In this article, we will be discussing the best bike racks for the Lexus RX 350.
We tested over two dozen different bike racks for the Lexus RX 350. Our review factors in features like the build quality, maximum load capacity, and just how secure the bike mount is for real world use.
With all that in mind, we think the Allen Sports deluxe 4-bike rack delivers the best balance of features and performance. It has high load capacity for a hanging style bike rack, a sturdy build, a secure hitch connection, and also benefits from Allen Sports’ proprietary tiedown system.
After having tested and reviewed vehicle accessories for over a decade, we have become something of an authority on the topic. And with that, it is our aim to help you find the best bike racks and other vehicle accessories for your money.
Keep reading for an in-depth look at the best bike racks for the Lexus RX 350.
Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Overall Best
Allen Sports 4-bike hitch rack features one of the most secure bike mount systems of any bike rack on this list. It also has a stable hitch connection that does not let bikes wobble on the back of your Lexus RX 350.
It is easy to see that durability was one of the main focuses of this bike rack’s design. The heavy duty alloy steel build is treated with a special powder coating that prevents rusting and corrosion over time.
The first thing you notice about this rack is the 22” long carrying arms. They make it easier to mount your bikes further apart from one another and also the rear glass of your Lexus RX 350 so that they don’t damage it.
As for keeping those bikes in place, the rack uses heavy duty ratcheting straps. The straps are fully adjustable so we were able to mount different shapes and sizes of bicycle frame. The rubberised material on these straps prevents them from scratching or scuffing the bikes’ paintwork.
High load capacity is another plus point of this bike rack. 140 lbs is the manufacturer rated number, but we found that the rack stays perfectly stable and upright, even when loading more weight.
The higher load capacity gets you enough space for the entire family’s bikes, while also enabling transportation of e-bikes and mountain bikes.
We tested this bike rack on the Lexus RX 350 in a number of different road conditions. We are happy to report that the 2” hitch kept the rack firmly planted, even on bumpy roads and rough terrain. This is also thanks to the no wobble bolt which eliminates any slack between the receiver and the rack.
The carrying arms can be folded down so that they rest flush against the back of your Lexus RX 350, making it easier to park.
This makes the vehicle easier to park, and also makes the rack easier to store and transport. And as a bonus, the fully loaded rack can tilt downwards so that you can access the cargo area of your Lexus RX 350 without having to unload the bikes.
As for drawbacks, the rack doesn’t have any way of securing the front wheels or handlebars of your bikes. This means they’re free to bang up against one another or the back of your car. We highly recommend getting some heavy duty nylon straps or bungee cords to keep these wheels secure.
Pros
- Made from high grade alloy steel
- Powder coating resists rust and corrosion
- Can carry 4 bikes
- Compatible with different shaped bike frames
- Installation is easy
- No wobble piece prevents wobbling
- High quality straps
- Rubber inner lining prevents damage to bike
Cons
- No way of securing handlebars or front wheel
Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Premium choice
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more money, Thule’s EasyFold XT is a platform style bike rack with a steady hitch connection, secure bike mount, and plenty of load capacity for even the heaviest of bikes in your garage.
We were left in awe by the construction of this bike rack. It opts for a high-quality aluminium build rather than the usual alloy steel or composite plastic, making it lightweight but also more rigid.
Load capacity is similarly impressive at a whopping 130 lbs. That is enough to accommodate the largest and heaviest of e-bikes, mountain bikes, and of course any road bikes. It has space for two bikes and we can attest to a perfectly stable and secure bike mount.
The hitch is compatible with both 1 ¼” and 2” receivers. We tested both and found them to be perfectly stable at highway speed. There is no extra space inside the receiver, so it doesn’t wobble around in transit.
As for securing your bikes, both the front and rear wheels are placed on wheel trays and then fastened using heavy duty ratcheting straps. An adjustable clamp secures the bike frames. This clamp is covered with soft material to prevent it from damaging the bike frames.
We tested this Lexus RX 350 bike rack with a number of different bike frame shapes and sizes and were able to fit all of them without an issue. No pun intended.
We found the torque limiting knobs to be extremely convenient for getting just the right amount of torque on the hitch. It’s a feature we wish
more bike racks would offer.
True to its name, the EasyFold can be folded up into a smaller size when it isn’t carrying any bikes. This makes it a heck of a lot easier to drive the Lexus RX 350 with the unloaded rack, or just store the rack when it isn’t being used.
It also comes with a convenient tilting feature that can be used even when the bike rack is fully loaded up. Moreover, it is operated using a foot pedal that can be engaged more easily.
The integrated bike ramp is such a simple yet useful feature that makes loading your bikes that much easier. Finally, you can lock both of your bikes to the rack, and the rack to the receiver so that the only way someone is getting away with your bikes is if they tow your Lexus RX 350 along with them!
Pros
- Aluminium construction
- Minimalist aesthetic
- Best for carrying e-bikes, mountain bikes, etc
130 lbs max load capacity - Foot pedal for quickly tilting rack
- Allows for easy liftgate access
- Both the bikes and the hitch can be locked
- Integrated bike ramp for loading bikes
- Torque limiting knobs for precis fitment R
- Ratcheting bike straps
- Ergonomic carry handle and wheels for transporting
Cons
- Most expensive option
Hollywood Racks Sportrider
Worthy consideration
This platform style bike rack from Hollywood Racks delivers a sturdy yet lightweight build, high load capacity, and a secure bike mount system.
We are fans of the combination alloy steel and aluminium build of this bike rack. It is relatively lightweight compared to other platform style bike racks, while still having a firm and rigid structure. It does not bend or flex even when fully loaded up.
The load capacity is also pretty good. It is designed to hold two large adult sized road bikes, at just over 50 lbs per bike. This also enables you to carry some models of e-bike and mountain bike.
The wheel trays are spaced further apart so that you can carry up to a 60” wheelbase bike, which is an industry first. The wheel trays are adjustable and use sturdy straps to hold the wheels in place. The frame of your bike is then secured using padded carrying arms that will fit most any shape and size of frame.
The hitch is exceptionally secure and wobble free. This is thanks to the no wobble hitch tightening system that this Lexus RX 350 bike rack uses. The same design also allows for a tool free installation.
However, it only fits 2” hitch receivers, and you can’t get an adapter for other sizes which is a bummer. As for real world performance, we liked how steady this bike rack is at highway speed.
It can be folded up when it isn’t carrying a bike so that your Lexus RX 350 is easier to park. The tilting feature is great for when you need to access your cargo area without unloading the bikes.
This is also something of a modular bike rack. You can get an additional 2-bike add-on kit if you want to carry even more bikes. Another accessory is a basket that you can use to add extra cargo space.
The locking hitch pin and security cable are a great combo that adds tons of security and theft proofing to the rack. As we mentioned, installing the rack is dead simple and you won’t even need any tools.
Pros
- Uses both aluminium and alloy steel
- 100 lbs load capacity
- No wobble hitch tightening system
- Locking hitch pin
- Can hold up to a 60” wheelbase
- Secure wheel trays with straps
- Padded carrying arms keep bike frames secure
- Can be tilted for liftgate operation
- Can be folded up when not in use
Cons
- Only fits 2” hitch; can’t be used with an adapters
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Black 1-Bike Trunk
The Tyger Auto trunk mounted bike rack brings with it a lightweight design, enough load capacity for 3 large sized bikes, and a secure bike mount system that is quite stable and secure.
Alloy steel is used for the entire build of this Lexus RX 350 bike rack. We put the rack through hell, loading it up to the absolute brink, and it did not so much as creak or flex under the load. The special black surface coating keeps it free of rust and corrosion.
It uses heavy duty nylon straps to mount onto the back of your Lexus RX 350. The rubber padded legs that rest on the car’s trunk give the whole rack more stability and grip. This also has the benefit of not scratching the car’s paintwork.
Load capacity is surprisingly high for a trunk mounted bike rack. It is rated at just over 100 lbs, which means you can carry three large road bikes, or maybe one heavy e-bike, whichever you fancy. It also comes in one and two bike versions, if that’s all you really need.
As for securing those bikes, this bike rack uses adjustable ratcheting straps. The straps are made from UV resistant rubber, which means they won’t crack or loosen over time spent in the rain and sun.
If you get the three bike version, the long carrying arms might prevent you from parking your Lexus RX 350 in tight spaces. However, they can be folded down so that they sit flush with the back of your car.
An extra safety strap is included in the box, which you can use to hold the front wheel or handlebars of your bikes in place. It’s nice to see tiny details like this being considered.
Installing this rack is an absolute cakewalk. All of the necessary mounting equipment is provided in the box and you don’t need any extra tools to get the job done. In fact, you shouldn’t need more than a few minutes to have it fully set up and ready to go.
It also comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty, but it’s only available for customers in the US.
Pros
- Alloy steel bike rack
- Sturdy and durable design
- Nylon straps on all sides of the rack for more stability
- Rack doesn’t shake or wobble
- Ratcheting straps keep bike frames firmly in place
- Will fit most frame shapes
- Rack is padded to avoid tarnishing Lexus RX350’s paintwork
- 100 lbs max load capacity
- Carries 3 large road bikes
- Carrying arms can be folded up
Cons
- Warranty is only available in the US
Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
The Saris Bones is one of the sturdiest trunk mounted bike racks we’ve seen for the Lexus RX 350. It has ample load capacity, and a unique design that mounts your bikes further away from the back of your vehicle.
Load capacity comes in at a healthy 70 lbs. That is more than enough for two large, adult size road bikes, though mounting more than one e-bike or mountain bike at a time might not be possible.
The build of this trunk mounted bike rack is unique. It does not use heavy metal like aluminium or alloy steel. Instead, it uses a special synthetic plastic material. It is much lighter, while still maintaining rigidity.
Furthermore, both the frame and the carrying arms of this Lexus RX 350 bike rack are injection moulded for better durability and resistance to corrosion.
We love the curved shape of the carrying arms, which keeps all of the bikes mounted further away from the back of your Lexus RX 350. It also facilitates mounting each bike further away from the last.
Installing this rack is no great feat. All of the mounting equipment is provided in the box, and the parts of the rack that come into contact with your Lexus RX 350 are padded to prevent them from damaging your car’s paint. These rubber padded feet are also more grippy and offer tons of stability at speed.
Your bikes are held at the frame by two heavy duty ratcheting straps. We tested this trunk mounted bike rack on the highway, and it did not let our bikes wobble or shake around at all.
This is also thanks to the sturdy nylon straps which keep the rack firmly positioned on the back of your Lexus RX 350. Here we see an integrated strap management system, which does not let any of the extra strap length flap around and get caught on something. This is a feature we wish more trunk mounted bike racks implemented in their design.
Finally, The last feature of this bike rack is also one of its most important. Specifically, it is made from 100% recycled materials, so you can transport your bikes while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Pros
- High quality composite construction
- Can carry 2 bikes
- 70 lbs max load capacity
- Lightweight
- Injection moulded arms and frame
- Impervious to corrosion
- Arc shaped carrying arms keep bikes away from the rear glass of the Lexus RX 350
- Integrated strap management
- Rubber padding on all contact points
- Does not damage paintwork
Ratcheting straps hold bike frames - Very stable at speed
Cons
- Load capacity could have been higher
Informational content
In recent times, cycling has experienced a massive boom.
It is no longer enough to just do a couple quick laps of the block. Maybe you and your family want to take your bikes along with you on your next camping adventure, cross country road trip, or even across borders!
If that sounds like you, it’s time to get a bike rack for your Lexus RX 350. The rack will help you transport your bikes on the highway, and then you can switch over to the two wheeler once you reach your destination.
But no ordinary bike rack for the Lexus RX 350 will do. You need a bike rack that will keep your bikes safe and secure, a bike rack with enough load capacity for all of your bikes, and one that matches your bike’s build quality.
If you aren’t sure which factors to consider while getting a bike rack for your Lexus RX 350, allow us to elaborate.
Materials/build
Bike racks come in all shapes and sizes. Look for a high quality rack that uses alloy steel for the construction. These will be more rigid and heavy duty than say, plastic or composite materials.
A surface coating for added protection from corrosion and abrasions is always a plus.
Moreover, aluminium bike racks for the Lexus RX 350 are the gold standard. They offer the most rigid and durable construction, in addition to high load capacity.
Load capacity
Speaking of load capacity, you want to err on the side of caution and get a Lexus RX 350 bike rack that can carry a little bit more weight.
If it’s just you going on a solo adventure with your regular sized road bike, you don’t need more than 50 lbs. However that changes when you need to carry your family’s bikes, or heavier e-bikes and mountain bikes.
If you need to carry 4 or more bikes on your Lexus RX 350, aim for a load capacity of 140 lbs or higher. That should be plenty for even the heaviest road bikes, and also some chunkier e-bikes or mountain bikes.
Rack size
What size bike rack you get for the Lexus RX 350 will usually depend on how many bikes you need to carry. However, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from.
For the minimalist Lexus RX 350 owner, a trunk mounted bike rack will be the most compact of the bunch. It’s easy to install, easy to take off, and easy to store.
Move up a level and you get hanging style hitch mounted bike racks for the Lexus RX 350. These still offer a compact-ish design that can probably fold up for easier transport. However, you also get better stability on the highway compared to trunk mounted options.
And then we have platform style hitch mounted bike racks for the Lexus RX 350. These are the ‘absolute units’ of the bike rack world and have more secure bike mount systems to go along with their heft. The tradeoff is a bit more real estate on the back of your Lexus RX 350, which is something to consider.
How can I keep my bikes safe on the Lexus RX 350 when I’m on the road?
There are a couple different ways to go about theft proofing your bikes on a bike rack for the Lexus RX 350.
The easiest and most convenient way would be to use the included locks that come with your bike rack. While not all Lexus RX 350 bike racks will have them, some are outfitted with cable locks for your bikes and a locking hitch pin to keep the rack itself secured.
Another way of keeping your prized bicycle safe from thieves is to purchase an aftermarket bike lock. You can get wire locks, or heavy duty U-locks for the bike. Whichever one you choose, it is important to secure the bike lock using a sturdy, immovable part of the bike rack.
Besides regular cable locks, you can also get some locks with motion activated alarms and sirens that will further deter thieves.
