Kia Soul, since its impressive debut at the Paris Motor show 2008, stole the hearts of millions. The stylish subcompact crossover SUV is loved by the youngsters though it has found acceptance among other car buyers. It has been given many makeovers over the years and even an electric version is now sold. You can surely take the Kia Soul to fulfil urban transit needs. However, the Soul is also capable of fulfilling weekend kayaking trips. You can set up third party kayak racks on the roof and head to the distant lakes and water bodies, far from the madding crowd-literally!
Best 6 Kayak Racks For Kia Soul
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Listed here are some of the most apt kayaking racks for the Kia Soul:
01. Goplus® Kayak Carrier
This Goplus® Kayak Carrier isn’t some throwaway gadget; it’s built to endure, no-nonsense. Thickened steel bars, covered in weather-resistant powder coating, offer long-term resilience. And then there’s the rubber cradle — it’s softer than you expect, protecting your kayak without a hitch, so scratches and scuffs? Nah, not on its watch.
Mounting this thing? Barely a hassle. With its quick-release hardware, you’re looking at minutes to get everything locked in. It’s like having an extra pair of hands, except they don’t argue. The design hugs your kayak tight, keeping it upright but leaving enough room on your bars for the other gear.
This isn’t just for kayaks though — the versatility catches you off guard. Whether it’s skis, canoes, or paddle boards, you’re covered. No fuss, just adaptability to whatever you decide to lug around. Surprised? You will be. What’s even cleverer, the space it eats up is minimal. The J-bar? It leans into efficiency. No heavy, clunky contraptions that hog your roof; you’ll barely notice it’s there… until you need it.
02. TMS Kayak Roof Racks
TMS Kayak Roof Racks. They’re a sturdy, almost no-nonsense solution for kayak lovers who don’t want to fuss with complicated gadgets. No frills, just a pair of racks that do what they’re meant to. Bolts onto pretty much any crossbar you’ve got, doesn’t play picky. They don’t hog roof space, either.
Install it? You won’t need more than a few minutes. The wide J bars? A dream for sliding the kayak on, none of that awkward angle shifting. Padding adjusts to keep things steady and not scratchy. Rust-resistant steel, by the way. No more worrying about rain turning your equipment into a rusty mess.
Sure, 75 lbs limit could sound restrictive, but how often are you hauling a kayak bigger than that? 36 inches wide, too—fits most without a hitch. And you get those 4 long straps—peace of mind when you’re driving at speed, knowing your kayak’s not budging an inch. One small caveat: you’ll need a ladder rack if you’re driving a truck, but that’s a whole other deal. 4 racks on a full-sized truck, though, pretty cool thought, right? That’s half your kayak group covered in one go. Simple.
03. Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack
First off, you get this sturdy contraption – solid, well-built, something that immediately tells you it’s going to last. The steel, thick and unforgiving, seems almost overengineered. You think, “22mm, that’s no joke.” That black powder-coated finish – it doesn’t just look good; it fights off rust like a champ. Leave it out in the rain, sun, snow, whatever – it laughs at the elements. It’s that one piece of gear that, weirdly, outlasts your kayak.
Then there’s the folding thing. What’s funny? It folds flat. So many don’t, right? You think you gotta pull it down every time. But no. Flip it down and bam – you glide right into the garage like nothing’s even up there. And, I mean, it’s smooth. One of those designs where you’re almost caught off guard by how easy it is.
And here’s where the real finesse shows up: those foam paddings. Now, it’s like they knew exactly where the scratches happen, every single time. No matter how much you cinch those straps down, the kayak isn’t scuffed or rubbed. Plus the rubber pedals – again, smart. You want your kayak to look like a kayak, not a sandpaper project.
Lastly, that “universal” fit isn’t just a word. No messing with which bar type you’ve got on your car. Well, except round ones. They didn’t bother with that mess. For everything else, just toss it on, strap it up, and head out.
04. XGeek Kayak Roof Rack
You’ll find that this XGeek kayak roof rack handles more than just a simple task. Built from robust steel, it can bear the weight of your gear without hesitation, a reassuring companion when the roads get bumpy. There’s nothing frail about it; you’ll feel the sturdy confidence in every bolt and brace. Safety? That’s not up for debate.
Now, the foam padding—some products claim protection, but this rack delivers. Cushions both your kayak and the roof it sits on, quietly absorbing the friction and vibrations like a seasoned traveler. No screeching metal-on-metal or clumsy scraping to distract you. The ride, smooth.
What’s universal nowadays, anyway? This is. Doesn’t matter which crossbars you own; you won’t be left fumbling with mismatched components or makeshift solutions. A few turns, a couple clicks, and it’s mounted. No headache there.
Securing this rack requires little thought, but offers peace of mind in abundance. Tighten the straps, let the quick-release do its job, and just like that—you’re off. Whether river or sea, this setup holds its own against the elements.
05. Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier
You’ll notice the Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac carrier isn’t trying to dazzle with unnecessary bells and whistles. It just does what it says, with little fuss. Designed for your kayak, it’s kind of like a quiet guardian on your roof. Those U-bolts? You won’t wrestle with them much, which means less swearing during assembly.
Ever seen a kayak sway nervously on top of someone’s car? Yeah, not with this. The padded holders cradle your kayak like it’s something fragile. And you probably won’t even think twice about the straps—until you’re driving fast and feel the calm in your rearview.
Some kayak mounts act like they’re made for rocket ships, with all sorts of confusing nonsense. This one just fits. Your crossbars, probably. No measuring tapes and sighs required. It’s like the carrier knew what you needed before you did.
That 165 lbs capacity though, it’s as if Reese wanted you to throw any reasonable kayak at it and then take off for the nearest body of water without a care in the world. Feels pretty liberating, doesn’t it?
What to Consider Before Buying
1. Roof Type
One of the most important factors is whether your Kia Soul has factory-installed roof rails or is a “naked roof” (no rails). If your car doesn’t have side rails, you’ll likely need a rack that uses door frame clamps, like the Yakima or Thule options. These racks are versatile and can attach securely to most naked roofs by clamping onto the door frames without damaging the car’s finish. You might also consider options like the Malone Stax Pro2 or the Yakima BigStack, which are compatible with crossbars and can safely transport multiple kayaks.
2. Weight Capacity
While the Kia Soul can carry kayaks, you’ll want to stay within the weight limits of the racks. For example, the CargoLoc Kayak Carrier can support up to 150 lbs, making it one of the sturdier options available. This should be more than sufficient for two standard kayaks, which typically weigh around 50 lbs each.
3. Kayak Shape and Size
Different racks are better suited for different kayak types. If you have larger or wider kayaks, a J-style rack like the Thule Compass or FIVKLEMNZ Kayak Roof Rack might be ideal, as it offers a snug fit while maximizing roof space. These racks tilt kayaks on their sides, freeing up room on your roof for additional cargo or another kayak.
Specific Issues with the Kia Soul
For those with older models of the Soul, such as the 2012 model, you might face extra challenges because roof rails weren’t available until later models. In these cases, aftermarket solutions, like Yakima RailGrab or Thule’s custom mounts, are your best bet. Users on forums have found that installing crossbars is possible, but you may need to modify the plastic roof trim to get a perfect fit.
For 2020 models and newer, the Thule Stacker Roof Rack is often a recommended choice due to its ease of use with crossbars, especially if you already have factory roof rails.
Conclusion
Finding the best kayak rack for your Kia Soul boils down to knowing your roof type, the weight capacity of the racks, and the kayak’s size. Investing in a good quality rack, even if it’s more expensive, will provide long-term security and peace of mind on the road. Whether you’re a casual paddler or someone who hits the water regularly, brands like Yakima, Thule, and Malone offer excellent options tailored to your needs.
