Best Bike Rack for 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Please give me advise for bike rack to fit 2 regular 24inch bike. Budget around $400 below. I am looking at Thule Apex XT, Kuat Transfer 2, or Thule DoubleTrack Pro. I have heard Thule strap is not secure and that makes me hesitate. Please feel free to recommend others if you have any in mind. Thank you so much.

asked by: Derrick Y

Expert Reply:

Between the Thule Apex Xt # TH9024XT, the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU84FR, and the Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT # TH92BJ, I easily recommend and prefer the Kuat Transfer.

The Thule Apex XT is a hanging-style rack which has good ground clearance, but the bikes sway much more unless you tie them down with extra straps.

The Thule DoubleTrack Pro is a great platform rack especially if you have other Thule accessories and want to take advantage of the one key system. While it is a good rack on its own, in terms of overall specs, the Kuat Transfer outperforms.

The Kuat Transfer # KU84FR very recently upgraded to V2 and has more weight capacity (60 lbs), ease of use (intuitive foot lever), and a u-shaped design to make it easier to load and unload bikes. The front wheel mount is super quick and easy to use and it is one of my favorites to test fit down here in the etrailer bays. The only thing I dislike and is probably a compromise to keep it affordable is that it uses a security hex tool to install. It's not that big of an issue if you leave your bike rack on your vehicle for extended periods, but just make sure not to lose that tool since it acts as a lock and anti-rattle tool for the bike rack. All in all, it's a great bike rack and would've been my best recommendation anyways for your vehicle and price point.