Carrying a kayak on the roof of a Honda Pilot is not that difficult but some people tend to make a mess of it and in the process, they end up damaging either the roof of the car or the kayak itself. Before you even think of purchasing a kayak loader to get the kayak mounted on the roof of Honda Pilot, you need to get a roof rack installed on it otherwise, it will lead to a complete disaster sooner or later.
Thankfully, manufacturers have already come up with numerous varies of kayak roof racks for Honda Pilot owners so that you don’t have to run from pillar to post. To make your job even easier, here we have listed the top 5 kayak racks that are specifically designed for Honda Pilot car so that you can make a quick decision –
Best 5 Kayak Racks for Honda Pilot
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01. Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
The Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier is what you’d call a veteran in the game. It folds down when you’re not usin’ it, which saves you from drag and that howl-of-doom wind noise. You get a J-style cradle design, and the thing feels overbuilt—in the best way. On a Hyundai Santa Cruz, it sits clean, doesn’t tower awkwardly, and makes loading from the side actually doable without climbing the roof like a monkey. Fits a wide range of crossbars, and the quick on/off hardware makes swapping setups a total breeze.
Built with padded arms, it cradles your kayak like it’s precious cargo. And yeah, you’ll get all straps included—bow, stern, and main—so you’re not hunting through your garage with bungee cords. Everything locks down tight even on bumpy roads or when you forget to slow for that railroad crossing (we’ve all been there).
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Folds down flat when not in use, way easier for garage clearance
- ✅ High-quality padding keeps your kayak scuff-free
- ✅ Includes all necessary straps—no piecemeal nonsense
- ✅ Super stable on highway, even at 70+ mph
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Price is up there—definitely not budget-friendly
- ❌ Doesn’t carry 2 kayaks unless you buy a second unit
- ❌ Can rattle a little if you don’t fold it down when empty
If you’re serious about rooftop kayak transport, especially for longer or heavier boats, the Hull-a-Port Pro gives that solid, dependable vibe. It’s made for regular use—not the once-a-year lake trip crowd. Throw it on your rack, and it just works. Every time.
02. Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack
The Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack is old-school in all the right ways. Built from heavy-duty steel tubing with a rust-resistant coating, this one doesn’t flinch when you’re loading up a full-size kayak after a muddy day on the river. The universal mounting system works with most factory and aftermarket crossbars, so you ain’t stressing over compatibility. The foam padding on the contact points? It’s legit—keeps your kayak protected without feelin’ squishy or cheap. For folks who prefer things simple, rugged, and ready-to-go, this rack’s got that no-nonsense vibe.
Installation’s manual, but straightforward. You’ll be tightening bolts—not twisting knobs—so it’s got that “set it and forget it” kinda setup. Holds one kayak up to 75 lbs, and the J-cradle style makes loading easy from the side. Solid choice for someone hauling solo or not lookin’ to drop coin on folding mechanisms.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Super rugged steel frame, holds up in rough weather
- ✅ Foam-padded cradle protects hull during transport
- ✅ Universal fit for most crossbars, even stock ones
- ✅ Great for beginner paddlers or budget setups
❌ Cons:
- ❌ No folding feature—gotta remove it to fit in garages
- ❌ Manual install with bolts, takes longer than tool-free options
- ❌ Holds only one kayak, so you’ll need another for tandem setups
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, but still want something that’ll last a bunch of seasons, this kayak roof rack from Malone checks the boxes. Reliable, durable, and does the job—no flash, just function.
03. Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack
The Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack is like that one friend who’s low-key good at everything. Whether you’re loading a single kayak, two kayaks (stacked), or even a paddleboard, it adapts with a couple clicks. It’s got dual position modes—J-style and vertical—so you’re not boxed into just one way of hauling. That’s huge if you switch up gear depending on the trip. Built to fit most factory and aftermarket crossbars, this thing hugs your roof like it belongs there. If you’re rockin’ a Hyundai Santa Cruz, the fit looks sharp and doesn’t throw off the ride height too much.
Included with it: straps, tie-downs, and those classic Thule touches that make it feel premium. Loading solo? The angle and padding help a lot—less wrestling, more paddling. Long road trip? The wind noise is barely noticeable. It’s not just a kayak rack—it’s a multi-function carrier that happens to handle whatever you throw on top.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Carries 1 or 2 kayaks, or a SUP—rare versatility in this class
- ✅ Includes all straps and tie-downs—nothing extra to buy
- ✅ Switches from J-cradle to vertical mode fast
- ✅ Fits most crossbars, including factory bars on modern trucks and SUVs
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Slightly heavier than some competitors—lifting on/off takes effort
- ❌ Not great if you’re always hauling just one small kayak—overbuilt for that
- ❌ Can limit overhead clearance when in vertical mode
If you’re looking for one of those kayak/SUP roof racks that can handle multiple roles without switching gear every time, this one’s worth keeping strapped to the roof all season. Built tough, fits clean, and doesn’t flinch under load.
04. Best Marine Folding Kayak Roof Rack
The Best Marine Folding Kayak Roof Rack brings that no-fuss setup a lot of folks wish they bought first. Folds flat when not in use, so it don’t stick up like some weird antenna on your roof when the kayaks stay home. This one’s especially nice if you’re haulin’ kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or even small surfboards. It clamps onto most standard crossbars without needing tools, and includes all straps—so you’re not digging through your garage at the last second lookin’ for tie-downs that don’t exist.
You’re also gettin’ thick padded foam bumpers around the contact zones, so your kayak ain’t gettin’ chewed up on the drive. Loadin’ from the side is smooth—especially on mid-size vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, RAV4, or Outback. For weekend paddlers or road trip types, it’s the kinda rack that does what it says without acting like it’s solving world peace.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Folding J-cradle design—parking garages won’t hate you
- ✅ Universal fit for most round, square, oval, aero crossbars
- ✅ Includes all straps needed, no extra buys
- ✅ Foam padding protects both kayak hull and your roof rails
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Won’t carry more than 1 kayak per rack, need a 2nd set for tandem hauls
- ❌ Hardware finish may fade if left out in sun/rain year-round
- ❌ Not ideal for super heavy kayaks—keep it under ~75 lbs
If you want a roof rack for kayaks that doesn’t ask a lot, doesn’t cost a ton, and won’t make your roof look like scaffolding, this is one of the better bangs for your buck. Works great, stows quiet, and makes load-up days that much less annoying.
05. Goplus® Kayak Carrier
You ever stare at your kayak, then at your roof rack, and just sigh? The Goplus® Kayak Carrier kinda solves that whole ordeal without putting your wallet in a chokehold. It’s a J-bar rack system, classic style, but solid. You’re lookin’ at steel construction, thick foam padding, and universal mounting hardware that fits most crossbars like a charm. And yup—it’ll hold one kayak up to 165 lbs, which covers most folks unless you’re hauling some prehistoric canoe. Load up, strap down (all included), and hit the road in under 20 minutes.
Compatible with vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Outback, CR-V—you name it. The durability feels better than expected for the price. Foam feels dense, not the flaky kind. The finish on the steel holds up decently against weather if you’re not livin’ in a rust belt. Just don’t expect luxury-level adjustability—it’s more “get the job done” than “space-age tech.”
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Steel frame, durable enough for long drives and backroads
- ✅ Comes with all straps + mounting gear you need—no extras to buy
- ✅ Works with most factory or aftermarket roof racks
- ✅ Can handle kayaks up to 165 lbs, big win at this price
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Not foldable – gotta remove when not in use or deal with clearance issues
- ❌ Install can be awkward first time—some holes may need minor adjustment
- ❌ Foam pads can wear over time if left out in sun/rain nonstop
For a solid budget kayak roof rack, the Goplus gets the job done without drama. Great for weekend paddlers or folks testin’ the waters—literally—without droppin’ premium coin.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Honda Pilot
Trying to haul your kayak with a Honda Pilot? Not as simple as tossing it on the roof. You’re gonna need the right kayak rack setup — or risk denting the top, or worse, watching your boat fly off down the freeway.
Why Honda Pilot Roof Shape Matters
So, Honda Pilot got a wide roof, a bit boxy. Not like a sedan. It affects wind drag and how well racks fit. If you’re dealing with crossbars that ain’t OEM (original equipment manufacturer), then that plays a role too. Some third-party crossbars don’t line up flush, or they sit too high, causing more sway during highway speeds. That’s bad news if you’re hauling a 10-foot sit-on-top kayak.
Also, check if yours got factory-installed side rails. Pilots from 2016 onward? Most trims got ‘em. But older ones? Might not. Kayak rack systems often need ‘em as a base.
Know Your Kayak Weight & Dimensions
Before buying anything, know how heavy your kayak actually is. You’d be surprised—some tandem kayaks are over 70 lbs. And that’s dry. Add water trapped inside? It gets heavier. Most kayak carriers for SUVs top out around 75-100 lbs weight limits. Don’t eyeball it, check the specs.
Also, length matters. Short kayaks (like 8-9 ft recreational kayaks) work with simple J-style racks. Longer sea kayaks? Better off using saddle-style cradles. Those give more contact surface, reducing flex during transport.
J-Cradles vs Saddles vs Stackers – What Actually Fits?
Don’t just pick whatever Amazon got highest ratings. Not everything fits the Honda Pilot roof.
- J-cradles are angled and let you mount the kayak on its side. Saves space, fits two kayaks easy. But adds height. If you got a garage with low clearance? Might smack the ceiling.
- Saddle carriers keep the boat flat, good for heavier kayaks. Also easier to load solo. But they hog roof space.
- Stackers? Good for whitewater kayaks or if you’re strapping 3+ boats. You need some muscle to tie ‘em all down.
Most people with Honda Pilot end up going with J-style kayak racks with tie-down straps and bow/stern lines. But make sure those J-cradles have padding. Scratches happen fast.
Pay Attention to Wind Noise and Gas Mileage
It ain’t just about carrying the boat. Once you got a kayak rack up top, you’ll hear wind noise increase. Some Honda Pilot roof rack crossbars make a howling sound at 65 mph if the rack ain’t aerodynamic.
Also, expect gas mileage to dip. Testers have shown fuel economy drops up to 3-5 mpg with a full roof-mounted kayak setup. That’s especially true if your rack and kayak ain’t aligned properly.
Load-Assist Features Make a Huge Difference
You ever tried lifting a 70 lb kayak onto a roof solo? Yeah, good luck with that if you’re not 6’2″ and built like a linebacker. Some racks come with load-assist arms or rollers, letting you slide the boat up from the back.
Brands like Thule Hullavator (yeah it’s pricey) actually lower the kayak rack down to window level. Game changer if you’re short or got shoulder pain. Just double check your Pilot’s roof weight rating—some assist racks weigh 40 lbs on their own.
Don’t Skip the Tie Downs
Don’t rely just on straps over the top. Use bow and stern lines, always. Many users mess this up and only secure the kayak side to side. But strong gusts or sudden stops? Boat shifts. And your paint job gonna pay.
Use ratcheting tie-downs or ropes with hood loops under the hood latch. They anchor the kayak from the front and back. Honda Pilot hood got space for those.
Fitment Isn’t Universal – Test Before You Buy If You Can
Just ‘cause a rack says “SUV compatible” doesn’t mean it fits every SUV the same. The roof width, rail spacing, and crossbar thickness on a 2022 Honda Pilot Elite ain’t the same as a 2014 base model.
Even within same model years, trims differ. Touring trims usually have better roof rail systems already. If you’re using aftermarket Yakima or Thule crossbars, you’ll need the right fit kit.
Final Quick Tips
- Go for rust-resistant hardware. You’ll thank yourself later when it rains.
- Don’t overtighten straps—warps hulls.
- Foam blocks are budget-friendly but shift more on highway speeds.
- Label your parts. Some racks got a dozen pieces and it’s easy to mess up reassembly.
- Winter? Store your rack inside if you’re in salty-road states. Keeps the mounts from corroding.
Choosing the right kayak rack for your Honda Pilot ain’t hard once you break it down. It’s mostly about making sure the gear actually fits, doesn’t screw up your gas mileage, and keeps your kayak from turning into a projectile.
Take your time, measure your setup, and don’t forget — test drive with the rack before loading a 12-foot boat up there.
