For kayaking enthusiasts, finding the perfect vehicle to transport your watercraft safely and conveniently is essential to enjoying the sport.
The right car can make the difference between a seamless journey to your favorite paddling spot and a frustrating experience that dampens your adventure before it even begins.
If you’re a weekend warrior or a dedicated kayaker hitting the water several times a week, your vehicle needs to be up to the task of transporting your kayak securely while still meeting your everyday driving needs.
In this post, we’ll explore the ten best vehicles for kayak transport, considering factors like roof space, rack compatibility, fuel efficiency, and overall versatility.
Let’s get started.
1. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has become something of a legend among outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason.
Its standard roof rails make mounting kayak racks straightforward, while its moderate height makes loading and unloading kayaks manageable even for shorter individuals.
The Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing you to navigate rougher access roads to remote paddling spots with confidence.
What truly sets the Outback apart is its combination of utility and efficiency. The boxer engine provides reliable power while maintaining reasonable fuel economy (up to 33 mpg highway in recent models).
The spacious interior gives you plenty of room for additional gear, and the all-wheel drive system comes standard—perfect for launching from slippery boat ramps or accessing secluded waterways.
2. Toyota 4Runner
For those seeking a more rugged option, the Toyota 4Runner delivers exceptional capability for kayak transport.
Its high roof rails and aftermarket rack compatibility make it easy to secure multiple kayaks.
The 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction and robust four-wheel drive system mean you can access remote paddling locations that might be off-limits to less capable vehicles.
The 4Runner’s interior is designed with durability in mind, featuring water-resistant materials that handle wet gear without complaint.
The cargo area can accommodate most of your paddling equipment, and if you need more space, the powerful V6 engine allows for towing a small trailer.
While fuel economy isn’t its strong suit, the 4Runner’s legendary reliability means you’ll spend more time on the water and less time at the mechanic.
3. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers an excellent balance of practicality and efficiency for kayakers who don’t need extreme off-road capability.
Its roof is low enough to make loading kayaks relatively easy, and the vehicle accepts a wide variety of rack systems. The CR-V’s turbocharged engine provides ample power while delivering impressive fuel economy (up to 34 mpg highway).
Inside, the CR-V offers surprising cargo space for its compact footprint. The rear seats fold nearly flat, creating a spacious area for stowing paddles, PFDs, and other gear.
The available all-wheel drive system provides added confidence on wet boat ramps or dirt access roads, without the fuel penalty of larger SUVs.
For urban kayakers who make weekend escapes to local waterways, the CR-V represents a practical, economical choice.
4. Ford F-150
When it comes to versatility in kayak transport, the Ford F-150 is hard to beat.
The bed provides options for carrying kayaks with specialized bed extenders, while the roof accommodates traditional rack systems.
For those with multiple or longer kayaks, the F-150 excels—some owners report comfortably carrying kayaks up to 14 feet in the bed with minimal overhang.
The F-150’s height can make roof loading more challenging, but the advantage comes in having multiple carrying options. Recent models offer impressive fuel economy for a full-size truck, especially with the EcoBoost engine options.
The spacious crew cab provides ample room for fellow paddlers and gear, while the truck’s towing capacity allows for hauling a kayak trailer if you’re transporting multiple watercraft for group outings.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee combines off-road capability with on-road comfort, making it an excellent choice for kayakers who don’t want to sacrifice everyday driving pleasure.
Its roof height strikes a good balance, high enough for adequate ground clearance but not so tall that loading kayaks becomes overly difficult. The standard roof rails accept a variety of kayak carriers.
The Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system is particularly valuable for kayakers. At highway speeds, the vehicle lowers automatically, improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency with kayaks on the roof.
When approaching rougher terrain, the suspension can raise the vehicle to provide additional clearance.
Combined with various four-wheel drive options, this makes the Grand Cherokee exceptionally capable at reaching remote launch sites.
6. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack/SportWagen
Don’t let the wagon body style fool you. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and SportWagen are surprisingly capable kayak haulers.
Their lower roof height makes loading and unloading kayaks much easier than with taller SUVs, while the long roof provides stable mounting points for rack systems.
The Alltrack variant offers additional ground clearance and all-wheel drive for accessing more remote locations.
These Volkswagen models shine in their balance of utility and driving dynamics. Unlike many SUVs and trucks, they handle more like cars, making the journey to your paddling destination more enjoyable.
The turbocharged engines provide good power for highway passing while maintaining excellent fuel economy.
Though discontinued in the U.S. market as new vehicles, they represent excellent used options for kayakers seeking practicality without the bulk of an SUV.
7. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has developed a cult following among outdoor enthusiasts, and kayakers in particular appreciate its versatile carrying capabilities.
The available bed rack systems work in conjunction with roof racks to provide multiple kayak mounting options. For overnight paddling trips, bed camper shells can keep your camping gear secure and dry while your kayaks ride above.
The Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models offer exceptional capability for reaching remote waterways, with features like multi-terrain select systems and crawl control.
While the Tacoma doesn’t offer the interior space of a full-size truck, its more compact dimensions make it easier to navigate narrow forest roads to hidden paddling spots.
Its legendary durability means you can count on it for years of adventure.
8. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offers many of the same advantages as the Outback but in a more compact, SUV-styled package.
Its boxy shape maximizes interior cargo space, while the tall roof provides excellent headroom. For kayakers, the nearly vertical sides make mounting and adjusting roof rack systems straightforward.
The Forester’s large windows and commanding seating position offer excellent visibility—particularly valuable when navigating unfamiliar back roads to paddling locations.
Standard all-wheel drive provides confidence on loose surfaces, and recent models offer up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The fuel-efficient boxer engine delivers good economy (up to 33 mpg highway), making the Forester an excellent option for kayakers who log significant miles in search of new waterways.
9. Volvo V60 Cross Country
For those seeking a premium option that doesn’t sacrifice utility, the Volvo V60 Cross Country deserves consideration.
This wagon combines luxury appointments with rugged capability, featuring increased ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive compared to the regular V60.
The low roof height makes loading kayaks particularly easy, while the premium roof rack accessories are thoughtfully designed.
Beyond its practical advantages, the V60 Cross Country offers exceptional safety features that provide peace of mind when traveling to remote paddling locations.
The turbocharged engines deliver a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. While the cargo area isn’t as voluminous as some SUVs, it’s well-designed with tie-down points and a flat load floor that accommodates paddling gear efficiently.
10. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride rounds out our list as an excellent family-friendly option for kayakers.
Its substantial roof provides stable mounting points for multiple kayaks, and the powerful V6 engine handles the additional weight and aerodynamic drag with ease.
The Telluride’s three-row seating configuration means you can transport the whole family and their paddling gear without feeling cramped.
What distinguishes the Telluride is its combination of size and value. It offers similar interior space to much more expensive SUVs, along with thoughtful features like multiple USB ports for charging waterproof cameras and phones after a day on the water.
The available all-wheel drive system provides adequate capability for most kayaking destinations, and the comprehensive warranty offers peace of mind for those planning extended paddling road trips.
Final Words
Finding the perfect vehicle for transporting your kayak involves balancing several factors: ease of loading, carrying capacity, off-road capability, and how the vehicle meets your other daily needs.
Whichever vehicle you opt for, be it the versatile Subaru Outback, the rugged Toyota Tacoma, or the family-friendly Kia Telluride, it can significantly enhance your kayaking experience.
Investing in quality roof racks and proper tie-down techniques is essential for safely transporting your kayak.
Many manufacturers offer specialized rack systems designed specifically for their vehicles, often providing the most secure and aerodynamic option.
With the right vehicle and equipment, you’ll spend less time worrying about transportation and more time enjoying the peace and adventure that kayaking provides.
