry. Each rack manufacturer will specify the weight limits of each model – you don’t want to go over this, as an overloaded bike rack could fail, causing damage to both your bikes and your vehicle.
Modular Design & Ease Of Use
The different types and brands of bike racks all have different ways to attach to your Toyota RAV4 and for loading and unloading 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, which comes at an extra cost.
Brand Reputation
Some people might think what’s in a name? But why risk your hard earned cash (and your bicycle) on some no-name brand with no track record? Well-known brands have earned their reputations by offering good quality products that really work well.
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 rigorous testing, we take into account customer reviews across a number of the most popular cycling forums and websites.
Your Budget
Bike racks come in many different shapes and sizes and vary in price too. A simple trunk or roof rack can cost as little as $50, but a top of the line hitch mount rack can run into hundreds of dollars.
So, before you start shopping, decide on 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 determining the type of bike rack you can afford for your Toyota RAV4.
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 Toyota RAV4s that made it onto our list.
Best Bike Rack For Toyota RAV4s [2023]
There are basically 4 different types of bike racks that can work with a Toyota RAV4, namely roof mount, trunk mount, hitch mount and spare tire mount bike racks. Which one is best will be determined by your needs and your budget.
Most new Toyota RAV4s come with roof side rails as standard, which makes fitting cross rails for a roof rack easy. However, not everyone is comfortable lifting their bikes overhead to load a bike onto a roof mount bike rack.
Trunk mount racks are an affordable and versatile option as they can fit many different types of vehicle, including Toyota RAV4s. But with a trunk mount rack fitted and with your bikes loaded, you won’t have access to your trunk.
If you’re planning to carry heavy bikes and already have a hitch fitted then a hitch mount rack is a good option. Depending on the brand and the model, they can carry 2, 3, 4 or more bikes and are a versatile option if you plan to carry different types of bikes.
A spare tire bike rack installs securely over the rear mounted spare wheel on your Toyota RAV4. They allow you to carry 1 or 2 bikes and are usually installed with minimum fuss and are quick and easy to load and unload your bikes.
As you can see, each type of bike rack has its pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one is best. So without further ado, let’s take a more detailed look at the ones that made it onto our list.
Best Bike Rack For Toyota RAV4 Option: Yakima Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Rack
Yakima is one of the world’s leading brands when it comes to bike racks for cars. Their Yakima Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Rack is a fresh take on the strap trunk rack system and is extremely sturdy and easy to use.
Advantages:
- Comes in a 2 or 3 bike carrying version
- Yakima’s SKS (same key system) full locking package is included
Disadvantages:
- Heavy for a trunk mount bike rack
- Needs a crossbar adapter for kids bikes and sloping frames (sold separately)
We found the Yakima Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Rack very easy to install with its 4-strap attachment system and interlocking HUB that helps you to align the key adjustment points. Once installed it feels very sturdy and we feel confident it can easily manage the weight limit of 35 lbs per bike.
This rack comes in both 2 and 3 bike versions, but the principals are the same. Loading and unloading is super easy with the all new SuperCush ZipStrip™ cradles which secure your bikes well. Plus the ZipStrips are fully removable and don’t get in the way if you’re carrying less bikes.
Other features include Yakima’s full SKS (Same Key System) locking package which locks your bike to the rack and the rack to your vehicle, it comes fully assembled, plus it folds down so that you can easily store it away when it’s not in use.
Overall, we think this is your best option for your Toyota RAV4, but don’t take our word for it – click on the link below for more details and the latest price.
But don’t jump in and buy the first one; keep reading for our best value bike rack for a Toyota RAV4.
Best Value Bike Rack For Toyota RAV4 Option: Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack, Model S102
Allen Sports is a family run company that has been making affordable, trusted bike racks for more than 50 years. The Allen Sports S102 Premier Two Bike Trunk Rack fits most vehicles including the RAV4, which makes it the best value choice for a Toyota RAV4.
Advantages:
- Patented quick-snap set-up design allows for a super quick set up
- Accommodates 2 bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for longer trips
- Some reviews complain about the stability
The Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack comes fully assembled and the patented design takes only a few seconds to set up, although you will have to adjust the straps to fit your Toyota RAV4 first time around.
Loading your bikes is simple with the individual tie down cradles with quick secure straps which hold your bikes securely. The 12” long carry arms can easily accommodate 2 bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each, and bikes of different sizes.
This versatile rack is lightweight and compact, plus it is easily packed away when not in use. Another feature is the new wide profile snap on feet and the extra-large car pads which help to distribute your bicycles’ weight and protects your vehicle’s paintwork.
There are some complaints about this rack’s stability on longer trips, but if you’re only looking to transport your bikes for shorter distances, then you can’t go wrong with this Allen Sports Premier 2-bike trunk rack.
But, don’t stop here, keep reading for our honorable mention!
Honorable Mention Bike Rack For Toyota RAV4: Thule 963PRO Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier
Thule has long been a world leader for safe and secure bike racks and they offer many different types including the Thule Spare Me 2-Bike Rack. This rack secures to your Toyota RAV4’s spare wheel and can carry up to 2 bikes.
Advantages:
- Features ‘Stay-Put Cradles’ with anti-sway cages to hold your bikes in place
- Integrated locks for your bikes and the rack are included
Disadvantages:
- Some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter (sold separately)
- Not compatible for vehicles with back-up cameras
The Thule 963PRO Spare Me is a unique rear mount 2-bike carrier that is specifically designed for use on vehicles that have a spare tire on the back of the vehicle. It uses a bolt system to attach to the existing mount of the spare tire to secure the carrier.
Bikes are transported on the rear of your Toyota RAV4, leaving the hitch receiver and roof rack free to carry other stuff. This rack can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 35 lbs each, however, some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter to securely attach your bikes.
Other features include ‘Stay-Put Cradles’ with anti-sway cages that prevent any bike-to-bike or vehicle contact, an integrated locking system for both your bikes and the rack. Plus the arms fold down out of the way when the rack is not in use.
As you would expect from a premium brand, it’s not the cheapest rack on the market, but it’s a well made rack from a reputable company. So make sure you click on the link below for the latest price.
Or keep reading for some more great options for your Toyota RAV4.
Best Roof Mount Rack For Toyota RAV4 Option: YAKIMA FrontLoader Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount
Longtime favorite Yakima has been making bike racks for more than 40 years. The Frontloader is a versatile, aerodynamic rooftop bike rack that is easy to install and load. As this rack secures your bike by the wheels, it has the added bonus that you don’t need to remove any wheels.
Advantages:
- Secures a bike by the wheels, so no need to remove them
- Simple to install and load
Disadvantages:
- Limited as it only carries 1 bike
- Need to have a roof rack fitted
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. Most Toyota RAV4s do come with side rails, which makes fitting a roof rack pretty straight forward.
Once assembled and fitted, 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. However, if you do want to transport an extra bike, you can always have a second one fitted.
Not a fan of roof top bike racks? Then keep reading for our best trunk mount bike rack option.
Best Trunk Mount Rack For Toyota RAV4 Option: SportRack Pursuit Anti-Sway Trunk Mount Bike Rack
SportRack is a Canadian company that was bought by Thule back in 2005. While SportRack may not have as many features as Thule, they are sturdy and functional racks which are very popular with price conscious riders. The SportRack Pursuit is a great trunk rack option for a Toyota RAV4.
Advantages:
- Universal fit, so fits most vehicles, including Toyota RAV4s
- Hanging-style trunk mounted bike rack for up to 3 bikes
Disadvantages:
- Tricky to install and load bikes first time around
- No locks included
The SportRack Pursuit Anti-Sway Trunk Mount Bike Rack is SportRack’s best trunk mount bike carrier. It’s a hanging style trunk mount bike rack that is capable of carrying up to 3 bikes weighing a maximum of 35 lbs each.
Installation was a bit tricky at first, but if you follow the instructions closely, it gets easier to install after a few practice runs. Plus the hub mounting system and sturdy straps allow this rack to work with most vehicles, including Toyota RAV4s.
This rack is relatively easy to load, and transports your bikes safely and securely. The soft cradles and anti-sway cages work with a variety of bike styles and will ensure your bikes arrive at your destination free of any damage.
While this rack does not include any locks or other fancy features found on a Thule rack, it also comes in at a more affordable price point. But don’t take our word for it, click on the link below for the latest price.
Best Hitch Mount Rack For Toyota RAV4 Option: Kuat Sherpa 2.0, 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Kuat Racks is an American brand that designs a variety of easy-to-use racks and accessories for cyclists and other outdoor activities. Their Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a high quality rack that is easy to use and assemble and is compatible with your Toyota RAV4s 2” hitch receiver.
Advantages:
- Carries 2 bikes weighing up to 40 lbs each
- One of the simplest racks to install and load
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Needs adapters tires more than 3” wide and for smaller 20” – 24” wheel sizes
The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a stylish and simple solution for carrying 2 bikes weighing up to 40 lbs each. While it does not come preassembled, the assembly instructions are very easy to understand, and it’s simple to put this rack together in about twenty minutes with the included tools.
It’s simple to install and once attached to your vehicle it feels absolutely rock solid. Plus loading 2 bikes is a breeze. While it’s not as versatile as some other hitch racks (you need adapters for wider tires and smaller wheels), it’s one of the easiest to use with standard bike sizes.
This rack comes with a semi-integrated lock for the receiver and a cable that locks the bike to the rack. Plus it has a tilt feature so you can access your trunk with your bikes loaded and it neatly folds out of the way when not in use.
Overall, this is a premium bike rack that has a quality finish and is sure to last you for years to come. So make sure you click on the link to check the price, it may be worth those extra bucks.
Or keep reading to find out which bike rack to avoid for your Toyota RAV4
Avoid This One For Toyota RAV4: Saris Bones EX Trunk Mount Bike Rack
The Saris Bones EX is one of the most popular bike racks available and comes in 2 and 3-bike carrier versions. Saris claims the new and improved Saris EX is now compatible with 90% of the top vehicles sold in the USA. However, it is not compatible with the Toyota RAV4.
Advantages:
- Saris claims this rack is compatible with most vehicles, including those with spoilers
- Come as a 2 or 3 bike carrier version
Disadvantages:
- This rack is NOT compatible with Toyota RAV4s
- Expensive for a trunk mount bike rack
Saris is known for producing top quality, functional bike racks and the Saris Bones EX trunk bike rack is no exception. This is a solidly built, versatile bike rack that is lightweight, easy to install, and can fit on almost any vehicle.
However, after researching the different bike racks, and despite Saris’ claims that this rack fits more vehicles than any other trunk bike rack, it turns out that Saris’ own website says that this rack is not compatible with a Toyota RAV4. And that is why we are saying this is one to avoid.
But that’s not to say that the Saris Bones EX is not a good trunk mount bike rack – it’s one of the best. So click on the link below for all the details, you may want to keep it in mind for a future vehicle.
So there you have our top picks for the best bike racks for Toyota RAV4s. There’s quite a wide variety right? But if you’re still unsure which one to choose, then keep reading for our final results.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Bike Racks for Toyota RAV4s
While we’ve included a wide range of different types of racks that are compatible with a Toyota RAV4, and at different price points, we all still have our favorites. So if you’re still feeling a bit confused as to which to purchase, we’ve put together the following list of our top 3 favorite bike racks for a Toyota RAV4.
Make sure you click on the links below to get all the details and the latest price!
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Yakima | Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Rack | Comes with an integrated bottle opener so you can enjoy a cold one after a long ride! | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | Thule | 963PRO Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier | Spare-tire-mounted rack lets you carry 2 bikes on the back of your vehicle while keeping your hitch free | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Allen | Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack, Model S102 | Patented quick-snap set-up design allows for a super quick set up | Click To Check Price |
There are clearly a lot of bike racks for Toyota RAV4s in the market today, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Make sure you click on the links of the bike racks 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 a RAV4 have a bike rack on it?
Yes, as you can see from this article, you can definitely fit a bike rack to a RAV4. However, it’s very important to select the right model, and to pay special attention to the year of your RAV4.
RAV4s have undergone many facelifts since Toyota started manufacturing them back in 1994. So a bike rack that is compatible with a 1994 version may not be compatible with a later, or even a new model.
If you have any doubts about a bike rack’s compatibility with your vehicle, make sure you check on the manufacturers’ website for your vehicle’s year and model to see if it will work, or consult with your local bike rack or trailer dealer.
Can you fit a bike in a RAV4?
Yes, you can fit a medium sized bike inside the cargo area of your Toyota RAV4, but you will need to remove your front wheel at the very least. Plus you may need to fold the rear seats down which means no one else can sit there.
While the RAV4 is considered to be a ‘compact’ SUV they are pretty spacious.
However, if you are an avid cyclist who regularly rides further afield, you will risk damaging your bike and your Toyota RAV4 if you’re often transporting your bike inside your car. Plus if you want to carry more than 1 bike, then you might want to consider one of the bike racks listed in this article.
Can you put a hitch on a RAV4 for bike racks?
Yes, you can put a hitch on a Toyota RAV4 for bike racks. Toyota offers hitch or towing packages as an optional extra on new vehicles, but it’s a fairly simple process to add a hitch to your older or second hand Toyota RAV4.
The RAV4 standard hitch size is 2 inches. To ensure the correct fitting when buying a new hitch, you can check the available options suitable by taking note of the year, model, and engine size of your car.
You can easily install a hitch on a RAV4 yourself using a few basic tools. But if in doubt, you can have a hitch installed professionally, at an extra cost of course.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Bike Racks for Toyota RAV4s
While we’ve included a wide range of different types of racks that are compatible with a Toyota RAV4, and at different price points, we all still have our favorites. So if you’re still feeling a bit confused as to which to purchase, we’ve put together the following list of our top 3 favorite bike racks for a Toyota RAV4.
Make sure you click on the links below to get all the details and the latest price!
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Yakima | Fullback Premium Trunk Bike Rack | Comes with an integrated bottle opener so you can enjoy a cold one after a long ride! | Click To Check Price |
| Runner Up | | Thule | 963PRO Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier | Spare-tire-mounted rack lets you carry 2 bikes on the back of your vehicle while keeping your hitch free | Click To Check Price |
| Best Budget Option | | Allen | Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack, Model S102 | Patented quick-snap set-up design allows for a super quick set up | Click To Check Price |
There are clearly a lot of bike racks for Toyota RAV4s in the market today, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Make sure you click on the links of the bike racks 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: Can You Add a Hitch to a RAV4?
