Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier Recommendation for Transporting 2 Kayaks on a 2011 Kia Sorento

Updated 05/19/2022 | Published 05/18/2022

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(221)

$129.99

Inno Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 51" Long - Qty 2

(332)

$245.68

Inno Through Feet for Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Qty 4

(211)

$219.30

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 65" Long - Silver

(1735)

$260.95

Question:

Thanks, Bob. I really like your Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum - 65" Long # MPG217 But not sure if that will work with the panoramic roof. Actually, we never open the roof, so it should work if we don't intend to use the sunroof, right?

asked by: Chris E

Expert Reply:

For your 2011 Kia Sorrento with the panoramic Vista roof with raised rails, I recommend using a through-foot aero bar system for maximizing the available crossbar space. For that rack, I recommend the following:

- Inno Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 51" Long # INXB130-2
- Inno Through Feet # INXS150

With this extremely aerodynamic crossbar system, you ultimately receive a quieter ride and increased fuel efficiency. With the through feet, you get the overhang on both sides for more usable length. Also, since this rack sits about 3-1/2 inches from the roof to the bottom of the crossbars, it provides you with a lot of height to open your panoramic roof. Although, in order to make sure if you can fully open your roof, I recommend measuring the highest point of your roof when opening in order to ensure that it doesn't extend more than 3-1/2 inches high. I went ahead and attached a video of this exact setup on a 2011 Sorento.

For mounting you kayaks, I recommend purchasing 2 of the etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier - Folding # e98878. These cradles are perfect for mounting onto the 3-1/8" wide x 1-1/8" tall Inno crossbars. They are a great economical options that already come with all of the load straps and bow/stern ties you need for attaching 2 kayaks. With the folding feature, you can retract them down on your roof for easy storage when not in use.

expert reply by: Bob C

Chris

1/1/0001

Bob C.

5/19/2022

Yes. I confirmed with Malone that you can use the 65" Malone AirFlow2 # MPG217 on your raised rails on your 2011 Kia Sorento with the Vista roof. I went ahead and attached a video of this system on a 2015 model for you. The etrailer kayak carriers fit these crossbars as well.