Overall, the Honda Fit is an impressive fuel-efficient, affordable car that's easy to drive. However, its 16.6 cubic feet cargo capacity is no where enough to haul all your luggage and gear for an adventure-worthy weekend getaway. This is where the best roof rack for Honda Fit comes in handy.
The Honda Fit/Fit Sport rack models come with a short roofline construction, so getting the best roof rack systems and cargo boxes will require some degree of caution. With this in mind, the adventure could never be more fun without the convenience of being able to haul all your gear along with you. Typically this would include your bikes, kayak, canoe, snowboards, ski, luggage, etc.
Thule, Rhino-Rack, and Yakima roof bike racks for your Honda Fit come in the traditional fork mount style or the wheel mount style that's easy to load. In contrast, their cargo baskets, roof cargo bags, and roof cargo boxes can also be used if you'd like some water-resistant or waterproof cargo protection.
Are Honda Fit Roof Rack Systems Worth it?
Despite being a good car, your Honda Fit / Fit Sport wouldn't have room for that, so why not maximize the underutilized space on your roof by using a Honda Fit roof rack that is ideal for your specific model. Leading reliable brands such as Thule, Rhino-Rack, Vault Cargo, Yakima, and Inno have high-quality Honda Fit roof racks systems that are custom built to accommodate your car and choice of cargo boxes.
To know whether these roof rack systems will work for your specific Honda Fit model, a good general rule of thumb is to check whether there are 2 rubber or plastic strips on the roof of your car. If they're there, that means you can install roof rails on your Honda Fit. However, if your car doesn’t have those, then you’ll have to get specific aftermarket options that can then be installed.
Honda Fit roof racks are installed on top of cross bars or roof rails, serving as a mounting point for your sporting equipment such as bikes or skis. Benefits of using a roof rack include:
- Safely transporting large outdoor sport equipment such as for your ski and bike
- A roof rack will leave easy access to your trunk
- You can lock your sporting equipment to the roof rack to prevent theft eg. of your bike
- Expanded versatility for cargo transportation with the ability to add cargo boxes
- Can easily be detached and stored when not being used
Now that we have determined just how important a roof rack is for your Honda Fit let's dive into the best options you have.
Best Roof Rack for Honda Fit
1. Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars
Rhino-Rack Vortex Bar (Silver 42") - VA106S Aerodynamic Roof Rack Cross Bars
- AERODYNAMIC & SLEEK - This Low-Profile Elliptical Shaped Crossbar...
- ADD LEGS & FIT KIT - Rhino-Rack Legs and Fit Kits are Sold...
- MAXIMIZE ROOF SPACE - Full-Length Bars Extend Past Roof Rack Legs...
- EASY ATTACHMENTS - The Top Channel in Each Bar Lets You Add...
- KEEP IT CLEAN - The Rubberized Vortex Strips in Top Channel is...
If you are a DIYer, then the Rhino rack roof rack system is for you since it lets you build these stylish, low-profile, aftermarket aerodynamic Vortex Aero crossbars from scratch. The crossbars will require 4 Rhino-Rack legs and a custom fit kit to mount on your Honda Fit car roof. In addition, each bar will extend past the roof rack legs to maximize the space in which you can mount carriers and accessories.
The rubberized Vortex of each Rhino rack strip in each crossbar's top channel will aerodynamically disrupt airflow for a quiet ride. In addition, its aluminum bars don't rust, while the crossbars also come with Secure Core endcaps that have plastic locks to help secure channel-mounted equipment. Finally, to help you center the Rhino rack bar on your roof, each end of the channel comes with a rubber ruler.
Use the numbers and hash marks on each ruler to ensure that the legs are properly spaced in the channel. Each Rhino rack Vortex Aero crossbar rack has an in-built C-channel that lets you carry channel-mounted equipment racks such as ski racks, bike racks, and watersport carriers.
Key Features:
- Sleek low-profile crossbars
- Rhino rack legs and custom fit kit create complete roof racks
- Aerodynamic, slim elliptical crossbar shape
- Rulers in channels
- Secure Core endcaps that have plastic locks
- Rustproof, lightweight, and structural-grade anodized aluminum bars
- 165 lbs weight capacity
- 46 inches long x 3-1/8 inches wide x 1-3/16 inches tall in dimensions:
Pros
Cons
2. Thule Hull-A-Port XT Kayak Rack
Thule Hull-a-Port XT Rooftop Kayak Carrier
- Versatile rooftop rack that holds 1-2 kayaks
- Dual position design transforms from a J-cradle to a two boat...
- Integrated StrapCatch helps to easily manage straps while loading...
- Easily folds flat when not in use
- Fully assembled out of the box
If you spend a considerable amount of time out on the water, you need a versatile kayak rack that can either hold 1 or 2 kayaks. This Thule J-style rack is the most suitable kayak roof rack system for your Honda Fit that lets you transport 1 kayak on your roof, and it only takes up just half of the usable crossbar space. In addition, the Thule Hull-a-Port Pro XT kayak carrier is impressively crafted in a dual position design that can transform from a J-cradle to a 2-boat stacker.
This Thule rack can adjust to a post-style stacker to carry 2 kayaks or even fold flat for overhead clearance. It also comes with tie-down straps. Furthermore, this Thule kayak rack comes with a universal mounting that's designed to fit all types of load bars, so you can confidently transport your favorite water sport equipment using these kayak racks by Thule.
Key Features:
- 2 folding, multi-position cradles
- Upright arms adjust with the cam levers to 3 different configurations; vertical, angled, and flat
- Angled J-style, Vertical post-style, and flat position configuration
- In-built ramps
- Adjustable padding
- 2 tie-down straps
- 2 Bow/stern tie-downs
- Simple, tool-free installation with a universal mounting hardware
- Carrying capacity: 2 kayaks
- The maximum hull width is 36"
- Single sport gear carrier at 75 lbs
- Maximum weight at 130 lbs
- The minimum crossbar spread is 24"
- 3-1/8inch wide x 1-3/8inch tall maximum crossbar dimensions
Pros
Cons
3. Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars Rack
The Thule WingBar Evo crossbars will let you easily and quickly build a quiet, aerodynamic custom roof rack for your Honda Fit. These Thule WingBars are high-end bars that would look great on just about any vehicle and are perfect for people who want an extra quiet roof rack that can carry plenty of gear. The Thule WingBar Evo crossbars roof rack system comes with pivoting endcaps and dual rubber strips in the T-slots that allow you to mount carriers and accessories easily.
Each Thule Evo bar extends past its feet to maximize the carrying load. The bars have an aluminum construction with BoxBeam structures internally that make them extremely durable yet lightweight. The WingBars will require a Thule foot pack that is sold separately to mount on the roof. Some cars with a naked roof may also require a vehicle-specific fit kit that is also sold separately.
The Thule WingBar has a tapered TrailEdge shape that is aerodynamic and works by separating the airflow over and under the bars, so you won't see any reduction in your car's gas mileage while dramatically reducing wind noise and vibration, even at fast highway speeds.
This Thule roof racks system has rubber WindDiffuser strips with V-shaped ridges in the T-slots to direct air over the bars. This also reduces wind drag that helps maintain fuel efficiency, and significantly reduces wind noise.
Key Features:
- Quiet and low-profile aftermarket roof rack
- Aerodynamic tapered TrailEdge shape roof rack system
- Dual WindDiffuser strips
- Aero-style bars
- Full-length crossbars
- Works with most universal bike, watersport, snowboard, and cargo carrier mounts
- Rubberized strips that fill the gap between the end of the bar and the outer edge of the foot
- Heavy-duty aluminum bars that are lightweight, durable, and rustproof
- Corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish
- The maximum crossbar weight is 220 lbs
Pros
Cons
4. Vault Cargo Management Roof Rack Crossbars
Roof Rack Crossbars 54” Universal Locking Crossbars by Vault - Carry Your Canoe, Kayak, & Cargo...
- ✓ PROTECT YOUR RIDE - Featuring padded clamps! CHECK WILL IT...
- ✓ FOR YOUR SUV WITH EXISTING RAISED SIDE RAILS WITH A GAP-...
- ✓ KAYAK MOUNT - Ensure the Bow and Stern Are Strapped to the...
- ✓ 54” OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS - Fitting Rails Up To 47” Apart &...
- ✓ 150 LBS LOAD CAPACITY - Stack Everything From Kayak & Canoe...
These roof rack cross bars have padded clamps that make them usable on any vehicle and make another great Honda Fit roof rack option. It can take an average load of 150lbsfor all your rooftop cargo boxes, rooftop bags, and other accessories you might need to transport.
The roof rack crossbars are universal locking crossbars with a fitting rail fitted 47 inches apart to provide real firm cargo support. This roof rack system also comes with a more advanced secure lock for the extra security of your items. Once you fit and install the roof rack, crossbars in the vehicles, easily lock up to always give you control and access to your items.
The high-quality aerodynamic design of this roof rack is sure to give you the fuel efficiency and reduced wind drag you'd want.
Key Features:
- Padded clamps
- Raised rail with a gap
- Gives you a kayak mount
- 54 inches outside the dimensions
- Load hull at 150lbs
Pros
Cons
5. INNO Racks - Locking Surfboard Roof Rack
INNO Racks - Locking Surfboard Roof Rack - Water Sport Car Top Mount
- Locks Included: yes
- Compatibility: square bars, round bars, most factory bars
- Recommended Use: transporting your surfboards
- Manufacturer Warranty: 5 years
- Surfboard Capacity: (shortboards) 3, (longboards) 2
Another quality fit hard rack by INNO for your vehicle that's also a universal mounting system. Note that this only applies depending on the type of roof railings you have on your vehicle. It can't be directly mounted onto your roof like an ordinary soft rack, but it easily does fit onto most factory-fitted railings with the use of clamp-on hardware.
This surf rack will carry up to 3 shortboards or 2 longboards, which can be easily loaded onto an innovative floating strap system and secured using a ratcheting mechanism. Tension on the fit can be increased for more stability using integrated hand knobs and securely locked with the set of keys. The extra security lets you leave the boards on your vehicle without the risk of theft, which is a massive plus aside from the fact that it’s genuinely easy to install.
However, it is a total pain to remove, and it is normally suggested that this INNO rack be a permanent addition to your vehicle. It also requires a minimum crossbar length of roughly 31.5 inches, so it might not be suitable for some crossbars.
Extra-long bolts are, however, available to maximumly increase the compatibility as much as possible. The INNO locking surfboard roof rack is not wide enough to carry SUPs, but other models in this line are available and specifically designed to do so.
Key Features:
- Racks can hold up to 3 shortboards/2 longboards
- Floating strap system
- Large lever and ratcheting mechanism
- The universal mounting system that can fit aero, square, round, or most factory bars
- Locks and keys are included
- It works for multiple gear types, including your bike
- It can be mounted on factory roof rails or crossbars
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide for the Best Roof Rack for Honda Fit
A) Weight
Strong is good; however, heavy is not. Many roof rack systems can be clunky with heavy materials such as steel, but you also don’t have to sacrifice the strength of the rack system to lose weight. A well-engineered aluminum roof rack system will be 30% lighter than steel. It will also have more strength and cargo load.
B) Modular Fit Roof Rack
A modular Honda Fit roof rack is easy to assembly. It lets you add rack slats for other uses, such as constructing the full platform, swapping accidental damage, and also adding items like expedition rails. In addition, this roof rack system can change to whatever you need at any time.
C) Accessory Lineup
The best roof rack for Honda Fit should let you use it for multiple purposes; therefore, having a wide range of accessories will help create endless possibilities in adventure. Check if your rack can accommodate different mounts for rooftop tents, water, fuel cans, surfboards, bikes, ski, axes, canoes/kayaks, or whatever else luggage you may need.
Because different brands will purposely make it difficult to put the competitor's accessories on their rack, also make sure that you don't go for brands that lock you out of the multiple-use options you need.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Roof Rack for Honda Fit
1. How are roof rails and roof racks different?
The main difference between these two is the direction in which they are mounted on your Honda. For instance, roof rails will run along the length of the car's roof, and they are attached using feet or other types of mounts. On the other hand, a roof rack is mounted across the car's roof.
2. Are aftermarket roof racks really good?
Aftermarket roof racks are great; not only do they spread the weight of the gear and luggage, but they often maximize the underutilized space on the roof.
3. Are roof racks detachable?
Bare roof rack systems are the most common and completely removable rack systems. They fit almost all car mounts directly using a specialized fit kit that holds the crossbars in place by clamping into the door frames to install.