Cost-Effective Recommendations to Carry 1 Kayak and 2 Bikes with a 2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan

Question:

Hi, I want to buy a rack for my 2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan 2.0 5MT with the fixed point mounting option. I am wondering if you know who manufactures the Subaru factory crossbar set Part Number: E361SFL100? I dont want to be limited to accessories that fit just the Subaru factory rack and Im concerned that the factory rack wont be as sturdy as an aftermarket rack. Its about $200 so I could buy that and a bike rack or kayak carrier and still be under the cost of a base rack system by Thule or Yakima. The largest things I plan to carry would be a 16 ft Old Town tandem kayak or 2 fat tire bikes so my last question is what do you recommend for my situation? I also plan on buying your draw-tite hitch so I can throw bikes on back and kayaks on top. Thanks for any recommendations you have to offer!

asked by: Sean A

Expert Reply:

I checked out the OEM roof rack for your 2017 Subaru Impreza that you inquired about and it doesn't quite look like any of the roof racks that we have to offer. Typically OEM roof racks will get the job done, but going with a brand like Thule or Yakima will last much longer due to the quality of the work.

With that being said, the most cost effective roof rack that we currently have to offer for your Impreza is the Inno square bar roof rack which consists of the Crossbars # INB127, Inno Feet # INXP, and the Fit Kit # INTR145.

If you like the aero style bars then the next cost effective option we have is the Inno aero bar roof rack which consists of the Crossbars # INXB123-130, Through Feet # INXS350, and the same Fit Kit # INTR145. Both of these roof rack options have a 140 lbs weight capacity and come with locks to help deter theft of your roof rack.

You could then use the Thule Top Deck Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # TH881 for your kayak or the RockyMounts TomaHawk # RKY1222 for your fat tire bike(s). You will need 1 of these for each bike.

The idea of installing the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver # 24960 to carry your bikes is a great idea. Since you only have 2 bikes it will work out great for you because Class I trailer hitches can only carry a maximum of 2 bikes. For that I recommend the Kuat Beta # B202-114 this is one of the best bike rack options that we carry because it is a cost-effective option that is made extremely well.

It is made of aluminum so it only weighs 12.6 lbs but it can accommodate up to 80 lbs for your bikes (40 lbs per bike). The Beta will accept bike frames up to 3" in diameter. It comes fully assembled right out of the box and has the option to add a bike and rack lock with parts # e98891 and # HL1.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out as well.