I’m going to help you find the best bike rack for your minivan and make it easy for you to go on a cycling trip with your friends and family.
We have found a couple of great bike racks that go really well along minivans with or without a hitch. As a cycling enthusiast, being able to share what I have learned through my experiences of using bike racks is something that I love to do so that if you buy a bike rack you don’t make the same mistakes that I made a couple of years ago when I bought bike racks for my wife’s minivan.
In this article you’ll get:
10 best bike rack suggestions and reviews, for minivans like Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, Kia Sedona, and others.
Detailed Buying Guide and things you should consider while buying.
P.S. We advise you to always avoid buying the cheapest bike rack on the list. this is mainly because cheaper racks are not as reliable as the ones that are built better and can withstand more weight.
9 Best Bike Racks For Minivan
4 Best Hitch Bike Racks For Minivan
- Best Platform Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan – Thule T2 Pro XTR
- Best Budget Platform Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan – KAC K2
- Best Hanging Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan – Allen Sports Hitch Bike Rack
2 Best Trunk Bike Racks For Minivan (strap-on)
- Best Trunk Mounted Bike Rack For Minivan – Thule Passage Bike Rack
- Best Budget Trunk Mounted Bike Rack for Minivan – Saris Bones
2 Best Roof Bike Racks For Minivan
- Best Roof Bike Rack For Minivan – Thule Upride
- Best Budget Roof Bike Rack For Minivan – Inno Fork Lock 3
2 Best Suction Cup Bike Racks For Minivan (vacuum)
- Best Budget Suction Cup Bike Rack For Minivan – Kupper Mounts
- Best overall Suction Cup Bike Rack For Minivan – Seasucker Talon Suction Cup
P.s. If you are still confused with which rack to go with, consider reading the buyers guide section which explains what bike rack you should buy depending on your criteria and situation.
Types Of Bike Rack For Minivans:
There are different types of car bike rack, however, for minivans, there are 4 main types that go well. They are – Hitch racks, trunk ranks, roof racks, and suction cup racks. Each one of them have their own advantages and disadvantages, go through the infographic to have a better idea If you are looking for a bike rack for minivan without hitch, then you can go for trunk, roof, or suction cup without any worries.
P.S. If you want to know in detail about the types of bike racks with their pros and cons, then check these articles:
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9 Best Bike Racks For Minivans Reviews
1 – Thule T2 Pro XRT – “Best Platform Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan”
Top features:
Built in Wheel: This is one of the best features I have seen by far in any bike rack. It may seem like a very minute feature that won’t be used most of the time but when you do use it it’s a life saver. Hitch bike racks are usually very heavy and this rack is no exception and having a wheel below will save you from the pain of carrying it.
Hitch Switch Lever: This is something that you expect a rack of this price to have without even thinking about it and thule didn’t disappoint. The hitch switch lever lets you drop the bike rack even with the bikes loaded onto the rack so that you can access the hatch of your minivan.
Ratchet Attachment System: A platform hitch bike rack with a ratchet attachment system is not uncommon but what we liked about this particular bike rack is how sturdy it is.
Locking Mechanism: You might think, what’s so great about a locking mechanism? We considered it a feature here because most bike racks dont come with one and leaving your bikes unattended without locking it can make you feel worried.
Review And Analysis:
The Thule T2 Pro XTR is a great bike rack, actually one of the best bike racks I have used till now. It might seem like you’re paying a fortune for this bike rack but with all the features, focusing on details and going out of their way to make this rack as comfortable as possible for the users is the luxury we paid for and we have no regrets.
Why We Like It
- Impressive built quality.
- Includes locking mechanism for bikes
- Built in wheel at the base of the rack makes it earlier to transport
- Very minimalistic.
- Can accommodate all kinds of bikes
Keep Note
- High price tag
- No security systems included
- Size of the rack
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2 – KAC K2 :“Best Budget Platform Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan”
Top features:
Foldable : The entire bike rack can be folded up behind the vehicle when you are not using the rack, this will take up less space behind the vehicle allowing you to keep the bike rack installed on the car even if it’s not in use.
Quick Release Smart Tilt: This is a handy feature for all types of minivans and SUV that has a hatch. The quick release smart tile is a feature that allows you to drop the bike rack while the bikes are loaded onto the bike rack, so that you can access the trunk.
Modularity: The KAC K2 can be taken down to only one bike carrier, so it’s much more convenient for times when you will be carrying a single bike. It’s easy to take apart and great for solo rides.
Adjustable Hooks and Tyre Tray: You get adjustable hooks and also an adjustable tray to fit all kinds of bikes starting from kids bikes to adult bikes. The hook is padded with a soft material so that it doesn’t scratch the frame of the bike.
Review And Analysis:
The KAC K2 is a good platform hitch bike rack with features like being able to remove a part of the bike rack really makes it a good choice for anyone who usually carries a single bike but also needs to carry more than one on different occasions. That being said, after using the rack we have realized that for the price we paid it lacks any kind of security.
It’s a sturdy bike rack but leaving the bikes without any kind of security is not really the best decision especially when they can be stolen easily. Even though this bike rack can accommodate very big bikes, it does struggle with kids’ bikes as hooks simply don’t go that far down to secure the bike to the rack.
Why We Like It
- Can be taken apart to a single bike carrier
- Gives you access to the trunk even when the bikes are loaded.
- Best budget ebike carrier
- Less pricey compared to other bike racks
- Can be folded, when no in use
Keep Note
- No security systems included
- Size of the rack
- Does Not fit kids bike
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3 – Allen Sports Hitch Bike Rack: “Best Budget Hanging Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan”
Top features:
Foldable : Allen Sports call this features their Quick Fold Carry Arms, where the premier version of their hitch bike racks incorporates an easy fold design which allows you to drop the arms of the bike rack down when bikes are not loaded onto the bike rack.
Rapid Tilt-Away Mast: Allen sports implement a feature where you can tilt the bike rack without the bikes loaded onto the bike rack to access your hatch or trunk. This is useful when you leave the bike rack attached to the car and then to have to access the hatch or trunk you don’t need to remove the hitch fully instead you can just tilt it.
Quick Install Locking Hitch: It’s a simple yet very useful feature that allows you to lock the bike bike rack into the hitch with a locking knob on the QR models and allows the rack to be tightened into the receiver hitch with a wobble-free installation.
Review And Analysis:
Hitch bike racks are a great way to carry bike racks especially because they can carry a lot of weight. The Allen Sports hitch bike rack surprised us with its price and the features that it came with, especially being able to tilt its mask while the bikes are loaded onto the bike rack is a feature that is not common to these segments of bike racks.
That being said this is a hanging bike rack and if you are going to be carrying more than 3 bikes there’s a good chance that you might end up stretching your bikes or even your car if you are not careful about the placement of the bikes.
This isn’t necessarily any specific bike rack’s fault but my issue with this type of bike rack. If you are going to carry an expensive bike then get a platform hitch bike rack or a roof bike rack, they will do a much better job in terms of bike protection.
Why We Like It
- Best hitch bike rack in budget
- Foldable arms when bike rack is not in use
- No wobble hitch lock
- Tiltable mast for accessing hatch while bikes are loaded onto the bike rack
Keep Note
- No security systems included
- Carrying 4 bikes on this rack puts too much pressure on the arms
- Need an adapter for womens bikes
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4 – Thule Passage: “Best Trunk Bike Rack For Minivan”
Top features:
Integrated Fit Dials: Attached to each of the 6 straps is a fit dial that can be used to perfectly fit the straps to the exact length needed to strap into the edges of the minivan.
Foldable Arms: Anyone looking for a versatile bike rack that will fit all kinds of cars even if there’s no hitch installed. We consider the Saris Bones to be the perfect sweet spot product that will not break your budget and you get the most value for your money.
Extra Straps: Thule is providing 6 straps with their bike racks so that it fits snugly from all the sides, usually all other cheaper bike racks come with 4 straps but having 6 straps make sure that the bike rack doesn’t move horizontally either.
Review And Analysis:
The Thule passage is a great bike and a great choice for minivans that don’t have a hitch. Having an aluminum construction makes this bike rack not only lightweight but also durable. Most trunk mounted bike racks use plastic construction which is less durable than aluminum.
After using the thule passage, the only complaint I have is that after paying more than 150 dollars I still had to pay an extra 30 dollars to buy the thule passive strap lock, which takes this bike rack above 200 dollars. I really expected that the rack would come with some sort of integrated lock and I wouldn’t have to buy it separately.
Why We Like It
- Thule’s integrated fit dials.
- Six straps to strap in the bike rack.
- Foldable arms.
Keep Note
- Security locks had to be bought separately.
- Need an adapter for womens bikes and kids bikes.
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5 – Saris Bones : “Best Budget Trunk Bike Rack For Minivan”
Saris was one of the first brands to introduce trunk type bike racks to the world and to this day they make one of the best Trunk Bike Racks. Their Saris Bones 2 is a simple trunk bike rack made of injection molded plastic, with a beautiful arc design.
Top features:
Folding Arms: Not using the bike rack? No problem, Saris has got you covered. When you are not using the bike rack, you can simply fold down the arms and go off. This is a great feature, as it saves you from taking off the bike rack every time you are not using the bike rack.
Anti Sway Straps : To avoid the bikes from wobbling while they are loaded on the rack, Saris includes Anti-Sway Straps that attach onto the seat tube of your bike so that your bike is locked both horizontally and vertically.
Arc Design : The Arc design of the bike rack is not just for looks but also serves as a functional tool for making more gaps between the bikes. This is a neat little trick Saris uses that most other manufacturers don’t and it does make mounting the bikes onto the rack a bit easier.
Review And Analysis:
The Saris Bones is a very versatile bike rack that can fit a lot of cars. This is one of the best features of having a Trunk Type bike rack. They are almost universal and fit most vehicles, be it your Minivan, an SUV, or even a sedan.
Even though it’s pricier than the Allen Sports Trunk bike rack, the price difference is worth the extra money, in my opinion, and if you can stretch your budget, this is the bike rack to get.
Why We Like It
- Straps are coated with vinyl so that you don’t scratch your car.
- A unique design adds to the look of your vehicle.
- The arc design offers more room to set each bike.
Keep Note
- Not the best feeling while changing and adjusting the bike.
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6 – Thule Upride : “Best Roof Mounted Bike Rack For Minivan”
Top features:
Zero-Frame Contact : The lock system actually attaches to the wheels, that makes sure there is no contact with the frame to keep your bike scratchless.
Strap in Without Removing Front Wheel: You don’t have to remove the front wheel to set it up. So it makes it super easy and fast to load and unload bikes. You will always be ready to ride once you unload.
Fits A Large Range Of Bikes : You can even fit fat bikes with an external adapter. It can carry up to 44 lbs, which makes it a very versatile option.
Review And Analysis:
The Upride can be an expensive piece of equipment, not everyone is willing to spend USD 200 plus on a bike rack that will only carry a single bike rack but the quality and the features it comes with are worth the extra money for me. Anyone looking for a very safe bike rack that doesn’t come into contact with the bike’s frame should consider a roof bike rack. The ratchet approach is very handy and allows us to take on or off the bikes much more quickly than other bike racks that use a fork lock system.
Why We Like It
- Don’t have to take off the front wheel to mount the bike to the Rack.
- The ratchets don’t come in contact with the frame.
- Can carry heavy electric bikes too.
- Easier to mount.
Keep Note
- Creaks because of the flexible construction.
- Pricey compared to other roof bike racks.
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7 – Inno Fork Lock 3 : “Best Budget Roof Bike Rack For Minivan”
The Inno Fork Lock is a more basic roof-mounted bike rack. From the name, it’s totally obvious that you will have to take the front wheel off to mount your bike onto the rack, unlike the Thule Upride, which is a premium bike rack.
Top features:
Good Security : The way they implemented their locking feature is very clever. A locking shield helps you lock the bike to the rack, and there’s another lock that helps you lock the bike rack to the crossbars.
Lightweight : This is a very light bike rack, so carrying it is a total breeze at only nine pounds, whereas the Upride weighs twice as much as this.
Review And Analysis:
Inno For Lock 3, a little bike rack with a lot of emphasis on their lock functionality. If you are looking for an inexpensive bike rack for a single bike, this is probably one of the better options for those on a budget. Also, as added perks, you get some extra security features with the rack.
Why We Like It
- Installation Asymmetrical modern design.
- Powder coat finish.
- Anti-theft system pre-installed.
- Easy mounting.
Keep Note
- Only works with bikes with a disc brake.
- Have to take off the front wheel to mount the bike.
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8 – Kupper Mounts : “Best Budget Suction Cup Bike Rack For Minivan”
The Kupper mounts are partially made from plastic, and they only weigh 4 pounds. This makes them the most portable bike rack on our whole list. These are identical to Seacucker, the only difference being that Kupper mounts use a bigger suction cup for the front wheel instead of 3 regular-sized mounts.
Top features:
Quick Setup : The Kupper Mounts uses only 2 cups instead of 4 found on the Seasucker talon, so setting up the Kupper mount takes only a moment.
Portability : This is the most portable bike rack on our whole list at only four pounds with 2 tiny suction pumps that come in a nice hard case box.
Review And Analysis:
The Kupper mounts also offer you a ton of versatility. Still, in addition to versatility, they are much more portable than the Sea Sucker. If you are looking for a very portable bike rack for a single bike, then the upper mounts are a great choice. It even comes in a hard shell carrying case, making it easier to pack them and head out. The Kupper Mounts are a great choice to experience this new innovative bike rack sector without breaking the bank.
Why We Like It
- Highly Portable.
- Super Easy Installation.
- Assembly without any tool.
Keep Note
- Not Installing the Suction Cups properly can be hazardous.
- Have to take off the front wheels for installation.
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9 – Seasucker Talon suction cup : “Best overall suction cup Bike Rack For Minivan”
Sea Sucker is the new kid on the block with a new fancy idea. They are not the first company to make suction cup bike racks, but they are the first company to make them very well. Their bike racks are robust and can carry almost 45 pounds which is just mind-blowing for suction cups.
Top features:
Versatility: The best feature of using a suction cup bike rack is the versatility it offers you in terms of mounting position like no other bike rack. Need to mount your bike on a curved shaped roof, Seasucker is the perfect candidate for that.
Ease Of Use: Setting up the Seasucker is very easy, all you need to do is pump the suction cups until you create a good seal and then you are ready to mount your bike.
Review And Analysis:
It takes a good amount of courage to leap from something like a traditional bike rack to a suction bike rack. It was a big leap in faith, and the Sea Sucker didn’t disappoint. If you are looking for a minimal bike rack, suction cups are a very good option. On top of that, this is universal, so it will fit any kind of vehicle you may have.
Why We Like It
- Very Versatile.
- Super Easy Installation.
- Assembly without any tool.
Keep Note
- Price
- Have to take off the front wheels for installation.
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Bike Rack Buying Guide For Minivan: Things To Consider
When looking to purchase a car bike rack, there are a few key factors to consider in order to ensure that you choose the best option for your needs.
Assess Your Use Case: First, you have to understand where, how, and for what you are going to use your bike rack for. Learn about different bike racks available along with their features. If you are going to carry multiple heavy bikes it’s definitely better to go with something that can withstand a lot of lead.
On the other hand if you are going to be carrying a single light bike you can get by with a light weight portable bike rack. On the other hand, if you think that you are going to use it fairly often then get something with a good build quality. Or if you are going to use it rarely then go for a budget rack to save some money.
Type of rack: There are several types of bike racks available, including trunk-mounted racks, hitch-mounted racks, roof-mounted racks, and truck bed-mounted racks. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Trunk-mounted racks are easy to install, but can be less secure than other options. Hitch-mounted racks are more secure, but require a hitch to be installed on your car. Roof-mounted racks are also secure, but can be difficult to install and may not fit all types of vehicles.
Capacity: Consider how many bikes you will need to transport at a time. Some bike racks are designed to hold one or two bikes, while others can hold up to four or more.
Security: Look for a bike rack that has a locking mechanism to secure your bikes to the rack. This will help to prevent theft and will ensure that your bikes stay securely in place while you are driving.
Compatibility and Hitch Size: Make sure the bike rack you choose is compatible with your car and the type of bike you have. Some racks are designed for specific types of vehicles, while others are universal and will work with a wide range of cars. Different cars have different hitch sizes, make sure you are getting the right hitch size compatible rack.
Ease of Use and installation: Look for a bike rack that is easy to install, remove, and use. Some racks are designed to be easy to use, while others can be more complicated.
Durability: Look for a rack that is made of high-quality, durable materials that will last for a long time.
Weight Limit: Make sure the rack can handle the weight of your bikes, especially if you have a heavy E-bike.
Price: Set a budget and look for a bike rack that fits your budget. This will make sure you are not wasting your time looking for the wrong thing.
Brand: Look for a well-known brand that has good customer service and a warranty. This will give you peace of mind and will ensure that you are able to get help if you have any issues with your bike rack.
Accessibility: Make sure the rack is accessible to you, if you have a car with a low ground clearance, you need to get a rack that is easy to access and doesn’t touch the ground.
Kids’ bikes, women’s bikes, and curved top bars: Some bike racks offer an adjustable base to fit bikes of different dimensions, that way you can fit kid’s bikes as well. Also, when it comes to hanging bike racks, you can’t hang them if your top bar ain’t straight. You’ll have to use a bike frame adapter to do that; any curved top bar or women’s bike would need it.
After considering these factors, you should be able to choose a bike rack that is the best fit for your needs, your car and your bike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you put a bike rack on a minivan?
Yes, you can easily put different types of bike racks on a minivan without a problem. Hitch rack, trunk rack, roof rack, and suction cup bike rack are supported easily.
What is the best bike rack for a minivan?
Overall, the best bike rack for a minivan is the Kuat NV Base 2.0. However, depending upon your need and budget, there could be many different options starting from a hundred bucks to going up all the way to crossing thousand bucks.
How do you transport a bike on a minivan?
The best way to transport a bike on a minivan is to use a car bike rack; that way, you can store the bike on the back of your car, or top of your car. Other than that, you can put the bike into the van easily by removing the wheels and setting up with ropes and straps.
Can you use a trunk mount bike rack on a minivan?
Yes, you can easily use a trunk mount bike rack on a minivan without a problem. Saris bones is an excellent choice in that case.
What is the best 4 bike rack for a minivan?
Yakima Fullswing is one of the best 4 bike racks for a minivan. It has tons of features and it’s super heavy duty. However, there are other options as well in different budget range.
What is the best 5 bike rack for a minivan?
Yakima Hangtight is the best 5 and 6 bike rack for a minivan. It is super capable and one of the very few bike rack that can actually comfortably do this job.
What is the best bike rack for a minivan with a spoiler?
When it comes to a minivan with a spoiler, Saris bones is the best option you have. However, make sure the spoiler is not flimsy.
What is the best Thule bike rack for a minivan?
Thule T2 Pro XTR is hands down the best Thule bike rack for a minivan. It’s heavy duty and full of useful features along with ease of use and security.
What are the best bike racks for a minivan without a hitch?
Thule Passage Bike Rack is hands down the best option when it comes to a hitchless minivan. It is a great choice and provides all round performance.
Final Words
Finding the best bike rack for your minivan should be easier by now as you have read about the 10 best ones. If you are still confused, I would suggest you to go for the Thule T2 Pro XTR if you want the best quality, or you can go for the Allen sports if you want something within budget.
Other than this, if you don’t have a hitch, the best option for you is the Thule Passage. Out of all the bike racks, this is my favorite bike rack. It is simple, doesn’t cost too much, and most importantly, is trustworthy.
