Best Bike Rack Option for a 2025 Land Rover Defender

Updated 06/13/2026 | Published 06/08/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches

(113)

$398.95

Question:

Hi, would truly appreciate some guidance on what types of bike racks would fit on a 2025 Defender 130. Looking for a platform or hanging rack that can fit 4-5 bikes if feasible, something that can swing away so you can open the side tailgate on the defender. Thanks.

asked by: Javier M

Expert Reply:

Thank you for reaching out, Javier.

I did a little research on the Defender, great choice, by the way. With the rear-mounted spare tire, you're going to need a rack setup that provides quite a bit of clearance behind the vehicle.

From what I was able to find, you'll want a rack that sits at least 12" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack to clear the spare tire. Because of that, I think your best option is going to be a swing-away setup like the Yakima BackSwing # Y02483 paired with a bike rack. That will not only help clear the spare tire but also give you full access to the side-opening rear door when you need to get into the cargo area.

The next piece of the puzzle is figuring out what type of bikes you'll be carrying. That will determine whether a platform rack or hanging rack makes the most sense and whether we can comfortably get to the 4-5 bike range you're looking for.

What kinds of bikes are you planning to carry; road bikes, mountain bikes, kids' bikes, e-bikes, or a mix of everything? Also, are all 4-5 bikes something you'd carry regularly, or only for the occasional family trip?

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

Yakima BackSwing in Action
(click to enlarge)

Javier M.

6/12/2026

Hi Gwen, Thanks so much for this. To answer your question, it would be just regular bikes (2 adult & 3 children). And I’d be carrying them on the occasional family trip. I’m assuming this will be mounted on the hitch? Thanks again. Javier

Gwendolyn Y.

6/13/2026

@JavierM I have a really great option for you so you can carry 5 bikes. The rack you’ll want to go with is the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 5 Bikes # TH9026XT. It can hold up to 5 bikes at a time and is incredibly sturdy. Sometimes, with hanging racks, it can be tricky to mount women's bikes, kids' bikes, and any bike that has a step-through frame. To make that easier, I recommend the Bike Frame Adapter Bar # HRBA-PRO. It clamps onto the bike just below the handlebars and under the seat to create a better attachment point for the rack. Using this rack along with the Yakima BackSwing # Y02483 will give you plenty of clearance and full access to the trunk area.