The Toyota Yaris isn’t a big car, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your bike along for the ride. Whether you’re heading to the trails on the weekend, cruising to the park, or planning a road trip, the right bike rack makes all the difference. The trick is finding one that fits the Yaris perfectly—secure, easy to use, and not a pain to store when you’re not using it.
Why Picking the Right Bike Rack Matters
A bike rack is more than just a way to haul your bike. It’s about protecting your car, keeping your bike safe, and making loading and unloading as painless as possible. The wrong rack can scratch paint, block your rear view, or make you dread using it. The right one? It feels like part of your car—stable, secure, and easy to handle.
Because the Yaris is a smaller hatchback or sedan (depending on your model year), your best options tend to be trunk-mounted racks or roof racks—though hitch racks can work if you’ve installed a small receiver hitch.
Main Types of Bike Racks for a Toyota Yaris
Before looking at specific recommendations, let’s cover the main styles you’ll find:
- Trunk-Mounted Racks – These attach to your Yaris’s trunk or hatch with straps and hooks. They’re generally affordable, easy to store, and don’t require permanent installation.
- Roof Racks – Require roof crossbars but keep your rear view and trunk access clear. Better for longer trips, but loading can be tricky if you’re shorter.
- Hitch Racks – The most stable and versatile option if you have a hitch installed, but they add extra cost if your Yaris doesn’t already have one.
Best Trunk-Mounted Racks for Toyota Yaris
For most Yaris owners, a trunk rack is the sweet spot—easy to attach, compact, and budget-friendly.
1. Saris Bones EX
One of the most popular trunk racks ever made, the Saris Bones EX is light, strong, and fits almost any small car. Its curved arms help clear spoilers and fit snugly against the hatch. It can carry two bikes securely, and the injection-molded frame resists rust.
2. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack
If you want something simple and affordable, the Allen Sports Deluxe is hard to beat. It installs in minutes with three straps, folds flat for storage, and holds two bikes. It doesn’t have as many premium touches as pricier racks, but it’s dependable for casual riders.
3. Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier
Thule’s Passage combines a stable fit with padded cradles that protect your bike’s frame. It’s a little heavier than some competitors, but that extra sturdiness inspires confidence on longer drives.
Best Roof Rack Options for Toyota Yaris
If you’re willing to add roof bars to your Yaris, a roof-mounted bike rack keeps your trunk and rear window clear. It also leaves room for other gear, like a cargo box or kayak mount.
4. Thule ProRide XT
The ProRide XT holds your bike upright by clamping the frame. It’s quick to load and works for most bikes without removing wheels. The downside? You’ll be lifting your bike overhead, which can be awkward for heavier models.
5. Yakima FrontLoader
With the FrontLoader, you don’t need to remove your bike’s front wheel. It secures the bike by the front tire, which means no frame contact—perfect for carbon frames or unusual geometries.
Best Hitch Rack Options for Toyota Yaris
Not every Yaris has a hitch, but if you’ve added one, hitch racks offer the easiest loading and best stability—especially for frequent riders.
6. Kuat Beta 2.0
Lightweight, stylish, and easy to fold down when not in use, the Kuat Beta is a premium choice for smaller cars with a hitch. It carries two bikes and tilts away so you can open the trunk.
7. Yakima RidgeBack 2
The RidgeBack is sturdy, easy to load, and features Yakima’s tool-free SpeedKnob attachment for quick install and removal. Built-in bottle openers on the arms are a fun bonus for after-ride refreshments.
What to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the right rack for your Yaris isn’t just about price—it’s about matching your riding style, storage space, and comfort level with installation.
- Number of bikes – Most small-car racks carry two bikes; more than that may require a hitch or larger vehicle.
- Bike frame type – Step-through or women’s frames might need a crossbar adapter for certain racks.
- Ease of storage – Trunk racks fold flat, while roof and hitch racks take up more space when not in use.
- Frequency of use – If you ride often, a more durable (and possibly pricier) rack is worth it.
- Paint protection – Look for padding or protective film to avoid scratches on your car’s finish.
Tips for Using a Bike Rack on a Yaris
Once you’ve got your rack, a few simple habits will keep your bikes and car safe:
- Double-check straps and attachments before every trip.
- Remove accessories like water bottles and pumps to prevent them from flying off.
- Lock your bikes to the rack if you’ll be away from the car.
- Clean the contact points between the rack and your car to prevent scratches from trapped dirt.
- Be mindful of added height with roof racks when entering garages or drive-thrus.
Final Thoughts
The best bike rack for your Toyota Yaris depends on how often you ride, how many bikes you carry, and whether you want the simplicity of a trunk mount, the versatility of a hitch, or the storage benefits of a roof rack. For most Yaris owners, a high-quality trunk-mounted rack like the Saris Bones EX or Thule Passage hits the sweet spot of affordability, security, and easy storage.
Whatever you choose, the right rack turns your Yaris into a bike-hauling machine—proof that you don’t need a big SUV or truck to enjoy the open road on two wheels.