Top 10 Best Bike Rack For Subaru Outback & Crosstrek Review [2023]

If you have to take your bike on a trip, then you would require a bike rack. This helps you conveniently transport your bikes without having to deal with a dent on your Subaru outback.

With all the best bike racks for Subaru outback covered here, you can have it easy picking up one.

Note, the wrong bike rack could lose your bike while on a trip. So, you have to ensure you make the right choice.

From the Premier Trunk to the Thule, this review has many suitable products for this function.

Top 10 Best Bike Rack For Subaru Outback & Crosstrek Review

01. Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

 

Highlighted features:

• Made for the Subaru Outback.
• Comes with extra-large car pads.
• Allows for a fast set up.
• Has two straps.
• Sturdy design.

Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack is a patented design that comes well-suited bike rack for the Subaru Outback.

It has an installation feature that allows you to attach the rack to the Subaru quickly.

With this, you can save time that would typically go into fixing it up.

This bike rack has twelve inches long carry arms and works as one of the best bike racks for Subaru Crosstrek.

They come in handy when you need to accommodate up to two bicycles at a time.

It can accommodate them even if they weigh up to seventy pounds.

“However, the clips that hold the rigs together are made or unconcealed metals. They could affect the paintings of the bike rack.”

With this design comes an individual dual compound used to keep stable the cradles and protect the bicycles.

It works by the lower straps used in holding the bottom hooks down while the bike is active.

Aside from protecting the cradle, the Premier Trunk has wide profile feet.

This does a great job of protecting the vehicle itself from getting harmed.

If you need a bike rack built to last, then the Premier doesn’t fall short of this quality.

Even the plastic parts are reliable, and the product generally promises a level of stability.

Pros:

• They are designed to be sturdy.
• Fast and easy installation.
• Made to properly lock-in.’
• It has impressive rubber straps.

Cons:

• Covers part of the license plate.
• Nylon straps may loosen up sometimes.

02. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack

 

Highlighted features:

• It was built for two bikes.
• Automatically attaches.
• Requires no tools.
• Carries several weights.
• Fold when not active.

Thule T2 Pro XT 2 is a desirable top quality hitch bike rack that can also accommodate two bikes at a time.

This saves the cost of having to purchase more than one bike rack for the same vehicle.

Other features of this bike rack are that it is super simple and easy to install.

This is enabled by its auto attach the part that works to install and remove the rack from your vehicle. Also, it doesn’t need special tools to get installed.

Thule T2 Pro XT’s installation features make it relatively easy and fast to install and then secure your bikes.

This is enabled with the help of the frame-free ratcheting arm built into the bike rack.

The rack also has a way of tilting down to give access to the vehicle’s rear area.

When the rack is not being engaged, it also folds up to avoid causing any obstruction.

They are ideal and suitable to work in intense areas without compromising their value.

You can use the rack when traveling up a mountain, on carbon frames, when going downhill, and it even works on fat bikes.

If you want a bike rack that carries more than necessary, then this is a convenient example.

The Thule T2 Pro XT can hold as many as four bikes at a time.

Pros:

• Has a hitch switch lever.
• Fold up when not in use.
• Comes with an auto attach knob.
• Designed with a ratcheting arm.

Cons:

• Inferior cabling and straps.

03. YAKIMA Dr.Tray Hitch Mount Tray Bike Rack 2 Bike Capacity

 

Highlighted features:

• Accommodates two bikes.
• Adjustable tray spacing.
• Light weighing design.
• Works with an extension.
• No tool installation.

The Yakima Sr. Tray is a bike rack designed to function with two bikes attached to them.

This is an important feature to ensure that you can make optimal use of the rack and take about the need to make another purchase.

If you have even bikes with fat tires or are going up a mountain, this rack is up to the task.

When it comes to the bikes’ weight it can carry, the Yakima gives rooms for bikes weighing forty pounds.

“But, you may need to get another cable lock as the original one doesn’t hold well against fat bikes, especially when they have 4.8 tires. You may need to get extra cables for it to properly fit.”

Built with the best quality, the Yakima is a reliable bike rack. In it is an aluminum design that strong, but yet it is light weighing.

It is also easy to install. All you would need is to lift and lower the rack to let it in.

This feature is made easy with the remote control tilt lever on the Subaru bike rack.

In the design of this is an adjustable tray spacing area. With this, you can successfully move the bikes on the rack to interfere with each other.

Pros:

• Has a tilt lever.
• Light weighing bike rack.
• Makes use of a speed knob.
• Gives room for a third bike.

Cons

• Sometimes comes missing parts.
• May need an extra cable with fat bikes.

04. Thule Helium Platform Hitch Bike Rack

 

Highlighted feature:

• Doesn’t need a frame contact.
• It has an aluminum build.
• An integrated release handle.
• Arms fold for storage.
• Has a ratchet wheel loop.

If you need a bike rack that can hold your bike and yet doesn’t cost so much in installation, then the Thule Helium Platform comes in handy.

This is easy and quick to install as there is no tool that you need when installing this bike rack.

As one of the best bike racks for Subaru outback, they have a ratcheting wheel loop.

This allows you to place the bike on the rack more securely and yet fast. All of this is done without needing any sort of frame contact.

That’s not all there is to the convenience that this Subaru bike rack offers.

In any case, when you need to take out the bike after a journey. It has an integrated release handle that lets you take out the bike at any time.

After use, they can be folded to store more conveniently.

Overall, this bike rack promises that you have a secure, safe, and convenient trip during and after a journey.

Pros:

• Resistant to corrosion.
• Easy to install.
• Lightweight construction.
• Handle seat interference.

Cons:

• The tray may come off flimsy.

05. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack

 

Highlighted feature:

• Carries up to a total of 120 lbs.
• Adjustable cradle system.
• Has integrated cable locks.
• Holds the bike securely.
• Made for the Subaru Outback.

Kuat bike racks are specially built for different hoister types of bikes with a wide range of wheel sizes.

However, it can house up to two bikes at a time, and they are allowed to weigh sixty pounds each.

This is possible without it compromising its quality.

The front tire is a cradle system that can be adjustable and used as one of the best bike racks for Subaru Crosstrek.

This helps the rack fit into whatever bike that you have available.

In general, the Kuat Racks can hold up wheels with a base reaching forty-eight inches and tires that are 4.8 inches. With this, even fat tires are compatible with this rack.

When it has to do with securing the bicycles to the rack, this product takes the lead.

The cable locks have been fully integrated to ensure it is sturdy while in use.

“But, there are second thoughts about the design because the parts don’t seem very durable. This doesn’t guarantee that the rack is useable for a long time.”

Pros:

• Has a flexible cradle system.
• Holds up any kind of bike.
• Comes with quality cradle locks.
• Looks good on the vehicle.

Cons:

• Unreliable parts.

06. Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider

 

Highlighted features:

• Kits for long wheelbases.
• Features a tightening system.
• Folds for storage.
• Holds adult and kids bikes alike.
• It can be adjusted for more space.

The Hollywood Racks HR1400 is a bike rack that has been specifically designed for the Subaru outback.

It holds the bicycles tightly at the back without needing external help.

If you also want a bike rack that can hold way more than regular bikes, then this is it.

Hollywood Racks can secure both adults sized and kids-sized bicycles.

Along with the packaging comes a kit that has everything needed to secure, even long wheelbases.

With this particular feature, it makes it the most suitable choice for a family.

Both the parents and kids can carry their bicycles along when going on a trip.

In any case, where the family is a growing one, and there are up to two kids, this bike takes away the need to have more than one rack.

It can be adjusted to take about four bicycles at the same time.

“Due to the workload the bike rack has to endure, it has become considerably heavy to lift about. This means that you can’t take from one location to another with ease.”

When the rack is not in use, you can fold it back to be stored easily or simply tilt it down for convenient access to cargo.

It also has a locking frame hook that keeps thieves out when out in public.

Pros:

• Can carry four bikes.
• Folds for storage.
• It can be adjusted for extra space.
• Accommodates long wheel bikes.

Cons:

• Can’t attach to trailers.
• Weighs too much.

07. Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack

 

Highlighted features:

• Movable ratchet hooks.
• Thoroughly secured.
• Offers the versatility of use.
• Adjustable wheel trays.
• Has hand tightening knobs.

Making use of the Chinook Hitch Mount promises a great user experience all through the service.

The installation process is a lot easy as there is an instruction manual that comes with the rack.

If you have the rack set up, you can unload and load it onto the vehicle in an average of two minutes.

When using this, you can confidently relax that your bikes are well secured to the vehicle.

It makes use of an adjustable locking ratchet that has hooks to keep it attached to the rack at all times.

Also, to serve as some sort of protection against thieves, it uses two similar locking cylinders.

They ensure that the rake is tamper-proof and cannot easily be separated from the bike.

For versatility’s sake, the Swagman Chinook can transport up to two bikes at a time.

It is also compatible with a class two or even higher. The weight of each of the bikes can reach as much as 45lbs.

This is one bike rack that has a locking hitch pin.

“Even though the bike rack can carry fat bikes, it doesn’t come with any sort of adjustable tray.”

Pros:

• Transports two bikes.
• Works with several frames.
• Has a locking hitch pin.
• Holds the bikes safe from thieves.

Cons:

• Requires adjustable trays.

08. Thule T2 Classic Hitch Mount Bike Carrier

 

Highlighted features:

• Easily gets folded.
• Adjustable bike spacing.
• Has a ratcheting arm.
• Loads up to 120 pounds.
• Reduces bike interference.

Just as you would find in the previously highlighted Thule bike racks, this also promises reliable quality.

It does an excellent job of securing the bikes in a short period. This is done with the help of a frame-free ratcheting arm.

To eliminate any sort of bike interference, the Thule T2 Classic has a few adjustability features.

You can simply move the sides to give you the required space while transporting your bikes.

It is ideal for mountain rides, downhill trips, fat bikes, and even carbon frames. All of this is done without needing extra adapters.

“Due to its weight, it poses as too heavy for users to lift from one location to another quite easily.”

When you need to store up the bike rack, it can easily be folded up with a hitch switch lever.

This allows you to conveniently carry it vertically. It has a load capacity that reaches as much as 120 pounds at a time.

It also allows you to load on the bike a lot more quickly, especially when placed at the front wheel.

This doesn’t even need any frame contact to achieve. In all, the bike rack can carry as many as four bikes at a time without compromising its quality.

Pros:

• Can carry four bikes at a time.
• Removes any bike interference.
• Comes with a ratcheting arm.
• It can be adjusted to fit bikes.

Cons:

• Weighs too much.
• Prone to rusting.

09. Genuine Subaru SOA567B020 Thule Bike Carrier

 

Highlighted features:

• Promises a high quality.
• A dependable design.
• A sturdy design.
• Carries up to two bikes.
• Designed for the Subaru Outback.

With this as one of the best bike racks for Subaru Crosstrek, you are promised an excellent quality rack for your bikes at all times.

However, This means that you can conveniently move your bike from to different places without being scared of its safety.

Apart from the safety that this bike rack offers, it also provides a sturdy frame for the bike to stay.

This takes away any rattle that may happen when you are traveling down rugged roads.

You may find this necessary when driving up a mountain or other intense places.

You can confidently depend on this carrier to last a while as well.

Moreso, this is very important as you do not need to change the rack way too often, thereby saving you the cost of a new one.

“Still, this bike rack poses a bit troublesome when being installed. It is not as fast and easy as you would find in other bike racks on this review.”

In the clamp of this bike rack, there is a key lock that helps keep everything intact at all times.

Pros:

• Stays firm at all times.
• Works well on the Subaru Outback.
• Comes with a key lock.
• Offers a reliable quality.

Cons:

• Not easy to install.

10. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe 3-Bike Rack.

 

Highlighted features:

• Can hoister three bikes.
• Easily installed.
• Includes soft cradles.
• Has rubber protectors.
• Comes with release straps.

Having Tyger Auto means that you have a reliable bike rack for transporting your vehicles.

It can hold as many as three bikes at a time. All of this is done without any sort of interference between the different bikes.

With this, you also get a well-padded lower frame that keeps the bike safe at all times.

It also ensures that the vehicle is safe and not scratched by the bike’s metal parts. This is enabled by the soft cradles placed in this design.

You also do not need any installation technician when using this rack, as it is self-explanatory.

In the package comes a DIY instruction manual that guides you through the process of installation.

Pros:

• Easy to install.
• Offers a well-padded design.
• Can carry up to three bikes.
• Has a rubber coating.

Cons:

• May need to insulate the top hooks.

Best Bike Racks for Subaru Outback Buyer’s Consideration

Before choosing a convenient bike rack that works on the Subaru Outback, various things should be considered.

They are meant to guide you in making your purchase and avoid any problems with the rack.

In this section are some of the bike racks that work on your Subaru outback.

Check them out below:

Price

Knowing that there are several available Subaru outbacks on the market from different brands, they are always categorized.

One of the major and deciding categorization features is the price at which it is placed.

Some of them are more expensive than others, and then as a buyer, you need to choose based on your financial strengths.

Several products are way within budgets and yet still secure and effective as the relatively expensive ones.

If you are on a budget and require designs that fit the budget, you would have to search for those you can afford.

Note, because a bike rack is priced lowly, it doesn’t take away the quality.

There are some that though cheap, offer the same level of security as the more expensive ones.

So, before you buy a bike rack, then go for one that is within your budget. This would help running you into debts after a purchase.

Capacity

Each bike rack has a limit to its load capacity. This has to do with what they can carry per time without losing strength or quality.

However, the load capacity is determined by how many pounds the bike rack was designed to have.

This review talks about the best bike racks for Subaru outback and how much they can carry.

There are specific bike racks that can carry as many as two others can hold three, and still on this review are those that can be extended to accommodate four.

This is majorly reliant on the fact that each has a load limit that is tied to the number of bikes they can transport at a time.

So, when choosing a bike rack, you have to consider how many bikes you want to transport.

Or if you intend to buy new bikes, think of getting one that would accommodate your latest addition. With this, you can choose the weight capacity that best suits your need.

Installation process

Another thing is knowing how the bike rack is installed. Knowing a suitable Subaru Crosstrek bike rack has to do with how easy you can use the rack.

This deals with what it takes for a buyer to get the rack installed and running in their homes.

Some racks come already assembled and just requires that you attach them to the vehicle.

Others need you to install it from scratch, which takes time and requires a bit of technical expertise.

Unless you are already skilled at handling such, this would be a less attractive choice of a rack.

However, there is also another Subaru Crosstrek bike rack that comes with instructions.

These instructions should guide you when you need to install the rack. So, as a buyer, you should look out for what is most convenient and does not require extra cost.

Security

Understanding how necessary security is when using a rack is very important to make the right choice.

For a bike rack to work well with your Subaru outback, it has to promise a security level to the bikes while in transport.

Security translates to how stable the rack is going to be when used on an intense trip.

If you are going on a long journey, then one that can secure your bikes without losing their strength is a necessary choice.

Also, when driving up mountains and going on trips with uneven roads, it needs a sort of assurance. This assurance is to ensure that the rack wouldn’t fall loose and let go of the rack.

Durability

A durable bike rack is essential to ensure that you don’t have to purchase a new rack so often.

The durability of a bike rack can be measured by the materials used in making it. This is evident when it is being purchased.

To have the best quality, it is best that you go for those made of metal and not plastic parts.

They remain strong even when used under intense conditions and for a long time.

However, to ensure it doesn’t harm your vehicle in the process, ensure they are coated in rubber parts. This would help the vehicle stay free from scratches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a Bike Rack Necessary?

A bike rack is an essential part of transporting a bicycle. If you are going on a trip with your family and need to take the bike along, you would need a bike rack.

They work by holstering the bicycle to the back of your vehicle while you are on a trip.

You may think of placing the bicycle inside the primary vehicle, but that is not an excellent choice for comfort.

The bike would naturally take up space where the vehicle’s occupants can generally sit, thereby making the place uncomfortable.

Aside from comfort, there is a possibility that the bike’s metal parts may damage the vehicle with its metal parts.

They may not be necessarily noticeable damages but having your vehicle scratched can be avoided with a bike rack.

What is the best bike rack available?

Several factors have to be considered when picking the best bike rack for the Subaru outback.

It is majorly based on usage and what you aim to achieve.

Users who want to go on a long trip would need something that works at such a distance.

Others may lose their strength when used in a space too much for the design.

Also, loading capacity matters. There are different loading capacities directly connected to the weight and how many bikes it can carry.

Typically, users would characterize a bike rack that can carry as many as four bikes as the best.

This is because it gives room for more bikes to be transported at a time.

However, if you have just one bike and are going on a journey alone, a four-man rack would be overkill. It would be too much space for so little weight.

Another thing that helps is how protected the rack is and how much protection it offers.

A good bike rack would not rust or break so easily. It also would not dent the vehicle area where it is placed or cause any scratch.

So, the best bike rack cannot be readily determined. For the sake of this review, we can pick one that has a lot of promising features and tops the list.

The Premier Trunk Mounted Bike rack can be considered as one of the best available on the market.

What is the maximum weight for a bike rack?

The maximum weight for a bike rack is reliant on how much you want to carry. However, specific bike racks work with the Subaru Outback, and they all have different weights.

But, if the rack is weighing excessively too much, it could affect the vehicle frame itself.

So, averagely, the bike rack’s weight should be at least 60 kg and not too much over that.

This helps keep down any unnecessary pressure that may be put on the vehicle by the bike rack. You should check this out and ensure that it is convenient for your Subaru outback.

How to identify a faulty bike rack?

A faulty bike rack could fail while on a trip and cause the loss of the bike.

To identify that the bike rack is faulty already is essential to ensure that your bikes are safe at all times.

You can notice when it is failing by frequently examining the bike rack after a few trips.

The first thing you may notice is that it may have started rusting.

This may be caused by water or the coating of the bike rack peeling off already.

In the long run, this could cause the metal parts to break and let go of the bikes attached to them.

Another is a bit of a squeak while using the bike rack. This may be caused by parts that need to be oiled and, if not tended to, may cause the bike rack to lose its strength.

How can a bike rack be maintained?

You can maintain a bike rack by merely oiling the parts frequently.

This would help it stay functional for a long time.

If you want to clean the bike rack, you can just get a damp cloth to wipe through any dirt it may have picked up along the way.

Conclusion

Purchasing the best bike rack for Subaru outback doesn’t have to be a problem with this review.

The various products may be suitable for your Subaru outback and a guide to making a purchase.

So, check out what works, and then you can get them for your vehicle.