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You can fit a bike inside a Toyota Corolla by putting the back seats down and removing your front bike wheel.
That solution is fine until you’re carrying passengers or want maximum luggage space for vacations. It’s then that you need a bike rack for your Toyota Corolla.
Below, we look at a range of suitable bike racks, including the Thule T2 Pro XTR Platform-Style Hitch Rack. This is a versatile, well-designed rack full of useful features.
We’ll also be telling you what features to look for in your hunt for a Corolla bike carrier.
Top Picks:
- Thule T2 Pro XTR Platform-Style Hitch Rack (Best Overall)
- Yakima FullBack Premium Trunk Rack (Runner-Up)
- Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack (Best For Cars With Rear Spoilers)
- Malone Hanger BC3-OS Bike Rack (Best For Multiple Bikes)
- Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Bike Rack (Best Low Budget)
Top 11 Best Bike Racks For Toyota Corollas
All the racks below have been carefully checked for compatibility with Toyota Corollas.
1. Thule T2 Pro XTR Platform-Style Hitch Rack (best overall)
- Rack Type: Hitch
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Weight: 52.04 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 60 lbs per bike
We’re putting the Thule T2 Pro XTR Platform-Style Hitch Rack at the top of our list because it’s a tremendously versatile rack that can carry almost any bike.
Because this rack supports bikes by their front wheel rather than the frame, it can transport bikes with step-through frames without needing adapters.
The T2 Pro XTR carries other “awkward” bikes, too, like bikes with fat tires up to 5” wide and many e-bikes.
This rack tilts back so you can access the trunk or hatch of your Corolla, even when it’s loaded.
For security, this rack includes an integrated cable lock and a lockable hitch knob. That means you can lock your bike(s) to the rack and the rack to the car.
A slight downside to this rack is its weight. With 2 x 60-pound bikes loaded, you may well exceed the tongue weight limit of your Corolla. It’s on the pricey side, too.
What We Like
- Versatility – accepts more bike types than the vast majority of racks.
- Protection – generous space between bikes stops them from clashing.
- Security – built-in cable lock and lockable hitch knob.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – over 50 lbs.
- Cost – not cheap.
2. Yakima FullBack Premium Trunk Rack (runner-up)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 23.5 lbs (10.65 kg)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.75 kg)
One of the best trunk-mounted racks for your Corolla is the Yakima FullBack Trunk Rack. This is a well-made rack that’s easy to install and has built-in security features.
To secure the rack to the car, the Yakima FullBack uses reinforced straps with in-car anchors on the end. When you lock the car, you also lock the rack.
An integrated cable lock secures your bikes to the car. Unfortunately, this only works if you’re carrying two bikes, as the cable does not extend to the inner bike.
The rack uses soft SuperCush ZipStrip cradles to both protect your bike’s finish and easily secure it (or them) to the rack.
A 3-bike version of this rack is also available.
What We Like
- Simple – an easy rack to install and use.
- Robust – superb build quality.
- Protects – soft straps and pads protect your bikes and car.
- Security – twin locking system.
What We Don’t Like
- Cable – the bike lock only works if the rack is fully loaded.
3. Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack (best for cars with rear spoilers)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 10.5 lbs (4.76 kg)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.75 kg)
A common problem with trunk racks is that rear spoilers obstruct them, and there are spoilers on some Corollas. The Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack often jumps that hurdle.
The Saris Bones rack is made of recyclable plastic and its injection-molded arms and legs are incredibly strong.
With a 35 lbs per bike capacity, the Bones can carry most types of bikes. Like all hanging-style racks, you will need crossbar adapters for bikes with step-through frames.
Features of the Saris Bones include articulated rubber feet that don’t dig into the car’s finish and ratcheting anti-sway straps that keep your bikes in place.
One of the few complaints about this rack is its lack of strap management. Users often have to find ways to tie down flailing strap ends.
What We Like
- Strength – strong and lightweight injection-molded frame.
- Protects – rubberized feet & nylon-coated trunk hooks.
- Stable – anti-sway straps prevent excessive movement.
What We Don’t Like
- Management – tends to leave strap ends dangling.
4. Malone Hanger BC3-OS Bike Rack (best for multiple bikes)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Bike Capacity: 3 Bikes
- Weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
- Weight capacity: 3 x 33 lbs (99 lbs / 44.9 kg)
Many racks will carry multiple bikes, including a 3-bike version of the Saris Bones, but the Malone Hanger BC3-OS Bike Rack is an excellent, well-priced choice for this.
This is not the model to choose if your car has a spoiler, but it ticks most other boxes. It has four quick-release hubs for adjusting the fit, anti-sway cages for bike stability, and an integrated cable lock with a key.
The Malone Hanger attaches to the car at six points to create stability.
There aren’t many downsides to this rack. You are likely to need crossbar adapters for bikes with step-through frames. Also, the capacity is unsuitable for most e-bikes.
What We Like
- Stable – sturdy build quality and 6-strap attachment create stability.
- Quick-release – four quick-release hubs help you to perfect the fit.
- Still – padded anti-sway cradles combat bike movement.
What We Don’t Like
- Capacity – too low for most e-bikes.
5. Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Mount (best roof rack)
- Rack type: Roof
- Bike Capacity: 1 Bike
- Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg)
- Weight capacity: 40 lbs (18.14 kg)
Roof racks don’t suffer from the same hit-and-miss compatibility issues as trunk racks. The Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Mount is good for bike stability and ease of use.
This roof rack holds bikes by their front wheel. It’s a good choice for carbon bikes, which shouldn’t be clamped by the frame.
The Yakima has a sliding wheel tray that adapts to bikes of different lengths. An easily accessible knob controls tension and secures the bike ready for transport.
There’s also an integrated cable lock with the FrontLoader. Sadly, you have to buy separate lock cores to make it functional, which counts as a downside.
What We Like
- Install – delivered fully assembled and easy to install.
- Wheel mount – more versatile than a frame-clamping rack.
- Adjust – easy-to-reach adjustment knob to secure the bike.
What We Don’t Like
- Extra cost – includes a cable lock but you must pay extra for lock cores.
6. SeaSucker Mini Bomber 2-Bike Rack (best for ease of installation)
- Rack type: Roof/Trunk/Hatch
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 12 lbs (8.16 kg)
- Weight capacity: 45 lbs per bike (20.14 kg)
The SeaSucker Mini Bomber 2-Bike Rack is a rack that is not only easy to install but installs on almost any car and in a variety of ways.
You may feel nervous about the security of a bike rack with suction pads. But these pads boast a tremendous 210 lbs pull strength and have been used in pro bike races.
Aside from working on almost any car, the SeaSucker can carry almost any bike. That includes fat bikes as long as their weight is 45 lbs or under.
One aspect of this bike rack that may deter some people is that you have to remove the front wheel. Bikes attach to the rack by their forks.
On the plus side, bikes attached by their fork are lower, hence easier to handle, more aerodynamic, and more fuel-efficient.
What We Like
- Installation – installs on almost any car in various ways.
- Strong – these are “industrial-strength” suction pads.
- Track record – previously used in professional circles.
What We Don’t Like
- Space – you’ll need to carry the front wheel in the car.
7. Thule Helium Platform Hitch Bike Rack (best for step-through frames)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 37.5 lbs per bike (75 lbs / 34 kg total)
Platform-style hitch racks can often carry step-through bikes without needing adapters. The Thule Helium Platform Hitch Bike Rack is ideal for this. It’s not dissimilar to our top-rated rack, though we judge it to be less versatile.
This product is lightweight by hitch-rack standards at 43 lbs. That’s worth considering when trying to stay within the “tongue weight capacity” of your Corolla.
Features of the Helium include versatile wheel mounting, built-in security with a cable lock, and off-set mounting so bikes don’t impede each other at the handlebar or seat.
The rack also locks to your hitch receiver and offers tool-free installation. One downside is that it doesn’t accept fat-tire bikes.
What We Like
- Easy – tool-free installation & easy to use.
- Lightweight – several pounds lighter than our top pick.
- Security – lock bikes to the rack and the rack to the car.
What We Don’t Like
- No fat tires – only accepts tires up to 3” wide.
8. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack (best for e-bikes)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 65 lbs (130 lbs / 58.9 kg)
If you need to carry a brace of e-bikes on your Toyota Corolla, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a great choice. It has a big weight capacity of 65 lbs per bike and includes a loading ramp.
For security, the EasyFold has an integrated cable lock for your bikes and a lockable hitch pin to secure the rack.
Other useful features include torque-limiting knobs, ratcheting wheel straps, and easy rack tilting with a foot pedal. There aren’t many downsides, though you do pay a lot of money for all this functionality.
This rack will accept most e-bikes except for the heaviest fat-tire machines.
What We Like
- Ramp – no heavy lifting thanks to a loading ramp.
- Security – the rack and bikes are lockable.
- Tilt – easy-to-use tilting feature with a foot pedal.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – there are cheaper ways to carry e-bikes.
9. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Hitch Bike Rack (best for fat tire bikes)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 56 lbs (25.4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 80 lbs (160 lbs / 58.9 kg)
Thanks to its exceptional weight capacity, the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Hitch Bike Rack can carry many fat-tire electric bikes as well as regular fat bikes. It accepts tires up to 5” wide without needing any special trays or extra cost.
This rack includes useful features such as lockable bike hooks, a lockable hitch pin, and tilting capability so you can access the trunk or hatch of your Corolla.
Despite the mighty weight capacity of this rack, it doesn’t come with any loading ramp. And because it uses frame hooks, you’re likely to need crossbar adapters before you can load step-through bikes.
What We Like
- Fat – accepts fat tires up to 5” wide.
- Security – the bike hooks and the hitch pin are all lockable.
- Tilting – tilting ability gives you access to the car trunk or hatch.
What We Don’t Like
- Step-through – you’re likely to need crossbar adapters for step-through bikes.
10. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack (best value)
- Rack type: Hitch
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 29 lbs (13.15 kg)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.75 kg)
Hitch mounts are fundamentally more secure than trunk mounts, but they’re usually more expensive, too. The Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack breaks that trend as a low-priced, lightweight hitch rack with dual security.
Lightweight hitch racks usually have a lesser weight capacity, too, and that’s the case here. The 35-pound-per-bike capacity is no greater than most trunk racks, but this rack has lockable ratchet bike hooks and a lockable hitch pin to keep your bikes safe.
One thing you can’t do with the Swagman XTC2 is tilt it when it’s loaded.
What We Like
- Affordable – cheaper than many trunk racks.
- Security – lockable bike hooks & hitch pin.
- Lightweight – low weight makes it easier to install, remove, and carry.
What We Don’t Like
- Non-tilt – you can’t tilt the rack when loaded.
11. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Bike Rack (best low budget)
- Rack type: Trunk
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Weight: 7.49 lbs (3.4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 2 x 35 lbs (70 lbs / 31.75 kg)
If you don’t have a lot of money to throw at a bike rack, have no fear. Allen Sports offers an effective solution with the Deluxe Trunk Bike Rack. This rack has five attachment points including two side straps for lateral stability.
Four large foam bumpers on this rack’s frame protect the finish of your car. A patented tie-down system with individual straps and cradles secures your bike to the rack.
The Allen Sports Deluxe Rack comes fully assembled and is easy to install. Check out the compatibility calculator on the Allen Sports website to make doubly sure it suits your Corolla model.
Be wary of the hooks on this rack. They are prone to scratching the finish. Avoid this by wrapping them in electrical tape or using after-market protectors.
What We Like
- Affordable – a true budget-friendly option.
- Stable – lots of bike stability with the lateral straps.
- Secure – patented tie-down system holds and protects your bikes.
What We Don’t Like
- Hooks – the metal hooks sometimes scratch trunk edges.
Types Of Racks That Work With Corollas
Roof-Mounted Bike Racks
Most roof bike racks will fit onto a Corolla because it’s not the bike rack that is specific to the car. It’s the crossbars the rack fits onto that must be compliant.
Crossbars have a weight limit, as does the roof of your Corolla, and these limits should be taken into consideration if you’re mounting bikes onto the roof.
A Toyota Corolla sedan original roof rack (model PZ403E3617GA) has a max capacity of 75 kg, for instance. This takes the load capacity of the roof into account.
With third-party roof racks or crossbars, the load capacity may exceed the capacity of the roof. This is something to be aware of.
Check your vehicle handbook for the roof’s load capacity. You’d have to deduct the weight of the crossbars and bike rack from this to calculate the max bike weight.
If you’re only carrying one or two lightweight or average bikes on a roof, this is highly unlikely to cause any problems. Most car roofs can bear at least 100-125 lbs.
Before installing bikes onto your Corolla roof, consider the vague possibility that you might forget they’re there. There are many instances of people writing off bikes and damaging their cars when driving under a barrier or into a garage.
Roof-mounted bike racks also hurt fuel consumption. On the plus side, they retain full access to the back of your vehicle and don’t block taillights or license plates.
Trunk-Mounted Bike Racks
A trunk-mounted bike rack has the benefit of being relatively affordable. This is also the only type of rack that doesn’t need other equipment to already be installed on your car. It attaches to your trunk or hatch via a set of hooked straps.
The main downside of a trunk rack is that it’s more likely to be incompatible with the shape of your car or its features. Rear spoilers are notoriously problematic.
A seconddownside is that trunk racks rarely include any form of security.
Look for trunk racks that have side straps for lateral stability. Large foam or rubber bumpers will help protect your car. You also want coated trunk hooks, ideally.
Video: Installing A Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack
Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks
Hitch racks are mounted to the hitch receiver of your Toyota Corolla.
If you don’t have a hitch receiver on your car, you’d have to have one installed.
Read More: Bike racks for SUV’s without a hitch
A Corolla would typically have a 1.25” hitch for light towing purposes (750 kg braked capacity on recent vehicles).
It’s the “tongue weight” or “nose weight” of a vehicle that decides how heavy a hitch rack plus bikes can safely be.
The tongue weight is 165 lbs (75 kg) on a modern Toyota Corolla (2022), so the total load of the bike rack and bikes should not exceed that.
The above limitation would prevent you from carrying two heavyweight fat-tire electric bikes on a Corolla hitch, as an example of its effect.
Even with the Corolla tongue weight restriction, a hitch rack can carry heavier bikes than any other rack type.
Security is also typically better on hitch racks because the vast majority of them lock to the car via a lockable hitch pin. Even cheap models tend to have security features.
Hitch bike racks come in two main forms:
- Hanging-style hitch racks– these racks hang bikes by their frames in much the same way that a trunk rack does, except there’ll be a column that rises from the hitch to support the arms. In all cases, a common downside is that you’ll often need crossbar adapters to carry step-through bikes.
- Platform-style hitch racks – these racks have bikes sitting in wheel trays rather than being suspended. They’re more versatile in the types of bikes they can carry and in weight capacity, though this varies. This type of rack is often used to carry heavy e-bikes or fat bikes.
Hitch bike racks are the best all-around solution for carrying bikes. However, they can easily cost a 4-figure sum if you also need to install a hitch receiver on your car.
Final Words
There is no shortage of choice in bike racks for a Toyota Corolla.
Amid a strong field of contenders, we like the Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack for its great build quality and huge versatility. Few racks are as accommodating as this one.
The Yakima FullBack Trunk Rack has done well before in our reviews and is an exceptional rack. Build quality, durability, and dual security put this on the podium.
As iconic as bike racks get, we rate the Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack highly for its brilliant design, low weight, strength, and eco-credentials. It arcs over most spoilers, too.
We hope this article leads you to your own ideal Corolla bike rack.
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