Hyundai Tucson is inarguably one of the most stylish cars out there for all the Americans out there. It oozes out stylish and is a symbol of comfort. But carrying a car on its roof is a bit complicated. If you don’t install a kayak rack on its roof properly, you might soon find yourself in a tough spot. To make the job easier for you, we have personally reviewed some of the best kayak racks available in the market and have created this curated list. This list contains the most popular and the most affordable kayak racks that can be effortlessly attached to your Hyundai Tucson without getting the roof damaged in the process. Take a look at these kayak racks and let us know what you think about them in the comment section –
Best 6 Kayak Racks for Hyundai Tucson
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1. XGeek Kayak Roof Rack
Are you in the mood to take your Hyundai Tucson for a spin towards the riverside and spend some time kayaking? If that is something you want to do occasionally, invest in a compatible kayak rack for the vehicle. Try out the XGeek Kayak Roof Rack and you will be happy. Setting up the rack is absolutely simple. You get detailed guidelines for setup. In the pack, you get all the required fixtures. The rack, made up of a quality aluminum alloy tube, is robust. It will not be affected easily by rusting. You can carry a kayak weighing up to 72 kg on this rack. The rack’s 180°Folding Design enhances ease of usage. The rack weighs only 5.5 kgs.
2. Kuat Class 2 – Rooftop Kayak System
You may need a simple yet sturdy kayak rack for your Hyundai Tucson and the abundance of models in the market may leave you baffled. If performance over styling is what you need, opt for the Kuat Class 2 – Rooftop Kayak System. It may not have too many fancy features but you may rely on the rack for carrying kayaks with ease. With this rack, you can carry kayaks weighing up to 80 pounds with aplomb. The rack is laden with Co-molded rubber to ensure the kayaks are safeguarded from damages. Even the cam buckles are rubber protected. You also get a No Worries Warranty on it.
3. AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
When you first lay hands on the AA-Racks J-Style Folding Kayak Rack, it’s clear this is more than a simple transport tool. You notice right away, the solid metal frame has that robust feel, not flimsy like some other racks. Feels like it’ll outlast even the roughest of trips. It folds flat against your roof, like a quiet sentinel when not in use, blending into the car’s silhouette without fuss.
You’ll appreciate the ease of strapping your kayak down, yet at the same time, the rack doesn’t just accommodate your board; it cradles it. No more fretting over your kayak shifting around like an untamed beast. It’s like the rack anticipates those twists and turns on the road, keeping everything secure without you having to double-check.
A quirk worth mentioning, though, is how the foldable design could sometimes take an extra nudge. It’s not a major thing, but just enough to remind you that nothing’s perfect, right? Still, the sturdy nature more than makes up for this little hiccup. Once you’ve mounted it, though, there’s a certain kind of satisfaction knowing you’ve made a reliable choice.
4. Best Marine Folding Kayak Roof Rack
You may not need a costly kayak for use with your Hyundai Tucson. If steady performance and reliability is more important than a brand name, you may go for the Best Marine Folding Kayak Roof Rack. The rack is good for carrying kayaks of varying sizes and shapes. The rack is foldable too. It is made of quality steel and rusting will not be an issue. You can carry kayaks weighing up to 45 kgs with them. The company packs in straps and all required fixtures. Its aerodynamic design ensures the wind noise is minimal. Overall, it offers great value for money.
5. ECOTRIC J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Carrier
When you want a stylish and robust kayak rack for the Hyundai Tucson and do not want to burn a hole in the pocket, try the ECOTRIC J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Carrier. It is made of high-quality materials and setting up the rack is pretty simple. In the pack, you get all the mounting fixtures along with straps. The rack weighs less than 16 pounds. You get Assembly Instruction with the unit. It weighs only 7.2 kg. Thanks to its Wide mouth J bar design, loading a kayak or removing it will be easy. The maximum carrying capacity is 165 pounds.
6. IKURAM Kayak Roof Carrier Rack
When you look at the YAKIMA SkyBox Rooftop Cargo Box, it’s hard not to be struck by how much space you gain without losing the sleek design. You won’t find yourself struggling with bulky shapes or hard-to-handle edges. It fits onto your vehicle in a way that feels natural, as if it was always meant to be there. Sometimes, you just need that extra room without compromise, right?
Its smooth finish is more than just aesthetics, though. You’ll notice how it cuts through the wind with little effort, keeping your fuel efficiency relatively intact, unlike many others in its class. You wouldn’t want to sacrifice performance for a little extra storage, would you? Installation feels straightforward, though the process might give you a few surprises along the way.
But, it’s nothing you can’t handle. It locks into place securely, making you feel confident about your gear staying safe even on bumpy roads. The last thing you want is to worry about your equipment, especially when the road gets rough. You’ll also love the dual-sided opening— it’s almost too convenient. Whether you’re parked on a narrow street or in a cramped garage, accessing your stuff from either side makes life just a little easier.
How to Choose The Best Kayak Racks For Hyundai Tucson
Choosing the best kayak rack for your Hyundai Tucson is not as simple as picking the first one that pops up on a shopping site. You’ve got to think about the nuances—your vehicle’s structure, how often you’ll be using the rack, the type of kayaks you’re hauling, and even the environmental conditions you’ll face. Every little detail matters. So, before you hit that checkout button, let’s break things down to help you make the right choice.
01. Understanding Your Vehicle’s Roof
First things first. What’s on top of your Hyundai Tucson? Does it already have factory-installed crossbars, or are you starting from scratch? Some models come equipped with roof rails, but not always with crossbars. And trust me, that small distinction matters. Roof rails run front to back, while crossbars run across from left to right, forming the actual foundation on which most racks attach.
If you’re working with just roof rails, you’ll have to invest in crossbars. Crossbars differ in material, weight capacity, and even aerodynamic design. Opt for something sturdy, but be mindful of the noise factor—some racks whistle like a referee during highway drives. A little extra quietness can be a game-changer on long road trips.
02. Installation and Removal Ease
Ever tried installing a kayak rack by yourself? It can be a bit of a challenge. Some racks are simple to install, requiring minimal tools and expertise, while others demand more time, tools, and patience. If you’re someone who likes switching racks or prefers taking them off when not in use, prioritize racks that are easy to remove. Look for models with quick-release levers or clamps—these save a lot of hassle.
Also, not all racks come with all the necessary tools for installation. It might seem like a small thing, but having to run out to grab a torque wrench because your rack didn’t come with one can throw off your plans. So double-check what’s included in the package before you buy.
03. Weather Resistance
Speaking of weather, another key factor to consider is how well your rack will hold up in the elements. Kayak racks are usually exposed to sun, rain, wind, and even snow, depending on where you live. Opt for corrosion-resistant materials, like aluminum or powder-coated steel. A kayak rack that rusts within a year is not just inconvenient; it’s unsafe.
And don’t forget about the straps. While most kayak racks come with tie-down straps, not all of them are made from weather-resistant material. Look for UV-resistant straps to prevent wear and tear from the sun. Rubber or neoprene padding is also a plus to protect both your kayak and your vehicle from damage.
Final Thoughts
The right kayak rack for your Hyundai Tucson isn’t just about getting your kayak from point A to point B. It’s about safety, convenience, and long-term durability. Understanding the intricacies of what your car can handle, what your kayak requires, and what your future adventures demand are key in choosing the perfect rack.
