Bike-friendly cars with room to spare.
When searching for the best cars for carrying bikes, a truck is a likely choice. But just like cyclists come in different forms and abilities, so do the vehicles that you drive. Many of today's minivans, wagons, and SUVs are very capable bike haulers, whether using the cabin to transport bicycles or a carrier on the roof, tailgate, or hitch. By combining generous cargo capacities, convertible interiors, and mounting hardware for racks, there are many bike-friendly models to choose from.
To help you on your search, we've compiled a list of the 10 best cars for cyclists based on CarMax sales from December 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021.
10.
Nissan Pathfinder
If you're looking for a spacious SUV to carry your cycling equipment and a group of friends, the seven-passenger Nissan Pathfinder deserves a spot on your list. 2017-2019 models come standard with roof rails to accommodate a bike rack. Plus, there's an included tow hitch receiver on the Platinum trim to attach a hitch carrier. Offering 16 cubic feet of cargo volume with all seats in place, the 2017-2019 Pathfinder has room for cycling gear. When your hands are full, the motion-activated liftgate on SL and higher trims makes it easy to load the SUV by waving your foot under a sensor. Other standard features on the 2017-2019 Pathfinder SL include:
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Welcome lighting
Leather upholstery
Heated front and second-row outboard seats
Blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert
9.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Another spacious SUV for big crowds is the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, which comes standard with eight-passenger seating, but you can accommodate nine occupants in the LS trim. With all seats in place, you'll have 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space to store coolers and cycling gear, but folding all rows gains 51.7 cubic feet to carry bikes in the cabin (2017-2019 models). When loading up for a day on the trails, the hands-free programmable power liftgate in the 2017-2019 Tahoe Premier makes packing up very easy. All 2017-2019 models also include a two-inch trailering hitch receiver to attach a bike rack. Standard features in the 2017-2019 Tahoe LS include:
18-inch aluminum wheels
Automatic locking rear differential
Tri-zone automatic climate controls with individual climate settings
Bluetooth® connectivity
Eight-inch touchscreen display
8.
Ford Escape
Combining smooth handling and impressive utility, the Ford Escape is a compact SUV for cyclists that enjoy pedaling in the city and the outskirts. 2017-2019 models feature a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds to expand the SUV's cargo capacity from 34 cubic feet to a maximum of 68 cubic feet. Choosing an Escape with a tow package allows you to connect a bike rack to the hitch receiver for convenient transportation (available on 2017-2018 SE and higher trims or 2019 Titanium trims). All 2017-2019 Escape Titanium models also include a hands-free foot-activated liftgate and silver-painted side rails to attach roof-mounted bike carriers. If you opt for the 2017-2019 Escape SE, you'll enjoy these standard features:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Fog lamps
10-way power driver seat
Dual-zone automatic temperature control
SYNC® 3 infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen (2019)
7.
Nissan Rogue
If you're looking for a small SUV with clever storage solutions, the Nissan Rogue will keep your gear organized while you tear through the trails. All 2017-2019 models include a Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System in the 39.3-cubic-foot trunk that features an adjustable set of shelves and dividers that you can access with one hand. A motion-activated liftgate also adds to your convenience when loading up for the day (standard in 2017 SL trims or 2018-2019 SV and higher trims). When carrying bicycles, the 2017-2019 Rogue can accommodate roof-mounted racks on SV and higher trims or a tow hitch receiver is available on all models as well. Standard features in the 2017-2019 Rogue SV include:
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic temperature control
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert
6.
Dodge Grand Caravan
Need a minivan that can carpool kids to activities during the week and carry bikes on the weekend? The Dodge Grand Caravan has your back every step of the way. All 2017-2019 models feature a flexible seven-passenger cabin with third-row Stow 'n Go floor storage bins and available Stow 'n Go second-row captain's chairs that fold into the floor to provide 140.3 cubic feet of max cargo space for bicycles, tools, and gear. 2017-2019 Grand Caravans also offer an optional roof rack and a hitch receiver to mount bike carriers on the exterior of the vehicle. 2017-2019 SXT and higher trims also boast a power liftgate, but you'll find these standard features in the 2017-2019 Grand Caravan SE:
17-inch steel wheels
Heated mirrors
Tri-zone automatic temperature control
Rearview camera
6.5-inch touchscreen
5.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a roomy three-row SUV that's well-equipped for carrying people and bikes. 2017-2019 models come standard with eight-passenger seating but opting for the available captain's chairs reduces the capacity to seven occupants. Roof rails are included on 2017-2019 XLE and higher trims to accommodate roof-top carriers or you can add an optional receiver to connect a hitch-mounted bike rack. With 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, you'll have room for tools and cycling equipment, but folding the third row opens up to 42.3 cubic feet (2017-2019 models). Other standard features in the 2017-2019 Highlander XLE include:
18-inch alloy wheels
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Second-row retractable window sunshades
Eight-inch touchscreen display
4.
Toyota 4Runner
If you're shopping for a rugged off-roader to explore off-beaten trails, the Toyota 4Runner loves adventure. 2017-2019 models provide generous ground clearance and available all-wheel drive on all trims, so you can travel where you want with confidence. You also get standard roof rails and an integrated tow hitch receiver on all 2017-2019 4Runners to attach bike racks. Boasting a 40/20/40-split-folding second row and 88 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, 2017-2019 models also offer an optional sliding rear cargo deck for easy access to your gear. Other standard features in the 2017-2019 4Runner SR5 include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Integrated fog lights
Skid plates
Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support
6.1-inch touchscreen display
3.
Toyota RAV4
Featuring a city-friendly footprint, the Toyota RAV4 is a compact five-passenger SUV that's one of the best used cars for cyclists. With 38.4 cubic feet of volume behind the second row (2017-2018 models), the RAV4's 60/40 split second-row seats fold flat to carry a bike inside the cabin. Roof rails also come standard on all 2017 and 2019 models, as well as 2018 Adventure and higher trims, while 2019 RAV4 XLE Premium and higher models include a standard power liftgate with jam protection to make it easier to load the trunk when your hands are full. If you prefer carrying your bikes on a hitch-mounted rack, an accessory tow hitch receiver is available on 2018-2019 RAV4s. Standard features in the 2017-2019 RAV4 XLE include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Integrated fog lights
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Cloth upholstery
Six-way adjustable driver seat with sport bolsters
2.
Chrysler Pacifica
If your large family enjoys taking scenic bike rides, the Chrysler Pacifica is a great addition to your driveway. 2017-2019 models feature a seven-passenger layout, but eight-passenger seating is optional on all trims, except the base model. Second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seats make customizing the interior very easy, but when the seats are in place, the under-seat storage bins can hold helmets, water bottles, and snacks. With the rear rows folded, the 2017-2019 Pacifica boasts 140.5 cubic feet of volume and a flat cargo floor to carry bicycles inside the cabin. A roof rack also comes standard on 2017-2019 Touring L and higher trims to mount a bike rack. Other standard features in the 2017-2019 Pacifica Touring L include:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Power sliding doors
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Six-speaker audio system
1.
Subaru Outback
Whether you enjoy downhill mountain biking or long-distance road cycling, the Subaru Outback tops our list of the best cars for carrying bikes. 2017-2019 models come standard with roof rails and a lower 66.1-inch roof height, so you can easily load up your gear for a day of two-wheel fun. With 35.5 cubic feet of volume behind the 2017-2019 Outback's rear seats, you'll have room for coolers, extra equipment, and tools. The 2017-2019 Outback also includes standard all-wheel with a driver-selectable X-Mode system, which optimizes engine output and reduces wheel spin on unpaved roads. Standard features in the 2017-2019 Outback 2.5i include:
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Cloth upholstery
Six-way manually adjustable driver seat
Four-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat
Bluetooth connectivity
Whether you are researching the best used cars for mountain bikers with extra cargo space or want something that you can easily mount your bicycle rack to, this list of the best used cars for cyclists has many great options to choose from.
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