Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier Recommendations for a 2015 Volkswagen Passat SE Sedan Naked Roof

Updated 07/17/2020 | Published 07/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack ROC25 Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black

(428)

$410.03

Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(58)

$278.95

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(601)

$215.95

Yakima BigStack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On

(16)

$158.95

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(874)

$57.95

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(874)

$57.95

Yakima Hood Anchor - Qty 2

(24)

$27.95

BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4

(88)

$219.95

Question:

Hi Just got Kayaks and now Im seeing what a pain the 2015 Passat can be lol Im looking at the Rhino Rack Roof Rack - 2015 Volkswagen Passat So I have a naked roof. I have a 2015 VW Passat SE Sedan 4-Door. 1.8L engine. The Kayaks I ordered will be here in a few weeks. I got the storage racks and now I need to figure out how to transfer them. I was about to pull the trigger and buy these but I figured Im in no mood for pulling out my hair. Id love help with this. Serious inquiry as I need the racks lol Thank you and looking forward to your assistance and eventual order. I understand after the rack is bought Ill need J-racks too I actually have two kayaks which is why I liked the Rhino Rack Roof Rack - 2015 Volkswagen Passat because of the Capacity 165 lbs instead of the 100 lbs other listed. As each Kayak is 45 pounds. Anyway got my eye on the Rhino Rack Roof Rack - 2015 Volkswagen Passat, was about to pull the trigger but wanted to talk to you 1st, also provided a picture of my passat if that helps. Was looking at Yakima racks too, but was concerned about the weight capacity.

asked by: Brian A

Expert Reply:

I personally like the Yakima roof rack systems over the Rhino-Rack roof racks because they are a higher quality, you don't have to cut the rubber strip in the top for T-Slot accessories, and Yakima has adjustments in the leg kits that help to fine-tune their fits. With that being said, if you like the look of the Rhino-Rack ROC25 Roof Rack # RR72MR a little more for your 2015 Volkswagen Passat SE then there is absolutely nothing wrong with going that route and you will be happy with the Rhino-Rack kit.

If you did want to go with a Yakima roof rack I recommend using their JetStream system whicih includes the following:

50" JetStream Crossbars - Black # Y00425
BaseLine Towers - # Y28TR
BaseClip Fit Kits - # Y06195 AND # Y06196

When it comes to the weight capacity I'm a little skeptical of the Rhino-Rack 165 lb rating simply because every other manufacturer tends to follow the same pattern when the weight rating is lower, but Rhino-Rack pretty much always says it's at 165 lbs. This makes me think they just kind of slap that rating on their system and don't look further into it like other companies do.

If you choose to go with the Rhino-Rack system and we go with their 165 lb weight capacity then I recommend using the Thule Compass # TH890000 because it gives you a cradle on both sides for easier loading of both kayaks.

If you decide to go with the Yakima system then you can still use their BigStack Roof Mounted 2 Kayak Carrier System # Y04041 which weighs in at 7.8 lbs and still keeps you under that 100 lb weight rating.

Either way you go, you might also be interested in the Yakima Hood Anchor Kit # Y07416 which makes finding tie-down points much easier as you'd place these under your hood and in your trunk.

Attached are review videos for you to check out.