Winch Central is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The Honda CRV is known for its flexibility and unrivaled dependability. For these reasons, it is the perfect weekend getaway vehicle.
If you want the ability to conveniently take your bikes with you the next time you take your CRV on a road trip, you will need a bike rack that is reliable and CRV-compatible.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bike Racks For Honda CRV
- OUR TOP PICK: BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount
- RUNNER-UP: Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Allen Sports Premier Trunk Bike Rack
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Bike Racks For Honda CRV
- What Makes a Great Bike Rack for a CRV?
- Review of the Best Bike Racks For Honda CRV
- Are Bike Racks Universal?
- How to Choose a Bike Rack for a CRV
- Aspects to Consider Before Buying
- Types of Bike Racks for CRV
- How to Install a Bike Rack on a CRV
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best Bike Racks For Honda CRV
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What Makes a Great Bike Rack for a CRV?
There are plenty of bike racks on the market today, so choosing the right one for your Honda CRV might not be as straightforward as you suspect. To find the best bike rack for your vehicle, consider the following factors:
Compatibility
Rarely do bike racks have a universal fit, which is why it is so important to choose one that is compatible with the Honda CRV. Choosing a bike rack specifically designed for vehicles with the features and dimensions of a CRV will ensure that you can install it easily, safely, and securely.
BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount
Durability
Honda designed the CRV for reliability in all driving conditions, which is why any new bike rack you choose must be durable and reliable. Choose a well-made bike rack built from durable materials, and you will not have to worry about whether or not it can stand up to your lifestyle.
Bike Capacity
Since the CRV is generally considered a family-friendly vehicle, many CRV owners use them for family trips. If you plan on transporting bikes for the whole family, you must choose a bike rack that can carry the correct number of bikes for your needs.
Review of the Best Bike Racks For Honda CRV
As mentioned above, there are countless bike racks out there, which is why we have chosen to list and review five of the best Honda CRV bike racks available.
Best Overall:
BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
In general, most recent buyers were impressed with the overall build quality of this bike rack. They also find the tilt-down feature helpful as it allows them to access their CRV’s trunk, even when the rack is loaded with bikes. Even though BV is a lesser-known brand and this bike rack is available at a reasonable price, most users were really satisfied with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing we liked most about this bike rack is the fact it just performs the basics well. There are more expensive bike racks out with more features, but this hitch rack is stable and secure. It is also fairly easy to install, and the tilt-down feature is very convenient.
We like that it securely holds bikes without damaging the bikes or the vehicle. For those that need to carry more than two bikes, BV also offers the rack in a four-bike configuration.
Bottom Line
This bike rack found its way to our top spot because it perfectly balances affordability and quality. It is available at a low price, but still offers excellent performance and some really helpful features.
Runner-up:
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found this rack offered stability and a secure hold in all driving conditions. They also found that the heavy-duty, injection-molded carrying arms gave them confidence it would not break with regular use. While some struggled to mount larger, full-suspension bikes, they had no issues loading road, hardtail, and hybrid bikes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason the Saris Bones trunk rack stood out to us is because of its unique arched design. Not only does this design make it easier to install the rack, but it also ensures that it is compatible with a wide variety of vehicles, including the Honda CRV.
The fact the bikes are at different levels also caught our eye. Many people find that their bikes scratch one another when carried by trunk-mounted bike racks.
Bottom Line
This bike rack is an excellent trunk-mounted bike rack for the Honda CRV. It ensures a stable hold and is incredibly easy to install and remove.
Best for the Money:
Allen Sports Premier Trunk Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers found that this bike rack offered reasonable stability at a very low price. Some users found that the strap restraints did loosen during lengthy drives, which meant the bike rack lost some of its stability; however, all they needed to do was re-tighten the straps to fix the issue. Overall, they found that this rack worked well and was definitely worth the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As you may suspect, the main reason why this trunk-mounted bike rack stood out to us is its affordable price. This rack was our best for the money pick because it offered reasonable functionality at a very competitive price. While Allen Sports is not the most recognizable brand, they do offer well-built products at entry-level prices.
In terms of performance, this rack has a stable hold, and it does not damage the bikes or the vehicle.
Bottom Line
If you are on a bit of a budget, but still want a reliable trunk-mounted bike rack for your CRV, you cannot go wrong with the Premier rack from Allen Sports.
Editor's Pick:
Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers liked the wheel hoop style of this bike rack, which they found was incredibly easy to load and unload. They also liked the integrated security features, like the hitch lock and the ratchet locks, which ensure that the rack and the bikes it is carrying are safe and secure while they are mounted on your vehicle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason the Swagman XC2 stood out to us is because of the stability and security it provides. The security features help protect your bikes during transportation, while the ratchet straps make sure your bikes will not sway or excessively vibrate as you drive.
We also liked that this rack folds down into a more compact package when it is not in use. Given that most hitch mounted bike racks are fairly bulky, the folding design helps if you have limited storage space.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a stable and secure hitch mounted bike rack for your Honda CRV, this durably constructed rack from Swagman is a great option.
Honorable Mention:
Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Carrier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers appreciated the ability to carry any bike with this rack. For those that use mountain bikes and road bikes, it is helpful to have a bike rack to accommodate both. While most found that the rack held their bikes securely, they were a little disappointed that they needed to purchase the lock separately.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Yakima is known for making high-quality products, so it was no surprise to us that this roof-mounted bike rack worked just as well as advertised. The fact that you can keep the front wheel on your bike and mount it to your roof is really helpful, as most roof racks hold bikes by their front fork clips.
We liked that it can accommodate all types of bikes, which will be a relief to those that alternate between a full-suspension mountain bike and a slim road bike. While we would have preferred if Yakima included the lock, it is still a great roof rack that is well worth the price.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a roof-mounted bike rack for your Honda CRV, the Yakima FrontLoader is versatile, easy to use, and offers a secure hold.
Are Bike Racks Universal?
Unfortunately, very few bike racks have a universal fit. Due to the differences in vehicle dimensions and profiles, most bike racks will only work with certain types of vehicles.
Before you purchase a new bike rack for your CRV, you must make sure it is compatible with your particular vehicle. Most manufacturers will plainly state which vehicles their product is compatible with. To make things even easier, all of the bike racks we will review below are compatible with the Honda CRV.
How to Choose a Bike Rack for a CRV
Before choosing a new bike rack for your CRV, you must weigh up your personal preferences and needs. Bike racks come in a wide variety of styles and configurations, and while each has its advantages and disadvantages, the best bike rack for you might not be the best rack for someone else. Consider the following:
Bike Capacity
As mentioned above, you should always choose a rack that can carry the correct number of bikes for your needs. If you plan on transporting bikes for the whole family, choose a bike rack that carries four or more bikes at a time.
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack
Bike Compatibility
It will do you no good if your new bike rack cannot accommodate the type of bike you own. Certain bike racks struggle to carry the heavier and bulkier mountain bikes, so if that is what you ride, make sure you choose a rack that works with that type of bike.
Locking Features
If you are transporting valuable bikes, your bike rack must have built-in locking features. Some will come with retractable cable locks and built-in hitch locks, so make sure to choose one with these features if it is something you think will help you.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before you choose a new bike rack, there are several factors you should take into consideration:
Installation and Removal
Some bike racks designs allow for quick, easy, and tool-free attachment and removal. If you plan to install or remove your bike rack regularly, it is probably worth choosing a bike rack that will save you time and frustration.
Allen Sports Premier Trunk Bike Rack
Security Features
If you are someone that has invested a significant sum into your bikes, it could be worth paying extra for a bike rack that has integrated security features. Any time your vehicle is left unattended, your bikes are susceptible to theft. While a standard cable lock can help, built-in locking mechanisms will keep your bikes that much safer.
Weight and Size
The best bike racks are both durable and lightweight. A compact, lightweight bike rack is much easier to install and store. If you have limited storage space, choosing a bike rack that folds into a more discreet package can be helpful.
Types of Bike Racks for CRV
As you can tell from our list, there are a variety of bike racks that work with the Honda CRV. Some of the most popular types are as follows:
Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
Trunk bike racks tend to be the most affordable and versatile racks out there. They use straps and padding to create tension, which secures the rack to the trunk of your vehicle. While they are great for occasional use, they do block access to the trunk.
Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks
Hitch bike racks attach to the receiver hitch at the rear of the vehicle. They offer strength, stability, and a high bike capacity. The best hitch racks will also have tilting features, which allow the user to access the trunk while the bikes are loaded.
Roof Mounted Bike Racks
Roof bike racks hold bikes in an upright position on the roof of the vehicle. They usually offer a safe and secure hold, but they can be somewhat difficult to load and unload because the bikes are held high up.
How to Install a Bike Rack on a CRV
The way you install a bike rack on your CRV will depend on the type of bike rack you have chosen. However, if you are installing a hitch-mounted rack, you can follow these steps:
1. Slide the bike rack arm into the CRV’s hitch mount. Make sure you have properly lined up the hole in the receiver with the hole in the hitch mount.
2. Connect the hitch bolt. Remember to use a lock washer to make sure the bolt is held securely.
3. Screw the bolt all the way in and then tighten it with a wrench to prevent sway and vibration.
4. Insert the pin into the bolt and lock the bike rack into place.
While the installation process will vary for each type of bike rack, you can usually find detailed assembly and installation instructions packaged with your new bike rack.
No matter how confident you are in your abilities, you should always read through the manufacturer’s instructions before you install your new bike rack for the first time.
Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Conclusion
Finding the right bike rack for your Honda CRV does not have to be a complicated task. Just make sure you choose one that holds the correct number of bikes for your needs and has the features that are important to you.
People Also Ask
If you still have questions, we understand! Choosing the right bike rack for your CRV isn’t always easy. Here are some of the most common things that people wonder about when shopping.
Which Type of Bike Rack is Better For a CRV, a Roof or Hitch?
Choosing between a roof or hitch bike rack for the CRV is a matter of personal preference. If you are tall enough to reach the roof and prefer to keep your trunk unobstructed, you might prefer a roof rack. If you want a bike rack that is easy to load and unload, a hitch rack might be better for you.
Can I Open the Back of My CRV With a Bike Rack Attached?
Yes, most bike racks allow you to open your CRV’s trunk while bikes are attached. However, this is not true for every type of bike rack. For example, trunk-mounted racks need the trunk to remain closed to stay attached. If you want trunk access, choose a hitch rack with a tilting feature, or opt for a roof rack.
Will a Bike Fit Inside a CRV?
Yes, it is possible to carry a bike inside of a CRV; however, you will have to put the rear passenger seats down. It is also not a good idea to transport more than one bike at a time inside a vehicle, as they can easily become damaged. For best results, you should use a bike rack.
