In this article, we take a look at the best bike racks for the Toyota 4Runner.
We have been reviewing bike racks and other vehicle accessories for over a decade. So if you need the best buying advice, you’ve come to the right place.
Our top pick for Toyota 4Runner bike racks is the Maxxhaul hitch mounted bike rack. It is a well built bike rack with enough load capacity for 2 bikes. The hitch connection is quite firm, as is the bike mounting system.
We consider all facets of a bike rack in our review. Among others, we talk about features like the build quality, load capacity, and how secure the bike mount actually is. This should help you get a better idea of the bike rack’s real world efficacy.
Keep reading for more details about the best bike racks for the Toyota 4Runner.
MAXXHAUL 50025 Hitch Mounted
Overall Best
This 2-bike hitch mounted rack from Maxxhaul has a compact design, robust build quality, and an affordable price that is even more attractive when you consider the heavy load capacity.
This Toyota 4Runner bike rack has an all alloy steel construction. The main spine of the rack is covered in a rubberised yellow sleeve that keeps the bikes from being scratched or dented.
It is compatible with both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch receivers. We tested both and found them to be perfectly stable, even at higher speeds. The rack did not shake or jump around, which inspires a lot of confidence.
It is rated to hold just under 100 lbs of weight. That means you can mount two large, adult sized bikes, but not some heavier e-bikes and mountain bikes. If you do want to carry e-bikes or mountain bikes, you’ll have to settle for doing so one at a time.
We tested the Toyota 4Runner in a number of different road conditions with this bike rack installed. Even on bumpy roads, and over potholes, the rack stayed firm and did not wobble at all.
It uses heavy duty buckle straps to hold your bike frames in place. The buckles are fully adjustable and we were able to mount basically every shape and size of bike frame.
One cool feature of this bike rack is the locking knob on the main mast that adds to the stability and security of the bike rack. We also didn’t notice our bikes banging into each other or the back of the Toyota 4Runner.
Installation is quick and straightforward. You get all of the necessary mounting equipment in the package, and the instructions are concise. We did not need any tools to have the rack fully set up.
When it isn’t carrying any bikes, the carrying arms of this rack can be folded down. In fact, the rack can be tilted down for easier liftgate access on the Toyota 4Runner.
Finally, the inclusion of safety reflectors on the rear of the rack help make it more noticeable for nighttime driving and the quick release pin at the bottom of the rack is quite effective and useful for tilting it.
Pros
- Made of alloy steel
- Rated to carry just over 100 lbs
- Can carry 2 large adult sized bikes
- Compatible with 1 ¼” or 2” hitch receivers
- Does not wobble on the highway
- Quick installation
- Comes with all the necessary equipment in the box
- No extra tools needed
- High quality ratcheting straps keep bikes stable
- Fully adjustable straps for tighter fit
- Lined in rubber to avoid damaging bikes
- Tilting feature allows for liftgate access on the
- Toyota 4Runner
- Convenient quick release pin
Cons
- Adapter needed for some long wheelbase bikes
Thule Camber Hitch Bike Rack
Premium choice
Thule’s Camber hitch bike rack features a sturdy metal design, secure bike cradles, and higher load capacity than most other options for the Toyota 4Runner.
As with any Thule product, the Camber hitch bike rack for the Toyota 4Runner comes with a high quality metal build. It is quite rigid and firm. Not to mention, the unique surface coating helps keep it free of rust and corrosion.
Load capacity is rated for just over 150 lbs, perfect for 4 large road bikes. It’s also capable of holding some heavier mountain bikes and e-bikes, but not at full capacity. However, even with two large e-bikes and one regular road bike loaded up, we did not notice the rack straining under the load.
The adjustable ratcheting straps are firm and hold your bike frames tightly. We tested a wide variety of bike frame shapes and sizes, and all of them fit like a glove.
These ratcheting straps can also be swivelled to fit some non-conventional bike frame shapes. The soft rubberised material on the inside of the straps prevents them from scratching or damaging the paint work of your bikes.
We tested this bike rack on the highway, and found it to be completely wobble free. It uses either a 1 ¼” or 2” hitch receiver, and both were pretty stable and firm. We also tested our Toyota 4Runner on pavement and bumpy dirt roads alike. This sturdy bike rack did not so much as make a peep in any road condition.
The longer carrying arms of this bike rack mean you can mount each individual bike 7” away from the last. That means the bikes won’t interact with one another or the rear glass of your Toyota 4Runner, potentially causing damage.
These carrying arms are foldable, making it easier to park in tight spaces or just store the rack when it isn’t needed. It can also be tilted down, making it easier to access your cargo area.
Installation is an absolute breeze, owing to all of the necessary mounting equipment being provided in the package. If you run into a snag, just refer to the helpful video online.
All said and done, this bike rack is absolutely one of the best for the Toyota 4Runner, and delivers tons of useful features.
Pros
- Made of high quality metal
- Carries 4 bikes
- Robust design
- Rated for 150 lbs of load
- Ratcheting straps for bike frames
- Can hold most bike shapes
- Best for heavy e-bikes, mountain bikes
- Works with 1.25” and 2” hitch receivers
- No shaking at speed
- Can be tilted down even when fully loaded
- Can be folded up
Cons
- Frame adapter required for low-Y frame bikes
DELUXE TRUNK MOUNTED BIKE RACK
Worthy consideration
This trunk mounted bike rack from Allen Sports is a compact and lightweight bike rack that can carry two adult sized road bikes with ease. The compact size also makes it more portable.
It may be smaller, but it has one heck of a sturdy construction. The design is simple, but still quite rigid. The smaller size is great for the Toyota 4Runner owner who wants to be able to chuck their bike rack in the back of the car when it isn’t being used.
Load capacity is not nearly as high as other bike racks, but still pretty good for a rack of this size. 70 lbs can easily hold 2 large road bikes. You won’t be carrying e-bikes or heavy mountain bikes any time soon, but that is to be expected.
We installed this rack on the Toyota 4Runner and drove on the highway, on bumpy back roads, and even some rough terrain. It stayed surprisingly firm and wobble-free in all situations.
It benefits from Allen Sports’ patented tie-down system. This includes adjustable ratcheting straps that secure your bike frames. The soft inner lining on the straps prevents them from tarnishing the paintwork of your bike.
As for staying stable on the back of your Toyota 4Runner, this rack uses heavy duty nylon straps. Some trunk mounted racks with similar designs use an integrated strap management system so that the straps don’t get caught on anything, but not here, which is a bummer.
We tried over a dozen different bike frame shapes and sizes with this Toyota 4Runner bike rack. All of them fit easily, and the wider carrying arms facilitated mounting longer wheelbase models. You will however, need an adapter for bikes with low-Y frames.
Finally, one more benefit of the lightweight design is the ease of handling and installing this bike rack. We only needed about 10 minutes to have it fully set up and ready to go. Additionally, the limited lifetime warranty provided by Allen Sports makes this rack a lot more compelling.
Pros
- Alloy steel construction
- Smallest footprint of any rack
- Side straps hold rack in place
- Easy to install
- Easy to remove when not needed
- Carries 1 large bike
- Straps keep bike frame secure
- No annoying noises from the rack
- Wide proportions compatible with larger bikes
- Lower part of rack is padded to avoid scratching the Toyota
- 4Runner
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Can’t really carry heavier e-bikes and mountain bikes
MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount
Here we have a platform style bike rack from Maxxhaul. It features a robust and durable construction, ample load capacity, and an exceptionally secure bike mount system for your Toyota 4Runner.
The all metal design of this platform style bike rack gives it enhanced rigidity and makes it more structurally sound. The thick black surface coating is more resistant to rust and corrosion, but also just gives the rack a more premium feel.
As for keeping your bikes secure, this 2-bike rack uses 2 wheel trays for each bike. These wheel loops feature heavy duty nylon straps that keep the bikes firmly in place. It also has adjustable carrying arms on the main mast that hold the bike frames in place. These arms are of course padded to avoid scratching or damaging the bike.
Load capacity is a bit of a mixed bag. It is rated for just over 80 lbs, which isn’t the highest in this category. It also means that you can only carry 2 large road bikes, and not much else.
E-bikes and mountain bikes will not fit on this bike rack. Furthermore, fat tire bikes proved a bit too fat for the wheel loops on this bike rack.
Moving onto the good stuff, we have a stable hitch connection that uses a 2” hitch. The rack does not wobble or shake around, even when it is fully loaded up. The installation process is quick and easy. All the instructions are available in the package and online, and are easy to follow.
Platform style racks tend to be larger than other types, so the folding mechanism of this one is a welcome addition. It is surprisingly easy to park the Toyota 4Runner in garages and other tight spaces with this bike rack fully folded up.
The tilting mechanism on his bike rack is also insanely useful. It tilts further than any other bike rack we’ve seen, so you can easily access the lift-gate of your Toyota 4Runner with this bike rack still installed and fully loaded up.
Pros
- High grade alloy steel
- Durable surface coating
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Rack does not bend or flex
- Wheel trays for both wheels
- Adjustable ratcheting straps for wheels
- Carrying arms hold frames firmly
- Carrying arms lined in soft material
- Holds 2 large, adult sized bikes
- Easy installation
- 2” hitch for better stability at speed
- Can be folded into a smaller size
- Easy to store and transport
- Tilting mechanism
Cons
- 80 lbs max load capacity
- Not ideal for e-bikes, mountain bikes, etc
Saris Superclamp EX Bike Hitch
Saris’ Superclamp brings heavy duty construction and high load capacity to the party. The hitch connection of this Toyota 4Runner bike rack is exceptionally secure and it is chock full of cool features. However, all of that pales in comparison to the unique and firm bike mount system.
Let’s start off with the build quality of this bike rack. It uses high quality metal alloy throughout the construction, giving it better rigidity. The wheel trays are made of plastic, which helps keep weight down. However we would have liked to see an all metal design.
All of the metal bits are treated with a thick surface coating for enhanced rust protection. It also looks nicer than plain old steel.
Moving on to load capacity, and this Toyota 4Runner bike rack does not disappoint. It is rated for a maximum of 120 lbs. This allows you to carry large road bikes, but also heavy e-bikes and mountain bikes.
Now, for the star of the show, we have this rack’s other-worldly bike securing system. First, both bikes’ front and rear wheels are held in place with the wheel trays. Here, we see heavy duty ratcheting straps which keep the wheels secure.
Then, each of the four wheels (yes, both front AND rear) is further stabilised by the wheel hooks at either end of the rack. These hooks are fully adjustable so compatibility isn’t an issue. They are also padded to avoid damaging the wheels or fenders of your bikes.
The result of all that hardware? Well, combined with the exceptionally sturdy 1 ¼” or 2” hitch, and locking hitch pin, it gets you one of the most secure and stable bike mount systems for the Toyota 4Runner. Period.
Speaking of, that hitch is virtually wobble-free on the highway. We did not have to put up with any shaking or rattling. Even on rough terrain, the rack did not show any concerning movement.
If you’re worried about compatibility with your bikes, put your concerns to rest. This Toyota 4Runner bike rack can accommodate up to a 50” wheelbase and the adjustable design of the wheel trays and hooks means you don’t need to rely on any frame adapters either.
Now, let’s touch on features. And boy, does this rack have features! The carrying arms can fold down, making the rack more compact. The fully loaded rack is capable of tilting down so that you can open your Toyota 4 Runner’s liftgate.
The ratcheting arms can pivot for even better compatibility with bikes. Safety reflectors on the back allow other drivers to see the rack more easily at night.
And probably one of the most useful features that we didn’t even know to think of: the bottle opener. Yep, this rack has a bottle opener integrated into the design. It is amazing how convenient this is for camping adventures and cross country trips.
Pros
- Metal build
- Lightweight
- Powder coated for better rust resistance
- 120 lbs load capacity
- Space for two bikes
- Best for e-bikes, mountain bikes etc
- Compatible with 1 ¼” and
- 2” hitch receivers
- Locking hitch pin
- Very secure at speed
- Adjustable wheel trays
- Wheel hooks for both front and rear wheels
- Wheel hooks are padded
Cons
- Wheels trays are made of plastic
The Toyota 4Runner is a highly capable and utilitarian vehicle. It is the perfect SUV for cross country trips, off roading adventures, and camping trips. And what makes all of these things even more fun? Bringing your favourite bikes along with you, of course!
But despite its awesome design, the Toyota 4Runner lacks a dedicated space to carry your bikes securely and safely. That is where bike racks for the Toyota 4Runner come in.
Putting a bike rack on your Toyota 4Runner will allow you to carry all of your family’s bikes securely and confidently. These bike racks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each has its own features and shortcomings, and which one you get largely depends on what your priorities are for carrying bikes on your Toyota 4Runner.
Here, we will answer some frequently asked questions that people have about Toyota 4Runner bike racks. We hope they will help you find a rack that is best for your particular use case.
How much load capacity should my Toyota 4Runner bike rack have?
This depends on the number and type of bikes you intend on carrying. If you are only carrying regular, adult sized road bikes, you can expect each bike to be around 35-40 lbs.
So just multiply that by the number of bikes you need to carry and you’ll get a good estimate for load capacity.
However, if you plan on carrying larger, heavier e-bikes or mountain bikes, aim for 60+ lbs per bike. With that in mind, get a rack with a higher load capacity.
Which Toyota 4Runner bike rack is most secure for transporting bikes over longer distances?
While most modern designs offer a secure and firm bike mount, not all bike racks are built equal.
If you want the most secure bike rack for your Toyota 4Runner, hitch mounted platform style bike racks are the most secure, hands down. That said, with the latest bike rack offerings, hitch mounted hanging style bike racks are only a hair less secure than platforms. Similarly, trunk mounted bike racks are also biting at the heels of both.
We tested each of the Toyota 4runner bike racks on our list in different road conditions, so you can rest assured that they are all perfectly secure.
How much will I have to spend on a bike rack for my Toyota 4Runner?
Again, this depends on the type of rack you are looking to get. Platform style racks usually lead the pack in terms of price, with hanging style bike racks following close behind and trunk mounted racks being the most affordable.
That said, you can find a rack at every price point, regardless of the type of rack. Not to mention, the pricier options are always equipped with useful features and are more secure, so you’re getting your money’s worth.
As for actual cost, Toyota 4Runner bike rack prices range from sub $100 to around $800 at the high end. Our list includes high quality options at every price point, so you can find one that fits your budget.
Should I just get the most expensive premium bike rack for my Toyota 4Runner?
If you have the means, it can be tempting to just get the nicest rack. ‘After all, it is the one with all the features, the highest load capacity, and the most secure bike mount, right?’
Well, yes. But it is best to do your research and use our buying guide above to find the rack that perfectly fits your requirements.
Case and point: the most expensive bike racks tend to be larger in size. Often, you need to carry just one bike on your Toyota 4Runner, and so a compact, possibly budget friendly rack would be more appropriate. It will be easier to store, easier to install, and easier to live with.
Conversely, we would discourage Toyota 4Runner owners from getting a cheap, low quality rack when what they need is a well built premium rack. After all, the rack is meant to keep your prized bikes secure. There is no point in mounting your $12,000 Cannondale to a sub $50 bike rack!
