Recommended roof rack systems for Kia Carnival?

Question

So we just picked up a 2024 Kia Carnival because our old sedan was basically holding on by a thread and we needed something that could actually fit the whole family plus all our gear for camping trips. We live up in the Pacific Northwest so we definitely need something sturdy that can handle some rain and wind without me worrying about it rattling off on the highway. We are planning a big road trip down the coast in about three weeks so I need to get this sorted like yesterday.

I have been doing some digging and I am kinda torn between the Thule WingBar Evo and the Yakima JetStream. I know Thule is the gold standard but it is pretty pricey and my budget is already feeling the burn after the down payment on the van. The Yakima seems a bit more affordable and I have heard decent things about their install process, but I am nervous about the wind noise since the Carnival already has those big sliding doors and I dont want it sounding like a jet engine while the kids are trying to nap in the back.

I also looked at the Rhino-Rack Vortex bars just because a buddy mentioned they are super easy to take on and off when we arent using them. My biggest concern is just clearance for the sunroof and making sure the install doesnt mess with the factory rails or look too bulky on the roofline. Has anyone here actually put a rack on a newer Carnival? I am leaning toward the Thule just for the peace of mind but part of me thinks I am just overpaying for the name. Which one of these would you grab if you were stuck in my shoes?

dwhuqquexg · Accepted Answer

Honestly, skip the Thule WingBar Evo as I had issues with wind noise. Try the Yakima JetStream 50in Black Bars instead, they're much quieter and handle PNW weather perfectly.

ludimiixuh · Answer

Honestly, if youre feeling the pinch after the Carnival purchase, you might want to consider the Inno Aero Base Rack System. I have been running these for a while now and they are honestly a hidden gem. Theyre typically cheaper than the big guys but the build quality is seriously impressive, and they use a proprietary mounting system that keeps them really tight to the roof, which helps a ton with that wind noise you are worried about. Just be careful with the installation. Make sure to double-check the torque settings when you bolt them down because the plastic covers can be a bit finicky if you over-tighten them. Here is what I would do to save some cash and keep your sanity on the road:

Grab the Inno Aero Base Rack System and pair it with a basic Inno Ridge Trunk 1800 16 cubic feet if you need extra storage, as the combo is usually cheaper than a full Thule setup.

Definitely get a set of fairings if you notice any whistling on the highway; it makes a huge difference with the Carnival's aerodynamics.

Test the sunroof clearance before you load up the gear for that road trip, just to be safe. Dont sweat the name brand hype too much. As long as you install them correctly, these bars will hold up just fine through the PNW rain. Let me know if you need help finding a shop that carries them!

xihmqrfisf · Answer

Adding my two cents here, I have been rocking the Rhino-Rack Vortex Black 2 Bar Roof Rack on my van for a year now and honestly its been solid. Since you are worried about the PNW weather, the weather-proofing on these is great and they handle the wind loads without that annoying whistling sound you get from cheaper setups.

The install is super straightforward so you wont spend all weekend in the driveway

They sit pretty low profile which helps with the sunroof clearance and keeps the van from looking like a utility vehicle

You can easily pop them off when you get back from that road trip They definitely feel less bulky than the Thule options and you save a decent chunk of change for more camping gear. Just make sure you double check your specific mounting points.