Head-to-head · Best Bike Racks for Cars

Thule OutWay Hanging 2 Trunk Bike Rack vs Thule Verse 2" Hitch Bike Rack

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Thule Verse 2" Hitch Bike Rack comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Riders who want the smoothest premium loading experience for road, gravel, and most e-bikes and value Thule's locks and tilt design. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Bike Racks for Cars

Thule OutWay Hanging 2 Trunk Bike Rack

4.1

$360as of Jun 7

The OutWay Hanging 2 is the pick for anyone without a hitch. Thule's steel security cables make it the most stable hanging trunk rack reviewers have tested, it folds small, and it locks both ways. The compromises are inherent to the format: a 33-pound bike limit, the need for a horizontal top tube, and more movement than any platform rack.

Strengths

— No hitch required, the cheapest way to carry two bikes on most cars
— Steel security cables lock both the rack to the car and the bikes to the rack
— Steel cables stay taut and stable where nylon straps on rivals sag

Watch-outs

— 33 lb per-bike limit excludes e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes
— Hanging design needs a horizontal top tube or a frame adapter for many bikes
— Bikes touch the rack arms, with more sway than any platform hitch rack

$360 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Bike Racks for Cars

Thule Verse 2" Hitch Bike Rack

4.6

$999.95as of Jun 7

The Verse is Thule's flagship platform rack and the ergonomic benchmark of the category. Telescoping no-contact arms, an outboard tilt handle, and clean vertical storage make it a joy to live with. It carries slightly less weight per bike than the StageTwo and lists high, but it is the rack reviewers most often called the best overall.

Strengths

— Telescoping no-frame-contact arms and a single hook make loading fast and frame-safe
— Outboard release handle tilts the loaded rack for trunk access without removing bikes
— Fits tires up to 5 inches wide and wheelbases to 53 inches, covering most bikes

Watch-outs

— 60 lb per-bike limit is lower than the Yakima StageTwo's 70 lb for heavy e-bikes
— Original $999.95 list price is steep, though it is frequently discounted
— 58 lb rack weight is heavy to mount and dismount solo

$999.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Thule OutWay Hanging 2 Trunk Bike Rack

The only trunk-mount option here and the budget entry point. It carries less weight and is far less stable than the platform hitch racks: the Kuat Piston Pro X, Thule Verse, Yakima StageTwo, and Kuat Sherpa 2.0 all need a hitch but hold heavier bikes more securely. Pick the OutWay only if you cannot or will not install a hitch.

Thule Verse 2" Hitch Bike Rack

The ergonomic benchmark, edging out the Kuat Piston Pro X on price while matching its ease of use, though it lacks hydraulic arms and a light bar. It carries 10 lbs less per bike than the Yakima StageTwo and is far pricier and heavier-duty than the trunk-mounted Thule Outway.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Thule OutWay Hanging 2 Trunk Bike Rack	Thule Verse 2" Hitch Bike Rack
Mount Type	Trunk strap (hanging)	2" hitch (tray)
Bike Capacity	2	2 (up to 4 with add-on)
Weight Limit	33 lb/bike, 66 lb total	60 lb/bike, 120 lb total
Rack Weight	~18 lb	58 lb
Locks	Steel security cables (bike + vehicle)	Integrated SKS keyed
Vehicle Fit	Sedans, wagons, CUVs, SUVs	—
Frame Requirement	Horizontal top tube or frame adapter	—
Storage	Folds compact	Tilts vertical to reduce footprint
Max Tire Width	—	5 in
Max Wheelbase	—	53 in

← See the full ranking of best bike racks for cars