Best Roof Rack for 2019 Kia Sorento with Sunroof and Flush Side Rails
Question:
Hi, I am trying to see what my options are for a 2019 Kia Sorento with the panoramic sunroof and flush rails. I have looked at a lot of different ones, and some specifically say they are for that type of roof, while others say you could use it for either type of roof - w/ or w/o sunroof. So I’m confused. But I want to make sure that what I get is going to fit my roof without touching the open sunroof when it is loaded. Also, I’m looking for something with a high weight capacity. I don’t care too much about brand, but I saw in some responses they can cause a lot of noise - which I would like to avoid if possible. The rails I have are flush on the roof. Thank you for your help.
asked by: Natalie
Expert Reply:
The key to choosing a roof rack that is compatible with the sunroof on your 2019 Kia Sorento is to get the right towers. You want something that puts weight on your rails and not your roof, but is also tall enough for clearance especially when loaded. As for wind noise, most brands have their own aero-style bars. Any aero-style bar is a lot quieter than the traditional square or round bars.
My best recommendation is a Yakima Roof Rack with JetStream bars and Ridgeline Towers with part numbers # Y00425, # Y00145, # Y06013. The JetStream bars # Y00425 are aero-style bars that cut down on wind noise and drag. They have a weight capacity of 165 lbs which is the usual capacity for roof racks. The Ridgeline Towers # Y00145 have a clearance of about 4-1/4" when attached to your flush rails which is a little bit higher than other flush rail mounted towers.
As for the Rhino-Rack system you were asking from, it's also a great roof rack especially if you prioritize weight capacity. It has part numbers # RRVA126B-2 and # RRRCL4. The Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA126B-2 have a weight capacity of 176 lbs which is awesome. What I am worried about fitting your vehicle are the RCL Legs # RRRCL4 since they only have a clearance of 2-1/2" from your vehicle's roof. I recommend checking the measurements of your sunroof, but 2-1/2" is not much space especially when you consider the mounting straps and brackets of roof rack accessories.
For that reason, I prefer the Yakima Roof Rack system # Y00425, # Y00145, # Y06013 for its roof clearance. I attached videos of both roof racks below that you might want to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
RCL Legs for Rhino-Rack Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
RidgeLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Flush Side Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Yakima
more information >
Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 49 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
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