Is There A Thule Roof Rack For A 2016 Nissan Versa For Carrying Kayaks?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Laura!

We do have a good option for a roof rack on your 2016 Nissan Versa with the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2 # RR46PP, but oddly enough, there are no Thule options available. I will admit to being quite surprised by this. The Rhino Rack isn't your bottom of the barrel option, however, and is extremely competitive with the bigger name brands like Thule and Yakima. Plus their racks are usually less expensive, so you save a little money!

We do have a bunch of Thule kayak carriers for the aforementioned roof rack though, and these are the two I recommend (as I like them):

Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On # TH890000
Thule DockGlide Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount # TH896

The Compass can carry two kayaks out of the box, but you would need to order two of the DockGlides to be able to carry two kayaks. A lot of people go with the J-Style racks, but I will admit to being preferable to the Saddle Style DockGlide. It's usually easier to just lift the front of a kayak onto the saddles and then push it the rest of the way from the rear. But, if you have wider kayaks, you will want to make sure they are less than 48" wide (that's how wide the Rhino Rack crossbars are).

What kind of kayaks do you want to carry? I did a bit of kayaking when I was younger and even managed to stay upright for like 30(ish) seconds on a surf ski in a fairly choppy bay! Not a simple feat when you are 6'5". : P

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

Lazer S.

8/15/2025

Hey Laura, Did you decide on a roof rack and kayak carrier for your Nissan Versa? I'm curious to know if the Rhino-Rack and Thule options worked out for you. Let me know how it goes, as I'd love to help others with similar needs!