15 Best Cars for Bike Racks

Transporting bikes is challenging — they have an awkward shape and tend to get dirty and muddy after use. Most cyclists prefer to use bike racks, which can be mounted on the roof or rear hatch of a car, or tow bar-mounted carriers. Some car makers offer racks and carriers as optional extras, but there are also many third-party options that are more affordable. But can any car accommodate a bike rack?

In this article, we will explore the best cars for carrying bikes for Tour De France or a family holiday, whatever you’re up to. And then, Carplus will help you finance your top pick!

1. Škoda Kodiaq

Škoda Kodiaq
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats7
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency23-52 mpg
Boot270 litres (720 litres in five-seat mode)
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive
TechnologyRear parking sensors, adaptive LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and satellite navigation
VisibilityExcellent visibility from all angles
SegmentMid-range value

The Škoda Kodiaq offers great value for big families, seating seven at an attractive starting price. Even with all seats up, it still provides decent storage comparable to a small city car.

The flat boot floor makes packing easy, and folding all seats down creates a van-like space. The fuel economy in the diesel engine option is around 52 mpg with a seven-speed DSG transmission. Additionally, the Kodiaq can accommodate a roof-mounted bike rack capable of carrying up to three bikes, and a boot liner is available as an extra for added protection and convenience.

2. Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency36.6-62.8 mpg
Boot304 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
TechnologyTraffic jam assist, Honda Connect infotainment system, 9-inch touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors
VisibilityAn almost panoramic view of the road
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Honda Jazz is a practical car and a fantastic all-rounder with excellent visibility and impressive fuel economy. It offers stable, predictable handling for ease of driving over engagement. Around town, car buyers will appreciate its light steering and comfortable suspension.

The initial load space is modest at 304 litres. But folding the rear seats flat reveals a 1,205-litre capacity, which is remarkable for its size. This should easily accommodate a couple of bikes. Alternatively, consider the optional two-cycle carrier, a Honda roof rack, or a rear-mounted bike carrier.

3. Volvo V60

Volvo V60
Body typeEstate, crossover
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency24-353.1 mpg
Boot529 litres (1,441 litres in five-seat mode)
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
TechnologyVertically oriented 9.0-inch touchscreen, Google-based infotainment system, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot
VisibilityGreat visibility, no big blind spots
SegmentMid-range value

The Volvo V60 is a stylish Swedish estate that breaks away from the boxy Volvos of the past. It’s ideal for carrying bikes on the roof, thanks to its low profile.

With a spacious 529-litre capacity and a square-shaped boot, it’s easy to utilise the V60’s storage space. Tie-down points keep your load secure, and the low floor makes it easy to load and unload heavy items. For bulkier items like mountain bikes or e-bikes, consider the optional towbar-mounted carrier.

Opt for the plug-in hybrid for fuel efficiency and low emissions — 353.1 mpg and 18g/km.

4. Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeAutomatic, manual
Doors3, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid, electric
Fuel efficiency29-246 mpg
Boot380 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
TechnologyAdaptive and predictive cruise control, Climatronic air care system, Car-Net Wi-Fi, smartphone integration
VisibilityGood visibility overall, limited rear with child seats
SegmentMid-range value

The Volkswagen Golf is known for its classless yet impressive style. It drives predictably and smoothly and offers enough space in the boot for a couple of suitcases or items you’d take on family trips. However, its boot space is average for the class, so additional bike carriers, like a mounted bike rack, are recommended for carrying multiple bikes.

The 1.5 TSI 150 engine in the entry-level Life trim is considered the best version. For long-distance motorway driving, diesel models and the Travel Assist package are worth considering.

5. Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeAutomatic, manual
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Fuel efficiency26-32.8 mpg
Boot559 litres
Drive typeFour-wheel drive
TechnologySubaru Vision Assist, EyeSight driver assist, driver monitoring system, hands-free powered tailgate, Kardon speakers
VisibilityExcellent all-around visibility
SegmentMid-range value

The Subaru Outback offers a high-riding counterpart to regular estate cars, with rugged protective bumpers, a spacious cabin, and four-wheel drive as standard.

The Outback comes with smooth and punchy 2.5-litre petrol engines and a quiet 2.0-litre diesel option. There’s no awkward lip to lift items over, so packing items like a child’s buggy or one of your bikes is a breeze. Ample underfloor storage is available if you don’t opt for a full-size spare tyre. For bulkier items that, for example, mountain bikers might have, consider taking advantage of the nifty roof bars.

6. Škoda Superb Estate

Škoda Superb Estate
Body typeEstate
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency30.4-217.3 mpg
Boot660 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
TechnologyVoice control, adaptive cruise control and speed limiter, extended and predictive pedestrian protection
VisibilityGood visibility for navigating tight city streets
SegmentMid-range value

The Škoda Superb is an estate car with unparalleled interior space and generous adjustment options for the driver. Tall adults will have lots of legroom in the back, and the huge boot offers 1,950 litres (with the rear seats folded down), ideal for all your gear. For those who prefer to keep the interior clean, Škoda offers a roof rack and a retractable tow bar carrier as optional accessories.

The Superb offers value with quality build, affordability, and up to 76.4 mpg fuel efficiency for the Greenline diesel option.

7. Škoda Octavia Estate

Škoda Octavia Estate
Price for a used carFrom £7,900
Body typeEstate
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency33.7-256.8 mpg
Boot640 litres
Drive typeFour-wheel drive
Technology10-inch touchscreen display, Columbus satellite navigation, wireless SmartLink, lane assist
VisibilityExcellent visibility thanks to spacious windows
SegmentMid-range value

The Škoda Octavia Estate offers a spacious boot and ample room for occupants, which you might not expect from its size. You also get a plush interior and a comfortable ride.

The Octavia Estate is also fantastic for long-distance travel. They are generally quiet and relaxing, with minimal wind and road noise. If you’re travelling without passengers but fully loaded, folding down the back seats is easy. This reveals a massive 1,700-litre capacity that would swallow a couple of electric bikes.

8. SEAT Ateca

SEAT Ateca
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Fuel efficiency39.2-58 mpg
Boot510 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Technology10.25-inch digital cockpit, sat nav, voice control, Full Link technology
VisibilityElevated seat with great visibility
SegmentMid-range value

The SEAT Ateca, a small SUV, offers a lot of space and driving enjoyment at a competitive price. You get a 510-litre boot and 60:40-split folding seats, so it’s easy to transport bike frames. Meanwhile, the low load lip simplifies loading and unloading. Those who prefer not to store bikes inside can buy an optional bike holder for the roof and a protective boot liner.

Choose diesel for long trips or towing, or go for the powerful 2.0 TSI 190 petrol engine with four-wheel drive and quick acceleration.

9. Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats7
FuelPetrol, diesel
Fuel efficiency19-39.2 mpg
Boot258 litres (1,137 litres in five-seat mode)
Drive typeFour-wheel drive
TechnologyFour-zone climate control, heated and cooled seats, satellite navigation, and front-rear parking sensors
VisibilityFront visibility is clear, while the rear view is less distinct
SegmentMid-range value

The Land Rover Discovery is a premium family SUV with seven seats and impressive off-road capability. With all seven seats up, it offers a 258-litre load area, which is what you’d get with a small hatch. It expands to 1,137 litres without the third row and a massive 2,406 litres with all the rear seats folded. This is suitable for carrying up to four bikes. Land Rover also offers tow-bar-mounted carriers capable of carrying heavy bikes (40-50 kg) or roof-mounted carriers with separate roof rails and cross rails.

10. Ford Focus

Ford Focus
Body typeHatchback, saloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency24-107 mpg
Boot375 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
TechnologyFordPass Connect, eCall functionality, remote access, blind spot information system pothole detection
VisibilityDecent outward view
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Ford Focus has a sleek exterior and, in newer models, a significant tech update inside. It offers sharp dynamics, a comfortable ride, quietness on the road, and a spacious interior. There are 375 litres in the boot, which is average for the class, but it expands to 1,350 litres. The latest update removed the annoying lip that appeared when folding the seats. However, a subwoofer in certain X trims reduces capacity. The Focus is compatible with a bike carrier, although you should confirm compatibility before purchase, especially if you’re into mountain biking.

11. Audi A6 Allroad

Audi A6 Allroad
Body typeWagon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors4
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Fuel efficiency20-42.2 mpg
Boot565 litres
Drive typeFour-wheel drive
TechnologyStandard hill descent control, tilt angle assist, dynamic all-wheel steering, Bang & Olufsen sound system
VisibilityGood visibility on gentle curves, fair on sharp
SegmentPremium and luxury

The Audi A6 Allroad features rugged black wheel-arch protectors and silver bumper and sill trims inspired by off-roaders. Buyers can choose between Sport or Vorsprung trim, with three 3.0-litre V6 engine options available: a petrol and two diesel variants. The 565-litre boot can accommodate eight carry-on suitcases under the tonneau cover, leaving room for soft bags. This should tell you that it can carry bikes, too. And while boot space isn’t enormous, the loading area has a square shape, which makes it easy to pack.

12. Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency44.5-83.1 mpg
Boot479-503 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
TechnologyNissanConnect Services, smart alerts, in-car Wi-Fi, Home-to-Car features, 10 speakers plus Bose’s Acousticmass
VisibilityGood visibility, mirrors help parking
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Nissan Qashqai is a major contender in the family SUV class. Consider opting for the more powerful version, which provides decent performance without affecting fuel economy that much. The Qashqai features a modest 503 litres in the boot (479 litres with the Bose stereo-equipped version). But you can make up for it by using roof racks. The rear seats fold down in a traditional 60/40 split, and the floor has a wipe-clean surface on one side, perfect for muddy items after a mountain bike ride.

13. Peugeot 2008

Peugeot 2008
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Fuel efficiency43.7-78.5 mpg
Boot434 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Technology3D i-Cockpit, semi-autonomous driving, emergency brake assist, automatic air conditioning
VisibilityPoor over-the-shoulder visibility
SegmentMid-range value

The Peugeot 2008 is a great all-rounder on the road. Its steering is light in town but provides more confidence at faster speeds. It’s equipped with a limited-slip differential for the front wheels to offer better traction on slippery surfaces. With the rear seats up, luggage space is average for the class. However, the 1,467 litres with the seats folded surpasses many competitors. As a crossover, the 2008 sits higher above the road than hatchbacks but is still manageable for having bikes on the roof.

14. Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats7
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency24-40.9 mpg
Boot616 litres
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
TechnologyDrive mode select (Snow Mode w/AWD), auto emergency braking technology with pedestrian detection, ultrasonic sensors
VisibilityLarge windows provide good visibility
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Kia Sorento is the ideal choice for those who really need a seven-seat SUV. The car also offers easy access to the third row, perfect for regular use. The middle row slides and reclines with a 60/40 split for added flexibility. However, with all seven seats in place, the boot space is limited. The diesel option is recommended for covering long distances, with fuel consumption of around 40 mpg on the motorway. This engine can also handle loads of people, bags, and two bikes, including towing large caravans.

15. Mercedes E Class Estate

Mercedes E Class Estate
Body typeEstate
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Fuel efficiency38.2-201.8 mpg
Boot615 litres
Drive typeRear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
TechnologyReversing camera, blind spot monitor, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive highbeam assist
VisibilityGood forward visibility
SegmentMid-range value

The Mercedes E Class Estate is comfortable, well-equipped, easy to manage, and a top choice in the luxury estate car segment. Buyers get one of the biggest and most practical boots that Mercedes has. With a handy load liner, it can swallow a lot of outdoorsy cargo. Consider adding a roof-mounted bike carrier to maximise the capacity. The E220d is recommended for its balanced performance. But if you want more power, the six-cylinder E450d is a great pick.

Conclusion

Most cars can handle a bike rack to some extent, but these 15 models just excel at making bicycle transportation effortless. Not that you know our top picks, head over to Carplus tool for the next step in financing and driving your perfect car.

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