Picking the best kayak racks for Kia Forte ain’t just about price or brand. Since the Kia Forte is a compact sedan with a smooth roofline, not all racks gonna fit right out the box. You’ll need setups that work well with either bare roofs or aftermarket crossbars. This list focuses on racks that actually stay put, won’t mess with your paint, and make hauling your kayak less of a chore. Whether you drive the Kia Forte LX, EX, or GT-Line, these options got better fit and function for small sedans like yours.
Best 5 Kayak Racks for Kia Forte
01. XGeek Kayak Roof Rack
If you got a Hyundai Santa Cruz and you wanna haul more than just a kayak without wreckin’ your roof paint or losing your mind mid-install, the XGeek Kayak Roof Rack might hit just right. This ain’t your basic rack—it’s made from anodized aviation-grade aluminum, so it’s tough, lightweight, and don’t rust even if you’re near salty air or constant rain. With a weight capacity of 158 lbs and room for kayaks up to 42 inches wide, it’s got way more muscle than most roof racks at this price. Plus, the fold-down feature is smooth – you ain’t gonna lose headroom in your garage, and the angle adjusts to fit not just kayaks, but even skis, surfboards, and gear bags.
They went extra on the mounting details, too. You’re gettin’ 75mm screws with soft thread ends to avoid roof damage during bumpy rides. If your Santa Cruz crossbars are slimmer, they even throw in 65mm screws just to get that flush fit. Pretty thoughtful. Instructions come clear (for once), and if you still mess up? 24/7 customer support got you. No cap.
Pros:
- ✅ Holds 2 kayaks vertically and fits most crossbar shapes (round, square, oval)
- ✅ Made with 2.2mm thick aviation-grade aluminum—super sturdy & rustproof
- ✅ Adjustable fold-down angle works for more than just kayaks
- ✅ Comes with two screw sizes for a tight but safe fit
- ✅ Support replies fast if you hit install trouble
Cons:
- ❌ Setup can be a bit much if you’re new to roof racks (lots of parts)
- ❌ Not the cheapest option, but you do get way more quality for it
- ❌ Foam padding is solid, but might compress a little over time if left loaded
For real, this one’s built with kayak transport, roof safety, and multi-function hauling in mind. Whether you’re riding out to Lake Tarpon, hittin’ the coast with boards, or hauling snow gear outta state, this rack’s built to carry the load—and not destroy your roof while doin’ it.
02. Thule Hull-a-Port XTR Roof Rack
If you’re runnin’ with a Hyundai Santa Cruz and wanna haul a yak without makin’ your roof cry, the Thule Hull-a-Port XTR Roof Rack is a seriously tough setup. Straight up, this thing’s been put through salt chambers, UV blasts, and heat tests that’d make Arizona jealous. And it shows—built like a tank but somehow still sleek. You can carry 1 kayak (up to 75 lbs) or slap on two if you get the stacker-style load goin’. It mounts easy on most crossbars (T-track and round/square setups too), and folds down flatter than a pizza box when you’re not using it, so no whistling on the freeway or clearance issues at parking garages.
The rubber padding + durable steel frame makes sure your kayak doesn’t slide around or get dented like a soda can. And yeah, you’re also gettin’ the tie-down straps and bow/stern lines you need – no hidden upsells. The Thule name costs a little more, but it’s not hype. Their Test Center legit tries to break these things before shipping ’em out. You’ll feel that quality every time you lock a kayak in and it doesn’t budge an inch.
Pros:
- ✅ Rugged AF – tested in cold, heat, salt, UV, and then shaken like a margarita
- ✅ Folding J-cradle design helps with garage clearance, wind drag
- ✅ Can convert to carry 2 kayaks vertically with adapter mode
- ✅ Comes with everything—straps, tie-downs, full deal
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than most racks, even though it’s just for 1-2 kayaks
- ❌ Can get a bit squeaky if you never clean the joints (dirt buildup = noise)
- ❌ Takes up roof space fast if you’re not stacking vertically
For serious paddlers, this ain’t a gimmick. It’s one of the few kayak roof rack systems that’ll hold up season after season, no matter if you’re headed to Silver Springs, Lake George, or somewhere salty near St. Pete.
03. PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack
Running double kayaks on your Hyundai Santa Cruz? The PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack comes as a 2-pair set (that’s 4 J-bars total), so you’re good for haulin’ 2 kayaks without gettin’ creative with rope and duct tape. Built from high-quality alloy steel, this thing’s surprisingly tough—handles up to 150 lbs total load, which is more than enough for most recreational setups. The J-bar design is wide-mouthed, makes tossin’ your yak up there way less annoying, especially when you’re already sweating from dragging it uphill. Plus, it’s got adjustable padding on the frame, so you’re not wrecking the hull every time you drive over a pothole.
Where it earns points is in versatility—it ain’t just for kayaks. You can also stack up surfboards, canoes, windsurfing gear, or even a slim snowboard setup if that’s your thing. Just a heads-up though—it won’t fit round crossbars, which is kinda limiting. And the included 8 ft tie-down straps do the job, but if you’re strapping in something bulky, might wanna upgrade those later.
Pros:
- ✅ Holds 2 kayaks, solid 150 lbs weight support
- ✅ Strong alloy steel frame with rust-resistant coating—good for beach trips
- ✅ Fits most flat, oval, square crossbars, super universal
- ✅ Can haul more than just kayaks—paddleboards, canoes, snow gear
Cons:
- ❌ Not compatible with round crossbars—check before buying
- ❌ Padding’s decent but not super thick, might wanna add extras if going long distance
- ❌ Straps included are okay—but might fall short on extra-large gear
Whether you’re headed to Weeki Wachee or sneaking into a backwater spot only locals know, the PIRIPARA kayak rack system makes it way easier. It’s tough, holds a pair, and don’t need an engineering degree to install.
04. Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack
So you’re rockin’ a Hyundai Santa Cruz and want somethin’ that can carry kayaks, canoes, or even your SUP without swapping racks every dang weekend? The Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is basically the Swiss army knife of roof carriers. This ain’t just for one boat—it’ll carry a recreational kayak, a touring kayak, two stacked yaks, even a canoe or stand-up paddleboard. It comes with fold-down arms, which means when it’s not in use, it ain’t sticking up like a sore thumb. Plus, the quick-release system makes adjusting it stupid easy. You also get SUP foam pads, cam-style straps, and bow/stern tie-downs, so the setup’s not just functional, it’s road-trip ready.
Where it wins big? Durability. Built with coated steel, over-sized padding, and heavy-duty molded parts, this rack’s basically armor for your rooftop haulin’. It works with nearly all crossbar styles—square, oval, round, factory bars—whatever your Santa Cruz’s got. Comes with two lengths of mounting bolts too, which is rare but super useful when dealing with thicker bar setups.
Pros:
- ✅ Carries 1 or 2 kayaks, SUPs, or even a canoe—crazy versatile
- ✅ Folds down flat, garage-friendly and looks cleaner when not used
- ✅ Includes extra-long bolts and universal mounting hardware
- ✅ Lifetime limited warranty for peace of mind (even if you never read fine print)
Cons:
- ❌ A bit heavier than single-use racks – makes install/uninstall kinda annoying
- ❌ May not be ideal if you’re only carrying a single small kayak
- ❌ Folding release can feel stiff when wet or muddy
Bottom line, if you bounce between water toys and want a roof rack for Santa Cruz that won’t flinch no matter what you load up—this one’s got your back. From paddleboard adventures to hauling a canoe on a windy highway, the Foldaway-5 eats it all up.
05. Yakima JayLow Kayak J Cradle
You got a Hyundai Santa Cruz and want that kayak rack that actually pulls its weight? The Yakima JayLow Kayak J Cradle ain’t playin’. This one’s convertible, meaning you haul 1 kayak in J-cradle style or pop it upright and load 2 kayaks vertical—like stacking pancakes, only way less messy. That kinda flex is rare. You’re not stuck with a one-trick setup. It’s got a cam lever too, lets you tilt and lock the arms how you want, and it actually holds. No jiggle-jiggle nonsense. Comes with all the straps, bow/stern tie-downs, the full deal. Whether you’re hitting backwater swamps or some lake off a dirt trail, this thing’s gonna hold like a champ.
Fit and finish? Tough. Black powder-coated steel, weather don’t scare it. Been around since 1979, Yakima knows what they’re doing—ain’t some brand that popped up last year with Instagram ads. One catch? It’s a bit more $$$ than the others, but honestly, if you’re hauling gear at 70 MPH on I-75, you want that peace of mind.
Pros:
- ✅ 1 or 2 kayak setup – adjustable for single or tandem hauls
- ✅ Tool-free adjustability with the cam lever—super quick to fine-tune
- ✅ Comes with all straps + tie-downs outta the box
- ✅ Built with premium materials, takes abuse like a champ
Cons:
- ❌ You pay a bit more than the budget racks
- ❌ When hauling 2 kayaks, loading’s a bit trickier and takes more muscle
- ❌ Heavier than it looks—install isn’t bad, but you’ll feel it
If your Santa Cruz is all set up and you’re serious about gear that won’t quit, the JayLow gives you versatile kayak transport without cutting corners. Whether you’re trailering up to Weeki Wachee, or just weekend paddlin’ near shore, this one’s rock-solid.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Kia Forte
Before you do anything, gotta look at your Kia Forte roof. If it don’t have factory rails or crossbars, you’ll need to add a roof rack system first. Can’t mount a kayak rack on plain metal, that’s just not how it works. Brands like Rhino-Rack, Yakima, or Thule got kits for sedans like the Forte, but make sure it fits snug, not all of ‘em will.
Roof Weight Is Kinda a Big Deal
Most Kia Forte models can hold around 120 lbs up top. That’s including the weight of both the rack and kayak. You throw up a sit-on-top kayak that’s 55 lbs plus a 15–20 lb rack—you’re already at like 70–80 lbs. Add a second boat? You’re probly goin’ over. Don’t guess that part, check your car’s manual or ask the dealership if it ain’t clear.
Rack Type Matters A Lot
You got different types. J-style kayak racks angle the boat so you save space. But loading those on a compact car like a Forte? Not always easy unless you got arms like a forklift. There’s also saddle-style racks, they let the kayak sit flat, more stable but eats up the whole roof. And then there’s temporary foam pads—they cheap, easy to throw on, but sketchy for highway speeds.
Think About How You’ll Load It
A lot of people don’t think ‘bout this till it’s too late. If you’re short, or not tryna lift 50 lbs over your head, then racks with load-assist features make a big difference. Some come with roller attachments that help you slide the kayak up from the back. Otherwise, you’re draggin’ the boat across the roof, and that just messes up the paint.
Kayak Length vs. Car Length
Most Kia Forte models are around 182 inches long. That’s a bit over 15 feet. If your kayak is 12 ft or longer, it’s gonna stick out in front and back. Now that ain’t always illegal, but in some states you gotta tie a red flag on the end if it sticks out past the rear bumper. Some even require front and rear tie-down straps for highway safety, and cops will pull you over if it looks unsafe.
Height Gets Ignored But It Shouldn’t
With a kayak on top, your height might go up to around 7–8 feet depending on the rack and kayak thickness. Low clearance garages? Drive-thrus? Yeah, they might turn into a headache. You might even forget it’s up there and try to park like usual, which… don’t.
Pay Attention to Rack Padding
If your kayak’s made of fiberglass or some lighter material, you don’t want a rack that got no padding. Pressure points can leave dents if you cinch it too tight. Go for racks with foam or rubber cushioning. And make sure the straps that come with it don’t cut into the boat, especially on hot days when the plastic gets softer.
Straps & Tie-Downs Gotta Be Right
Don’t just use old ratchet straps from the garage. Get actual kayak tie-down straps that don’t stretch. And always strap it at two points—middle ain’t enough. For long trips, recheck ‘em halfway through. Wind can loosen stuff, and your kayak goin’ airborne at 60 mph? That’s a lawsuit and probably jail.
Watch the Wind & Speed
Kayak racks on Kia Forte will affect how the car handles. Even more if you drive fast or there’s crosswind. The car’s light, so wind resistance from a kayak can pull your steering. Don’t try to push it past 65 mph with a boat on top. Fuel efficiency gonna drop too, by around 10–15%, depending on the rack and kayak size.
Climate Messes With Materials
Live in a hot state like Texas or Arizona? The sun’ll wreck cheap plastic racks in no time. Rainy areas like Oregon or Michigan? Go for rust-resistant materials, like aluminum or stainless steel components. Always rinse the rack after salty air or road grit—metal bolts and clamps can seize up if you don’t.
Kayak Shape Plays a Role Too
Got a touring kayak? Those usually narrower and longer. They fit better on saddle-style racks. Fishing kayaks, though—wider and heavier. Might not fit on some J-cradles at all. Always check kayak width against the rack’s max supported dimensions.
