Subaru Impreza owners have always struggled to find the right kayak rack for their vehicles. Either the racks are not compatible with the vehicle or they carry a hefty price tag. However, finding the right kayak rack for your Subaru Impreza vehicle should not be complicated at all given so many different varieties of kayak racks available in the market. The main problem is that most of these kayak racks that are commonly available in the market come standard with numerous fancy features and this is what makes it all the more difficult for general users like you and me to find the one that suits both our needs and requirements. To make your job easier, here we have listed the top 6 Kayak Racks for Subaru Impreza –
Best 5 Kayak Racks for Subaru Impreza
01. Yima Kayak Roof Rack
If you’re putting a kayak rack on a Subaru Impreza, the Yima Kayak Roof Rack might work decent for you if you ain’t planning to spend a fortune. It’s made of aluminum alloy that don’t rust much and still feels solid when you strap down the kayak tight. The J-style design helps keep the kayak upright and lets you use the extra roof space for other gear. You got a universal mounting system, so most crossbars will work, even the stock ones on many Subaru Impreza roof rails. Padding’s thick enough so your kayak hull don’t get scuffed, which is good if you own a softer material kayak like polyethylene ones. Also folds down when not using, so it don’t kill your MPG with too much drag.
But ain’t all smooth. It ain’t tool-free, so first time setup might take ya a bit. Also if you got round bars, the U-bolts feel like they don’t grip as tight. You’ll want to double-check everything before driving highway speed. The foam padding on it can wear quick if you’re hauling in heat or sun too long, and for longer kayaks it’s not ideal since the racks sits narrow. The load capacity is around 150 lbs but for something that light, not sure it’d hold up great if you go rough roads often.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Folds down, helps reduce drag and garage clearance issues
- ✅ Thick foam protects the kayak during transit
- ✅ Fits most crossbars including Subaru stock bars
- ✅ Aluminum build, no rusting headache
❌ Cons
- ❌ Not tool-free, installation takes longer than some others
- ❌ Loose fit on round bars, may require mods
- ❌ Padding wears out fast in extreme sun
- ❌ Not best for longer tandem kayaks
02. Malone Downloader 2-Pack Roof Rack
If you’re runnin’ a Subaru Impreza and need a kayak rack that ain’t fussy but holds strong, the Malone Downloader 2-Pack Roof Rack might do the trick. These J-style kayak carriers fold down when not bein’ used, which helps if you’re squeezin’ into a garage with a low clearance. The universal fit design means it’ll clip onto most factory crossbars, including ones on your Impreza. They come with SpeedLine ropes for bow and stern tie-down, which makes life simpler—especially if you’re alone and tryna load that kayak without scratchin’ the roof.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Folds down, no more bangin’ into low ceilings or draggin’ wind
- ✅ Comes in a 2-pack, so you got room for 2 kayaks if needed
- ✅ Thick padding, less chance of dentin’ your hulls
- ✅ Bow and stern lines included, with that pulley system that saves your back
- ✅ Works with most aftermarket and factory crossbars
❌ Cons
- ❌ Might wiggle a little if not tightened real good
- ❌ Bit bulky when folded up, especially on smaller rooflines
- ❌ The included straps feel cheap—some folks swap ’em out for better ones
- ❌ Price’s kinda steep if you only needed one rack
03. PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack
If you’ve been stressin’ about how to haul your kayak on your Subaru Impreza, this PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack actually aint too bad. It’s got a 180° adjustable J-bar design, so you can fold it flat when you’re not carryin’ nothin. That helps with gas mileage a lil. Also, installation don’t take much brains—just clamp the steel tubes to your crossbars. Feels sturdy too, like it won’t rattle off on a bumpy road. Can handle 2 kayaks up to 150 lbs, which honestly pretty solid for the price. And the thick foam padding? Yeh, it ain’t just decoration, it actually prevents scratches.
You get ratchet straps, bow & stern ropes, even extra tie downs thrown in the box. But the manual? It’s kinda useless. You’ll prob’ly end up youtubin’ a video. Also, it ain’t gonna fit round bars that well, and people with factory bars on Impreza might gotta tweak stuff. Some say the bolts rust quick if left in the rain. So, keep that in mind if you park outside all the time.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Holds two kayaks, up to 150 lbs
- ✅ Fits Subaru Impreza crossbars (a bit of tweaking tho)
- ✅ Comes with multiple tie-down straps & ropes
- ✅ Foldable J-bar saves height clearance when empty
- ✅ Thick foam cushions helps protect your kayak hull
❌ Cons
- ❌ Not great for round crossbars
- ❌ Included instructions are very basic
- ❌ Bolts can rust if left exposed too long
- ❌ Might need mods for OEM factory racks
04. KUAT Class 2 Universal Fixed J-Style Kayak Rack
If you’re thinkin’ of loadin’ your kayak onto your Subaru Impreza, that KUAT Class 2 Universal Fixed J-Style Kayak Rack might just work real decent. It ain’t flashy, but gets the job done solid. You don’t gotta worry ’bout tools when you mount it, thanks to the tool-free install system. The frame’s all steel construction, coated good to fight rust – that’s nice if you’re drivin’ near the coast or through rainy zones. The J-style design saves roof space too, so you might even squeeze two kayaks if you’re usin’ the right crossbars. Feels sturdy, no plastic wobble feelin’. Works on round, square, and factory crossbars, so Subaru OEM bars shouldn’t give you trouble.
But it ain’t perfect tho. There’s a few things might bug ya. The foam padding on the cradle, kinda thin – might wear quick if you’re haulin’ rough-edged fiberglass kayaks. Also, it don’t fold, so clearance in garages can be annoying. Plus, you gotta load from the side which ain’t easy for shorter folks or windy days. Still, for the price and build, if your main goal’s just haulin’ a kayak on an Impreza without fancy parts, this one’s a strong pick.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Solid steel body, powder-coated against rust
- ✅ No tools needed to mount it
- ✅ Works with factory crossbars, including Subaru’s
- ✅ Compact J-cradle design saves rooftop space
❌ Cons
- ❌ Padding feels thin and may wear down quick
- ❌ Not foldable – clearance issues in low garages
- ❌ Loading can be tricky without help, especially for taller kayaks
- ❌ No locking system included for theft prevention
05. Codinter Kayak Roof Rack
If you’re drivin’ a Subaru Impreza and got a kayak to move around, this Codinter Kayak Roof Rack ain’t bad at all. It’s made outta thickened steel, so you don’t worry ’bout bends or wobbles when it’s up there. You can strap 1 or 2 kayaks, but more like one decent-sized one if you ask me. The padding on the J-style rack helps a lot – no ugly marks on your boat. Folds down when you’re not usin’ it, which means less drag, better gas. It also comes with ratchet straps and all the mounts so you ain’t runnin’ to the store again. Works on round, square, and aero crossbars, so your Impreza’s roof bars should fit just fine.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Solid build – heavy-duty steel
- ✅ Works well with Subaru Impreza roof bars
- ✅ Foldable when not used – saves space
- ✅ Has soft pads to protect kayak hull
- ✅ Includes extra stuff – straps, paddle holders
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Instructions ain’t very clear
- ❌ Bolts might loosen after few bumpy rides
- ❌ Not good for super wide kayaks
- ❌ Need crossbars – won’t work with bare roof
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Subaru Impreza
You don’t wanna just grab any kayak rack and toss it up top. First thing’s the roof itself—Subaru Impreza comes with different roof styles. Some have raised rails, others just a naked roof. Each one need a different mounting style. If yours got factory crossbars, lucky you—most J-style kayak racks or saddle-style racks will bolt right on.
But if not, you might gotta buy aftermarket crossbars that match your Impreza model. Don’t skip this step or the rack gonna slide or worse, take your kayak flying off the freeway. Be sure the crossbar width and spread match whatever rack you thinking to get. This step sound boring but it matter more than looks.
Also check the weight limit. An Impreza roof ain’t built like a truck. Most can handle about 150 lbs static but less while moving. That’s counting rack + kayak weight together.
Consider How Many Kayaks You Plan to Carry
Now some folks think one kayak carrier fits all. Nope. You got a single fishing kayak? A J-style rack like Thule Hull-a-Port XT or Yakima JayLow might do it. But wanna haul two kayaks or maybe a paddleboard + kayak combo? You better look at stacker racks or even saddle systems that sit flat.
Stackers let you carry multiple kayaks vertically, great for slim boats like sea kayaks. But for fat plastic boats, not ideal—they wobble too much. If your kayak hull is wide or sit-on-top, get a cradle style instead. They grip better and less stress on the boat.
And don’t ignore height. You short or your garage entrance is low? Then them tall J-racks might annoy you every trip.
Think About How Often You’ll Load or Unload It
Not all racks work the same. Some racks you gotta muscle the kayak up high, which ain’t fun if you short or alone. But racks with load assist arms like the Yakima ShowDown or Thule Hullavator Pro come down to the side, makes loading way easier.
Downside is they cost more and add extra weight. But worth it if you paddle lots. If you only kayak couple times a year, you could go cheaper and just get a fixed foam block rack or a basic J-cradle rack and ask a buddy to help.
Also check if the rack folds down flat when not used. High racks affect gas mileage and look goofy sometimes.
Compatibility With Subaru Impreza Accessories
Got a sunroof? You gotta be extra careful. Some racks block the sunroof entirely, or worse—they press down and crack it if you don’t space it right. Measure twice.
Also, Subaru owners often use bike racks, ski attachments, or roof boxes too. Make sure your kayak rack won’t hog all the space. It’s better if you pick modular-style racks that let you move stuff around or remove one half when not used.
Some racks work better with aero bars, others better on square bars. Don’t assume they all fit. Even brands like Thule or Yakima, not all models universal.
Watch for Weatherproofing and Build Quality
Rain don’t play nice with cheap steel. Rust can show up after a season if your rack coating isn’t good. Always pick something with anti-rust hardware and UV resistant padding on the arms. Subaru Imprezas are low to the ground, so if rust starts dripping—it’ll show on the paint.
Aluminum racks usually weigh less and last longer. But also cost more. Rubber or foam padding needs to be thick enough not to scratch your kayak during bumps or sudden stops. Thin foam wears out too fast.
Bonus Tip: Security Matters
A lot of folks forget this part. Kayak racks can get stolen just like the kayak itself. If you leave the car in public areas or trailheads often, grab racks with integrated locking or buy a cable lock to secure the kayak and the rack.
Brands like Malone, Rhino-Rack, or INNO also got models that fit Subaru Impreza roof rails well, just less popular than Yakima or Thule but solid options.
Conclusion
Choosing a kayak rack for your Subaru Impreza ain’t just a pick-and-go task. You gotta think about your roof setup, what boat you hauling, and how often you’re hitting the water. If you mess up the match, it’s either gonna scratch your ride or send your kayak tumbling. So yeah—don’t skip the boring stuff. Measure, check specs, and pick something that fits both your boat and your car.
Need help picking something for a Subaru Impreza hatchback vs sedan? They not exactly same size either, so watch the roof length when choosing racks.
