Subaru Outback and Crosstrek are both great cars for travelling and trekking. Both Wagon type vehicles are very similar to each other. These cars offer super elastic suspension which proves their off-road travelling capabilities and both are great fuel-efficient vehicles.
If you are an avid cyclist who has a similar type of vehicle and likes to go out for off-road cycling frequently, then you definitely need some good bike racks so that your expensive bikes remain protected and secure during the whole tour. There can be a lot of confusion for choosing the perfect bike rack that suits your Outback or Crosstrek or same kind of vehicles, for the lack of proper information and guidelines. So in this article, we like to discuss the best bike racks that will work accurately when you are using a similar type of vehicles like the Subaru Outback or Crosstrek.
Among all the bike racks, we want to make the Yakima Highroad as our editor’s pick. The rest of the bike racks are chosen very precisely and carefully through relentless research and study, depending on their features, their advantages and disadvantages. So don’t just scan the post with your eye-balls, rather take some time and read the whole post carefully so that you can get better ideas for choosing the rack of your personal preference.
The Yakima Highroad roof-mount bike rack can fit 26” – 29” wheels and 23mm – 4” tires without any issue.TailWhip cable along with SKS locking system (2 locks) will adjust your bike safe and steady all the time, without allowing bike rack theft. Also, convert this rack to fit T-Slot crossbars with SmarT-Slot kit. Hassle-free quick mounting with its TorqueRight knob. Able to fit any type of roof without using any kind of tools for universal mounting design.
Dimensions: 56 x 9.50 x 4.50 inches and Bike weight Capacity: 45 lbs
A quick review of our selected bike racks that are really good for your Subaru Outback & Crosstrek cars:
| Bike Rack | Bike Rack Style | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima Highroad | Rooft-Top Mount (Wheel-On) | Check Today's Price |
| Swagman XTC2 | Hitch Mount (Tray) | Check Today's Price |
| Thule T2 Pro XT | Hitch Mount (Tray) | Check Today's Price |
| Yakima FullSwing | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | Check Today's Price |
| Curt 18065 | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | Check Today's Price |
| Thule SOA567B020 | Rooft-Top Mount (Wheel-On) | Check Today's Price |
| Rhino-Rack RBC035 | Rooft-Top Mount (Fork-Mount) | Check Today's Price |
| Thule Archway XT | Rear Hatch/Trunk Mount | Check Today's Price |
8 Best bike racks you can buy today for Subaru Outback & Crosstrek
You are short on time? Doesn’t have much time to spare? Then check-out our short comparison table to get an overall basic idea. But we highly recommend you to read the whole post. Trust me, it will be worth your time.
| Racks | Preview | Bike Capacity | Load Capacity | Style | Dimensions (inch) | Weight (lbs.) | Folding Capability | Tilting Feature | Lock Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Highroad | 1 | 45 lbs. | Rooft-Top Mount (Wheel-On) | 56 x 9.50 x 4.50 | 18 | No | No | Yes | |
| Swagman XTC2 | 2 | 70 lbs. | Hitch Mount (Tray) | 42 x 26 x 10 (When Folded) | 29.7 | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Thule T2 Pro XT | 2 | 120 lbs. | Hitch Mount (Tray) | 54 x 15 x 43 | 52 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Yakima FullSwing | 4 | 160 lbs. | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | 43.5 x 26 x 17.5 | 56 | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Curt 18065 | 5 | 225 lbs. | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | 40 x 9 x 18 | 43 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Thule SOA567B020 | 1 | 35 lbs. | Rooft-Top Mount (Wheel-On) | 56.8 x 11.9 x 3.9 | 1 | No | No | Yes | |
| Rhino-Rack RBC035 | 1 | 33 lbs. | Rooft-Top Mount (Fork-Mount) | 55 x 7 x 3 | 6 | No | No | Yes | |
| Thule Archway XT | 2 / 3 | 70 / 105 lbs. | Rear Hatch/Trunk Mount | 23.5 x 18 x 21 | 14.4 / 15.4 | Yes | No | Yes |
1. Yakima Highroad: The Ultimate Bike Protection
- Type: Roof-Top Mount (Wheel-On)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 1
- Rack Weight (lbs): 18
- Dimensions (inch): 56 x 9.50 x 4.50
- Weight Capacity: 45 lbs
Features & Considerations:
- Wheel hoop is capable to fit 26” – 29” wheels and 23mm – 4” tires easily.
- For quicker and easier fixture, this rack has integrated TorqueRight knob.
- You can include 2 SKS additional locks with TailWhip cable for a steady and stable mounting of your bike reinforcing security.
- For adjustment, it does not require to remove wheels from the bike.
- Features SmarT-Slot Kit so that you can convert it to fit with T-Slot crossbars.
- Keeps the bike frame damage-free as it does not make any contact with the bike frame.
- Limits hatch interference with a sleek and low profile.
- Universal mounting hardware will fit any roof racks without using any tool.
- Integrated lock loop supports the addition of your own bike lock which doubles the security.
- A smart looking rack that will look great on your vehicle.
- Yakima’s lifetime warranty.
Some Weaknesses:
- Chances that your bicycle may hit tree branches are higher while traveling.
- One rack can carry only one bike at a time.
- Maximum crossbar spread is 36”, so might not fit 38” crossbars i.e. Hyundai Tucson (2016).
- Not good for securing your bicycle’s front tire bars.
- May scratch your roof while installation, so be careful.
Despite having some negative impacts I would still say, the Yakima Highroad roof mount bike rack does a great job for secure transportation of your cycle. Especially when you are using a Subaru Outback or a Subaru Crosstrek, you won’t find any rack that can provide the facilities compared to this rack. The speciality for not contacting the bike frame makes it ideal for carrying carbon fibre bikes and custom paint bikes.
Although it is able to carry just one bike, apart from that part this rack just scores the top in all qualities. It is very easy to install and does not require any kind of tools. Before buying this rack make sure that your car’s crossbar spread is between 18” to 35”. Double the safety of your bike by adding 2 SKS locks (same key system) with the TailWhip cable. You just need to buy these locks separately, they don’t come with the rack itself.
When you are driving a car like Subaru Outback or Crosstrek trust me, it is better to go for roof mount racks. The main problem is that most of them can carry only one bike. This rack can also carry only one bike where the maximum weight of the bike should be 45 lbs. But you can add another roof mount rack on your car if you experience the necessity, easy right?
Yakima Highroad
2. Swagman XTC2: Ensures Ultimate Stability
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 2
- Rack Weight (lbs): 29.7
- Dimensions (inch): 42 x 26 x 10 (When Folded)
- Weight Capacity: 35 + 35 = 70 lbs
Features & Considerations:
- Being compatible for fitting 12” to 29” tires, this rack it suitable to fit bike frames of different sizes and shapes.
- Supports 1” – ¼” and 2” hitch receivers.
- Remains very versatile while carrying your bikes.
- You can fold the rack when it is not needed and you can store it on your trunk, this saves your storage space.
- With its soft rubber straps, it holds your bikes safe and steady.
- This rack allows flawless loading and unloading your bikes.
- Very easy installation- assuming within a few minutes, your assemble should be complete.
- Adjustable wheel hoops to fit your bike length at each end.
- Equipped with an anti-wobble hitch device to minimize the jerkiness.
- Steel rack with powder coated premium finish.
- The company promises a lifetime warranty.
Some Weaknesses:
- The holding mechanism gets jammed up which makes it difficult to release the bikes.
- The bars that secure the wheel rest, tend to get rusty over time.
- Does not tilt which makes it difficult for the hatch to open.
The Swagman XTC2 is an amazing rack when you are planning to go out for an off-road tour with your partner. This tray mount bike rack holds your bikes from below not contacting the bike frame. Once you have installed this rack, the first thing you should do is – start cruising towards your destination because now there is peace in your mind knowing that your bikes are completely safe. ‘SWAGMAN’ was one of the first companies in the world to design and produce hitch style bike racks by successfully accomplishing the philosophy of Jim and Jan Morris, the founder of the company.
Swagman XTC2
While this rack is being attached to your car’s hitch, it does not wobble for its built-in anti-wobble device. The maximum load capacity of this rack is 70 lbs. So if your and your partner’s bike weighs close to 35 lbs, then all you have to do is set the bikes on this rack and enjoy the trip.
This hitch mount rack is guaranteed to remain sturdy after extensive usage. Even having all these wonderful features, this bike rack is also reasonable in price. It is determined to cover all your demands when you are riding alone or as a couple. If you have decided to go for this rack then be more generous and buy the locking hitch pin, 10 mm security cable and fat bike tire trays that are sold separately.
Check this video from Swagman’s officials for installing the bike rack step by step –
3. Thule T2 Pro XT: Hassle Free Installation without Any Tool
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 2
- Rack Weight (lbs): 52
- Dimensions (inch): 54 x 15 x 43 & 54.7 x 22.5 x 33.8 (When Folded)
- Weight Capacity: 60 + 60 = 120 lbs.
Features & Considerations:
- Features frame-free ratcheting arms that secures the frame without getting in contact.
- Avoids interfering bikes by creating enough space between the mounts where the bikes remain side by side.
- Fits 20” – 29” wheels and up to 5” tires.
- Promotes complete locking utility – lock the bike to the rack with integrated cable and lock the rack to the receiver with a lock knob.
- Enables folding facility when it is not being used.
- Also tilts away to give your vehicle flexible rear access with accessible HitchSwitch lever.
- With its AutoAttach system, you can easily make a tool-free installation and removal of the rack.
- Allows the capacity up to 4 bikes by using an additional component.
- Lifetime warranty will be provided by Thule.
Some Weaknesses:
- Only for rear fenders, didn’t build for front fenders.
- Not compatible for the trailer or other types of towed vehicles.
- After using for a couple of months, the straps may rip off.
- Comes with a high price. The lock which is included is not very supportive.
The Thule T2 Pro XT is a remarkable choice for Carbon-frame bikes, Mountain bikes, Ebikes, Downhill and Fat-tire bikes. It is a premium hitch bike rack with excellent platforms with a
maximum load capacity of 120 lbs, so 60 lbs. is maximum for each bike.
The genesis of such a reputed company began by fulfilling the request of a fisherman by the company’s founder Erik Thulin. He was asked by the fisherman to build him some equipment (pike fishing trap). He began to sell them to the Scandinavian fishermen. Gradually the company started producing various accessories mostly for bikes back in 1942. The company’s headquarters is located in Malmo, Sweden.
By proving its versatility, its security and its carry capabilities, this rack has proved to be a production of fine materials and workmanship. If you have a large group to haul around and you are willing to increase the bike storing capacity as you don’t want to switch to other racks, then buy the Thule T2 Pro XT Add-on which will give access to carry 4 bikes at a time. This rack also comes in two different colours – Silver and Black.
Thule T2 Pro XT
4. Yakima FullSwing: Heavy Duty Hitch Rack
- Type: Hitch Mount (Hanging)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 4
- Rack Weight (lbs): 56
- Dimensions (inch): 43.5 x 26 x 17.5
- Weight Capacity: 40 + 40 + 40 + 40 = 160 lbs
Features & Considerations:
- Supports all types of bikes where the frames hold the traditional geometry.
- Quick and easy locking for its SpeedKnob locking feature.
- Keeps the rack secured to the hitch and receiver by automatically positioning the AutoPin.
- Quickly tighten your bikes with Zero-hassle ZipStrips.
- Like most Yakima racks, this rack features SKS locking mechanism which can lock both your racks and bikes.
- Not just only secures your bikes but also keep them very comfortable with its full padded arms for the whole ride.
- Swing-away feature: for easy access of the rear hatch, this rack swings away while fully loaded with bikes.
- This rack comes in very handy if you to load something on your car’s rooftop.
- Foldable arms in case you are not using them.
- Official Yakima’s lifetime warranty.
Some Weaknesses:
- Very difficult to load a woman’s hardtail bike, kid’s bike, training bike or other types of bikes which are not narrow.
- Not so beneficial for loading 4 bikes at a time, there is not much room.
- Poor quality material might get rusty when it gets in touch with water and starts dripping rust.
- The SpeedKnob works in an inconvenient way.
- Price is higher than the quality.
The only major problem of the Yakima FullSwing is that – it is unable to perfectly hold 4 bikes at a time since that’s what the majority of people say. Besides that this bike rack is really good and guarantees the security and safety of your bikes for transporting from one place to another.
The term ‘FullSwing’ really goes with the character of this rack for its seamless swing away feature and the design is really eye-catching, the solid black and red combined color hitch mount bike rack will look great on your vehicle. Its bike mounting ability and the way it locks the bikes is just perfect.
Although it is built to carry 4 bikes, but rather than blindly believing this phrase you can give a trial first while fully loaded with 4 bikes with this rack before buying. For carrying bikes which are not usual in shapes such as women’s bikes, Ebikes, training bikes you need to buy an additional TubeTop adapter which is sold separately. For each bike of maximum 40 lbs weights, this rack is able to handle 160 lbs of total weight utmost.
Yakima FullSwing
5. Curt 18065: Best Choice For Crosstrek
- Type: Hitch Mount (Hanging)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 5
- Rack Weight (lbs): 43
- Dimensions (inch): 40 x 9 x 18
- Weight Capacity: 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 = 225 lbs
Features & Considerations:
- This rack is popular for this carrying capability, it can hold up to 5 bikes securely.
- This rack has tapered arms for accommodating bikes of different sizes along with kid’s bikes.
- Fits hitch receivers with its 2” tube opening.
- Maintain a scratch-free frame with its adjustable rubber cradles.
- Provides convenient rear access by tilting away.
- Convert it into a compact shape for sufficient storage and also when you don’t have to use it.
- Threaded Anti-wobble shank: prevents your bikes from oscillating while travelling.
- Reinforced safety during the night with its built-in reflectors on the arms.
- Impervious to Corrosion: The body is quite versatile and furnished with durable powder coat finish for not getting rusty over time.
- Ease of Use: features fast and easy usage whenever needed.
- Offers one-year finish and one-year parts warranty.
Some Weaknesses:
- Loading 5 bikes and riding on an uneven road with frequent jolts simultaneously, may lead the rack to break.
- Although it is built for mounting 5 bikes but loading all 5 bikes isn’t easy and it’s like breaking a puzzle.
- The space between each mount is narrow and the pads that hold the bikes are large triangular in shape, which is not convenient.
- The rubber straps have a tendency to tear up.
- Not suitable for trailers or other types of towed vehicles.
The CURT bike rack is different than other bike racks for its tapered arm design. These arms are very useful for accommodating multiple bikes with different frame sizes. For its bike loading capacity, it has become very attractive among families with usually 4 or 5 members including young children.
This rack is able to fit women’s bikes, adult’s bikes easily. Sometimes it may have a little issue for carrying kid’s bikes. In the kid’s bike mounting section, you won’t be able to manage mounting kid’s bikes with regular frame sizes. You may face difficulty to load them. The issue is not with the quality of the rack but with the mounting of bikes.
This rack remains steady while carrying your bikes because the maximum loading capacity for this rack is 225 lbs, where each bike weighs 45 lbs highest. But it is wise not to load 5 adult mountain bikes. First of all, they will hardly fit and second, the total weight might give the amount of pressure more than its capacity. This will cause swaying dangerously of the entire T-part of the rack and eventually to cause destruction.
Curt 18065
6. Thule SOA567B020: OEM Roof Rack from Subaru
- Type: Rooft-Top Mount (Wheel-On)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 1
- Rack Weight (lbs): 1
- Dimensions (inch): 56.8 x 11.9 x 3.9
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs.
Features & Considerations:
- This rack is made by Thule and it is a Subaru’s OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
- You can always depend on an official product especially when the company is the same for the product and the car.
- It promotes self-adjusting jaws that will automatically wrap around the bottom bracket of your bike.
- Holds the bike frame very precisely and at the same time won’t let it contact your car.
- Ratcheting Straps: this straps will secure both front and rear wheels of your bike.
- For mounting on the roof-top, this rack allows easier access of the rear hatch.
- Because of the mounting clamps, this rack will fit over 286 different vehicles.
- Fits most bikes where the wheel size is between 20” to 29” and the width of the tire is up to 2.6”.
- Includes a lock that will prevent your bike from getting stolen.
- The installation process is very easy and smooth.
- Very lightweight, does not put any pressure on the roof.
- Minimum 12 months of Subaru’s original manufacturer warranty.
- Shop with Confidence: Keeps your information safe which strengthens the relationship of trust between Subaru and its customers.
Some Weaknesses:
- As it is a roof-mounted rack make sure your vehicle is equipped with a crossbar set otherwise you need to buy one first.
- Able to mount only one bike which is a great disadvantage for going out within a group.
- The possibility that your bike may collide with tree branches while travelling.
- Don’t mount it over a sunroof, it will cause wind noise.
- It is painful to install and remove the rack again and again as it includes 6 nuts and some parts associated with installation.
As an OEM product of Subaru, the Thule SOA567B020 rack guarantees absolute safety and security of your bike for transporting. Buying this rack, you can be confident about your decision
That you have made the right choice for two reasons. The first reason is there is no doubt about the quality of the product as it is an official product from Subaru and the second one is you are buying a top-notch rack for a reasonable price.
Thule SOA567B020
It may lack for having only one mounting option compared to other racks with 4 to 5 bike mounting options on the market, but once you have utilized its quality then you won’t be thinking of buying any other racks. This rack mounts on the top of the roof so that you can open up the rear trunk or hatch easily and allows other supporting areas free if you want to attach another type of rack perhaps a hitch rack can be attached without any problems.
Here is a list of Subaru models that accepts this rack (From Subaru’s official website) –
7. Rhino-Rack RBC035: Fork Mount Rack with Quick Release
- Type: Rooft-Top Mount (Fork-Mount)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 1
- Rack Weight (lbs): 6
- Dimensions (inch): 55 x 7 x 3
- Weight Capacity: 33 lbs.
Features & Considerations:
- Screw-on Fastener: A fastener that sticks the front wheel fork of your bike to the rack very firmly.
- Fork-mount rack that will set on top of your vehicle leaving other areas with an option to mount other types of racks.
- You can adjust this rack on either side of your car’s roof.
- Anti-Theft: To prevent rack theft, this rack features anti-theft locking system.
- Also comes with a quick-release wheel strap coated with rubber.
- The pre-assembled rack which makes easy installation; just set and go.
- Fits most of the roof racks and directly compatible with all Rhino-Rack bars.
- The platform is about 45 inch and made of double-wall aluminium.
- There is an Allen key included in the package.
- MasterKey Compatible: Rather than carrying multiple keys for most of the Rhino-Racks and their accessories, this feature allows you to carry just one key which has access to all locks.
- Rhino-Rack offers lifetime warranty for roof-mount racks.
Some Weaknesses:
- The most disappointing part is that this rack is a fork-mount rack.
- Therefore you have to open the front wheel of your bike and then mount it to the rack, again for cycling you have to put the wheel back to the bike.
- While your bike is attached to the rack, you have to keep the wheel somewhere in your vehicle, which will reduce the storage capacity.
- Although the strap works flawlessly on normal roads, it may get damaged if you are trekking with your car over mountains frequently.
- The space between the crossbars should be a minimum of 55 cm and maximum 101 cm.
- Built for carrying only one bike.
