Before testing this bike rack, I didn’t realize how tricky it was to find a solid, reliable option for my Subaru Outback. I’ve tried a few over the years, but some struggled with stability or quick installation. This time, I spent time comparing all the key features, and let me tell you, the Subaru Bike Carrier SOA567B020 stands out.
It’s designed with self-adjusting jaws that grip the bike frame tightly, plus ratcheting straps to ensure the wheels stay secure — no rattles or worries during the drive. I particularly appreciated how easy it was to switch between vehicles, thanks to adjustable clamps. High durability and lock security add peace of mind, especially on long trips. After thorough testing, I can confidently say this carrier offers the best combination of stability, ease of use, and fit for our Subaru Outbacks, making it my top recommendation for fellow adventurers. After extensive testing, I found the Subaru 2008-2025 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: Subaru 2008-2025 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek
Why We Recommend It: This model shines with its self-adjusting jaws that automatically wrap around the downtube, providing a precise and secure grip. It’s compatible with most bikes 20″ to 29″ wheels and tires up to 2.6″ wide, and includes a lock to prevent theft. Its adjustable mounting clamps make installation quick and adaptable across multiple vehicles. Compared to the foldable, four-bike racks, it offers a simpler, more stable solution tailored specifically to Subaru Outback sizes, ensuring peace of mind without sacrificing convenience.
Best subaru outback wagon bike racks etrailer.cometrailer.com: Our Top 2 Picks
- Subaru 2008-2025 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek – Best Value
- Adjustable Foldable Bike Rack for Subaru Outback 2015-2019 – Best Premium Option
Subaru 2008-2025 Subaru Forester Outback Ascent Crosstrek
- ✓ Secure and stable fit
- ✓ Easy to install and switch
- ✓ Fits most 20-29″ bikes
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Limited to Subaru models
| Bike Compatibility | Fits bikes with 20″ to 29″ wheels and tires up to 2.6″ wide |
| Mounting System | Adjustable mounting clamps with self-adjusting jaws and ratcheting straps |
| Locking Mechanism | Includes one lock to secure the bike to the carrier |
| Vehicle Fitment | Compatible with most 2018-2025 Subaru models |
| Material | Durable steel construction |
| Weight Capacity | Typically supports bikes up to 35 lbs (15.9 kg) per bike |
That shiny Subaru bike carrier has been sitting on my wishlist for months, and when it finally arrived, I couldn’t wait to see how it performed on my Outback. The first thing that caught my eye was how sleek and sturdy it looks, with self-adjusting jaws that seem to grip the downtube securely right out of the box.
Installing it was surprisingly straightforward. The adjustable mounting clamps made switching between my Subaru and my friend’s car a breeze, without any fuss.
I appreciated how snugly it fit my 29-inch mountain bike, even with tires up to 2.6 inches wide.
Once mounted, it felt rock solid, thanks to ratcheting straps that held the wheels in place. The front and rear wheel locks give you peace of mind when parking in busy areas.
I tested it on a variety of terrains, and the carrier stayed secure, with no wobbling or shifting.
What stood out was how easy it was to load and unload bikes. The self-adjusting jaws automatically wrapped around my bike’s frame, saving me from struggling with awkward grips.
Plus, the quick-release mounting clamps made swapping between vehicles quick and simple.
Overall, this Subaru bike rack hits a sweet spot between security, ease of use, and compatibility. It’s perfect if you’re serious about protecting your bike during transit without sacrificing convenience.
The only downside? The price is a bit steep, but I think it’s worth every penny for the quality you get.
Adjustable Foldable Bike Rack for Subaru Outback 2015-2019
- ✓ Easy fold-down arms
- ✓ Anti-sway cradle
- ✓ Fits multiple bike sizes
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Arms require secure locking
| Number of Bikes Capacity | Holds up to 4 bicycles |
| Mounting Type | Hitch-mounted with traditional frame attachment |
| Anti-Sway Feature | Includes anti-sway cradle to prevent bike contact and scratches |
| Arm Design | Dual-arm mounting for enhanced stability and accommodating various frame sizes |
| Foldability | Arms fold down for compact storage when not in use |
| Maximum Bicycle Frame Compatibility | Designed to fit a wide range of bicycle frame sizes and designs |
Compared to other bike racks I’ve handled, this one immediately stands out with its sleek, foldable arms that snap up or down in seconds. The dual-arm mounting design feels robust, giving you confidence that your bikes won’t sway or scratch during transit.
Plus, the anti-sway cradle is a game-changer—it keeps bikes separated and minimizes contact, which is perfect if you’re hauling high-end frames.
The traditional frame attachment is straightforward, and I appreciate how it fits a variety of SUVs, especially my Subaru Outback. The rack can hold up to four bikes comfortably, and I found the spacing between the arms generous enough for different frame sizes.
When not in use, folding the arms up is quick, making parking or storage hassle-free. It’s also lightweight enough to lift single-handed, but feels sturdy when mounted.
What I really like is how smoothly it installs onto the hitch receiver. No fuss, no wobbling.
The anti-sway cradle really reduces rattling, and I noticed no bike-to-bike contact even on bumpy roads. The only downside is the price—$299 feels a bit steep for some.
Also, the foldable arms, while convenient, require a little extra effort to lock securely in place.
Overall, if you want a reliable, versatile bike rack that’s easy to use and protects your bikes, this model is a solid pick. It’s especially handy for quick trips or when you need to store it out of the way when not in use.