Kia Sorento is a pure beast when it comes to performance but carrying a kayak on its roof is a bit complicated, to say the least. Some people miscalculate things and end up attaching a kayak rack that is not compatible with Kia Sorento. Not all kayak roof racks are not compatible with Kia Sorento. This is the reason why our members at Kayak Manual have reviewed these racks personally before getting them listed here. You can be 100% certain that these kayak racks will fit seamlessly with your Kia Sorento without getting either the vehicle or the kayak damaged in the process. Listed are the top 6 kayak racks that you can attach to your precious Kia Sorento car –
Best 6 Kayak Racks for Kia Sorento
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01. ECOTRIC Kayak Roof Rack
Slappin’ the ECOTRIC Kayak Roof Rack on your ride (yep, even your Hyundai Santa Cruz) is kind of like givin’ it a rugged roof beard. You’re gettin’ 4 J-bars total, which means—surprise—this one actually carries 2 kayaks, unlike most setups that tap out at one. It’s built from thick 1.5mm steel tubing, so unless your kayak is forged from lead, it’s got you covered up to 75 lbs per boat. That high-temp black paint? Yeah, it ain’t just for looks—it’ll hold up when the sun’s doing its worst. Also, the foam pads + rubber base mean less jostle and scrape when you’re tearing down the highway or bumping along a backroad.
But hey, let’s talk turkey:
Pros:
- ✅ Carries TWO kayaks, not just one—double the fun, half the gas
- ✅ Can also haul surfboards, snowboards, windsurf gear, even small sailboats if you’re that kind of wild
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel build with weather-resistant coating – not some wobbly tin pipe from a sketchy vendor
- ✅ Universal mounts work with oval, square, and flat bars (as long as they ain’t round or chunky)
Cons:
- ❌ Instructions? Not included. YouTube’s your new best friend
- ❌ Won’t fit round crossbars or those oversized fancy ones
- ❌ The foam padding’s decent, but if you’re constantly loading/unloading, it’ll wear over time
This thing ain’t delicate—it’s a roof-mounted kayak hauler that’s down for whatever. From paddleboards to snowboards, if it fits, it sits. Just don’t expect a love letter in the box… ’cause it’s all metal and muscle, no frills.
02. AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
If you’re rollin’ with a Hyundai Santa Cruz and got more than one yak to haul, the AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack might just be your lowkey road MVP. You get 2 pairs, which means you’re strappin’ down two kayaks at once—no more takin’ turns with your buddy. Each J-bar folds down, so when you’re not haulin’ anything, they tuck away real nice, and you won’t have to pull ’em off just to get into your garage (which is… a very real pain). The bars got rubber pedal bases and legit foam padding—not that flimsy stuff—so your kayaks stay put, and your Santa Cruz doesn’t end up with war paint on the roof.
Where it gets spicy? The ratchet lashing straps. You’re getting 4 total, each one 16 ft long, rated to 2200 lbs test—way more than your kayak even dreams of weighin’. Now, you do gotta already have a roof rack installed (these don’t come with crossbars), so check your setup first.
Pros:
- ✅ Holds 2 kayaks right outta the box, big value win
- ✅ Folding design – pull into parking garages without smacking the roof
- ✅ Real rubber + foam padding, actually protects your gear and paint
- ✅ Heavy-duty ratchet straps included—no last-minute runs to hardware store
Cons:
- ❌ Crossbars not included – if you don’t have ‘em, this setup’s goin’ nowhere
- ❌ Might feel bulky on smaller crossbars or thinner roof setups
- ❌ Folding mechanism can stiffen a bit over time with dirt or salt exposure
For folks doing serious kayak hauling or weekend trips, this one’s a proper car top rack system for multi-kayak owners. Whether you’re cruisin’ to Crystal River, or heading up to some hidden paddle trail, you’ll appreciate the no-BS function it brings.
03. TMS Kayak Roof Racks
So you’re working with a Hyundai Santa Cruz and wanna keep it simple but solid? The TMS Kayak Roof Racks ain’t flashy—but they get the job done without punching your wallet in the face. You get 2 pairs (which means room for two yaks), and they clamp onto pretty much any crossbars you’ve already got—round, square, oval, flat, doesn’t matter much. The J-bar design holds each kayak on its side, keeping more roof space open for other stuff like boards, boxes, or straight-up nothing. It’s steel-built, got decent padding, and the powder-coated finish helps stop rust from creeping in when you forget to take ‘em off after a storm (yeah, it happens).
Installation? Takes minutes—like, real minutes, not “tool-free but confusing” minutes. Comes with all mounting hardware and 2 straps, though if your kayak’s over 75 lbs or wider than 36 inches, you’ll wanna look elsewhere.
Pros:
- ✅ Dirt-cheap compared to other roof-mounted kayak racks, but holds up well
- ✅ Compatible with most aftermarket and factory crossbars
- ✅ Slim J-bar shape saves room on the roof for more gear
- ✅ Hardware + straps included = no guessing game
Cons:
- ❌ Max weight is 75 lbs, so those big ol’ tandem yaks might be too much
- ❌ Padding feels basic—not junk, but not luxury either
- ❌ No folding feature—sticks up tall even when not in use, so garage fit might be tight
This one’s for the budget kayak haulers who need a no-fuss car top carrier setup that works. Whether you’re paddling at Silver Springs, Weedon Island, or just hauling gear for weekend escapes, the TMS rack is a solid ride-along – especially for folks who’d rather spend the money on a better paddle.
04. XGeek Kayak Roof Rack
You drivin’ a Hyundai Santa Cruz and want a rack that ain’t just strong—but knows how to fold, flex, and not mess up your ride? Then this XGeek Kayak Roof Rack is kinda wild, in the best way. It’s built from aviation-grade aluminum, so it’s lightweight and strong enough to carry a fat 158 lb kayak—or even your overly heavy fishing yak without a sweat. And yeah, it folds down too. Meaning when you’re not haulin’ stuff, you ain’t catching bugs or parking garage beams. The foam rubber pads don’t feel cheap either—like, they grip your kayak without chew marks left behind. Fits two kayaks vertical-style, so you can actually use the rest of your rack space.
The install kit’s extra thoughtful. Comes with 75mm and 65mm screws, so you’re not stuck grinding metal trying to force a fit. Bonus points for roof safety—they made sure the screws wouldn’t start tattooing scratches into your paint while you drive. Oh, and this ain’t just for kayaks either—skis, surfboards, canoes, gear bags—this rack’s down for it all.
Pros:
- ✅ 158 lbs load limit – can haul heavy fishing kayaks, tandems, or gear-packed setups
- ✅ Aviation aluminum frame is rustproof, sturdy, and surprisingly light
- ✅ Multiple screw lengths included to protect your car’s roof from damage
- ✅ Works on round, square, and oval crossbars (yup, even those weird OEM ones)
- ✅ Folds + adjusts angle to hold diff types of gear, not just yaks
Cons:
- ❌ Assembly instructions are a bit… “figure it out” at times
- ❌ No built-in locking system, gotta buy a separate solution if theft’s a concern
- ❌ On taller vehicles, vertical loading can be tough without a stool or side step
Honestly, if you’re doin’ regular hauls or just want one setup that works for kayaks, SUP boards, snow gear, and whatever else your Santa Cruz gets into—this rack ain’t just decent, it’s kinda overkill in a good way.
05. Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack
You ever try to pack a kayak, SUP, and a canoe all in one trip? If yes—you know it’s a circus. That’s where the Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack saves your whole Saturday. It’s wild versatile: toss a single kayak on its side, stack two yaks, throw on a canoe, or even strap down your big ol’ stand-up paddleboard—all with the same rack setup. No joke. The quick-release fold-down frames are clutch for garage clearance, and the universal mounting system works on pretty much any crossbar you can throw at it—round, oval, square, factory… even those weird hybrid ones some SUVs have.
If you’re bolting it to your Hyundai Santa Cruz, it’s like the rack and truck were built in the same lab. Comes with two bolt lengths so you get the perfect clamp pressure, and the padding’s thick—like actually chunky, not decorative. You also get cam-style straps, SUP insert pads, and bow/stern tie-downs—everything ready to go outta the box. Bonus? They tossed in a lifetime limited warranty, which is basically them saying, “We know this thing won’t die on you.”
Pros:
- ✅ Carries everything – kayak, canoe, 2 kayaks, SUP… a floating zoo if needed
- ✅ Fold-down arms for low clearance spots & tight storage
- ✅ Rugged build with corrosion-resistant steel and chunky padding
- ✅ Fits factory and aftermarket bars (no extra adapters needed)
Cons:
- ❌ Setup ain’t exactly plug-and-play if you hate reading instructions
- ❌ On taller vehicles, lifting a second kayak up top can get tricky solo
- ❌ Not the lightest rack system—be ready for a workout during install
You want one rack to rule ‘em all? This Malone kayak and SUP rack does the job. Whether you’re heading to the Gulf, a river trail, or a SUP yoga class in a swamp, it’s built for real gear, not toy stuff.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Kia Sorento
You’ll need to look at the roof first. Does your Kia Sorento come with factory-installed roof rails? Some trims got ‘em, some don’t. That changes what kind of kayak roof rack you can even use. Without side rails, you’ll need a full crossbar system—usually clamp-on style that grabs the door frame. If your Sorento already has flush rails, it’s a bit easier but still gotta match the clamp kit right.
Weight Matters, Don’t Just Eyeball It
Don’t go tossin’ stuff up there like it’s a pickup. The roof weight limit for the Kia Sorento is usually around 165 lbs total, including rack and gear. Say your kayak’s 50 lbs, and the rack adds 25, you’re still good. But with two kayaks, it gets tight. Overloading it? Could warp the roof or strip the mounts, and that’s real money to fix.
Choosing Between J-Style, Saddles, or Stackers
Now here’s where it gets messy. J-style kayak carriers work fine with mid-size SUVs like the Sorento. They angle the kayak so you still got some roof room left. Good if you’re haulin’ two boats. Saddle racks cradle the kayak flat—better support, but eats more space. And stacker racks? They let you stack kayaks on edge, but them are best if you got whitewater kayaks or multiple light boats. Pick what matches your ride and your kayak.
Roof Height vs. Your Arms
That Sorento ain’t low. You gotta lift that thing over 6 feet. You short or got shoulder issues? You’re gonna hate life without a load-assist kayak rack. Something like hydraulic lift-assist arms or roller-assisted carriers can make it bearable. If not, better ask a buddy to help or you might drop the boat clean on the windshield.
Weather + Material = Big Deal
Hot areas like Texas, Nevada, or Arizona, the sun bakes rubber fast. Straps dry rot, and plastic mounts warp. If you’re in rainy places like Washington, rust creeps into cheap metal racks. So for long-term use, go with UV-resistant straps, stainless steel parts, and racks with some kinda weatherproof coating.
Noise, Wind Drag, and MPG Loss
Biggest complaint people got after adding a rack? That whistling noise at 65 mph. That’s from poor aerodynamics and crossbars that ain’t shaped right. Round or square bars tend to hum more. Look for aero-style crossbars if you can swing it. Also—expect to lose 2–4 MPG with a kayak up top. You ain’t beating physics.
Tie Downs Ain’t Optional
It’s not enough to just strap it down sideways. You gotta add bow and stern lines too. One strong gust and it’ll lift off like a kite. Especially if your kayak sticks out over the windshield or back hatch. Some states got laws for this too, like California and New York—fines if you ain’t secured it right.
What Kind of Kayak You Got?
A sit-on-top kayak made from polyethylene can handle rougher racks, less padding needed. Touring kayaks, sea kayaks, or anything fiberglass? Needs soft cradles or thick rubber padding, or you’ll end up with dents or cracks. Fishing kayaks can be wide and heavy, sometimes over 80 lbs—watch out for those.
Can You Still Use the Liftgate?
One thing people forget—some kayak racks block your rear hatch if they’re mounted too far back. Especially on the Kia Sorento, where the hatch goes up high. You’ll need to mount the rack forward a bit, which might mean the kayak overhangs the windshield more. Test before locking things down.
Tools or No Tools?
You wanna be takin’ the rack off often? Go with a tool-free mounting system. Some of the newer quick-release kayak racks can be removed in under 2 minutes. But if you want stronger, longer-lasting mounts, ones with bolts and torque wrenches are safer but slower to remove.
