8 Best Bike Racks for a Subaru Crosstrek (November 2026)
The best bike racks for a Subaru Crosstrek include the Subaru 2008-2026 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek (best overall), the Saris Bones EX 2-Bike Trunk Rack Bicycle for no roof rails, and the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack for step-through frames.
On this page (9 sections)
- The best bike racks for a Subaru Crosstrek
- How these racks compare for a Crosstrek
- How these were compared
- Which bike rack fits a Crosstrek with no roof rails?
- Does a Crosstrek need a 2 inch hitch for a bike rack?
- Best rack for e-bikes and fat tires on a Crosstrek
- Roof rack or hitch rack for bikes on a small SUV?
- What to check before you buy
- The verdict
The best bike rack for a Subaru Crosstrek is the Subaru roof bike carrier, since it is made for the Crosstrek roof and holds the frame in self-adjusting jaws. If your car has no roof rails, the Saris Bones EX is the strongest trunk option.
For an e-bike or fat-tire bike, go with the Season Guard hitch rack.
A Crosstrek is small enough that how you carry bikes changes your drive. Roof racks keep the hitch and hatch free.
Trunk racks avoid drilling or wiring. Hitch racks load lower and handle heavier bikes.
That choice is the real decision, more than the brand on the box. Below, each pick gets a job it does best on a Crosstrek.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best overallSubaru 2008-2026 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
- 4
Check itAllen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack
Best for quick setup - 5
Check itSeason Guard 2-Bike Rack Hitch for Ebike
Best for e-bikes - 6
Check itTANX 2-Bike Fat Tire E-Bike Hitch Rack
Best for fat tires - 7
Check itYakima FullBack 3 Premium Trunk Bike Rack
Best for three bikes - 8
Check itAmazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Best for group rides
The best bike racks for a Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru roof carrier is the top pick for most Crosstrek owners with roof rails. Every other rack here wins on a specific need: no roof rails, step-through frames, two e-bikes, or a full family ride.
The two mount types you can add without cutting into the car are roof and trunk; a hitch rack needs a receiver fitted first. Read the write-ups with your own car in mind, since roof rails and receivers vary by year and trim.
Subaru 2008-2026 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek: Best overall
- Fits most 20 in to 29 in wheels
- Self-adjusting jaws hold the downtube
- One lock included
- 45 lb load capacity
Built for the Crosstrek roof and its siblings, with ratcheting straps and one lock to keep the bike secure.
Pros
- Made for the Crosstrek roof
- Self-adjusting jaws grip the frame
- One lock included
Cons
- Carries one bike only
- Roof mounting means lifting the bike up
This carrier is the pick when your Crosstrek came with roof rails and you carry one bike. The self-adjusting jaws wrap around the downtube, and ratcheting straps hold the front and rear wheels so the bike doesn't rock on the roof.
Subaru lists fit across the Crosstrek 2014-2026, plus the Forester, Outback, Ascent, Solterra and WRX models. Adjustable mounting clamps let you move it to a second compatible Subaru in the household.
It takes 20 in to 29 in wheels with tires up to 2.6 in wide. The 45 lb load capacity covers most road, gravel and trail bikes.
One lock secures the bike to the carrier. The 16 oz carrier is light enough to lift onto the roof without a step stool.
The trade-off is one bike per carrier and lifting overhead. Against the trunk racks here, it keeps the hatch clear and leaves the receiver free for towing.
Saris Bones EX 2-Bike Trunk Rack Bicycle: Best for no roof rails
- Arc design separates bikes on two levels
- Carries 2 bikes at 35 lb each
- Rubber feet protect paint
- Rust-free injection-molded arms and legs
A light trunk rack that fits most cars, including many with spoilers, and splits two bikes onto separate levels.
Pros
- Fits a wide range of vehicles
- Bikes sit on different levels
- Light enough to fit and remove quickly
Cons
- Needs a Bike Beam for frames without a horizontal top tube
- Lower per-bike weight limit
Pick the Bones EX when your Crosstrek has no roof rails and no receiver. It straps to the hatch and carries two bikes, each up to 35 lb.
The arc design holds the bikes on separate levels so handlebars and pedals don't collide.
Saris says the fit covers 90% of top-selling vehicles, including those with spoilers. Scan the QR code before buying to confirm your Crosstrek year.
The arms and legs are injection-molded for a rust-free frame, and rubber feet move to protect paint. Best-in-class ratchet straps pull the bike tight, and strap management caps hide the excess.
It weighs 11 lb and folds away when not in use. Frames without a horizontal top tube need a Bike Beam.
Compared with the Subaru roof carrier, it's easier to load but limits each bike to 35 lb. Set against the Allen racks below, the fit coverage and the paint-friendly feet are the reasons to pay more.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack: Best for step-through frames
- Includes a bicycle adaptor bar
- Fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs
- Individual tie-downs
- Installs in seconds
The adaptor bar adds a top tube to step-through and BMX frames, so those bikes hang level on a trunk rack.
Pros
- Adaptor bar included
- 70 lb total capacity
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Trunk fit varies by vehicle
- Strap-on fitting takes a little care
The Allen Deluxe suits riders with a step-through, BMX or women's frame, because the combo pack includes an adaptor bar. The bar adds a horizontal top tube so the bike hangs level on the trunk rack's arms.
It fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs. The rack comes fully assembled and installs in seconds.
Individual tie-downs hold each bike, and the padded lower frame protects the hatch. Left and right side straps add lateral stability on the highway.
The 70 lb total capacity is double the Saris limit, so two heavier hybrid bikes fit within the rating. Like every trunk rack, it sits against the paint and needs a fit check for your Crosstrek.
Against the Premier below, it costs a little more convenience but solves the frame problem out of the box. Against the Saris, it skips the spoiler fit note and the QR check, so measure your hatch first.
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack: Best for quick setup
- Quick snap setup
- 12 in carry arms
- 70 lb capacity
- Dual compound tie-down cradles
A fast-to-fit trunk rack with wide pads and sure strap lower hooks that keep the rack steady on the hatch.
Pros
- Snap-up design for fast fitting
- Extra-large pads spread the load
- Hooks stay in place while driving
Cons
- Trunk only, so no roof or hitch use
- Needs a fit check for each vehicle
The Premier is the trunk rack to grab when you want to fit and go. Allen's quick snap design sets up straight out of the box, and the 12 in carry arms clear the hatch without crowding it.
Dual compound tie-down cradles hold each bike, while the sure strap lower hooks stay put during driving so the rack doesn't creep. Extra-large pads spread the load across more of the hatch and protect the finish.
Two bikes fit within the 70 lb capacity. It weighs 11 lb and installs in seconds.
Compared with the Deluxe, it skips the adaptor bar, so step-through frames aren't as easy to hang. Against the Saris Bones EX, it's cheaper to fit and remove but less sure on spoilers.
The alloy steel frame and padded lower frame make it a steady all-rounder. Check Allen's fit finder for your Crosstrek year.
Season Guard 2-Bike Rack Hitch for Ebike: Best for e-bikes
- 160 lb total capacity
- Fits tires up to 5 in wide
- Tilt-away for rear access
- Anti-wobble hitch connection
A platform hitch rack that holds two e-bikes or fat-tire bikes, tilts for the hatch and folds up when empty.
Pros
- High 160 lb capacity
- Tilts for cargo access
- Folds up when not in use
Cons
- Needs a 2 in receiver
- Heavier than the trunk racks here
Go with the Season Guard when you carry one or two e-bikes. The platform rack holds 160 lb total, which covers two heavy electric bikes, and the trays take tires up to 5 in wide.
The anti-wobble hitch connection tightens the rack against the receiver so it moves less on the highway. The tilt-away design leans the rack down with bikes loaded, so you can reach the hatch for groceries or gear.
It folds up when empty for easier parking. It needs a standard 2 in receiver on your Crosstrek.
At 40.4 lb, it's heavier than the trunk racks here, and fitting it takes more time than strapping one on. The steel and rubber build stands up to year-round weather.
Against the TANX below, it's the stronger all-rounder for mixed e-bike and standard bike loads. Our guide to 3 bike hitch racks covers bigger families.
TANX 2-Bike Fat Tire E-Bike Hitch Rack: Best for fat tires
- Fits tires up to 5 in
- 160 lb total capacity
- Padded adjustable wheel trays
- Locking hitch pin and anti-wobble tightener
A tilting platform rack with padded cradles that slide to fit wide e-bike and mountain bike tires.
Pros
- Wheel trays adjust for wide tires
- Tilts for trunk access
- Locking hitch pin included
Cons
- Needs a 2 in receiver
- Heavier than a trunk rack to fit
The TANX rack suits fat-tire bikes and wide e-bike tires. The padded wheel trays slide apart to cradle tires up to 5 in wide and bikes up to 59 in long.
A locking hitch pin and an anti-wobble tightener keep the rack steady on bumpy roads.
It tilts back for trunk access and folds when the season ends. The 160 lb total capacity matches the Season Guard.
Quick-lock straps and a positive latch anchor each bike with soft padding at the contact points. The metal frame is reinforced alloy steel.
It also needs a 2 in receiver. Against the Season Guard, the padded adjustable cradles are the reason to choose it for a fat-tire mountain bike or a long-wheelbase e-bike.
It's a heavier platform rack, so fitting and removing it takes more effort than a trunk model. See our MaxxHaul bike rack review for a budget alternative.
Yakima FullBack 3 Premium Trunk Bike Rack: Best for three bikes
- Holds 3 bikes
- SKS locking system
- Foldable arms
- SuperCush ZipStrips
A three-bike trunk rack with a locking system and folding arms for storage between rides.
Pros
- Carries three bikes
- Locks rack and bikes
- Folds down for storage
Cons
- Heavier than a two-bike trunk rack
- Trunk fit varies by vehicle
The FullBack 3 is the trunk rack for a family that rides together. It holds three bikes on a padded external frame and folds its arms when the car sits empty.
The SKS locking system secures the rack to the car and the bikes to the rack, which helps when you stop for food mid-ride. SuperCush ZipStrips make loading and unloading quick, and the straps come off for a custom fit.
It fits sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs and minivans. At 22 lb it's twice the weight of the two-bike trunk racks here, so leave it fitted through the season rather than moving it daily.
The 90 lb load capacity covers three average bikes. Against the Saris Bones EX, it carries one more bike and adds locks, but it's heavier and slower to fit.
A single-bike rider should look at our best single bike hitch racks instead.
Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack: Best for group rides
- Holds 4 bikes
- Fits a 2 in hitch
- 132 lb capacity
- Folds for storage
A budget four-bike hitch rack for family and group rides, with an anti-rattle mount and a folding frame.
Pros
- Carries four bikes
- Anti-rattle mount
- Folds away when not in use
Cons
- Not for rear-mounted spare tires
- May block backup cameras on some vehicles
The Amazon Basics four-bike hitch rack is the budget pick for group rides. It holds four bikes on a steel frame rated for 132 lb total and fits a standard 2 in receiver.
The anti-rattle mount reduces wobble and noise on the drive. The frame folds for storage and comes off the receiver when you need the hitch back.
Allen-style trunk racks aren't in the same class for capacity. Two notes from Amazon Basics: the rack isn't compatible with rear-mounted spare tires, and it may block backup cameras or sensors on some vehicles.
On a Crosstrek, the hatch is the usual concern, so plan how you'll reach the cargo area with bikes loaded. The rack also needs the receiver to clear your bumper before you fit it.
Against the other hitch racks here, the extra bike slots are the draw. For lighter two-bike trips, the Season Guard is the better fit.
How these racks compare for a Crosstrek
The main split is mounting type. Roof and trunk racks leave the hitch free; hitch racks carry more weight and load lower.
Capacity follows the mount too. A single roof carrier takes one bike at 45 lb.
Trunk racks carry two or three bikes within 35 lb, 70 lb or 90 lb limits. The platform hitch racks jump to 160 lb total for two e-bikes.
Tire width is the other gap: the roof carrier takes 2.6 in tires, while the TANX and Season Guard trays take 5 in. Locks and tilt features separate the hitch picks.
Here's how the picks line up.
| Product | Best for | Mounting type | Load capacity | Item weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru 2008-2026 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek | overall | Roof | 45 lb | 16 oz | 9.6 |
| Saris Bones EX 2-Bike Trunk Rack Bicycle | no roof rails | Trunk | 35 lb | 11 lb | 9.3 |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack | step-through frames | Trunk | 70 lb | 9.1 | |
| Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack | quick setup | Trunk | 70 lb | 11 lb | 8.9 |
| Season Guard 2-Bike Rack Hitch for Ebike | e-bikes | Hitch | 160 lb | 40.4 lb | 8.8 |
| TANX 2-Bike Fat Tire E-Bike Hitch Rack | fat tires | Hitch | 160 lb | 8.2 | |
| Yakima FullBack 3 Premium Trunk Bike Rack | three bikes | Trunk | 90 lb | 22 lb | 8.1 |
| Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack | group rides | Hitch | 132 lb | 7.3 |
How these were compared
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. For a Crosstrek, we started with fit.
The Subaru carrier is built for the car's roof, and each trunk rack gets a vehicle-fit check before we shortlist it.
Capacity came next. Two-bike trunk racks here are rated 35 lb or 70 lb per bike load, while the platform hitch racks reach 160 lb total.
That matters for e-bikes.
Then we looked at daily use. Roof carrying means lifting overhead.
Trunk racks sit on the hatch and need straps kept tight. Hitch racks tilt for the hatch and carry more weight but need a 2 in receiver.
Each score reflects how well a rack solves one of those jobs. Weight of the rack itself counts as well: the 16 oz roof carrier is the easiest to move, while the 40 lb platform racks ask for two hands and a steady footing.
Which bike rack fits a Crosstrek with no roof rails?
A trunk rack is the answer when your Crosstrek has no roof rails and no hitch. It straps to the hatch and needs no drilling or wiring.
Three of the trunk picks here cover that need, each with a different strength.
Best trunk rack for most Crosstreks
The Saris Bones EX is the one to buy. It fits most top-selling vehicles, its rubber feet protect the paint, and the arc design splits two bikes onto separate levels.
Confirm your year with the QR fit check before ordering. The 35 lb per-bike limit is the thing to watch for heavier bikes.
Best trunk rack for step-through frames
The Allen Deluxe includes an adaptor bar, so a step-through or BMX frame hangs level. Its 70 lb capacity also lets you carry two heavier hybrid bikes.
It comes fully assembled, so the first fit is quick once the straps are set.
Best trunk rack for three bikes
The Yakima FullBack 3 carries three bikes and locks them to the rack. The SKS system also locks the rack to the car, which is more security than the two-bike trunk picks offer.
It's the heaviest trunk rack here, so plan to leave it fitted through riding season.
Does a Crosstrek need a 2 inch hitch for a bike rack?
Yes for the two hitch picks here. The Season Guard and TANX racks both mount to a standard 2 in receiver, so your Crosstrek needs one fitted first.
A smaller receiver won't take either rack.
A 2 in receiver also gives you the option of a heavier platform rack for e-bikes. The Season Guard holds 160 lb and folds up when empty.
The TANX does the same and adds sliding padded trays for wide tires. The Amazon Basics four-bike rack also uses the 2 in receiver and holds 132 lb.
Our best 3 bike hitch racks roundup covers larger setups if you need more slots. If you tow a trailer as well, keep the receiver clear of a rack that blocks the hitch pin.
Best rack for e-bikes and fat tires on a Crosstrek
A platform hitch rack is the right choice for an e-bike. Lifting a heavy bike onto the roof is awkward on a small SUV like the Crosstrek.
The roof carrier's 45 lb limit is fine for a light bike but not a heavy motorized one.
The Season Guard is the better all-rounder. It carries two bikes up to 160 lb total and fits tires up to 5 in wide.
The anti-wobble connection keeps the rack steady, and the tilt-away design opens the hatch with bikes loaded. The steel and rubber build holds up to weather, though the rack's 40 lb weight means fitting it is a two-person job the first time.
The TANX is the pick when your bike has very wide tires. Its wheel trays slide apart to cradle tires up to 5 in and bikes up to 59 in long.
Both need the 2 in receiver. Neither rack is light, so fit it once and leave it on through the season.
Roof rack or hitch rack for bikes on a small SUV?
A roof rack wins on a small SUV when you want the rear clear. It keeps the hatch and receiver free and leaves room for cargo inside.
The Subaru roof carrier fits the Crosstrek roof and locks one bike in place. At 16 oz it adds almost nothing to the car when empty.
The catch is lifting. A 30 lb bike goes overhead each time, and low garage or drive-through clearances become a real limit.
A hitch rack loads lower and holds more weight. On a Crosstrek, the tilt feature on the Season Guard and TANX also lets you reach the hatch without unloading.
A trunk rack sits in between: no lifting overhead, but the straps press on the hatch and the bike sits close to the glass. Our roof rack vs hitch rack comparison walks through the height and access differences.
What to check before you buy
Check three things first: mounting points, bike weight and frame shape. A quick measure of your bike and your car saves a return.
Roof, trunk or hitch
Look at the roof rails and the receiver before you shop. The Subaru roof carrier needs the Crosstrek's roof rails.
Trunk racks need a hatch that takes straps without blocking the glass. Hitch racks need the 2 in receiver.
If you have neither rails nor a receiver, the trunk rack is the only route without adding hardware.
Bike weight and count
Add up the weight of the bikes you'll carry. Trunk racks here are rated 35 lb or 70 lb per load, so two e-bikes won't fit.
The platform hitch racks reach 160 lb total and handle two heavy bikes. A four-bike rack suits group rides but needs more hatch access planning.
The single roof carrier covers one bike at up to 45 lb.
Frame and tire width
Step-through and BMX frames need an adaptor bar or a wheel-tray rack. Fat tires need trays that take up to 5 in.
The Subaru carrier takes tires up to 2.6 in wide. Check your tire width against the rack before buying.
A Bike Beam is the Saris answer to a missing top tube, while the Allen Deluxe includes an adaptor bar in the box.
Hatch access and clearance
Measure your garage or carport height if you choose a roof rack. For a trunk or hitch rack, think about how often you open the hatch with bikes loaded.
A tilting hitch rack is the easiest to live with day to day. A trunk rack that locks to the car, like the FullBack 3, adds security but more weight to move when you need the hatch open.
The verdict
The best bike rack for a Subaru Crosstrek is the Subaru roof carrier for owners with roof rails, because it's made for the car and holds one bike securely. It's the pick that fits the Crosstrek with no adaptor and no receiver.
For no roof rails, buy the Saris Bones EX. For step-through frames, the Allen Deluxe.
For two e-bikes, the Season Guard. For fat tires, the TANX.
For three bikes, the Yakima FullBack 3. For group rides, the Amazon Basics four-bike rack.
Pick by mounting point first, then by bike weight.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best overall
Subaru 2008-2026 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
Does a Subaru Crosstrek have a factory hitch?
Not on every trim, so check your own car before ordering a hitch rack. The two hitch picks here need a standard 2 inch receiver.
If your Crosstrek has no receiver, a trunk rack is the faster route to carrying bikes.
Can I open the hatch with a trunk rack fitted?
It depends on the rack and how the straps sit on your hatch. The Saris Bones EX has a QR fit check to confirm vehicle compatibility first.
A hitch rack that tilts, like the Season Guard or TANX, gives cleaner access to the rear without removing bikes.
Is a hitch rack or roof rack better on a Crosstrek?
A roof rack keeps the hitch free and leaves the rear clear for the hatch. A hitch rack is easier to load because bikes sit lower and it leaves the roof free.
Our roof rack vs hitch rack comparison covers the trade-offs in more detail.
Can I carry an e-bike on a Crosstrek?
Yes, with a rack rated for the bike's weight. The Season Guard and TANX platform racks each hold up to 160 lb across two bikes.
Roof carrying is not the right call for a heavy e-bike, since you would be lifting it overhead.
How many bikes can I carry on a Crosstrek?
That depends on the rack. Roof carriers hold one bike each, most trunk racks here hold two, and the Yakima FullBack 3 holds three.
A four-bike hitch rack like the Amazon Basics model suits group rides, as long as you stay within its load limit.
