Everybody loves their Hyundai Santa Fe cars and rightly so. But carrying a kayak on its roof is easier said than done. Now, Hyundai Santa Fe kayak racks are available in different, sizes and forms and that means, finding the right kayak rack that can be attached seamlessly to your Hyundai Santa Fe is going to be an uphill battle for most of us. To make your job easy, here we have listed the best 6 kayak racks that you can install on your Hyundai Santa Fe without much fuss.
Best 6 Kayak Racks for Hyundai Santa Fe
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
1. Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier
The Rhino-Rack Folding J Style Kayak Carrier? Well, let’s talk about it. Right off the bat, it’s not your run-of-the-mill gear. You’re looking at something that genuinely holds up under pressure. You know when you grab something and immediately feel it’s solid? That’s what happens when you set this up. No fiddly bits, no second thoughts about its durability. Just a quiet kind of confidence, knowing it’s got your back.
Maybe you’ve had kayak racks before, but this one folds up and disappears when not in use – and that’s a relief, isn’t it? It doesn’t try to hog your roof space. You snap it down, and poof, it’s out of the way. Kind of like it knows when to step up and when to take a backseat, so your car doesn’t look like it’s dragging extra gear when you’re not even using it.
Loading up a kayak on this feels almost too easy. The arms cradle it perfectly, and you won’t be fighting with straps that somehow always twist themselves up. It’s like the straps decided to be on your side this time around. And with the padding on the carrier? You get the feeling your kayak’s getting a better ride than you are.
2. Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier
Your Hyundai Santa Fe needs a stylish and sturdy kayak rack and you cannot go wrong by selecting the Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier. It secures the kayak well in an upright position and you get quality straps. The carrying capacity of this rack is 165 pounds. It comes with thick padding to safeguard the kayaks. The bundled U-bolts make setting up the rack easy and you may be able to do it within a few minutes. It weighs about 11 pounds. The durability of the product is top-notch and the mounting hardware is of high quality. Its strap system is a joy to use and a metal latch is provided to operate it. Loading long kayaks is also possible.
3. XCAR Folding J-Bar Rooftop Kayak Rack
It is a great idea to take your Hyundai Santa Fe on kayaking trips to distant riverside locations from time to time. But you have to buy suitable kayak racks for the vehicle. The XCAR Folding J-Bar Rooftop Kayak Rack fits the bill well. This is a very durable rack and looks-wise, it matches the car well. J-Bar style rack is compatible with most rack bars barring the round ones. Thanks to the rack’s 180° Folding Motion, parking it in cramped spaces is not a problem. The rack is made of Aluminum Alloy and so it is lightweight. It is resistant to rusting as well. Each bar has 50mm foam attached and so you can be assured of the kayaks remaining in good shape. The company packs in 4 Extra Ratchet Straps. This rack weighs less than 16 pounds.
4. Malone Foldaway-5 Multi-Rack
Are you searching for a well built and sleek looking kayak rack for use with your Hyundai Santa Fe? Then look no further than the Malone Foldaway-5 Multi-Rack. It can be used to carry 2 kayaks vertically while inside position you can carry one kayak. The durability of the rack is top-notch owing to its corrosion-resistant coated steel. All the parts are of premium quality and you also get thick padding. Its universal mounting system makes it easy for you to fit the rack on most third-party load bars. The company is offering a limited lifetime warranty on this product. The rack weighs less than 10 kg and setting it up is a breeze. Since it is easily removable you may think of buying a lock.
5. Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack
At first glance, you might wonder what sets the Malone J-Pro Carrier apart from its competitors. But there’s a subtle brilliance in its design that speaks without shouting. The way it secures your kayak is almost like a tight hug—firm, yet gentle enough not to scratch or damage. You won’t be fiddling with this one for hours trying to figure out how everything works. Everything, it seems, is in its rightful place.
You might expect such carriers to rattle or shift when on rougher roads, but this one stays where it’s supposed to—quiet and reliable. It’s sturdy, not in the “built like a tank” kind of way, but more in the sense that it knows its job, and it does it well. The nylon straps are a bit like that friend who’s always got your back.
Installation’s a breeze, and it fits a wide range of crossbars without feeling forced. Yet, there’s this feeling of weightlessness when you’re driving, like you’re hardly carrying anything on the roof at all. Your kayak stays put as if it was made for this exact setup.
6. Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
The Yakima Jayhook Kayak Rack is a reliable, unassuming companion for those who fancy a good paddle. It’s designed not to overcomplicate things, yet gets the job done better than many others in its class. The grips? They hold firm, almost like they’re hugging your kayak, so you don’t worry too much during the ride. And the assembly is straightforward. It’s not finicky, like some other racks that seem more interested in looking fancy than being functional.
What really stands out here is the subtle way it secures your kayak without fanfare. You might catch yourself staring at how well it fits. A bit snug, but in the kind of way that makes you think it’s been customized just for your kayak. And yet, it’s universal. That twist? You don’t find it often.
This rack? It’s unpretentious. It doesn’t try to draw attention to itself, no over-the-top design choices, no unnecessary frills. Just a sturdy, practical setup that ensures your kayak stays put. When you’re on the highway, you’ll appreciate how the Yakima doesn’t make you second-guess its hold on your gear. Quiet confidence, I guess you’d call it.
Does the Yakima rack have bells and whistles? Nah, but it doesn’t need ’em. It’s simple, solid, and has that no-nonsense feel. If you want a kayak carrier that prioritizes reliability over showing off, this is where you’d land.
How to Choose The Best Kayak Racks For Hyundai Santa Fe
When it comes to choosing the best kayak rack for your Hyundai Santa Fe, there are several factors to consider, ensuring you get the right balance between convenience, safety, and functionality. Given the range of rack designs on the market, selecting the ideal option can feel like quite a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know, from the various types of racks to the features that will make your kayaking adventures much smoother.
Understanding Your Needs and Vehicle Fit
Start by understanding your vehicle and your kayak transportation needs. The Hyundai Santa Fe, with its sleek roofline, can handle a variety of roof rack options, but you’ll want to make sure the crossbars you choose fit well with the car’s roof rails. If you’re using a Hyundai with panoramic sunroofs or low-profile rails, racks such as the Brightlines Crossbars provide a low-cost option with a streamlined fit, though some users find them a bit close to the roofline.
A higher clearance option may be needed if you want to avoid contact with your roof while loading the kayak.
Load Capacity and Weight Distribution
Pay close attention to the load capacity. Most Hyundai Santa Fe models can easily handle racks with capacities between 130 to 165 pounds. However, always account for the combined weight of the rack and the kayak to avoid surpassing your vehicle’s limits.
Multi-kayak racks, such as those offered by Yakima or Rhino, are designed for those carrying more than one boat. These racks help save space by allowing you to stack multiple kayaks, but you will need to tie each kayak separately. If you regularly travel with companions, this might be your most efficient option.
Durability and Material Considerations
Durability matters, especially for long-distance travel and exposure to the elements. Look for racks with strong materials, such as powder-coated steel or anodized aluminum, which are resistant to rust and corrosion. Many high-quality racks come with padded cradles or rubberized grips to prevent hull damage while in transit.
Conclusion
Selecting the right kayak rack for your Hyundai Santa Fe requires weighing your needs against the features available on the market. From ease of loading with load-assist models like the Thule Hullavator Pro to the budget-conscious but highly durable Reese Explore J-Rac, there’s an option for everyone. Just ensure you account for your kayak’s weight, your vehicle’s roof specs, and the installation process. By doing so, you’ll find a kayak rack that complements both your vehicle and your kayaking adventures perfectly.
