If you are looking for a rack to securely hold your kayak on the back of your car, then you should be aware that there is no shortage of options. You’ll need to find one that best suits your needs and budget. The good news is, we’ve done the research for you! We compiled a list of the best racks for Kia Sportages from our top ten choices in order to help narrow down your search.
Best 6 Kayak Racks for Kia Sportage
1. Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
The Hull-A-Port is the only carrier on the market that can accommodate sea and whitewater kayaks in one convenient package. It’s versatile shape makes it easy to load by just lifting your kayak, putting it in place, and tightening up the straps from there so you don’t have to worry about scratching or denting your precious cargo during transport. It also folds down for easier storage when you’re not using it so you can keep more room available in your Kia Sportage when traveling to different destinations.
The Hull-A-Port has a padded design to protect your boat as well as J Style hooks which allow more room for fishing poles, luggage, and whatever else needs hauling around this summer.
2. Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak
Introducing the Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak, a high performance kayak carrier for your favorite activity. This rack from Thule is durable and non-slip which will ensure that you can enjoy this amazing watersport all year round. It has protective pads to keep your gear safe in transit so no need to worry about scratches on the roof of your Kia Sportage or kayak. The tilt down system provides easy loading and unloading and it doesn’t matter if you’re carrying one or two kayaks. The J shaped profile means they’ll fit behind each other when securely fastened with straps to avoid any sliding around during travel. And don’t worry about installation – this model is compatible with most factory racks.
3. YAKIMA JayLow Kayak Carrier
You’ve finally picked out that kayak you’ve always wanted. Now, get that bad boy home on your Kia Sportages without any worries. This Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier is perfect for carrying up to 2 kayaks (up to 110 lbs combined) along with straps/locks so your gear will be safe all the way back home!
The features of this Yakima carrier make it a WINNER; such as the integrated cam lever, which lets you hold and control both upright positions with ease; or when folded flat, giving your car less drag and clearances even greater than before! So why wait? Built from steel throughout and weighing in at only 62 lbs., the Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier will keep a smile on your face.
4. Malone Downloader J-Style Kayak Carrier
If you’re looking for a perfect kayak rack for your Kia Sportage, then stop your search with Malone Downloader J-Style Kayak Carrier. With increased overhead clearance and JAWZ mounting hardware, this flexible kayak carrier is compatible with most factory cross rails equipped vehicles. Available in two different lengths to accommodate larger vessels, the Malone Downloader J-Style Kayak Carrier can transport up to 75lbs of kayaks without compromising its durability or sturdiness. Moreover, it comes complete with oversized padding that ensures your kayak remains safe from any damage during transit. So if you want a convenient way to get around town safely while also being able to easily load that new keelboat onto your Kia Sportage then look no further than the Malone Downloader J-Style Kayak Carrier!
5. INNO INA455 Kayak Roof Rack
The INNO INA455 Kayak Roof Rack for 2 kayaks is the perfect solution to transport your favorite water vessel throughout town and into the wild. Thanks to its universal mount, this carrier system fits square, round and most factory crossbars effortlessly allowing you plenty of places to install it on top of your car’s roof. Once mounted securely on top – these rooftop mounts can carry up to 2 kayaks comfortably ensuring their safety with beefy buckle pads- making sure they won’t be scratched by belt buckles while in transit.
6. Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier
When you’ve got a kayak that needs to be carried on the roof of Kia Sportage, the Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier comes in handy. With easy installation and carrying straps bow and stern tie downs, just about anyone can transport their kayaks with peace of mind. Whether you’re planning a short paddle or an epic adventure down some faraway stream, this carrier will get it there safely!
The installation is quick and simple, just wrap the U-bolts around any crossbar, strap one set to the bow and stern tie down points, and you can be off before lunch break! Carrying your kayak from the back of your truck or hoisting it onto your roof rack can be quite a hassle. That’s why REESE created this easy-to-use J-Rack model! It easily hooks to most vehicle frames and secures your kayaks in an upright position.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Kia Sportage
Not all Kia Sportage models come with the same roof setup. Some got flush side rails, others got raised roof rails, and then a few don’t got nothin’ at all. You gotta know what you’re workin’ with before you even think about a kayak rack. ‘Cause certain racks only latch onto specific rail types. No rails? Then you’ll need a full roof rack system first, like crossbars.
01. Not All Racks Fit Every Sportage
You’d think just grab any rack and throw it up there—but nah. The roof width of a Kia Sportage is smaller than bigger SUVs, and some wider kayak carriers might hang over the edge too much. That’s not just ugly, it’s dangerous if it ain’t centered right. So when you’re buyin’ a kayak roof rack, always check the crossbar spacing and load width range.
02. Consider the Kayak Type
The kind of kayak you got changes the rack you’ll need. Fishing kayaks are heavy, like 60–90 lbs easy. You can’t just toss those on a foam pad and call it a day. You’d need something like a J-style rack or saddle-style carrier that spreads out the pressure. For inflatable kayaks, though, a soft rack or foam block setup might work if you’re only going short distance. But most people want real racks for safety.
03. What About the Weight Limit?
The average Kia Sportage roof load limit is around 165 lbs. That includes the rack weight and the kayak weight both. You go over that? It could bend your rails, or worse, damage the whole roof. Most roof racks weigh about 15–20 lbs, and then add the kayak… You’re close to the limit already. Go light where you can.
04. Crosswinds and Drag Hit Harder Than You Think
When you got a kayak strapped to your compact SUV, like the Sportage, it ain’t the same as mounting it on a truck. The side profile is taller, so wind hits harder. You might feel the car gettin’ pulled in gusts. Best to pick a low-profile kayak rack if possible, especially if you’re driving on highways a lot. Wind noise? That too. You’ll hear it if the rack ain’t shaped right.
05. Straps Ain’t All Equal
You can’t trust the free tie-down straps some racks come with. They fray, loosen, or snap after a couple summers sittin’ in the sun. Get heavy-duty cam straps or ratchet straps. Make sure you always use bow and stern tie downs, especially with longer boats. You don’t want that thing wobblin’ every time you hit a bump.
06. Solo Loading Can Be Rough
Loading a kayak on your own? Not easy with a tall vehicle like the Kia Sportage. You might need a load-assist system like rollers or even one of them swing-down J-racks. Or carry a small step stool in your trunk so you’re not hangin’ off the tire to reach the roof. People been known to drop kayaks right on their taillights tryin’ to do it alone.
07. Mind the Kayak Length
You got a 12+ foot kayak? It’s probably gonna hang off the front or back a good bit. In a lotta states, anything that sticks more than 3–4 feet past the bumper needs a safety flag or reflective material. Laws vary, but better safe than gettin’ pulled over. Also, you’ll wanna use front and rear tie-downs regardless of length. Stops it from swayin’ all over when you’re driving.
08. Weather Can Wreck Stuff Fast
Live somewhere with hot sun like Arizona? UV rays cook plastic and rubber. Straps go brittle faster, pads crack, and rack components start warpin’ if they ain’t UV resistant. Rainy places like Oregon? Watch for rust on anything metal that’s not coated or stainless. Every few weeks, check bolts, spray some silicone if it starts squeakin’, and keep it clean.
09. Kayak Rack Types for Sportage
You’ll see a few types thrown around—J-cradles, stacker-style, saddle racks, and temporary foam pads. J-cradles is the most common for compact SUVs like the Sportage. They hold the boat at an angle, so you can load a second one if needed. Saddle racks give full bottom support but take up more roof space. Stackers work if you’re haulin’ more than 2 kayaks. Foam pads? Only if you’re desperate or super careful.
Real Talk: Not All Racks Work Long-Term
Some racks seem fine for a year, then rust or fall apart. Don’t just look at star ratings—search for ones with steel core hardware, anti-corrosion coating, and warranty coverage. Even then, inspect it every season. A rack failure at 65 mph could cost more than the kayak itself. Or worse.
Last modified: March 23, 2025
