In this review, we take a look at the best bike racks for the Audi Q5.
We tested more than fifty different bike racks, considering factors like the build quality, load capacity, and how well the bike mount performs in the real world.
Of all the racks we tested, Thule’s T2 Pro hitch bike rack has the best bAllence of a robust construction, high load capacity, and most importantly, one of the sturdiest bike mount systems we’ve ever seen.
If you aren’t sure which bike rack to get for your Audi Q5, you came to the right place. We have been testing and reviewing vehicle accessories such as bike racks for over a decade, so we can help you make the best buying decision.
Keep reading for a more in-depth analysis of the best bike racks for the Audi Q5.
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack
Overall Best
Thule’s T2 Pro is a hitch mounted bike rack with an impressively rigid build and one of the highest ‘per bike’ load capacities on this list. It also performs really well on the road, offering a steady bike mount.
Let’s start off with the Thule’s piece de resistance: its awesome construction. Aircraft grade aluminium dominates the build of this bike rack. It is surprisingly rigid and firm for such a sleek design.
Aluminium is already quite resistant to corrosion, but this Audi Q5 bike rack takes it up a notch with a unique surface coating for even better rust resistance.
The platform style is one of the most secure bike mounts you can get. This one is no different with its firm tire cradles that are wide enough to accommodate fat tire bikes as well as normal road bikes.
Heavy duty ratchet straps hold the rear wheel securely, while the front wheels are held in place using a curved carry arm that is adjustable for various different sized tires.
On the road, this Audi Q5 bike rack puts competitors in their place with one of the most stable and confidence inspiring bike mounts we’ve come across. It fits a 2” hitch receiver and locks in place using a locking knob.
It is exceptionally firm when transporting bikes at highway speeds. We did not notice any wobbling or shaking of the rack or the bikes, even on bumpy roads. There is over 12 inches of space between individual bikes, preventing them from banging against one another or the back of your Audi Q5.
This Thule bike rack is no slouch in the carrying capacity department either. It is designed to hold 2 bikes up to 60 lbs/bike. If our math is correct, that’s 120 lbs of two wheeler on the back of your Audi Q5. That also means you can carry heavier mountain bikes and electric bikes on your next cross country trip.
As for special features, this rack comes with a locking mechanism that prevents your bikes from being stolen. A proprietary HitchSwitch lever allows for easier tilting of the fully loaded rack so you can access your Audi Q5’s cargo area. The entire rack can fold up to sit flush with the back of your car for easier parking and manoeuvring.
Pros
- Aluminium construction
- Wheel cradles hold bikes in place
- Adjustable ratcheting straps for rear wheels
- Curved carrying arms secure front wheels
- 120 lbs load capacity
- Can hold electric bikes and mountain bikes
- Wheels cradles are wide enough for for fat tire bikes
- Does not wobble or shake at speed
- Folds up against the back of your car
- Tilts forward to allow for cargo access
- Locking knob for easy installation
- Cable locks prevent bike theft
Cons
- Only holds 2 bikes (4 bike mod sold separately)
Thule Camber Hitch Bike Rack
Premium option
This is another Thule bike rack with an all metal construction, a firm bike mount system, and impressive load capacity, especially for a hanging style bike rack.
The Camber hitch bike rack continues the trend of well built Thule products. The metal design is really firm and sturdy. It also has a special abrasion resistant coating to keep the surface looking pristine.
It is rated for just under 150 lbs, and can carry four bikes at a time. That means that if you want to carry heavier mountain bikes, and e-bikes, you can do so, though we would only recommend doing so one at a time. We did not notice this rack bending or flexing under the weight of four large, adult sized road bikes.
As for securing the bikes, this rack uses heavy duty ratcheting straps that hold the bikes at the frame. The straps are adjustable so you can carry different shaped bike frames.
You can also swivel them so that fitting different shaped bike frames is easier. The inner lining on the straps is soft to avoid damaging the bike frames.
On the highway, this bike rack is quite stable and wobble free. It comes in either a 1.25” or 2” hitch configuration, and we tested both with great results.
We drove our Audi Q5 on a number of different terrains, and we did not notice this bike rack shaking or wobbling at all.
The longer carrying arms facilitate bike transport by providing over 7 inches of space between each bike, so that they don’t bang against one another or the back of your Audi Q5.
Those long carrying arms can be folded down when not in use so that it’s easier to park your Audi Q5 in a garage or store the rack when you aren’t carrying any bikes. This rack also tilts forward, even when fully loaded up, allowing you to open the liftgate.
Installing the rack is a breeze, thanks to the mounting hardware which is provided in the box. The instructions are intuitive and easy to follow, as is the accompanying online video.
In a nutshell, this is another great bike rack for the Audi Q5 owner who wants a WorryFree bike mount that can hold larger bikes as well.
Pros
- All metal build
- Holds 4 bikes
- Rigid construction
- 150 lbs load capacity
- Secure tie down straps
- Holds various bike frame shapes
- Ideal for heavy e-bikes, mountain bikes
- Compatible with 1.25” and 2” hitch
- Perfectly stable at speed
Cons
- Some low-Y frame bike will require a frame adapter
IKURAM R 2 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks
Worthy consideration
If you liked the hanging style bike rack from Thule, this one from Ikuram also provides a nice balance of features with a robust build, plenty of load capacity, and a more affordable price tag to go along with it.
The rack uses high grade alloy steel for the entire build. We did not find any gaps in the construction and when stress testing the rack, it did not so much as bend or flex under the load.
A special black powder coating covers the entire surface of this rack. This is great for soaking up scratches, preventing rust, and just looking cooler than plain old alloy steel.
Here again, heavy duty ratchet straps are used to secure your bikes to the rack. As expected, these straps are adjustable and offer a tighter fit for different sized bicycle frames. A soft lining on the inside protects the frames from scratches and dings during transport.
Ikuram claims that these ratchet straps have been fatigue tested extensively, which tells us that these straps will not become loose or start breaking down over time.
Moving on to load capacity, this hanging style bike rack for the Audi Q5 can accommodate just over 90 lbs of weight. That is more than enough for even the largest of large, adult sized road bikes.
However, e-bike enthusiasts will be met with disappointment, as this rack can only carry one heavy e-bike at a time, if that.
As for real world performance, this bike rack passed all of our tests with flying colours. The hitch mounted design offers a lot of stability and the anti-wobble stabiliser prevents the hitch from moving around inside the receiver.
Not to be outmatched by its competitors, this bike rack also has some cool party tricks. The carrying arms can be folded down when you don’t have any bikes loaded up, making your Audi Q5 easier to manoeuvre. The whole rack can be tilted forward even with the weight of two large bikes on it, allowing you to access your cargo area.
We’re also fans of the quick and easy installation process. All of the necessary hardware is provided in the package and the only ‘Tool’ we needed was ‘Schism’ to pass the time. You should be able to get it fully installed in under 15 minutes.
Pros
- Alloy steel construction
- Black powder coat finish
- Resistant to corrosion and rusting
- Holds up to 90 lbs
- Each bike is individually secured using ratcheting straps
- Padding on the cradles saves bike from damage
- UV resistant rubber straps are more durable
- Adjustable design can hold many different types of bike
- Tips forward for easier cargo access
Cons
- Not the best for heavy bicycles
Trunk Mounted Bike Rack suitable for q5s
This is the first trunk mounted entrant on our list and one of our favourite bike racks currently available. The ‘Ultra Compact’ from Allen Sports has a petite design, and no more load capacity than absolutely necessary.
This trunk mounted bike rack is made entirely of alloy steel. Despite its unassuming look, it is rigid and firm, allowing for a secure 2-bike mount. It also features a unique black powder coat to prevent premature rust and corrosion.
If you are the type of Audi Q5 owner who prefers a more minimalist solution to carrying their bikes, this is the bike rack for you. In fact, it is so small that it can be folded up and stored in a backpack. A backpack like the one conveniently provided with the rack, perhaps.
But don’t let the slim look fool you, though. This rack came to play and is rated to hold almost 70 lbs of weight, which is more than enough for two regular, adult sized bicycles.
Moreover, it doesn’t shake or bounce around while carrying your bikes. In fact, we were surprised by just how firm and secure this bike rack is on the highway. Even when we were moving at speed, there were no rattling noises or concerning movement from the rack.
That is thanks to the soft rubberised finish on all of the parts of the rack that come into contact with your Audi Q5. This makes for a more secure and wobble free fitment.
That fitment is further bolstered by the three adjustable security straps that hold the rack in place on the back of your Audi Q5.
The bike mount itself uses heavy duty straps to hold your bikes at the frame. The straps are also coated in soft material to avoid damaging the bike. You’ll also be happy to know that these carrying arms are wide enough to accommodate longer wheelbases.
Despite the small footprint, there is enough room between the two bikes so that they don’t fight for space. The main spine of the rack is covered in soft material to avoid damaging the innermost mounted bike.
And here’s a tip from the Beast Auto offices: invest in some heavy duty nylon straps to hold your bikes’ front wheels in place and prevent them from banging against your Audi Q5’s rear glass.
Pros
- Alloy steel build
- Most compact design of any rack
- Side straps keep rack very stable
- Ideal for drivers who only occasionally need the rack
- Easy to install
- Holds 1 bike
- Straps secure bike at the frame
- No rattling or creaking noises
- Wide design can hold larger bikes
Cons
- Not ideal for electric bikes or mountain bikes
Trunk Mounted bike rack for Q5
The Deluxe Trunk mounted bike rack from Allen Sports may not be as tiny as it’s Ultra Compact cousin, but it still features a lightweight design that holds two large sized road bikes, while also being easier to store and transport when not in use.
The high quality metal build of this rack will make you look twice. The design is simpler than most others, but there are no compromises in terms of sturdiness. If you only occasionally need to carry bikes on your Audi Q5, this bike rack is a great option as it is easier to store and take with you on the go.
The load capacity is nothing special, but still holds its own against larger racks. 70 lbs is perfectly capable of holding two adult sized road bikes. It isn’t the highest we’ve seen, and it won’t really carry heavier mountain bikes or e-bikes, but should work just fine for even the heaviest road bikes.
As for real-world performance, we tested the Audi Q5 with this rack on pavement and on bumpier dirt roads. It does tend to sway a little bit on rough terrain, but on pavement, it is perfectly stable and firm.
We like how secure and stable Allen Sports’ proprietary tiedown system is. It uses adjustable ratcheting straps to hold the bikes at their frames. These ratcheting straps have a soft inner lining that prevents them from damaging your bike’s paintwork.
It uses sturdy nylon straps to stay in place on the back of your Audi Q5. We would have liked to see some type of integrated strap management to prevent the extra length from flapping in the wind, but a zip tie works just as well.
We tried a number of different bike frame shapes and sizes with this Audi Q5 rack, and were able to mount all of them perfectly. The wider carrying arms are also really useful for transporting long wheelbase bicycles.
You will definitely need an adapter for some low-Y frame bikes, but other than that, you should be good.
Installing and handling this bike rack is also easier thanks to the lightweight design. We did not need more than 15 minutes to have the rack ready for the road. The manufacturer provided warranty is also a nice touch.
Pros
- Alloy steel build
- Most compact design of any rack
- Side straps keep rack very stable
- Ideal for drivers who only occasionally need the rack
- Easy to install
- Holds 1 bike
- Straps secure bike at the frame
- No rattling or creaking noises
Cons
- Not ideal for electric bikes or mountain bikes
Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack
Roof bike racks allow you to transport your bikes and also free up space in the rear of your Audi Q5 for stuff like trailers and other vehicles. Thule’s ProRide roof bike rack does just that with a sturdy construction, useful load capacity, and a more secure way of mounting your bikes.
We love Thule’s bike racks for their generous use of high quality materials like aluminium. In this rack, the aluminium gives you better structural rigidity and resistance to corrosion over time.
One drawback of roof bike racks is that they usually sacrifice a bit of load capacity in favour of convenience and utility. Not so with the Thule ProRide rack for the Audi Q5. This rack can only hold one bike, but has a surprisingly high load capacity of 45 lbs.
That may not be enough for your favourite e-bike with its heavy battery pack, but it is more than enough for the largest road bikes and even some lightweight mountain bikes.
Moving on to the mounting system, we have a universal fit design that will bolt right on to most any factory or aftermarket crossbars. The fitment is precise and firm. We were extremely confident transporting a bike on our Audi Q5 with this rack.
As for the bike securing system, this rack uses a wheel holder and frame clamp combo to keep your two-wheelers in place. The bike is perfectly positioned on the wheel holders and then fastened using heavy duty ratcheting straps. An adjustable clamp then secure the bike frame for added stability and rigidity.
We found this rack to be quite confident at highway speed. It does not rattle or shake around, even with a slight headwind. We did not experience much drag thanks to the streamlined shape, and fuel mileage was not appreciably affected.
We were disappointed to learn that the locks for the rack and the bike are sold separately. At this price point, they should have been included in the box.
It does still have some nice features, though. The frame clamps are lined in soft material to avoid damaging your bike’s paintwork. There is a simple mechanism that allows you to change the orientation of the rack. The rack also has a convenient mounting dial that lets you adjust fitment on the fly.
Overall, we think this is one of the best roof bike racks we have ever uses for the Audi Q5.
Pros
- Aluminium construction
45 lbs load capacity - Bolts right on to factory crossbars
- Wheel holders with ratcheting straps
- Frame clamp for added stability
- Soft inner lining prevents damage to frame
- No wind resistance at speed
- Fuel mileage is unaffected
Cons
- Locks should have been included in the box
Thule FastRide Roof Mounted Bike Rack
This Audi Q5 roof bike rack is for the quick release bike in your life. It features an all aluminium build, compatibility with various axle sizes, and the most secure mounting system of any roof bike rack.
You would be hard pressed to find even one piece of this bike rack that isn’t aluminium. The sleek build is quite firm and sturdy. We did not see it flex or bend at all during testing, and we really pushed it to the limit too.
It is a bike rack meant for thru axle and quick release bicycles. It can accommodate 9mm captive, 12x100mm, 12x110mm, 15x100mm, 15x110mm, and even 20x110mm thru axle bikes. Furthermore, you won’t have any issues carrying bikes outfitted with disc brakes, making this one of the most convenient bike racks in its class.
The fact that you will need an additional adapter for some of these sizes comes as a disappointment. We would have appreciated it more if the adapters were included in the box.
The rear wheel is held in place by a wheel tray and fastened to the frame using an adjustable ratcheting strap. On the road, we were impressed by how stable and secure this Audi Q5 roof bike rack really is. It does not rattle or wobble around, even when the car is moving at speed.
You won’t have to fiddle around with installation too much. The rack itself is designed to fit on most factory and aftermarket bars. In fact, we didn’t need more than 15 minutes to get the whole setup installed.
Once you’ve got it setup, it is even easier to shift it from the right to the left side of your Audi Q5, thanks to the convenient mechanism Thule’s roof bike racks use.
You also have the option to lock the roof bike rack to the roof and the bike to the rack, preventing theft. However, in spectacular Thule fashion, you will need to purchase the locks separately.
It’s not all missing accessories and cash grabs though. Thule’s AcuTight torque limiter knob is seriously useful. It clicks when optimal torque is reached, allowing for what we call the ‘Goldilocks fit’. Not too loose, not too tight, but just right! It is also compatible with carbon fork bicycles, which is a plus. The easy release lever is also really convenient and handy.
Pros
- All aluminium construction
- Will fit most thru axle and quick release bikes
- Compatible with carbon forks
- Can hold bikes with disc brakes
- Wheel trays position wheels perfectly
- Adjustable ratcheting straps further stabilise bike
- AcuTight torque limiter knob clicks when optimal torque is applied
- Does not wobble at speed
Cons
- Locks and adapters for some bikes are sold separately
