Having a car with a factory-installed roof rack makes outdoor adventures much easier and more convenient. Whether you love kayaking, skiing, camping, or biking, a sturdy roof rack can hold all your gear safely.
It eliminates the hassle of trying to fit everything inside your car, providing more space for passengers and making your trips more enjoyable.
Having a roof rack installed at the factory offers several benefits. It ensures that the rack is built with the vehicle’s structure in mind, providing better durability and performance.
Unlike aftermarket options, factory-installed roof racks are tested for safety and compatibility, offering peace of mind during your travels. Plus, they often enhance the car’s aesthetics, making it look more adventure-ready.
Factory-installed roof racks are also easy to use. They often come with user-friendly features like adjustable crossbars and tie-down points.
These additions make it simpler to secure your gear and hit the road without unnecessary delays. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the beach, a reliable roof rack makes packing and transporting equipment stress-free.
12 cars with factory-installed roof racks, perfect for carrying outdoor gear. From rugged SUVs to versatile crossovers, these vehicles are designed to make your adventures more convenient. So, if you’re looking for a car that’s ready for the great outdoors, this list will help you find the perfect match.
12) Nissan Armada
The 2023 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV made for adventure enthusiasts. It comes with factory-installed roof rails, making it easy to carry outdoor gear like bikes and kayaks. This feature is ideal for those who enjoy road trips.
The Armada offers ample space for passengers and cargo. Its roomy interior provides comfort for families or groups on long trips. The spacious seating ensures everyone has enough room to relax, enhancing the travel experience.
Under the hood, the Armada boasts a powerful V8 engine. This engine delivers impressive performance and towing capacity. It’s suitable for hauling heavy loads, trailers, or boats, making it perfect for adventurous getaways.
The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive option enhances traction and control. It ensures a smooth ride in various weather conditions. This feature adds versatility, making the Armada a reliable choice for different terrains.
Its advanced suspension system provides better stability. Even when carrying heavy equipment on the roof, the ride remains smooth and controlled. This makes the Armada suitable for both on-road and off-road journeys.
Inside, the Armada offers high-quality materials and modern amenities. Features like touchscreen displays and smartphone connectivity enhance convenience. Premium sound systems also add to the entertainment experience during long drives.
11) Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is a large SUV built for versatility and strength. It comes with factory-installed roof rails, perfect for carrying outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks, or luggage. These roof rails offer convenience and safety during adventurous road trips.
The Tahoe’s impressive towing capacity is one of its standout features. It can tow up to 8,400 pounds, which is excellent for an SUV of its size. This capability makes it ideal for transporting trailers, boats, or other heavy loads with ease.
Its powerful engine ensures smooth performance during demanding tasks. Whether it’s towing a trailer or climbing steep roads, the Tahoe delivers reliable power. This makes it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable vehicle for various activities.
The Tahoe offers a comfortable and spacious interior. It has plenty of room for passengers, making long drives enjoyable. Families or groups of friends can travel with ease, thanks to the generous seating and relaxing environment.
High-quality materials enhance the interior’s appeal. The seats are designed to provide comfort during extended journeys. The Tahoe’s spacious cabin also allows for flexible seating arrangements, making it a practical choice for different needs.
Modern features improve the driving experience. The Tahoe often includes amenities like touchscreen displays and smartphone connectivity. These features ensure convenience and entertainment throughout the trip, making every journey enjoyable.
Also read: 10 Cars That Offer the Most Spacious Front and Rear Legroom for Ultimate Comfort
10) Subaru Outback
The 2023 Subaru Outback is a versatile SUV designed for those who enjoy outdoor activities. It comes with factory-installed roof rails, making it easy to carry equipment like bikes, kayaks, or camping gear.
This feature is especially helpful for adventurous trips where extra storage space is needed. The roof rails allow you to load bulky items without sacrificing interior comfort.
The Outback is known for its impressive ground clearance, which makes it suitable for tackling rough terrain. Whether you’re driving on muddy trails or rocky paths, the Outback offers reliable performance.
Its high ground clearance helps prevent damage to the undercarriage, ensuring a smooth and safe journey. This feature adds to the SUV’s durability and appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Comfort and space are also important aspects of the Subaru Outback. It offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
The comfortable seating makes long road trips more enjoyable for everyone on board. Families or groups of friends can travel with ease, thanks to the ample legroom and supportive seats.
Another benefit of the Subaru Outback is its reliability. Subaru is known for building durable vehicles, and the Outback is no exception. Its sturdy build and advanced engineering make it a dependable choice for both daily commutes and off-road adventures.
The 2023 Subaru Outback is an excellent option for those who love the outdoors. Its factory-installed roof rails, impressive ground clearance, and comfortable interior make it a reliable choice.
Whether you’re heading out for a camping trip or a family vacation, the Outback is well-equipped to handle various travel demands.
9) Honda CR-V Sport Touring
The 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring is a compact SUV built for versatility. It comes with factory-installed roof rails, making it a practical choice for those who enjoy city driving and weekend adventures. These roof rails allow you to carry extra gear like bikes, kayaks, or rooftop cargo boxes.
This feature is especially useful for those who enjoy outdoor activities and need a reliable vehicle to transport their equipment safely.
Inside, the CR-V Sport Touring offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. Despite being a compact SUV, it provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
The seats are designed to offer comfort during long drives, making it a reliable choice for extended trips. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, everyone can enjoy a comfortable journey.
The SUV also includes modern features to enhance convenience and entertainment. Touchscreen displays, smartphone connectivity, and premium audio systems are often part of the package. These features improve the driving experience, ensuring that you stay connected and entertained throughout your journey.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring is a practical and efficient SUV designed for those who enjoy both city life and outdoor adventures.
Its factory-installed roof rails, spacious interior, and fuel-efficient engine make it a reliable choice for various travel needs. Whether it’s daily commuting or weekend getaways, the CR-V Sport Touring delivers a satisfying experience.
8) Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a compact SUV that combines retro styling with modern features. It comes standard with roof rails, making it easy to attach roof racks for carrying gear like bikes, kayaks, or luggage. This makes the Bronco a great choice for adventure enthusiasts.
The Bronco offers two engine choices. The 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine gives 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine provides 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Bronco’s design includes removable doors and a detachable roof for an open-air experience. Its body-on-frame construction and advanced suspension systems provide durability and off-road capability.
The High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system is available on certain trims for better off-road performance.
The Badlands trim is designed for off-roading with advanced suspension. The Wildtrak trim features the Sasquatch Package with 35-inch tires and a 2-inch lift. The Raptor trim has a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine with 418 horsepower and special suspension for extreme off-roading.
The 2025 Ford Bronco starts at $39,890, which is $1,635 less than the previous year. This pricing makes the Bronco a more affordable option for those seeking a stylish, off-road capable SUV.
7) 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a high-end luxury SUV designed to offer both elegance and practicality. It features an extended roof equipped with roof rails that can hold up to 220 pounds. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities, as it can easily carry larger items like kayaks or canoes.
Inside, the Escalade ESV is built for comfort and luxury. It has a spacious cabin with seating for seven passengers, providing plenty of room for everyone.
The interior is designed with leather-wrapped trim, including the instrument panel, console, and upper door panels. Additionally, all three rows of seating are made with full Semi-Aniline leather, ensuring a high-end experience for passengers.
The Escalade ESV is not just about luxury, but also practicality. Its extended length provides ample cargo space, allowing for the transportation of larger items.
The roof rails add an extra level of versatility, enabling the attachment of roof racks to carry additional gear. This makes the Escalade ESV an excellent choice for outdoor adventures, road trips, or family vacations.
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV combines luxury and practicality in one vehicle. With its durable roof rails, spacious interior, and comfort features, it is the perfect choice for those who need both family-friendly functionality and a high-end driving experience.
Whether it’s for daily driving or weekend getaways, the Escalade ESV offers the best of both worlds.
6) GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that blends style and practicality. It comes with roof rails as standard, supporting various roof rack configurations. This makes it an excellent choice for carrying outdoor gear like kayaks, bikes, or camping equipment.
Inside, the Yukon offers ample space for up to nine passengers, making it perfect for family road trips. It also boasts impressive towing capabilities, supporting a maximum trailer weight of 8,400 pounds, which is ideal for hauling heavy gear like boats or trailers.
The GMC Yukon offers three engine choices. The 5.3L V8 engine produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2L V8 engine delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel provides 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering better fuel efficiency.
Each engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting. The Yukon offers both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, allowing drivers to choose based on their needs for traction and performance.
The Yukon measures 210 inches in length, 81 inches in width, and 76.5 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 120.9 inches. It offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, which expands to 122.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample storage.
Standard GMC Pro Safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Front Pedestrian Braking, all designed to enhance driver and passenger safety.
The GMC Yukon is a versatile SUV that combines luxury with functionality. Its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and strong towing capacity make it an excellent choice for both families and adventurers.
Also read: 10 Cars That Offer the Most Spacious Front and Rear Legroom for Ultimate Comfort
5) Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that blends size, strength, and versatility. It comes with standard roof rails, perfect for carrying outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes.
With its spacious interior and strong towing capacity, the Sequoia is ideal for families and adventurers. Whether you’re on a road trip or weekend getaway, the Sequoia can handle any journey.
The 2025 Sequoia is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. Together, they produce 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
This powertrain provides the perfect mix of strength and fuel efficiency. Whether driving daily or going on long trips, the Sequoia performs smoothly in various conditions.
The Sequoia has a towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds. It’s great for hauling boats, trailers, or heavy equipment.
This capability ensures that adventurers and families can bring all the necessary gear on their travels. The Sequoia is built to carry heavy loads with ease.
The Sequoia can seat up to eight passengers, with three-row seating. This ensures plenty of space for everyone, making it perfect for family trips.
The interior offers flexible seating arrangements for passengers and cargo. Features like climate control and heated seats ensure comfort during long journeys.
The Sequoia comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, making it easy to stay connected on the go.
4) Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It comes with standard roof rails for easy installation of various roof rack systems. This feature makes transporting bikes, kayaks, or luggage convenient.
With powerful engine options and a roomy interior, the Expedition is ideal for long trips and heavy-duty hauling. Its design targets families and outdoor enthusiasts needing comfort and practicality during their journeys.
The Ford Expedition offers impressive engine options, combining power and performance. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup ensures smooth and responsive driving.
The standard engine produces 400 horsepower, while the high-output version boosts it to 440 horsepower. These powerful engines provide strong performance for daily driving and towing heavy loads.
Whether driving in the city or on a road trip, the Expedition’s engines ensure reliability and a great experience. Its engine options cater to various driving needs and preferences.
The Ford Expedition’s towing capacity is a standout feature, allowing it to tow up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped. This capability makes it ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or heavy equipment with ease.
Its towing strength is perfect for families and adventurers who need a vehicle that can handle substantial loads. This feature makes the Expedition a great choice for those who frequently transport heavy items.
Inside, the Expedition offers a spacious cabin accommodating up to eight passengers. Its flexible interior configurations suit both passengers and cargo. This ensures comfort during long journeys.
Standard features include cloth seats, a split bench seat with CenterSlide®, and a 60/40 PowerFold® with Power Recline third-row seat, which enhance comfort and convenience.
3) Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable mid-size SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It comes with sturdy roof rails, making it convenient to install roof rack systems. These racks are perfect for carrying bikes, kayaks, or luggage.
This feature adds practicality, making the 4Runner suitable for daily commutes or weekend getaways. Its versatility makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s built to handle various needs, supporting an adventurous lifestyle with ease.
The Toyota 4Runner runs on a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine ensures steady performance across different driving conditions, providing a smooth experience both in cities and rough terrains.
The 4Runner also offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It’s suitable for pulling trailers, boats, or heavy equipment. Its towing capability is useful for people who frequently transport large loads.
Built for adventure, the Toyota 4Runner features excellent off-road capabilities. It offers a ground clearance of 9.6 inches, an approach angle of 33.0 degrees, and a departure angle of 26.0 degrees. These features help it tackle challenging terrains effectively.
Its suspension system is strong, providing stability and a smooth ride even on rough surfaces. Whether it’s dirt trails, rocky paths, or muddy roads, the 4Runner handles various conditions with ease.
The Toyota 4Runner’s interior is designed for comfort and convenience. It offers seating for up to five passengers, providing ample space for everyone. Its cabin includes features like an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Safety remains a priority in the Toyota 4Runner. It includes Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) to prevent rollback on inclines and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for controlled descents on steep or slippery slopes.
2) 2023 Mazda CX-50
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV designed for active and outdoor lifestyles. It features a lower roofline for easier access to roof racks, despite its increased ground clearance.
This design facilitates the transport of equipment like bikes, kayaks, or luggage, enhancing its practicality for adventures.
The CX-50 is equipped with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged variant is also available, delivering up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and come standard with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction across various terrains.
The CX-50 features Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), allowing drivers to switch between different driving modes such as Sport and Off-road. This system optimizes vehicle performance to suit various driving conditions, enhancing the driving experience.
Inside, the CX-50 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for five passengers. Depending on the trim level, features may include a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, and a power-sliding panoramic moonroof.
The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go.
Safety is a priority in the CX-50, which includes features like Hill Launch Assist to prevent rollback on inclines and Downhill Assist Control for controlled descents on steep slopes. These systems enhance driver confidence and passenger safety during various driving conditions.
Also read: 10 Affordable Used Cars That Rarely Have Major Issues
1) 2024 Nissan Rogue
The 2024 Nissan Rogue offers a sleek design paired with practical features like roof rails that provide a sturdy base for various roof rack systems. Whether you’re carrying bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes, the Rogue’s rails make outdoor adventures convenient and hassle-free.
Powered by a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine, the Rogue delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an Xtronic CVT®, it achieves up to 35 MPG on the highway, offering a balance of power and fuel efficiency for daily drives and road trips.
Inside, the Rogue offers spacious seating for five, with a passenger volume of 105.4 cubic feet. The cargo area can expand to 74.1 cubic feet when rear seats are folded. The Divide-N-Hide® cargo system provides versatile storage solutions, ideal for various items.
Technology features include a 12.3-inch customizable dashboard, Head-Up Display, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. Alexa Built-in and rear USB-C ports ensure seamless connectivity, enhancing both convenience and entertainment during your journeys.
Safety remains a priority with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, featuring Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These technologies enhance driver awareness and contribute to a safer driving experience.
Factory-installed roof racks offer durability and performance, designed to fit the Rogue’s structure perfectly. Unlike aftermarket racks, these are tested for safety, compatibility, and aesthetics, ensuring reliable support for your outdoor gear.
