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If you like outdoor adventures and activities such as kayaking, biking, and skiing, you need a means of transporting your equipment from home to the lake, trails, or mountain. You may also need extra space to carry camping supplies or oversize luggage. A high-quality roof rack can securely hold this type of gear in place and give you peace of mind while you’re driving at highway speeds, or on rough country roads, towards your destination. Roof racks come in different styles to accommodate a variety of purposes, and some are better than others. It’s important to learn the distinctive features about these racks in order to find the best one that will fit your vehicle and carry your specific type of adventure gear.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Yakima Universal Roof Rack
- Best Value: PRO-SERIES 47 in. Universal Aluminum Roof Bars for Small SUVs
- Premium Pick: YAKIMA LockNLoad Platform Roof Rack
- Best Crossbar: Thule AeroBlade Edge Raised Rail Load Bar
- Best for Bicycles: Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
- Best for Kayaks: YAKIMA JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
- Best for Skis & Snowboards: Thule 91725B Universal Ski & Snowboard Rack
- Best for Canoes: Leader Accessories Folding Kayak, Canoe, Surf Board, SUP Rack
Our Methodology
I took many factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best roof racks. First, I made sure to choose products by well-known brands in the industry, such as Thule and Yakima, which are leaders when it comes to transporting adventure equipment. I included racks that support different types of gear, from bicycles to kayaks. Roof racks require several elements, including crossbars and specific add-ons for specific gear, so there are a range of options available in this list. These products aren’t cheap, but I was able to find some that are more affordable than others to appeal to a wide range of budgets. While I was unable to personally test these items, I’ve had experience using some of these brands in the past. To close the gap, I researched user feedback to see how these particular roof racks perform in real-world conditions. For more information on our methodology at The Drive, go here.
Best Roof Racks: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Yakima Universal Roof Rack
Best Value
PRO-SERIES 47 in. Universal Aluminum Roof Bars for Small SUVs
Premium Pick
YAKIMA LockNLoad Platform Roof Rack
Best Crossbar
Thule AeroBlade Edge Raised Rail Load Bar
Best for Bicycles
Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
Best for Kayaks
YAKIMA JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
Best for Skis u0026 Snowboards
Thule 91725B Universal Ski & Snowboard Rack
Best for Canoes
Leader Accessories Folding Kayak, Canoe, Surf Board, SUP Rack
Our Verdict on the Best Roof Racks
My pick for the top roof rack is the Yakima Universal Roof Rack. It’s more affordable than many alternatives, and it’s removable, so you can easily take it with you on the go. No crossbars are required for this option, so it’s ready to use out of the box. Plus, it can accommodate a range of equipment from kayaks to snowboards. For an even more budget-friendly option, consider the PRO-SERIES 47 in. Universal Aluminum Roof Bars for Small SUVs.
Consider Secondhand
When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.
If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.
Secondhand Tips
To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips for finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.
- Check for rust, and make sure all the moving parts operate smoothly.
- Confirm that all parts are included, such as hardware and tie-down straps.
Things to Consider Before Buying Roof Rack
Type of Roof
Some vehicles have factory-installed side rails that are designed to support certain types of roof rack systems, such as those offered by Thule and Yakima. These rails can either be flushed or raised and come in a variety of different sizes. Other vehicles have fixed mounting points and/or tracks that can accommodate a range of different roof racks. There are also bare or “naked” roofs that can accommodate clip-fit types of racks. You may also have a vehicle with two metal tracks or gutters. Make sure your roof configuration fits properly with the type of rack you’re considering.
Type of Rack
Different types of roof racks are designed to carry different types of gear. You can haul everything from cargo boxes to tents, skis, bicycles, and canoes. The best roof racks can accommodate a variety of items. Depending on your needs, you may need a rack for your children’s bikes, you and your spouse’s kayaks, or for a surfboard. You can also purchase racks with cargo boxes or baskets to carry extra-large items that may not fit inside your vehicle.
Weight Limit
This is a two-part consideration. First, you need to check the amount of weight that your vehicle’s roof can hold. This information should be available in the owner’s manual. Next, determine how much weight you plan on putting on the roof, and make sure the rack is heavy duty enough to hold the items effectively and safely.
Easy of Use
Some roof racks are easier to install and remove than others. Some are designed to be semi permanent, while other options are removable. Also, some racks are more simple to operate, particularly when it comes to loading heavier gear such as a kayak. Read user reviews to see how user-friendly these racks are to both set up and to operate.
Aerodynamics
When you put equipment on your roof, it’s going to cause a little more drag on your vehicle, which can affect its fuel economy. In addition, some racks are noisier and produce more wind noise than others. Look for racks that are more aerodynamic so that you can travel more comfortably without too much wind buffeting, which will save you money and possibly a headache.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Roof rails are installed along the length of your vehicle, while roof racks are mounted across the roof. Rails are used to mount crossbars, cargo boxes, ski racks, etc.
A: As long as you purchase the correct roof rack for your particular vehicle and set up and install it properly, it will not damage your roof.
A: Roof racks vary in price, depending on the type you choose. Some are reasonably priced and can cost less than $75, such as our best value pick. However, these less-expensive offerings typically require other equipment in order to haul certain items. This will drive up the cost. Some roof racks are several hundred dollars, but they are usually very heavy duty and able to accommodate different types of equipment.
