Roof Rack Options For Carrying 2 Kayaks Flat On A 2020 Subaru Impreza Naked Roof

Updated 05/07/2021 | Published 05/06/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2753)

$191.33

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

(293)

$103.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8964)

$187.99

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

(59)

$290.46

Question:

Was wondering if you have a roof rack for my 2020 Subaru Impreza hatchback that is strong and wide enough to carry 2 kayaks laying flat, side by side? I included a picture of that description, although my car has a bare roof with no rails. Thanks

asked by: Hayden

Expert Reply:

For a roof rack that fits your 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback with a naked roof, I recommend going with the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars 49". For black use # RRVA126B-2; you will also need Legs # RRRLKVA and Fit Kit # DK285.

For a carrier that will allow you to mount your kayaks flat on the crossbars I recommend the Rhino-Rack Nautic 580 Side Loading Kayak Carrier # RR580. This carrier mounts into the T-slot channel on top of the Rhino-Rack Aero Crossbars which allows you to utilize the entire crossbar length. This kit is for one kayak, so you will need a quantity of two. Now keep in mind the crossbars are 49" long, so if your kayaks are no more than 24-1/2" wide each then it will work just fine.

If your kayaks are wider than 24-1/2" each, then I recommend going with a J-style carrier such as Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Carrier # TH890000. This allows two kayaks to be installed on their side which is a great option for trying to save space on the crossbars. I attached several demonstration videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Andrew N