In this article, we take a detailed look at the best bike racks for hatchbacks.
We started off with a long list of bike racks for hatchbacks, and finally whittled it down to our top three contenders.
We considered factors like the build quality, loading capacity, and the security of the bike mount for each bike rack.
With all of that in mind, the Saris Bones 2 bike rack for hatchbacks is by far our favourite. It features heavy duty build quality, higher load capacity, and a unique trunk mounted style that is perfect for hatchbacks.
We’ve been testing and reviewing vehicle accessories like bike racks for over a decade now. That is why we think we can help you make the best decision when it comes to bike racks for hatchbacks.
Keep reading from more of the latest on the best bike racks for hatchback.
Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack for Hatchbacks
Overall Best
Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack is a compact and lightweight trunk mounted rack for hatchbacks. But don’t let this make you believe that the Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack isn’t up to the job of carrying your heavy bikes to your dream destination.
The saying “small is powerful” applies because this bike rack may be compact but also has the highest load capacity of any bike rack on this list PLUS it also has a secure bike mount system.
Load capacity is surprisingly heavy duty. This petite rack can hold over 70 lbs of two-wheeler. That is more than enough for two adult sized road bikes.
The construction of this trunk mounted bike rack is top-notch. Instead of using traditional heavy metals like steel or aluminium, the Saris Bones uses a composite material to achieve a lightweight but rigid structure.
Durability is one of the rack’s main focus. It’s Frame and carrying arms are injection moulded for better rust and corrosion resistance. This material is also longer lasting meaning it will not break down over time.
The actual bike rack is shaped into a curve which not only positions your bikes away from the rear glass of your hatchback but also spaces out your bikes to prevent them from bashing into each other during the drive.
The Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack is simple to install. You get all of the necessary mounting hardware in the package, and all of the contact points with your hatchback are covered in rubber to avoid scratching the paintwork.
All of the necessary mounting hardware is included in the package PLUS every contact point between the bike rack and your hatchback is covered in rubber to minimise scratching your hatchback’s paintwork.
The bikes are held in place by two ratcheting straps at the frame. When driving at speed, the bikes stay firmly in place with no shaking or movement making the Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack one of the most stable trunk mounted bike racks on the market.
Fitment is also secure. Sturdy nylon straps are used to mount the rack to your hatchback. We are big fans of this unique strap management because it prevents any extra length of straps dangerously flapping around and potentially catching on something as you drive to your destination.
If your hatchback has a spoiler, or other protruding bodywork, don’t worry. The Saris Bones is specifically designed to mount to cars and hatchbacks with spoilers.And lastly, , our environmentally conscious readers will love to hear that this bike rack is made entirely from recyclable materials.
Pros
- High quality composite construction
- Holds 2 bikes
- 70 lbs load capacity
- Lightweight and compact design
- Injection moulded arms
- Resists corrosion and rusting
- Arc shaped bike rack keeps bikes away from your hatchback
- Integrated strap management
- Easy to install
- Rubber feet at all contact points prevent scratching
- 2 ratchet straps keep bikes secure
- Perfectly stable at speed
- Bikes do not wobble
- Designed to fit vehicles with spoilers
- Made from 100% recycled materials
Cons
- Even higher load capacity options available
Backrack Truck Bed Headache Rack
Overall Best
The Allen Sports Premier 3 bike trunk rack is another well built and useful bike rack for hatchbacks. It has a surprisingly high load capacity, and keeps your bikes secure even at highway speed. The installation is also easy and isn’t time consuming.
This budget rack is made from high-quality alloy steel. It has tight tolerances and is surprisingly rigid. The black powder coating prevents rusting and provides the bike rack with a cool-looking aesthetic.
The theme of this bike rack is its lightweight design. However, it is still a great performer and is designed to carry up to 100 lbs. It can carry three bikes and keeps all of them secure.
The bike rack’s firm fitment build inspires confidence. It uses high quality nylon straps to stay stable at speed. In our experience, we have never had to readjust the rack and we never noticed it shifting or bouncing around.
Moving on to the bike mounting system, this rack uses a special bike cradle comprising 16 inch long carry arms. The bikes are held at the frame by proprietary tie downs which can be adjusted to hold various different frame sizes.
And you need not worry about damaging the paint work. The tiedown straps are lined in soft, rubberised material, which prevents damage to the bike frames. We would have liked to see some bungee cords included with this bike rack to secure the handlebars and front wheel, but we had to buy our own.
Thankfully, all of the parts of the rack that come into direct contact with your hatchback are lined in the same soft rubberised material. This allows for a more grippy and secure fit but also protects your car’s paint job..
Only a minimal assembly is required with this truck mounted bike rack. Installation is straightforward and won’t take you any longer than 10 minutes.We were pleased to find that all of the mounting components are included.
Finally we really like the fact that this bike rack can fold up into a smaller size when it isn’t carrying bikes. This is ideal for parking and manoeuvring your hatchback in tight spaces.
Pros
- Alloy steel construction
- Black powder coating
- No rusting, scratches, denting, etc
- Compact design
- 16 inch long carrying arms secure bikes at the frame
- Patented tie down system for handlebars
- Quite stable at speed
- Prevents bike’s front wheel from banging up against the smart car
- 100 lbs load capacity
- Holds 3 large, adult sized bikes
- Easy install
- No drilling or cutting
- Foldable design
Cons
- Bungee cords are not included
Backrack Truck Bed Headache Rack
Overall Best
KAC’s hitch mounted bike rack is another bike rack for hatchbacks that combines a high quality build with impressive load capacity and one of the most secure bike mounts we’ve seen in any hatchback bike rack.
The build quality of this rack is a cut above from every other rack. Majority of this rack’s build uses heavy duty alloy steel making a rigid and firm build. Alloy steel is also finished in a black powder coat which prevents rusting and corrosion.
Load capacity comes in at a healthy 120 lbs. That is more than enough for two large sized road bikes. As for securing the bikes, KAC uses a special cradle that comprises tray style loops, and carrying arms mounted on a central mast. The bikes are held in place by tiedown straps at the frame.
You will also be pleased to learn that the trays are wide enough to hold fat tires. The carrying arms are also lined in rubberised material to avoid scratching or denting your bike frames.
Even on bumpy patches of road, the fully loaded rack did not jiggle or move around too much. The 1 ¼” hitch is stable and made even more rigid thanks to the anti-wobble components which remove any slack between the rack and the hitch.
It may look a bit cumbersome at first, but this rack can be folded up into a smaller size when it isn’t carrying any bicycles. It also has a useful tilting feature that allows you to open up your hatchback more easily and access the cargo area.
Installing the KAC bike rack on our hatchback was as easy as pie. We didn’t need any extra tools and all of the mounting hardware was provided in the box. The instructions are concise and easy to follow, and it didn’t take us more than 15 minutes to have the bike rack up and running.
One thing you should consider is that some low frame low-Y frame bikes will require a special adapter to mount perfectly on this platform style rack.
Pros
- Alloy steel frame
- Black powder coating
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- 120 lbs load capacity
- Holds 2 bikes
- 5” tray style loop
- Padded main masts prevent scratching
- Can hold fat tire bikes and e-bikes
- 1 ¼ ” hitch is very stable
- Does not move around at high speed
- Anti wobble system eliminates slack between rack and receiver
- Can be folded when not in use
- Tilting mechanism for easier hatchback access
- Easy installation
Cons
- Some low-Y frame bikes will require an adapter
