So, you have purchased a kayak but you have no idea how to get it transported on the roof of your Honda CR V vehicle. Well, you are not alone. A good number of people each year get carried away by excitements and end up purchasing a kayak only to realize that they have git no plan to get it transported safely. Thankfully, if you are an owner of a Honda CR V, you don’t have to lose your sleep over it anymore as manufacturers have come up with a slew of a new and exciting range of kayak roof racks that you can easily install on your Honda CR V car.
Now, since there are so many varieties of kayak roof racks available that are compatible with Honda CR V, you might find it overwhelmingly difficult to zero in one particular one. To help you out, here we have listed top 5 Kayak Roof Racks for Honda CR V –
Best 5 Kayak Roof Racks for Honda CR-V
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01. Malone Downloader 2-Pack Roof Rack
If you’re rockin’ a Hyundai Santa Cruz and want a zero-fuss way to haul your kayak—times two—the Malone Downloader 2-Pack Roof Rack with SpeedLines is straight-up practical and does what it says. You get two J-style carriers, meaning you’re haulin’ two kayaks, no stacking weirdness or praying your straps hold. Each unit folds down when not in use, which is lowkey a blessing if you hate that garage-door clearance anxiety. What really sets this model apart though? The SpeedLine ropes—they come with a self-locking pulley system for bow & stern tie-downs. It’s almost unfair how easy it makes things.
Setups like this shine for folks who’re out every weekend or just don’t trust the wobbly foam blocks from Walmart. The universal fit mounting hardware handles most factory and aftermarket crossbars, and the padded cradles keep your yaks snug without chewing up the hulls. It’s got that nice middle ground between function and not-lookin’-like-you-welded-it-in-your-driveway.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Includes SpeedLine pulleys – makes front/rear tie-downs way faster
- ✅ Foldable J-cradle design = more clearance, better gas mileage
- ✅ Carries 2 kayaks out of the box, no extra racks needed
- ✅ Protective padding keeps both kayak and rack in solid shape
❌ Cons:
- ❌ If your crossbars are too narrow, you’re gonna struggle with space for both
- ❌ Pulley ropes can get tangled if you’re not careful storing them
- ❌ Might need a small step stool if you’re short—especially on taller vehicles
For folks who want a complete, ready-to-haul roof kayak system, this 2-pack punches above its weight. Between the folding design, padded contact points, and that pulley assist, it’s a no-brainer upgrade for anyone hauling kayaks more than once a year.
02. Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
You got a kayak and a vehicle with crossbars? The Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack ain’t here to mess around—it’s simple, chunky, and just works. It’s a J-cradle design, which means you’re hauling your boat on its side, saving space for maybe a cargo box or even another kayak on the other end. It handles up to 80 lbs, which is solid even for those heavier touring yaks. Installs in about 10 minutes, no tools, and the thing fits almost any roof rack system—factory, round, square, aero. Pretty much if you got bars, you’re set.
What makes this one stand out is the actual padding and grip—you get solid rubberized contact points that don’t chew up your kayak, and it holds tight even on longer drives. Yakima’s no stranger to quality, and this rack keeps the brand’s rep strong, whether you’re on a quick lake run or road trippin’ across states.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Universal mount – fits most crossbars without adapters
- ✅ Thick padded J-cradle keeps kayak protected and snug
- ✅ Includes all tie-downs – heavy-duty straps + bow/stern lines
- ✅ Side-load design saves roof space for other gear
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Fixed angle – doesn’t fold down when not in use, adds wind drag
- ❌ Mounting knobs can loosen if you don’t double-check after install
- ❌ May whistle a bit at highway speeds if left on without a kayak
If you’re hauling a single kayak and want reliability without fiddlin’ around, the JayHook just gets it done. Solid for folks with a Hyundai Santa Cruz, Subaru Outback, Tacoma, or anything with a roof rack. Load it up, tie it down, and go.
03. Thule Hull-a-Port Aero Rooftop Kayak Rack
The Thule Hull-a-Port Aero ain’t your average kayak rack—it’s like the luxury SUV of rooftop kayak carriers. Designed to haul 1 kayak up to 75 lbs, this rack folds down low when not in use, cuttin’ down on wind drag and that obnoxious whistle some cheaper racks throw at you on the freeway. Its aluminum frame is tough but light, and it mounts clean onto most T-slot roof racks—works buttery smooth with systems like Thule WingBar Evo. Plus, with integrated straps and locks, you’re not scrambling last-minute for tie-downs or padlocks.
If you’re tossing this onto a Hyundai Santa Cruz with the right crossbars, it’s pretty much set-and-forget. It even has a dual-position design, so you can haul one kayak J-style, or flip it up and stack two (with the adapter, sold separate). Feels like it was built by engineers who actually kayak.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Sleek, folding design minimizes drag and garage headaches
- ✅ Comes with straps and locks built-in—less gear to buy
- ✅ Aluminum frame is durable, rust-resistant, and light
- ✅ Easy load/unload, J-style cradle with serious padding
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Works best with T-slot bars only—not ideal for square/round setups without adapters
- ❌ The price tag’s up there—not for budget builds
- ❌ Only hauls 1 kayak unless you buy extra adapters
For real paddlers who don’t wanna compromise on security or style, the Hull-a-Port Aero is a no-joke setup. Whether you’re headed to saltwater, flatwater, or a sketchy put-in somewhere off-grid, it hauls clean, locks tight, and looks sharp doin’ it.
04. SCS Direct Kayak Roof Rack
You’re workin’ on a budget but still wanna haul that kayak on your Hyundai Santa Cruz? The SCS Direct Kayak Roof Rack might just be your low-cost MVP. You’re gettin’ 2 full sets of J-bar racks, which means room for 2 kayaks right off the bat—no add-ons, no fancy upgrades needed. Each cradle’s got foam padding that actually cushions your kayak and doesn’t squish down after a couple uses. They bolt up solid to most factory or aftermarket crossbars (round, square, flat… it’s not picky), and they sit high enough to clear the roof without making it awkward to strap stuff down.
Now, for what it costs, it ain’t the fanciest setup—no folding arms or T-slot tech—but it gets the job done if you’re not tryna hit whitewater every other weekend. Install’s simple, though you’ll wanna tighten it real good or they’ll shimmy a bit after a few trips.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly way to haul two kayaks at once
- ✅ Comes with tie-down straps, ready to roll outta the box
- ✅ Universal mount fits most crossbars—no extra hardware hunting
- ✅ Padding actually works, not just foam slapped on for looks
❌ Cons:
- ❌ No folding feature, so it sticks up when not in use
- ❌ Basic strap system—you might upgrade to ratchets if driving long distance
- ❌ Paint can chip with exposure—keep it outta the salt spray if possible
For folks who just need a reliable kayak roof rack system that doesn’t burn the wallet, this SCS setup makes solid sense. Especially if you’re only loading up a few times a month and want something that’ll hold up without needing a user manual thicker than your paddle.
05. YUANSHI Kayak Roof Rack
The YUANSHI Kayak Roof Rack brings a surprisingly rugged feel for a setup that’s both lightweight and foldable—built from aviation-grade aluminum so it doesn’t add a ton of weight to your roof. Works great for hauling your kayak, canoe, or SUP, especially if you’re rocking a crossover like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. What makes it hit different is the folding arm design—flips down flat when not in use, which saves clearance and gas mileage (kind of). Also includes ratchet straps and paddle holders, so you’re not scrambling to secure gear last minute.
It’s made to fit most factory or aftermarket crossbars, with a wide mounting base and non-slip rubber padding to keep your setup from skidding around. The foam cushions are thick too—enough to protect your hull without feeling like you’re balancing it on marshmallows.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Aluminum build—light but still strong enough to carry up to 165 lbs
- ✅ Folding arms—quick to stow, fits in garages without removing
- ✅ Comes with ratchet straps + paddle holders, which a lot of racks don’t
- ✅ Universal fit for most roof crossbars
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Might rattle a bit if not tightened properly—extra wrench time helps
- ❌ Doesn’t always sit flush on round bars, may need adjustment
- ❌ Instructions are meh—lots of head scratching for first-timers
For a kayak carrier rack that won’t break the bank but still comes with premium feels, this one does the trick. If you’re heading for a paddle run every weekend, or just need something that doesn’t fight your garage clearance, it’s worth the spot on your rails.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Honda CR-V
Buying kayak racks for Honda CR-V ain’t just picking the first one that pops up on Amazon. That’s a quick way to regret it when you’re stuck on the freeway with a wobbly load. You gotta check more than just the price tag.
Know Your Honda CR-V Roof Type
All Honda CR-Vs aren’t same when it comes to the roof. Some trims got raised rails, others got flush rails, and plenty base models don’t got anything. Big deal? Yup. You buy a rack made for raised rails when you got a bare roof, it ain’t gonna fit, period.
So first off, you gotta look up your own CR-V model’s roof setup. Don’t guess. Just open your door and look up – if there’s a gap under the rails, they’re raised rails. No gap? That’s flush. No rails at all? Then it’s a bare roof and you’ll need a complete roof rack system to start with.
Don’t Cheap Out on Weight Capacity
Thing people skip a lot – kayaks ain’t light. An average sit-on-top kayak weighs ’round 55–65 lbs. You throw two of them on top, plus the rack weight? That’s pushing 140 lbs easy. Your CR-V roof’s factory weight limit is usually between 150–165 lbs, depending on the year. But that’s moving weight, not parked.
So you gotta check 3 things – the kayak rack weight itself, the kayak(s) weight, and how much your Honda CR-V roof rack load limit is. Go over that, you’re risking bending your crossbars or worse, damage the roof.
Compatibility With Roof Rails & Crossbars
Most racks ain’t standalone. They need to clamp on crossbars. So if your CR-V got no OEM crossbars, you gotta install aftermarket ones first. That’s where stuff gets tricky.
Some kayak racks only fit aero-style bars like Thule WingBar Evo, others only work with round or square bars like older Yakima systems. Look for ones that say “universal fit”, but still double-check specs.
Loading Style: J-Cradle vs Saddle vs Stackers
You’ll see a bunch of rack styles. Not all are great for everyone.
- J-cradles: Hold kayak on its side. Saves roof space, good for two boats. They stick up a bit though, which messes with garage clearance.
- Saddles: Kayak lays flat. More stable for heavy or wide kayaks. Eats more space though.
- Stackers: Hold multiple kayaks on edge. Best if you’re hauling 3–4 short kayaks but not great for beginners.
You ain’t gonna like a stacker if you short or got a bad shoulder. J-cradles are popular for Honda CR-Vs because the height ain’t too crazy.
Ease of Loading – Think About Height
CR-Vs ain’t super tall, but for shorter folks or solo paddlers, hoisting a heavy kayak up can get old fast. Some kayak racks with lift assist systems like Thule Hullavator Pro can lower the rack halfway down, but they weigh more and cost a ton.
If you ain’t strong or always got help, you’ll do fine with basic J-style racks and a step stool. But if you’re paddling solo a lot, lift assist ain’t a bad idea.
Foam Padding & Tie-Down Points Matter More Than You Think
You don’t wanna scratch up that new fiberglass kayak on a cheap metal rack with no foam. Some of those knockoff brands skip padding or use weak adhesive pads that peel after one summer.
Same for the straps. Make sure the rack comes with heavy-duty tie-down straps AND bow/stern lines. Your CR-V’s front and rear tow points come in handy here.
Security – You Might Wanna Lock It Down
Plenty folks forget this – kayak racks can be swiped off your roof in minutes if they ain’t locked. Brands like Yakima, Thule, and Rhino-Rack offer locking systems, either built-in or add-on.
If you parking your CR-V in public spots or trailheads, you might want both rack locks and kayak locks. One kayak stolen off a roof and you’ll wish you spent the extra 50 bucks.
Weather Resistance – Not All Metal Is Equal
Living near the coast? Or paddling year-round? Then you need rustproof gear. Aluminum frames with powder coating last longer than basic steel. Plastic parts get brittle in cold climates.
Racks with UV-resistant straps, stainless steel hardware, and weather-sealed joints don’t fall apart after one rough winter. Look for brands that actually test in weather cycles.
Price vs Longevity
You can get a kayak rack for $70 or $700. Big gap. Cheap racks might hold up a season or two, but they flex more, rust faster, and usually don’t come with good straps.
If you paddle a lot or travel long distance, go with brands like Yakima JayLow, Malone Downloader, or Thule Hull-a-Port Aero. They cost more but don’t loosen every trip.
If you go 3–4 times a year? Maybe stick with a mid-range kayak rack around $150–$250.
