Today, adventure sports are becoming more and more popular in the United States. And most people like kayaking and canoeing. But transporting these items is not easy. But this is where the best car for kayaks comes in handy and gives you the ability to transport these pocket-size kayaks.
Whether you’re hauling a recreational kayak up to 12 feet or a longer touring or sea kayak, there are plenty of racks, some built specifically for the activity.
You can even purchase a roof rack with gas struts and extended lowering arms so the kayak can be loaded at waist height.
We know that a car can be a pretty big purchase, so it’s best to do a little research before spending your money. To help you with your research, At Auto Seeks, we took a look at the 11 best cars for kayaks in 2024 and made a list of our favorites.
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How to Choose the Best Vehicle For Kayaks?
Are you looking for a car that will make it easy to transport your kayaks? You’re in luck! In this buyer’s guide, we’ll look at what features to look for in the next car, as well as what to avoid.
Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just starting out, this guide will help you choose the right car to get you out on the water with ease.
1. Type of kayak
First, you’ll want to consider the type of kayak you will be using. Different types of kayaks require different features from a car. For example, touring kayaks are heavier and require more power, so you’ll need to find a car that can handle the extra weight and provide enough power to get you up and down hills.
2. Size
Next, you’ll want to consider the size of your kayak. If you’re paddling a larger kayak, you’ll need to find a car that can fit it comfortably. The backseat of a regular car may not be large enough, so you may need to look at larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks.
3. Budget
Finally, you’ll want to think about how much money you’re willing to spend on your car. Kayaking can be an expensive sport, so if you’re looking to save some money, you may want to stick with a smaller car that has fewer features and is more affordable.
However, if you’re looking for a car that can provide plenty of power and features, you may want to invest in a more expensive model.
What Is the Best Type Of Vehicle For kayak?
Navigating the waters of choosing the perfect car for kayaking adventures requires careful consideration of key factors. An ideal kayak-hauling vehicle boasts ample cargo space, a roof designed to embrace a kayak’s contours, and a robust towing capacity if you’re eyeing tandem kayaks or additional gear.
Picture SUVs or crossovers with built-in roof racks, ready to cradle your vessel securely. Alternatively, envision the versatility of a pickup truck, with a bed extender ensuring your kayaks ride snugly. Minivans, with their customizable seating arrangements, offer a canvas for creative kayak stowage, whether nestled inside or secured on the roof.
Station wagons seamlessly blend style with functionality, a sleeker option to ferry your kayaks to new waters. While the vehicle’s form is important, remember that substance lies in the quality of the kayak carrier system. Brands like Thule, Yakima, and Malone craft gear to elevate your kayak transport game.
11 Best Car For Kayaks In 2024
There are many vehicles available for transporting kayaks. But the size and load-bearing capacity of your roofs are the most important factors when choosing.
After doing all the considerations, we have listed the top 11 best cars for kayaks that are the best on the market.
1. 2024 Mazda CX-50
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 takes Mazda’s trademark driving experience to new outdoor settings with its latest all-wheel drive technology and three Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) modes to help easily navigate gravel paths or winding backroads.
CX-50 was designed for transporting outdoor gear and equipment, featuring high-strength roof rails and a lowered roofline, making it easy to haul and access kayaks. Mazda also offers a variety of accessories including crossbars, and a Thule for Mazda kayak carrier. The carrier offers several unique configurations, including a saddle configuration for a single kayak or a stacked configuration for two.
Inside, the Mazda CX-50 also features a sophisticated interior with rich materials and finishes, in addition to ample storage space, sure to make your ride a comfortable one. The CX-50’s impressive driving capabilities, thoughtful design, and top-tier accessories make it right option for kayakers.
2. 2024 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback comes with a pre-installed roof rack from the factory, making it easy to transport anything on the roof. The roof rack is useful for outdoor enthusiasts with hobbies like biking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.
It has plenty of power and all-wheel drive, but it’s also much more efficient than most SUVs. Because it’s lower than an SUV, you don’t have to lift your Yak as high to load it onto the roof rack.
3. 2024 Nissan Rouge
The 2024 Nissan Rogue has a well-mannered ride, confident handling, and fantastic fuel economy estimates that make it a great pick for kayaks.
This new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower and 44 pound-feet over the previous 2.5-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
It also comes with Nissan’s Variable Compression Ratio Design feature. The 2024 Rogue delivers on the fuel economy front, with the base front-wheel-drive model achieving an EPA-estimated combined 33mpg, a jump of 3mpg over the 2023 model.
4. 2024 Ford F 150
The Ford F 150 has everything you want from perfect vehicle for kayaks, like cargo capacity, size, and powertrain.
The F-150’s maximum payload capacity of 3,325 pounds is enabled by models equipped with the 5.0-liter V-8 in an 8-foot bed, RWD, and Regular Cab configurations.
Whichever engine you choose, the F-150 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The F-150 has a confident ride and a smooth ride, and none of its classmates can tow or haul as much. Inside you’ll find a well-rounded cabin, roomy seats, and easy-to-use tech features.
5. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee combines impressive off-road capabilities with street refinement, offers a host of available luxury details and features, and has the rugged, open-air look that Jeep buyers love.
Each model is well equipped and offers a variety of options. It comes with standard equipment, options, and infotainment.
This Jeep also features a luxurious interior that rivals that of some luxury SUVs. Both rows of seats are spacious and comfortable, and the infotainment system is easy to use.5.
6. 2024 Dodge Ram
The Dodge Ram is the most comfortable full-size pickup truck, in part because of its coil-spring rear suspension. The 5.7-liter V8 is smooth, and the mild-hybrid option ensures smooth starts and stops at idle.
With its excellent diesel engine options, you can choose the powertrain that best suits your needs. The Ram has good towing and hauling capabilities, confident handling, and a ride so smooth you’ll forget you’re driving a truck.
Inside, the Ram 1500 features highly functional storage space and a cavernous passenger compartment.
7. 2024 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul combines personality and versatility with its well-known boxy shape and playful character. The Soul comes with a continuously variable transmission that is helpful to achieve good fuel economy.
Handling is agile making it the perfect choice for the best vehicle for kayaks. The boxy shape offers plenty of room for four adults to cruise in comfort and a cargo area big enough to stow your gear.
Just a few of the things we love about the Soul are its modern looks, surprisingly roomy interior, and one of our most popular infotainment systems in the industry.
8. 2024 Honda CR-V
Being a part of the god choice for hauling kayaks, the Honda CR-V offers brisk acceleration and a comfortable ride and gets good gas mileage. The interior looks and feels premium.
Both rows of seats are spacious and comfortable, and the cargo area is one of the largest in the compact SUV class. Whether it’s space, comfort, driving pleasure, or value, Honda pretty much has you covered with the CR-V.
The continuously variable transmission is largely unremarkable. The standard engine gives an impressive 28 mpg overall, while the hybrid version gets 35 mpg overall. The handling, although it has a firm edge, is not annoying and does not generate complaints.
9. 2024 Chevy Tahoe
The 2024 Chevy Tahoe is as versatile as full-size SUVs get, with minivan-like passenger accommodations and towing capacities that make it earn a place in the top pick to carry kayaks.
The Tahoe is a perennial bestseller among full-size SUVs in the United States, especially when you count on its long-wheelbase variant, the Chevrolet Suburban. Not everyone needs a huge 3-row SUV that seats nine.
Overall, it’s got more room and a more comfortable ride than ever before, plus impressive towing capabilities, as well as a fair amount of modern tech.
10) 2023 Nissan Rogue
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is a family-friendly car for kayak. It comes with roof rails and is an excellent choice for kayak enthusiasts. The Rogue starts at around $27,000.
The Rogue gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Rogue boasts 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 71.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The Rogue’s AWD system can enhance stability and traction. Its advanced safety features blind-spot monitoring, rearview cameras, Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist.
11) Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas is known for its spacious and capable vehicle for hauling multiple kayaks. The Rogue MSRP starts at around $35,000.
The Atlas gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen boasts 97.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 117.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
It delivers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6 engine, providing ample power for handling heavier kayaks.
Its advanced safety features include a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, Overhead View Camera, Intelligent Crash Response System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Why is an SUV the Good for Kayaking?
If you’re looking for the perfect vehicle to use for kayaking, then a SUV is the way to go. Not only are they large enough to fit the gear and passengers you need, but they also offer some additional benefits that make them perfect for hauling kayaks.
One of the biggest advantages of using a SUV is the extra ground clearance it provides. This helps protect your kayaks from getting scratched or damaged on the road. You don’t want to take any risks when it comes to your kayaking equipment, so having a higher ground clearance can be invaluable.
In addition, SUVs typically have larger tires than other types of cars, which provides even more protection from sharp objects on the road. The added traction can also come in handy when you’re driving on wet roads or in areas with loose gravel.
Finally, many SUVs also come with roof racks, which are perfect for carrying multiple kayaks. This is especially beneficial if you’re heading out with friends or family and need to carry multiple kayaks on your trip. With a roof rack, you won’t have to worry about tying down each kayak individually, making it much easier and faster to get on the water.
Conclusion
Kayaking can be a lot of fun. A car that makes it easy for you to find that joy is often a good investment. It should allow for easy transport of the kayak and also be strong enough to get you there.
After researching all models, we found that Subaru Outback versatile design, spacious roof rails, and ample cargo space make it the perfect partner for kayaking enthusiasts.
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