In this article, we will introduce you to our top picks for the best Honda CRV bike racks.
We tested over two dozen different bike racks that are compatible with the Honda CRV and shortlisted the ones that made us go ‘Wow!’
Our recommendations combine factors like the build quality, load capacity, and the utility each rack provides.
And our top contender is a familiar face: Allen Sports’ 5-bike hitch rack. This rack is one serious hunk of metal with solid build quality, an impressive load capacity, and enough space to carry the whole family’s bikes.
If you want a competent recommendation, you came to the right place. We have been testing and reviewing vehicle accessories for over a decade, so we know a thing or two about bike racks.
Keep reading to find more details about the best bike racks for the Honda CRV.
Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Racks
Overall Best
Everyone’s favorite bike rack manufacturer comes on the scene with a well built and effective rack. It is very stable and confident at speed, and will hold not only your bike, but also the rest of the tri-state area’s!
So let’s talk build quality. True to form, Allen Sports made one of the sturdiest racks on the market. It features an alloy steel design for better durability and security. The alloy steel is treated with a special black powder coating, helping mitigate rust and corrosion, making it perfect for the Honda CRV.
The rack fits a 2” hitch receiver, making the connection very secure and firm. It does not move around or shift even when it is fully loaded up. Allen Sports’ patented anti-wobble system is really effective, keeping the rack stable at highway speeds. The rack also locks into place with a key which might seem like overkill but hey; if it works, it works for the CRV.
As for the actual bike rack, it is a hanging style rack. There are individual tie-downs which secure the bike at the handlebars. This prevents the bikes’ front wheels from banging up against each other and your car. Each bike is also secured at the frame for a more rigid fit.
The tie-downs rotate to accommodate different bike sizes. We had no issues fitting bikes of various different shapes and sizes. Everything from kids’ bikes to larger adult bikes fit, no problem.
This bike rack boasts a carrying capacity of 5 bikes, or just under 175 lbs in total. So feel free to load up heavier mountain bikes and e-bikes too. Even fully loaded up, there was no bending or flexing of the rack so that it makes a great fit for the Honda CRV.
You also get some really useful special features with this rack. Conveniently placed release buttons quickly fold the carry arms out of the way when not in use. There is a tilt-away feature that allows you to access your liftgate or hatchback, even when the rack is fully loaded up.
Lastly, the quick installation also deserves praise. It is one of the easiest racks to get up and running. All of the mounting hardware is included in the box and we did not need more than 15 minutes to get it installed.
Pros
- Alloy steel build
- Holds 5 bikes
- Individual tie down system keeps bikes secure
- Tilting main mast
- All round best Honda CRV bike rack
- Easier lift gate access
- No wobbling at speed
- Does not let the bikes bang up against the vehicle
- Does not make too much noise in transit
- Can easily secure wide variety of bike shapes and sizes
Cons
- Arms do not lock in place when folded away
Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Best Budget
This is the second ‘Allen Sports’ entry on this list and with good reason. The Deluxe Trunk Mounted Rack impressed us with its compact, but heavy duty design. Pair that with a firm bike mount, and you’ve got a budget rack that means business and hands down the best budget option for the Honda CRV.
This trunk mounted bike rack came as a surprise to us. It looked unassuming enough, with its compact design. But boy, does it perform! It is well built and sturdy, especially when you consider its size.
The build is alloy steel, with two heavy duty straps to either side for added support and rigidity. And then there’s the price! It’s affordable but does not make any compromises on performance.
One word to describe this rack: compact. This is a great option for the driver who only needs a rack every so often and doesn’t want to be weighed down. It is also worth considering if you need a smaller rack that is easier to mount and store on your CRV.
It holds 2 bikes at a time. Bikes are secured by individual tie-downs that keep the frame in place. And you don’t have to worry about the front wheel banging up against your car, thanks to a strap that secures the handlebars.
The bikes stay very stable, even on bumpy roads. We did not notice any rattling or creaking noises. The 12 inch carry arms are compatible with every bike we tested and they measure 115 inches wide so you can fit long wheelbase bikes.
The petite look of this rack is betrayed by the load capacity of 70 lbs, plenty for two adult sized bikes. Allen Sports padded the lower frame of this rack in soft material, which prevents scratching and denting on the Honda CRV.. It also prevents the bikes from banging up against your vehicle.
Installation is straightforward and this rack will fit most vehicles. However, we recommend double checking to see if it is compatible with your car’s specific make and model. It does have a limited lifetime warranty, which is nice to see.
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
- Very easy to install
- Hands down best CRV budget bike rack
- Holds 2 bikes
- 70 lbs load capacity
- Straps secure bike at the frame and handlebars
- No rattling or creaking noises
- 115 inch width can hold larger bikes
- Padded lower frame protects car bodywork
- Limited lifetime warranty provided
- Most affordable bike rack
Cons
- May not fit every make and model of car
KAC K4 4-Bike Platform Rack
Premium Choice
KAC’s 4-bike platform is the epitome of ‘heavy duty bike rack’. It uses premium materials, has the highest load capacity of any rack, and provides a very secure fit.
This rack makes liberal use of high quality alloy steel. It is very well put together and does not shake or move around too much at high speeds on the Honda CRV.
The whole construction is treated with a special black powder coating for better rust and corrosion resistance. And we have to admit, it just looks nicer than plain old steel.
It holds 4 bikes easily and each bike is secured in a dedicated cradle comprising a tray style loop and individual straps for each bike. The arms that secure the bike at its frame are padded to prevent any scratching.
Load capacity is this bike rack’s defining feature. It is rated for 240 lbs and the 5” trays will firmly hold fat tire bikes and electric bikes.
It uses a 2” hitch, making it very stable. There is no wobbling thanks to the patented anti-wobble system which mitigates slack between the receiver and rack.
This rack is a bit larger than most other platform racks, but KAC have designed it to allow two of the bike racks to detach. Furthermore, the full four bike configuration can fold up into a smaller footprint when not needed.
You can also tilt the bike rack, even with all four bikes loaded up, allowing access to the liftgate.
Installation is simple, taking only 15 minutes. You might need a hitch adapter for some cars, and low-y frame bikes will need an additional adapter to fit on the carrier.
All said and done, we really like the KAC 4-bike platform rack and recommend it to anyone looking for the best bike rack for their Honda CRV. . And it is pricey, but worth every penny, in our opinion.
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
- Very easy to install
- Holds 2 bikes
- Best premium option for the Honda CRV
- 70 lbs load capacity
- Straps secure bike at the frame and handlebars
- No rattling or creaking noises
- 115 inch width can hold larger bikes
- Padded lower frame protects car bodywork
- Limited lifetime warranty provided
- Most affordable bike rack
Cons
- May not fit every make and model of car
