There are two types of roof racks that you can buy right now. You can choose from a rooftop one or a plain old hitch rack. I prefer the latter.
But some users want to buy the first option, and it is my duty to serve them. Each roof rack is different, so it becomes difficult for users to choose the correct one for the Prius.
This article has been written to search for the best roof rack for Prius. You will certainly be impressed with every single product that I list there.
They are also guaranteed to work with your vehicle, so you have nothing to worry about. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into it!
Table of Contents
- 1 7 Top Rated Toyota Prius Roof Racks Comparisons
- 1.1 1. HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack
- 1.2 2. SportRack Complete Roof Rack System
- 1.3 3. Leader Accessories Cargo Basket Roof Rack
- 1.4 4. Inno Complete Rack System
- 1.5 5. Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack
- 1.6 6. Stanley Universal Car Roof Rack Pad & Luggage Carrier System
- 1.7 7. DORSAL Wrap-Rax Soft Roof Rack Pads
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Conclusion
7 Top Rated Toyota Prius Roof Racks Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | Stanley Universal Car Roof Rack Pad & Luggage Carrier System | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
BEST BUDGET  | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack
What is better than a plain old roof rack?
The answer is an inflatable one. The first product in this article has been designed so that it is completely and fundamentally different from other products on the market.
Normally, I would place a product like HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack at the end of this article, but the brand has made a product that is great for everyday use and one of the best ones you can buy right now.
The slogan for this product is Extra Space Just When You Need It. This is a great statement that explains how this rack works.
It is a temporary rack that can handle almost anything you put on it. Whether it be a surfboard, a canoe, or heavy home purchases, they can be safely placed on this inflatable rack.
The rack can handle a good weight of 175 pounds. This is more than enough for most people. There is very little chance that you will run into weight constraints with this product.
The installation of this product is extremely easy and quick. You can be done with the process in a maximum of five minutes. They are ready to use right out of the box.
There is no assembly and no drilling. So, you won’t have to worry about voiding your warranty.
When you inflate this rack, the process creates a strong seal between the roof of the car and itself. The bar cushion you load so that it can be transported easily.
Once you are done, the rack can be deflated and stored in the trunk of your car.
And yes, the manufacturer has included its very own double-action HandiPump to inflate the rack when the time comes.
This is something that the brand cannot be blamed for.
- Easy to install
- Can handle up to 175 pounds
- Included pump for inflating
- Universal compatibility
- Leaking issue
This is the main concern of air. It can find new and different ways to escape. So, if you are buying this product, you should be well aware of the risks.
2. SportRack Complete Roof Rack System
If you are looking for a rack that has a traditional design, then I have got just the thing for you.
Taking up the second spot is this SportRack Complete Roof Rack System. With almost 1500 positive ratings, it is a popular option in this article.
Let’s see if it is worth it!
The rack has been designed to accommodate almost anything that is within its weight limit.
From bikes to kayaks, you can transport a wide variety of things on this rack. It will hold up pretty nicely, which is something all buyers are looking for.
Let’s talk about build quality!
This roof rack is made out of solid steel. This means that it is extremely sturdy and will not break, no matter the type of load on it.
The weight limit is 130 pounds, which is more than enough for most users. The manufacturer has included all-important hardware in the box.
This includes the load bars, hooks, and feet, which means you will save yourself a trip from the nearest hardware store.
Another great thing is that it comes preassembled. So, it will be ready to install as soon as it is removed from the box. Thanks to this design, you will save some precious time.
The installation is also very easy. This rack can be installed without any drilling. Thanks to the integrated locking system, it will be securely attached to the roof of your vehicle.
You won’t have to worry about it becoming loose or even breaking off over time. Some products have this issue.
They are most probably returns of other users, and the chances of them being faulty are high.
- All-steel construction
- Comes pre-assembled
- Easy to install
- 130-pound limit
- Repacked item sent
The fact that the manufacturer sent users repacked items means an alarming shipping issue is going on.
The manufacturer must address it as soon as possible to ensure that future buyers don’t have this issue.
3. Leader Accessories Cargo Basket Roof Rack
Most cargo basket roof racks on the market need side rails for installation. Unfortunately, the Prius does not come with the rails mentioned above.
This is something that concerned the brand Leader Accessories. It came up with this Fantastic Cargo Basket Roof Rack that has been taken very positively by users.
Let us see just how practical it is!
The manufacturer offers this rack in many different options. You can choose from a simple rack or one with a cargo net. Some options include a cargo bag to the package.
Why spend your money on different manufacturers when you can get everything from one place?
Moreover, the company has given the flexibility to users looking to buy a new roof rack for their vehicles.
The cargo net can be used to tuck your cargo in safely, so it has no chance of falling off on the highway.
With a weight limit of an excellent 150 pounds, this rack is perfect for carrying camping equipment, kayaks, luggage, and more.
All these items can be safely secured to ensure they can be transported without a hitch.
Let’s talk about the durability of the cargo net!
This net has an all-latex core. You didn’t expect that now. I was surprised too when I read about this.
But the brand has done its research and has used latex to create an extremely durable product. The 5mm bungee webbing can stretch to cover any and all cargo you want.
The small 3 by 3 mesh squares keep small items from falling off and improve the strength of the overall product.
The brand should have used better coating to ensure the rack won’t have this problem.
- Many different buying options
- 150-pound weight limit
- Durable cargo net
- Cargo basket design
- Rusting issue
Rust is something that should not be taken lightly. I admit that even with rust, the product will work for many years, but its structural integrity will be seriously impacted.
4. Inno Complete Rack System
Taking up the fourth spot is a product from Inno, a brand that I know about, but unfortunately, its products never cut my article.
Well, that changes today with this Excellent Inno Complete Rack System. Although this rack has only 27 ratings, most of them are positive.
Before we check out the details of this rack, I must admit that it is quite underrated.
The manufacturer offers this rack in ten different options. All options are for their respective vehicles.
We will only be focusing on the Toyota Prius, as it is also a buying option. This rack has everything you need inside the box.
You can get started with the installation process as soon as it arrives at your doorstep. This rack comes with the base bars, the stays, and the foot hook.
You can rest assured that every one of these parts has been designed specifically for the Toyota Prius.
This is the only product on this list that has been manufactured to be compatible with your vehicle.
So, unlike universal racks, this one has a very low chance of error. The manufacturer has even included the lock and keys in the box.
No more running to the hardware store just because the product came with incomplete parts. The best thing about this rack is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Yes, that is right!
Getting a warranty with any type of rack is an extremely rare thing. You are getting a lifetime warranty means that you will never have to worry about any manufacturing defects.
On the rare occasion that one pops ups, you will be eligible for a free of cost replacement.
This makes the product completely useless, and waiting for a replacement will not sit right with most people.
- Manufactured for the Prius
- Lifetime warranty
- Hardware included
- Available for other vehicles
- Wrong hardware sent
Looks like the manufacturer has to focus on its shipping issues and resolve the issue of the wrongly sent products as soon as possible.
Otherwise, what is the point of buying such a great product if buyers don’t stop running into issues?
5. Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack
If you don’t trust a product with fewer ratings, you will certainly be interested in this Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack.
With just over 1500 ratings, it is one of the more popular options out there.
Let’s see if it is good enough to be installed on your vehicle!
Seah is the only manufacturer on this article that offers color options with this rack. You can choose from the universally excepted blue color, or you could go for the orange one.
I like the orange color because it is unique and will look great after installing.
This rack has straps that go through the doorframes. This allows it to be universally compatible with any four-door vehicle.
The manufacturer does warn that it cannot be used on a 2-door vehicle. Realistically, I don’t think anyone is reading here who was thinking about doing that.
The crossbars of this rack are made up of heavy-duty steel. Some of you may be wondering why this is so important.
Well, the steel construction allows this rack to handle any sort of beating. They will remain strong and will also keep your cargo in place.
Talking about the crossbars, their position is adjustable too. This is great for people who are looking to transport something like a kayak.
The installation process is also easy and simple. The company claims that the rack can be assembled and disassembled in seconds.
If this is true, then I think that everyone will appreciate this design.
This gives water a clear place to enter.
- Installation within seconds
- Made from heavy-duty steel
- Adjustable crossbar position
- Universal compatibility
- Gasket deformation allows water to enter
This is a serious design flaw that must be Seah Hardware as soon as possible. Unless this is fixed, buyers who live in rainy areas cannot buy it, as it will cause many issues.
If you live in a relatively rain-free area, then you have nothing to worry about.
6. Stanley Universal Car Roof Rack Pad & Luggage Carrier System
We are reaching the end of this article, and still, the competition does not seem to be slowing down. Each product I check out turns out to be an extremely excellent one.
This Roof Rack from the Stanley is an example of a high-quality roof rack!
Like many other options in this article, this Stanley rack has universal compatibility. This means that your Prius owners should not run into any issues.
The cargo pads can be attached to the roof of any vehicle. It prevents scratches by creating a distance between the roof and the object you want to carry.
Some of you may not be convinced about the product being viable in the long term just because it is made out of polyethylene foam.
Well, I am here to tell you that the foam is great at cushioning and weatherproof. Be it rain or dust; the rack will hold up perfectly.
They are also great at absorbing shocks, which may be useful for people who will travel through bumpy terrain.
The cam strap has an adjustable design. It also uses completely corrosion-resistant metal buckles. This makes sure that the product will not lose its structural integrity in the future.
It can handle a weight of 110 pounds. I know that it is less than the previous racks, but it is more than enough for the majority of the buyers.
The straps can also handle a pull of up to 1000 pounds, achieved while accelerating or braking. This gives buyers the peace of mind that they will not break.
It looks like the company has a quality control issue that must be addressed as soon as possible.
- Polyethylene foam
- Excellent shock absorption
- Adjustable strap
- Weatherproof
- Weak straps
- Loops may break
Stanley is a big name in the auto industry. It must live up to its name and make sure to resolve all these quality control issues that directly impact consumers.
7. DORSAL Wrap-Rax Soft Roof Rack Pads
Taking up the final spot on this article is the Roof Rack from the Brand DORSAL. I must admit that I have never heard of the company before.
You may or may not have, but one thing is clear, customers love the product. Racking over 400 ratings and earning a decent 4 stars, this rack is something to consider.
Let’s see what makes it so special!
This rack pad has been specifically designed for use with surfboards and snowboards. Now, I know that not many people need a rack to carry their boards, but they are present.
And if they are, then it is my duty to enlighten them. The rack, like others on this article, wraps around the inside of your Prius.
The installation will be secure, and you won’t have to be worried about the boards moving or slipping during transport.
This is possible, thanks to the use of special soft padding and sturdy buckles. Both work to ensure that your boards will be as safely secured as possible.
The rack pads have been integrated with EVA foam. The foam is covered with a nylon sleeve. This makes sure that there will be no water damage.
The brand also assures that the pad and straps will allow you to secure any board, so you won’t have to worry about incompatibility.
Even the top of the bar has been padded. This makes sure that the boards will not be damaged during transport.
They complained about the straps being so flimsy that they would break, while others complained that it made loud noises on the highway.
This again appears to be a design flaw.
- Can be used with snowboards
- EVA foam integration
- Waterproof nylon sleeve
- Flimsy straps
- May make noise on the highway
Apart from the small number of readers looking to buy a rack for their surfboards, I must advise that you look at the products before. You will surely love at least a single of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I Put A Kayak On A Prius?
Yes, you can! I have listed many products in this article that are guaranteed to transport anything you like. From bikes to kayaks, these racks can handle them all.
But, without a rack, you risk a lot. Not only does the strapping process become a lot harder, but it also poses a risk to other vehicles around you.
So, I would advise that you buy a rack, like the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack.
Q2. Do Roof Racks Damage My Prius?
If you buy from shady manufacturers that have negative or, worse of all, no ratings at all, there is a good chance that you bought a product that will damage the roof of your Prius.
Not only that but even products that I listed above, if they are badly fitted or over tightened, they may cause dents or scratches.
An overloaded rack can do the same thing too. So, you need to make sure that the install is perfect.
Q3. How Much Weight Can I Put On My Prius Roof?
I hope to God that you are not thinking about doing a no-rack transport on top of your Prius. But if you are genuinely curious, then the roof can handle about 200 pounds of pressure.
All of the racks that it detailed above have a weight limit that is below this value. So, this must be kept in mind to ensure that they don’t break on you.
Conclusion
If you are searching for the best roof rack for Prius, I can guarantee you that you will not find a more accurate list online.
Various articles list products, out of which only one or two are compatible with your vehicle.
I made sure by cross-referencing the ratings to remain no doubt about each of these rack’s compatibility.
Out of all of these racks, I would advise that you buy the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack. It is not only excellent at what it does but also easy to store and use.
This is something many buyers look for but are unable to find it. Well, this one checks all those boxes. So, it is my recommendation for you all.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
