Finding the best kayak racks for Subaru WRX ain’t just pick-n-go. That car got curves and a low roofline, so not all racks gonna fit right or ride quiet. You need something that holds tight at high speed, don’t shake on bumps, and won’t wreck the paint job. This ain’t your average SUV setup—WRX needs gear that actually matches its sporty frame and your kayak’s weight. If you mess up here, the whole trip could go sideways before you even reach water.
Best 5 Kayak Racks for Subaru WRX
01. PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack
If you’re using a Subaru Impreza and been lookin’ for a no-nonsense solution to carry your kayak, the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack ain’t the worst bet. This thing got a steel frame that don’t bend easy, even when you’re haulin’ a big boy kayak. Fits roof bars up to 3.3 inches wide, so works with most factory and aftermarket crossbars. It come with two pairs of J-style racks, so if you got two kayaks—sorted. You won’t need to buy extras ‘cause they thrown in ratchet straps, tie-down ropes, and all the screws and bolts. You’ll need a wrench, though, they ain’t included. Set it up once and then you’re good to go for the summer.
But hold up, it ain’t all sunshine. The padding coulda been thicker, especially if you’re working with fiberglass kayaks—could use extra foam for safety. And if you’ve got a lifted ride or just short arms, reaching up to load the second kayak is not fun. If your Subaru Impreza got a narrower roof rack, make sure to measure first ‘cause this thing has a bulkier footprint. Also, instructions are… meh, kind of vague. But hey, once you figured it out, it’s solid.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Solid steel construction, rust-resistant
- ✅ Includes 2 pairs of racks for carrying two kayaks
- ✅ Comes with ratchet straps, tie-downs, and all mounting hardware
- ✅ Compatible with most crossbars
- ✅ Affordable option with solid grip
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Instructions are confusing
- ❌ Padding could be thicker
- ❌ Mounting hardware may need retightening
- ❌ Needs better compatibility info for narrow factory racks
- ❌ No installation tool included
02. GZDEMYYXGS J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack
You gonna haul that kayak on your Subaru Impreza, right? This GZDEMYYXGS J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack ain’t bad for it. It fits just fine with most crossbars (round, square, factory, don’t matter much). You get a pair of steel J-cradles, rust-resistant coating’s on ‘em, and the padding is thick too – won’t chew up your kayak hull. Rack feels solid while loading, not wobbly like some cheap ones. You also get two ratchet tie-downs and some decent nylon straps, though, you might end up replacing the straps eventually if you’re picky.
You don’t gotta remove ‘em after every use, unless your garage height real tight. Installation wasn’t hard, but if you’re not used to roof racks, it could take ya 20–25 mins first go. Good for highway speeds too – didn’t hear no annoying whistling. If you’re using it with a Subaru Impreza, the overall height stays okay-ish, still fits a lotta standard parking decks.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel construction, decent black powder coat
- ✅ Padded cradle arms protect kayak body
- ✅ Works well with Subaru Impreza factory crossbars
- ✅ Budget-friendly for a roof-mounted kayak carrier
- ✅ Straps and bow-stern tie downs included
❌ Cons
- ❌ Instructions kinda vague, bit of guessing involved
- ❌ Included straps ain’t the toughest for long hauls
- ❌ No locking feature, gotta watch your gear if parked out long
- ❌ Fixed angle – no folding, might be in the way when not hauling
03. Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack
You probably thinking if this Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack gonna fit your Subaru Impreza—yep, it does. Works with round, square, and most factory crossbars, just make sure they ain’t too wide or oval. The J-style rack folds down when you don’t need it up, so less wind drag. Comes with 2 pairs (so, 4 racks total) and straps included too. Can carry 2 kayaks easy—each up to 100 lbs. No fuss install. The foam padding’s thick, won’t scratch up your boat or bars. If you ain’t got too much space in the garage, folding design’s gonna help when storing.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Works with many types of crossbars, including factory Subaru Impreza roof racks
- ✅ Holds 2 kayaks (or paddleboards too, if you strap ’em right)
- ✅ Folds down flat when not using—less wind resistance
- ✅ Comes with tie down straps & all the mounting hardware
- ✅ Thick foam cushions help prevent dents or scuffs on kayak
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Mounting bolts may feel short on some thicker crossbars
- ❌ Folding mechanism might feel stiff at first
- ❌ Not ideal for folks with super tall SUVs—reaching can be tough
- ❌ Manual is kinda unclear in spots (need to figure out some stuff yourself)
- ❌ If you leave it out in the sun too long, some rust might show eventually
04. XGeek Kayak Roof Rack
If you’re thinkin’ of hauling a kayak on your Subaru Impreza, the XGeek Kayak Roof Rack might fit the bill better than some pricier stuff out there. It’s a J-style kayak carrier that actually comes with paddle holders and ratchet straps, which is kinda rare at this price. This thing is made from aviation-grade aluminum, but it don’t feel heavy when you pick it up. The arms fold down flat too, so you ain’t gotta keep takin’ it off when you not using it. For small cars like the Impreza, the low profile’s pretty handy. And the foam padding? It does the job well enough to stop your kayak from getting all scratched up. Mounting is straightforward on most roof crossbars, but the fitment might vary depending on bar type.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Fits most crossbars, including factory bars on some Subaru models
- ✅ Aluminum alloy frame feels solid and doesn’t rust easy
- ✅ Includes ratchet straps and paddle holders, not just cheap ropes
- ✅ Folds down flat, you don’t gotta remove it every time
- ✅ Holds 2 kayaks side-by-side when fully expanded
❌ Cons
- ❌ Might rattle a bit on highways if not tightened well
- ❌ Instructions ain’t very clear – you’ll probably just figure it out yourself
- ❌ Padding could be thicker, especially if you’re hauling a fiberglass kayak
- ❌ Might not fit oval bars unless you mod the brackets a bit
- ❌ Some users said it rusts after heavy rain even though it’s “anti-rust”
05. Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier
If you’re thinking to mount a kayak rack on your Subaru Impreza, the Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier might do the job without fuss. It’s got this J-style design that saves roof space so you can squeeze in extra gear or maybe a second kayak carrier if your crossbars are wide enough. The cradles are padded okay, not too thick but enough to not chew up your kayak on the ride. The metal frame doesn’t feel flimsy, but if you’re hitting bumpy roads a lot, you’ll probly wanna re-tighten things once in a while. Fits most factory crossbars or aftermarket racks, but test your clearance before heading out.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Works well with Subaru Impreza roof racks, no major fiddling needed
- ✅ Comes with tie-down straps included – not the best straps but still usable
- ✅ J-cradle design helps free up space on your roof rack
- ✅ Padding helps reduce scratches on kayak hulls
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Straps aren’t long enough for big fishing kayaks or tandems
- ❌ A bit noisy at high speeds if left mounted empty
- ❌ Some users report rust after rain unless coated or removed
- ❌ You gotta remove the carrier to get full clearance in low garages
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Subaru WRX
Picking a kayak rack for your Subaru WRX ain’t about just grabbing anything off the shelf. That car’s roof ain’t the tallest, and it got that sporty sloped design that messes with some bulky roof setups. So, what you pick gotta match both your car’s roofline and your loading strength (or lack of it, be honest). You ever tried lifting an 80 lb kayak on a slick roof with short arms? Yeah, it ain’t fun.
Start off by figuring what kind of roof setup your WRX already got. If you ain’t got factory crossbars, you’ll need to first get a roof rack system that fits that body frame snug. Most WRX trims support aftermarket crossbars like Yakima, Thule, or Rhino-Rack, but you gotta double-check measurements before you order. Measure width between mounting points; don’t eyeball it unless you like returns.
Compatibility with Aerodynamics of WRX
Now here’s the weird bit. The WRX ain’t shaped like an SUV. It’s low, wide, fast. That means high-profile racks can whistle louder than your turbo blow-off valve. So you want aerodynamic kayak racks—stuff shaped like wings. These usually cut down on drag and don’t kill your gas mileage that bad. J-style racks or saddle-style carriers often work well with that setup, depending on kayak size and number.
And don’t go heavy. The WRX got a roof load limit—check your manual, but it’s generally somewhere around 150 lbs including rack and load. So that limits you to maybe 1 large sit-on-top kayak, or 2 slim sea kayaks if you’re lucky. Add the rack weight too, cause those aluminum bars ain’t weightless.
Ease of Loading – A Big Deal for WRX Owners
Loading a kayak by yourself? WRX being a low car helps, but still can be a pain. So, some kayak roof racks offer tilt-down or lift-assist features. That’s real helpful if you’re not tall, or if your yak’s heavy. If you do solo loading often, consider something like rollers or load assist bars. Otherwise, you might scratch the car’s paint trying to muscle it up.
Also, foam blocks might sound cheap and cheerful, but they don’t secure that great on a WRX at high speeds. At 70+ mph, you want real mounting hardware, solid straps, and bow-stern tie-downs. Those are musts, not optional.
Kayak Rack Materials Matter More Than You Think
Cheap plastic kayak mounts bend under sun. Avoid them. Go for powder-coated aluminum or rust-resistant steel racks. Subaru WRX often used year-round—even in salty winters—so corrosion resistance becomes real important. You don’t want a rusted mess next year that squeaks like a hamster wheel on caffeine.
Also look at the padding. Foam pads on the rack arms should be thick, especially if your kayak’s got a composite or fiberglass hull. No padding or weak foam leads to scratches, or worse, dents on thin-hulled kayaks.
Security and Locking Mechanisms
You gonna park at trailheads or beach lots, yeah? Then you better get something that locks. WRX is already a target for gear thieves. Add visible kayak racks? Now you’re screaming “free loot here.” Go with racks that got built-in locks, or ones that let you add your own. Thule and Yakima offer locking cores compatible across different attachments. Don’t skip this.
It’s also worth looking at anti-theft straps. Some straps come with wire cores that resist cutting. Not foolproof, but slows ‘em down. That’s sometimes enough.
Final Thoughts Before You Buy Anything
Think about your kayak type too. Is it a sit-on-top, inflatable, or touring kayak? Bigger kayaks need wider cradles. Slim sea kayaks might slide unless the fit’s tight. You got a tandem kayak? That’s gonna be a load—even for WRX.
Lastly, don’t ignore noise and wind resistance. You may not care now, but first highway trip with a loud rack whistling non-stop will change that real quick. Look for wind diffusers, low-profile bars, or angle adjustments. Small changes, big difference.
Take your time. Choose what works for your kind of kayaking. The WRX deserves gear that fits its style and function. It’s not a pickup, not an SUV—it’s your ride, and your kayak deserves a good trip on top of it.
