Best Trunk Mounted 3 Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2012 Subaru Forester

Updated 03/25/2015 | Published 03/24/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount

(967)

$158.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(836)

$48.20

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(19)

$411.19

Question:

Will this work for my subaru forester 2012, or will another model work better?

asked by: Becky

Expert Reply:

For your 2012 Subaru Forester the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier part # TH911XT that you referenced has been confirmed to fit.

For the best 3 bike rack that has been confirmed to fit your vehicle I would recommend the Thule OutWay 3 part # TH56BV instead.

What makes this rack far superior to the others is the attachment system. It uses 2 retractable coated steel cables to attach to the vehicle rather than 6 nylon straps like other racks. This makes installation quick and easy and the cables also last longer.

The cables store inside the rack so there are no loose straps ends to flap around. The cables can also be locked into position to deter theft of the rack. And there is also an integrated cable lock in the last bike position to deter bike theft.

This rack also features the latest and greatest in road dampening technology which protects bike frames better than other cradles.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.