This article reveals the best bike racks for the Acura MDX.
We put the most prominent bike racks for the Acura MDX under a microscope and came away with only the absolutely best options in each category. Our tests favoured nice build quality, high load capacity and of course the security of the bike mount.
With all of these features in mind, we think that the Deluxe 4-bike hitch rack from Allen Sports delivers the best balance of performance and utility. The load capacity is higher than most other bike racks, the construction inspires a lot of confidence, and the bike mount is Allen Sports tried and tested system.
Our experience testing and reviewing vehicle accessories means we are something of an authority on the topic, and can help you make the most worthwhile purchase.
Keep reading for more info on the best bike racks for the Acura MDX.
Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Overall Best
The Allen Sports 4-bike rack is a fan favourite, with its high quality construction and impressive load capacity. The unique bike mount system is what makes Allen Sports products so cool, and we love to see it.
This bike rack’s salient feature is its robust and durable build. It uses alloy steel for every part, giving it better rigidity and structural integrity. All of the exposed surfaces are coated in a thick powder that is less susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Speaking of that powder coat, it has a high gloss finish that gives the rack a slick look. We can report that it holds up very well to minor scratches, though deeper gouges prove too much for it.
We are huge fans of the longer carrying arms this bike rack is outfitted with. These have the benefit of mounting each of the 4 bikes further away from one another, thus reducing the chances of them getting damaged. This also saves your Acura MDX’s paintwork from getting tarnished because of rogue handlebars and front wheels.
As for keeping your bikes in place on the back of the Acura MDX, this rack uses heavy duty ratcheting straps. The straps sport a soft inner lining that prevents general wear and tear of the bike frames.
Let’s move onto the good stuff. Load capacity for this bike rack is rated at just over 140 lbs. That’s plenty for 4 large road bikes, but e-bikes and mountain bikes can only be mounted 2 at a time.
It is of course a hitch mounted bike rack for the Acura MDX, so the hitch connection better be something special. It comes in a 2” configuration, perfect for keeping the rack planted at speed. We did not have to put up with any wobbling or shaking of the rack, thanks to the no wobble bolt that comes standard with the rack.
When it isn’t transporting your 2-wheelers, this bike rack can collapse the carrying arms into a smaller, more manageable footprint. No more 17 point turns just to get out of the parking lot!
Furthermore, you can tilt the fully loaded rack forward to allow for easier liftgate access on the Acura MDX.
Really, the only drawback that we can think of with this bike rack is the lack of a proper way to secure the front wheels and handlebars of your bikes. But some bungee cords lying around the garage should do the trick.
Pros
- Alloy steel design
- Powder coating resists rust
- Holds 4 large bikes
- Can hold different shapes of bike frame
- Easy installation
- No wobble bolt discourages wobbling
- Lined in rubber to avoid tarnishing the paintwork
- Tilting mechanism for easier liftgate access
- Arms can be folded for easier parking
Cons
- No way of keeping the handlebars stationary
Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
Premium choice
Thule’s Apex XT is an Acura MDX bike rack that can hold 4 large road bikes, has a convenient tilting mechanism for quicker liftgate access, and comes with a patented bike mount that keeps your two wheelers secure.
If you want a high-quality build, Thule’s bike rack uses an all metal design that is both lightweight and firm. It does not strain or bend, even when fully loaded up.
That high quality build also facilitates a higher load capacity of around 150 lbs. That is plenty for 4 large road bikes, and even some heavier mountain bikes and e-bikes.
That said, we found that we could only carry 1 or at the most 2 of these heavy bicycles on the back of our Acura MDX with this bike rack installed.
If you need to go even higher with the load capacity, Thule also makes a five bike version of this rack.
The hitch connection is quite sturdy. We didn’t notice the rack wobbling, even when we went over some bumps in the Acura MDX. There is no slack between the hitch receiver and the rack, so there isn’t any give whatsoever.
This bike rack features longer carrying arms, which lend themselves well to mounting the bikes further away from each other. We are happy to report that we did not damage the bikes, or the back of our Acura MDX.
The anti-sway design of Thule’s bike racks continues to impress us. We also liked the integration of the bike cable lock which makes your bikes all but completely theft proof. However, in spectacular Thule fashion, this is an accessory you’ll have to purchase separately.
Thule’s HitchSwitch design makes for one of the smoothest and quickest tilting mechanisms in any Acura MDX bike rack. It tilts down far enough that you can easily access the liftgate of the Acura MDX.
Installing this rack is quick and easy. Thule’s SnugTite stinger makes an appearance, which means you don’t need any tools to mount this bike rack on your Acura MDX. The same feature allows you to lock the bike rack to the hitch receiver, adding another layer of security.
Pros
- Metal alloy construction
- Minimalist design
- 150 lbs load capacity
- Can carry 4 adult sized road bikes
- Compatible with a 2” hitch
- Sturdy fitment
- Does not wobble or jump around at all
- Each of the bikes is mounted 7” apart
- Bikes do not interact with each other or the back of your Acura MDX
- Anti sway design removes any shaking of the bikes
Cons
- Cable locks are not included in the box
View the full installation and use of the Thule Apex XT
Hitch Mount 2 Bike Rack for Cars
Worth a second look
Maxxhaul’s hitch mounted bike rack delivers a compact and lightweight design, while still maintaining the load capacity that lets you mount 2 large bikes on the back of your Acura MDX. The affordable price is just the cherry on top.
The entire construction of this bike rack uses high-quality alloy steel. The main mast is covered in a sleeve that prevents the bikes from getting damaged by interacting with the exposed metal surfaces.
You’ll be happy to know that this bike rack comes in both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch configurations. We tried both, and can report that they stay perfectly stable and wobble free on the highway.
This compact bike rack is capable of holding up to 100 lbs of bikes. That’s plenty for your average, large road bike, but the 50 lbs per bike load capacity means you can also carry some e-bikes and mountain bikes.
We are also happy to report that all the different bike frame shapes and sizes we tested fit perfectly on this Acura MDX bike rack.
But how well does it secure those bikes for transport? Surprisingly well for such a small bike rack. It’s a hanging style bike rack and the cradles use 2 heavy duty buckle straps to keep each of the bikes in place.
The straps are adjustable, so you can fit nonconventional frame shapes easily. They are of course lined in rubber to prevent them from damaging the paintwork of your bikes.
It’s already pretty firm and stable, but the bike rack also features a locking knob that adds to the rigidity. In our experience, the bikes do not shift or jump around on the road, which also discourages them from damaging each other.
If you need the bike rack to be even more compact, you can fold up the carrying arms so that they don’t get in the way when you aren’t carrying any bikes.
The fully loaded rack can be tilted forward to allow the Acura MDX’s liftgate to open fully. This tilting mechanism is controlled by a convenient quick release pen that is easy to operate.
This is also one of the few bike racks on this list that integrates bright safety reflectors on the back, so that other drivers can see your Acura MDX more easily.
Pros
- Full metal construction
- 100 lbs load capacity
- Can carry 2 large sized bicycles
- Works with both 1 ¼” and 2” receivers
- Hitch is wobble free at speed
- Easy installation
- All of the mounting hardware is provided
- Thick buckle straps for secure fit
- Bike cradles are fully adjustable
- Cradles have a rubberized inner lining to avoid scratches
- Tilting mechanism allows for liftgate access
Cons
- Some long wheelbase model bikes will require a frame adapter
DELUXE TRUNK MOUNTED BIKE RACK
If Maxxhaul’s rack is too bulky for you, Allen Sports’ Deluxe trunk mounted bike rack features a downright Lilliputian design that takes lightweight and compact to the next level. It does not do so at the cost of load capacity, however, and is surprisingly easy to install.
This trunk mounted bike rack comes with a high grade alloy steel construction. Despite its smaller size, it is still quite rigid and does not add any weight to the back of your Acura MDX. In fact, it is so compact that it can easily be stored in your Acura MDX when you aren’t carrying any bikes.
Speaking of the load capacity, it comes in at just a hair shy of 70 lbs. That is pretty much the industry standard for two bike racks, and we found that we could carry even the largest road bike racks with ease. Mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts should look elsewhere though.
The rack is supported by rubberised feet on the lower frame which add tons of grip, while also protecting the paintwork of your Acura MDX. It also has heavy duty nylon straps on every corner that keep it firmly positioned and secure.
This budget friendly bike rack benefits from the inclusion of Allen Sports’ patented tiedown system. Each of the two bikes is held using heavy duty ratcheting straps that are secured at the frame. The rubber inner lining of these straps means you don’t get dented frames or scratched paintwork.
We had no issues with compatibility when it came to mounting non-conventional frame shapes on this Acura MDX bike rack. In fact, the wider carrying arms, 115” to be precise, allow you to transport most long wheelbase bikes.
This rack is also one of the easiest to install on your Acura MDX. You won’t require any tools, and no more than 15 minutes were needed to have the rack ready to go.
The fact that this bike rack still manages to include Allen Sports’ limited lifetime warranty is worth praising. This warranty covers any defects in the construction, and puts us at ease while recommending this rack.
Finally, out on the road, we are happy to report that the bike rack does not wobble or shake at all, and keeps your bikes firmly positioned.
Pros
- All metal design
- Compact and lightweight
- Side straps add stability
- Easy to take off when not needed
- Quick install
- Can carry 2 large road bikes
- Max load capacity is 70 lbs
- Straps keep bike frames secure
- No rattling noises
Cons
- Can’t carry heavier bicycles
YAKIMA - FullTilt Tilting Hitch Rack, 5 Bike
The FullTilt hitch mounted bike rack from Yakima is one of the highest capacity bike racks for the Acura MDX. Unlike all the other bike racks on this list, this one has a sturdy construction, and exceptionally secure bike mount system.
As expected of any high quality bike rack, this one from Yakima employs a high grade alloy steel construction. It does not flex or bend under the load of 5 heavy road bikes, and keeps them perfectly stable.
Yep, you read right! This bike ride can hold 5 large bicycles, totalling in at just under 150 lbs. But unlike other high-capacity bike racks for the Acura MDX, this one does not shake itself to death on the highway.
Moving onto the bike mount, they are nice and sturdy. The thick ratcheting straps are fully adjustable, and keep your bikes secure on the road. They are of course covered in soft rubber to prevent them from tarnishing the paintwork of your bike frames.
We tested every bike frame shape and size known to man with this Acura MDX bike rack. We are happy to report that save for the Pennyfarthing bike, we were able to mount all of them!
The long carrying arms of this bike rack are padded in the same soft material so that your bikes have a softer spot to rest on in transit.
The longer carrying arms also allow you to mount each individual bike further away from the last, so that they don’t bang up against one another.
Don’t worry about manoeuvring your Acura MDX with this bike rack installed. The carrying arms can be folded down when not in use, and the whole rack tilts forward, all at the the touch of a button, or rather a lever.
Moving onto the hitch mount, you can use either a 1 ¼” or 2” receiver with this bike rack. Yakima’s proprietary AutoPin system works like magic to automatically position the hitch in the receiver. This makes for a perfect connection every time, and completely eliminates wobbling and shaking at speed.
Installing the rack is actually quite simple. This is thanks to Yakima’s SpeedKnob feature, which uses knobs to tighten and mount the rack on your Acura MDX so that you don’t need any tools.
Finally, we are huge fans of Yakima’s SKS lock system, which you can use to lock the bikes to the rack, and the rack to the receiver.
Pros
- Alloy steel build
- Thick powder coating prevents rusting
- 150 lbs load capacity
- Firm tie down system
- Ratcheting straps for wider compatibility
- Rubberized lining on straps and carrying arms
- Longer carrying arms offer more space between the bikes
- Fits different shapes of bike frame
- Work with both 1 ¼” and 2” hitches
- Does not shake
Cons
- Frame adapter needed for low-Y frame bikes
If you’re in the market for an Acura MDX bike rack, odds are you noticed how hard it can be to find a good one. Thankfully, we’ve done our research and can help you figure out which one suits your particular needs.
Below, we have compiled a buying guide of sorts that you can use to identify the most important features a bike rack should offer in order to be any good! If you don’t feel like going through the trouble of finding a rack yourself and just want a good recommendation, check out our top picks for Acura MDX bike racks and you should be set!
Load capacity
Let’s start with the obvious. You need a bike rack that can hold as many bikes as you need it to. A good rule of thumb when looking for road bike racks is to find one with a ‘per bike capacity’ of around 35 lbs. That’s around what the average, adult sized road bike weighs, so you should be able to carry most bikes.
If you plan on carrying larger e-bikes or mountain bikes however, that number goes up significantly. Look for bike racks with a ‘per bike capacity’ in the mid-60 to low-70 lbs range and you’ll get what you’re looking for.
Bike mount
There’s more than one way to skin a cat and the same is true for mounting bikes on your Acura MDX. You’ve got hanging style and trunk mounted bike racks that hold the bike at the frame. Platform style bike racks hold your two wheeler at the wheel AND the frame. In fact, some might even use a carrying hook that holds the wheels in place.
If we had to choose the most secure bike mount system, we’d pick the platform style rack. But the truth is that the hanging style bike rack just provides more utility. More space, more carrying capacity, and a more compact design, which is why we recommend them for the Acura MDX.
Construction
This is an important one. Your bike’s safety all but completely hinges on the construction of the bike rack. To be on the safe side, get a bike rack that uses alloy steel or other similar metals for the build. These are your best bet for secure bike racks.
Aluminium is another quality bike rack material, but it tends to be expensive. Budget friendly plastic racks have come a long way in recent times and synthetic materials are a pretty compelling option for bike racks. That said, alloy steel still provides the best balance of rigidity and value when it comes to Acura MDX bike racks.
