The Best Subaru Crosstrek Bike Rack in 2022
![Bike rack for Toyota RAV4 subaru crosstrek bike rack](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/subaru-crosstrek-bike-rack-1024x389.jpg)
Finding the best Subaru Crosstrek bike rack can be tricky because there are multiple racks in the market that might all seem suitable. But the reality is that only a few among them would be compatible with your car and even fewer would suit your specific biking requirements.
Hence you need to select a rack that offers the features you need and similarly you want to be very careful when it comes to compatibility with your vehicle. We have listed out a short guideline to help you narrow down to the most suitable and the best bike rack for Subaru Crosstrek in 2022.
Also available Best bike rack for Subaru Forester in 2022
Step-by-step guide for selecting the Best Bike Rack for Subaru Crosstrek in 2022
Before moving on to the type of racks available in the market, we need to consider the relevant features of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Step 1: Understand Subaru Crosstrek specifications.
Subaru crosstrek is a small SUV with a hatchback competing with different SUVs. Crosstrek can handle challenging terrains given its all-wheel drive feature and extra ground clearance. It’s perhaps the most competitively priced SUV in the market which also offers fuel economy. The good thing from a bike rack point of view is that it comes with integrated roof rails. This makes it compatible with most roof racks and you would not have to purchase and install the rails separately.
Step 2: Know the type of bike racks that exists out there and their compatibility with Subaru Crosstrek.
A wide variety of bike racks is available for different vehicles and different types of bikes. So there are many ways to categorize them, for example, you can categorize them based on the number of bikes they carry for example 4-bike racks or 5-bike racks.
Another way to classify them is by the types of bikes they carry, for example, fat tire bike racks or e-bike racks. But a more common and broader way to categorize these bike racks is by their mounting styles. These types are given below along with their compatibility with Crosstrek.
- Trunk bike rack (Work with Subaru Crosstrek)
- Roof bike rack (Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek)
- Hitch bike rack (Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek if the right hitch receiver is installed)
- Spare tire bike rack (If you have a spare tire carrier)
- Truck bed bike rack (Not compatible with Subaru Crosstrek)
A Subaru Crosstrek bike rack mounted on a hitch would require a hitch receiver. So while buying a hitch receiver you have to consider its compatibility with Crosstrek. Some popular hitch receivers you can research include Curt 13382 for Subaru Cross Trek 2018-22 (except Hybrid), DrawTite 76084 for Subaru CrossTrek 2016-2021, and Draw Tite 24959 114 hitch receivers for Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013 to 2015.
Step 3: What are your biking requirements?
By biking requirements, we majorly mean 3 considerations. Firstly, you should consider the number of bikes you want to carry on the bike rack. This way you can search for say, “Subaru Crosstrek bike racks for 2 or 3 bikes”. Secondly, you should consider the bikes you want to carry.
Some bikes are heavier such as mountain bikes and e-bikes. If you are sure about their weight, you can choose the bike rack that has a load-carrying capacity suitable for your bikes. And lastly, consider if you want your bikes to be locked on the rack. This is usually required if you have to leave them unattended for a while.
Step 4: Select from our shortlisted racks for Subaru Crosstrek
You can find many bike racks in this section that we have shortlisted specifically for Subaru Crosstrek. You can pick the one that meets your requirements.
Thule Upride: Best Roof Bike Rack for Subaru Crosstrek
The primary advantage of going for Thule UpRide is that you would not have to purchase separate roof rails for Subaru CrossTrek and Outback. It is fully compatible with factory-installed roof bars. Go for this rack if you are looking for a ‘zero contact frame’ rack and ideally only want to carry one bike.
The UpRide Thule roof bike rack weighs 18.5 pounds and can carry a load of 44 pounds. This bike rack fits 20 to 29 inches wheel bikes that have tires up to 3 inches wide. You can buy a fat bike adapter to fit a bike with tires of up to 5 inches. It is a strap bike rack with no frame contact because of the hook that keeps the front tire in one position. It is very easy to use and can be switched from one side of the car to the other. It can be used for many bikes even for non-traditional ones, bikes with rear suspension, carbon frames, bottle cages, etc. …Complete Comparison of Thule Roof Bike Racks
Kuat Sherpa 2.0: Overall & Best Hitch Bike Rack for Subaru CrossTrek
- 2 Bike
- Hitch
![Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Best Hitch Bike Rack Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Best Hitch Bike Rack](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kuat-Sherpa-2.0-Best-Hitch-Bike-Rack-300x178.jpg)
![](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sherpa-R-1.jpg)
- Lightweight compared to other hitch racks
- Economical for the features
- Strong and reliable
- Two bikes
Kuat Sherpa is one of our favorites in the hitch bike rack category. This rack scores better than most others on the R score metrics due to many reasons. This rack is quite durable and does not rust thanks to the powder-coated finish. It also maintains its impressive aesthetics for years and looks great when installed on Subaru Crosstrek.
It is lightweight as compared to other hitch bike racks and is available in 1.25” and 2” hitch sizes. The installation is simple as explained in our How to install a bike rack on SUV article. Moreover, it works for many bikes because of the adjustable ratchet arm. We highly recommend this 2-bike Subaru Crosstrek bike rack.
Saris Bones Ex: Best Trunk Bike Rack For SUV and Cars
- 3 Bike
- Trunk
- Features
- Price
- CSat
- Brand
- Looks
- Security
- Capacity
- 8.3
- 7.8
- 6.0
- 10
- 10
- 6.0
- 9.2
- Brand and Security
- Compatibility with SUV
- Fits over spoilers as well
- Strongest injection-molded arms
- Rubber ends to protect the vehicle
- Separate trunk rack lock
We love Saris Bones for its high compatibility with different vehicles and for its appearance. This trunk-mount rack works even with vehicles that have rear spoilers and this makes it one of its kind. This Subaru Crosstrek bike rack is also compatible with Forester and Outback.
Saris Bones is a lightweight rack that weighs only 12 pounds. This rack is easy to install and easy to store. It has high strength and would carry your bikes safely. We really appreciate the design and aesthetics of this rack. It has a unique structure that holds bikes in such a way that they are separated from each other yet take up minimum space.
We recommend this bike rack for people who own 2-3 bikes and do not want to spend an extra amount on buying a hitch receiver and getting it installed. This rack has anti-sway features for a great bike-carrying experience. The only problem is that it lacks a locking system. But you can protect the bike rack and your bikes by buying the locks separately.
Read review: Saris Bones
Economical Trunk Bike Rack for Subaru CrossTrek
- 4 Bike
- Trunk
- Features
- Price
- CSat
- Brand
- Looks
- Security
- Capacity
- 7.0
- 7.0
- 6.0
- 8.0
- 9.0
- 9.0
- 10
- Capacity and Price
- Comes fully assembled
- Compatible with most vehicles
- Lateral stability due to side straps
- No security for racks or bikes
One of the best sellers on Amazon, the deluxe 104 by Allen has a number of customers who are using the bike rack for a Subaru Crosstrek. Almost everyone who used it with a Subaru Crosstrek was able to fit it conveniently and is satisfied with the rack. Some have been cautious by using tape or cloth in places where the rack comes in direct contact with the SUV’s paint job. Allen gives a lifetime warranty on these racks but given its sturdiness, there is a low chance you would have to use it …Complete review on Allen 4
Allen Sports 102 and 104
- 4 Bike
- Trunk
- Features
- Price
- CSat
- Brand
- Looks
- Security
- Capacity
- 8.0
- 8.0
- 8.0
- 9.0
- 9.0
- 6.0
- 10
- Can be set up quickly
- Foldable
- Quick secure cradle straps
- Feet are positioned wide enough to carry load stably
- Compatible with many vehicles
- Individual tie-down cradles for each bike
- Tool-free installation
- Lateral straps for increased stability
- No need to remove the front tire
- Car hitch not required
- Installation can be tricky for some vehicles
- No way to lock the rack or bikes
- Straps get loose after some time
Another popular and high-ranking trunk bike rack for Subaru, the primary difference between the 104 and 102 is the capacity. 102 is designed for a maximum of 2 bikes. But there are other differences between the Sports premier and the deluxe bike racks. The sports models are superior because of their ability to fold, secure cradles, wider profile feet, and dual compound cradles as well…Complete review on Allen 2
Thule Gateway | Subaru Crosstrek Bike Rack for 3 Bikes
- 3 Bike
- Trunk
![](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gateway-r-1.jpg)
- Locks included
- Foldable
- Carbon frame bikes
- Straps are fragile
Looking for an all-rounder Subaru Crosstrek Bike Rack which does not require a hitch or roof rails?
The Thule Gateway Pro 3 is a trunk bike rack that is mounted at the rear of the hatchback or other passenger cars. It is made to accommodate up to 3 bikes each weighing no more than 35 lbs. This hanging-style trunk car mount for bikes has cradles that prevent bikes from swaying and are spaced 7 inches apart to keep the bikes away from each other.
This car mount for bikes has a strong and sturdy build and foldable arms to reduce space when not being used. You can also fold it up to the point it is flat and then easily store it. It can accommodate most types of bikes but some frames are not compatible for which you can get the Thule Frame Adapter. The Thule Gateway Pro 3 is compatible with carbon frames.
The rack has a FitDial which can be adjusted according to different vehicles. The rack can be installed on the vehicle with the help of six straps. It is also equipped with molded pads to protect the paint on the vehicle. For these features, Thule Gateway Pro 3 gets an R score of 8.
Review: Thule Gateway Pro
Saris Solo | 1 Bike rack with no hitch requirement
- 1 Bike
- Trunk
![](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/saris-solo-R-1.jpg)
- Easy mounting
- Hitchless
- Inexpensive
- Plastic frame bends
Looking for a high-quality bike rack for one bike only? This rack is among our top-rated trunk mount racks and scores an R score of 7.4. We recommend this rack if you have one bike but you are struggling to find a single bike rack among the numerous multi-bike racks in the market.
Saris Solo does not require any adjustments for installation on Subaru Crosstrek. This is also a compact and lightweight rack that allows you to store it easily in the car trunk. You can also find it at a good price if you are on a tight budget. The only problem is that it does not lock. So you will have to buy the bike locks separately.
Read Review: Saris Solo
Thule T2 Pro XTR – Premium Hitch Platform
![Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/THULE-T2-1.jpg)
Buying a bike rack for valuable bikes is an added responsibility when you do not want it to scratch your bikes or damage them in any way. If you own 2 expensive bikes and want a first-class rack that safely carries them on the back of your vehicle, you should consider Thule T2 Pro XTR.
You can use it for carrying carbon frames, electric bikes, fat bikes, and many more. So as long as you have a 1 ¼” or 2” hitch receiver, it will work as the best Subaru Crosstrek bike rack. This rack is expensive but has a high value. It would let you access the car trunk or hatch and it comes with the bike and rack lock included.
MAXXHAUL 50025 Hitch Mounted 2-Bike Amazon’s Choice
![Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack MAXXHAUL 50025 Hitch Mounted 2-Bikea](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MAXXHAUL-50025-Hitch-Mounted-2-Bikea.jpg)
This is another great hitch bike rack that we recommend for most vehicles. This rack is liked for several reasons. Firstly, it is easy to install and can be installed on both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitch receivers. Secondly, it lets you access the hatch or trunk of your vehicle. It is also among the best Subaru Crosstrek bike racks because it is economical as compared to other hitch mount racks.
Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch 1 1/4 – Budget Choice | Hitch Hanging
![Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks for 1 1/4 in](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Allen-sports-2-bike-hitch-1.jpg)
There is no better rack than the Allen Sports hitch bike rack if you are looking for an economical option. At a lower price, this rack would allow you to carry your bikes safely on the back of your Subaru Crosstrek with all the features that premium racks offer. It is a 1 ¼” rack in terms of installation but you can use a hitch adapter if your Subaru has a 2” hitch.
Swagman XC2 Hitch – Popular Choice / Best Discount Platform
![Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Swagman-Hitch.jpg)
Most popular racks have a high value because no one can be a better critique than a customer. Swagman XC2 is one such Subaru Crosstrek bike rack. It is available at a great price and is among Amazon’s choice which shows how much it is appreciated by the customers. Like most racks mentioned here, this one is also compatible with both 1-1/4 inch and 2-inch hitch receivers.
Pros Affordable price
Cons Individual security system
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Allen Ultra Compact: Most Economical Trunk 1-Bike Rack
![Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack](https://www.bikesracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Allen-SUV-Rack.jpg)
Like Saris Solo, Ultra Compact by Allen is another option for carrying 1 bike on the back of your Crosstrek. This rack is also available for 2 bikes and the best part is that it would cost you even less than Saris Solo. This rack has high compatibility with different vehicles whether they have a trunk or a hatch. Overall it is a nice trunk bike rack for 1-2 bikes but we do not recommend it for heavier or expensive valuable bikes.
Pros Compact
Cons Minimal features
Rating 4.3 out of 5
Best Hitch Receivers for Subaru CrossTrek
We have shortlisted popular hitch receivers for Subaru CrossTrek as below
Hitch | Size | Class | Subaru Model | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curt 13382 | 2 Inch Receiver | 3 | 2018-22 (except hybrid) | Amazon |
Draw-Tite 76253 | 2 Inch Receiver | 3 | 2019 and Newer Subaru Ascent | Amazon |
Draw-Tite 24959 | 1-1/4 Hitch Reciever | 1 | 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek | Amazon |
Draw-Tite 76084 | 2 Inch Receiver | 1 | 2016-2021 Subaru Crosstrek | Amazon |
How to install a hitch receiver for a bike rack on a Subaru CrossTrek
FAQs
How to put a bike rack on a Subaru crosstrek?
It would really depend on the kind of rack you desire to put on a Subaru crosstrek
- In order to install a trunk bike rack on a Subaru cross trek, you would initially have to place the rack at the tailgate. Then the rack is secured with different straps. Make sure you tighten the upper and lower hooks and do it again once you have placed the bike on it. We have a complete step-by-step guide on how to put a bike on a trunk bike rack.
- For installing a roof rack on your Subaru, you would initially have to install the crossbars and then fix the bike rack on them. Some of the roof racks would come with different front wheel holders which need to be purchased and secured separately.
- As for the hitch bike rack for Subaru, these are straightforward to install if you have a compatible hitch receiver. Simply place the rack arm into the hitch receiver. Once the holes of the receiver and rack are aligned, tighten them. You need to make sure it has a lock washer sitting before the bolt head, followed by the flat washer. In the last step use the pin to lock it into the right space.
Subaru outback bike rack
In order to select an Outback rack, you can follow the same guideline mentioned above. Both vehicles are different in many aspects but those relevant to bike racks are very similar.
Subaru crosstrek and Outback both have roof rails installed. Apart from the Touring model, all outback come in with a standard set of roof rails with crossbars.
Subaru outback like Crosstrek can get a hitch receiver installed – Usually a class 3, 2-inch receiver. All the hitch racks recommended above are compatible with both 1 ¼ and 2-inch receivers.
Each rack type has its merits and demerits so you have to weigh them in order to make the right decision considering your requirements. Hitch bike racks are the safest to carry bikes. They accommodate e-bikes and other heavy and uncommon frames as well. However, bike racks for SUVs with no hitch save you money buying hitches. Similarly, roof bike racks require the installation of roof rails which means added expense, but if you want to make the most out of that space, they can be a great option too. We have analyzed different Thule roof bike racks and have compared them for your ease.
Bike racks for other vehicles
After reviewing multiple bike racks individually, we have researched their compatibility with certain vehicles. Thus, we have come up with multiple reviews and guides on selecting bike racks for different sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. Find them on our website.
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