Roof Rails / Crossbars for 2023 Niro EV

The Thule website just shows rack systems that hold onto the edge of the bare roof and not the flush rails.

Strange that Yakima said to ask KIA. I think the flush roof rails are the same on the EV, regular hybrid and the PHEV. The Yakima website shows 2 expensive rack systems that attach to the 2023 Niro flush rails--called the Sightline system. Just go to the Yakima website and put in 2023 KIA Niro. It looks like the appropriate SightClip 25 is out of stock.

vangone said:

Strange that Yakima said to ask KIA. I think the flush roof rails are the same on the EV, regular hybrid and the PHEV.

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I guess that's the key question. The Yakima support person said "Are the roof rails the same on the EV as the other models?" I said I didn't know and that's when he said to ask Kia.

mmchi said:

Hello,
I'm new to the roof rails / crossbars world and I'm looking to put some on my 2023 Niro EV. I've read a lot of information in other threads, on reddit, on dealer websites and I'm still confused as to whether or not there's actually anything out there that I can confirm will fit safely and securely.

I've read quite a bit related to the 2023 Niro, but not specific to the EV. When I reached out to Yakima, they said to contact Kia. Kia said to contact Yakima.

Thule was equally confusing.

Does anyone have any roof rack experience with the 2023 Niro EV?

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I bought a set from Bragan in 2018 which still for my 2023 Niro 5th Back then, with shipping from the UK, they cost me $177. Sku # RB-OO8.

mmchi said:

Hello,
I'm new to the roof rails / crossbars world and I'm looking to put some on my 2023 Niro EV. I've read a lot of information in other threads, on reddit, on dealer websites and I'm still confused as to whether or not there's actually anything out there that I can confirm will fit safely and securely.

I've read quite a bit related to the 2023 Niro, but not specific to the EV. When I reached out to Yakima, they said to contact Kia. Kia said to contact Yakima.

Thule was equally confusing.

Does anyone have any roof rack experience with the 2023 Niro EV?

Click to expand...

mmchi said:

Hello,
I'm new to the roof rails / crossbars world and I'm looking to put some on my 2023 Niro EV. I've read a lot of information in other threads, on reddit, on dealer websites and I'm still confused as to whether or not there's actually anything out there that I can confirm will fit safely and securely.

I've read quite a bit related to the 2023 Niro, but not specific to the EV. When I reached out to Yakima, they said to contact Kia. Kia said to contact Yakima.

Thule was equally confusing.

Does anyone have any roof rack experience with the 2023 Niro EV?

Click to expand...

I bought a Bragan rack (www.bragan.net) that fits perfectly. Cost back in 2018 with shipping from the Uk was $177. It fit my then 2017 Niro, the subsequent 2020 and the new 2023 Niro.

I was wanting to get either a Yakima or Thule roof rack system, but both companies have out of stock of the "fit clip" components for months. With a cross country camping trip fast approaching, I opted for the Yakima EXO Swing Base and Cargo Box. Got a Curt #13531 hitch receiver installed, and the EXO Swing Base and cargo box all fit perfectly.

Nabbed the crossbars from my wife's 2023 Kona.
They're black and fit just fine.
Think I'll give then back due to the turbulence noise.

KaliforniaKid said:

Nabbed the crossbars from my wife's 2023 Kona.
They're black and fit just fine.
Think I'll give then back due to the turbulence noise.

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Can wrap the front crossbar with a bungee cord in loose barberpole fashion--like 4-6 inches between stripes--looks weird but prevents harmonic standing waves from forming. Also ensure that the bars are installed so the leading edges are facing forward.

Dennis new to Kia said:

I was wanting to get either a Yakima or Thule roof rack system, but both companies have out of stock of the "fit clip" components for months. With a cross country camping trip fast approaching, I opted for the Yakima EXO Swing Base and Cargo Box. Got a Curt #13531 hitch receiver installed, and the EXO Swing Base and cargo box all fit perfectly.

Click to expand...

If a cargo box is needed, you had the best solution. No added noise probably and only a small hit on efficiency if any. Roof rack stuff adds a huge aero load, possibly as much as ten percent just for the rack (deleting my roof rails was good for several extra mpg), and perhaps 35% plus for almost anything added strapped onto the rack.

Look on Amazon for this: "AUXPACBO Upgraded Cross Bars Fit for Kia NIRO EV NIRO Plug-in Hybrid 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Roof Rack Aluminum Cargo Bar Carrier Rooftop Luggage Crossbar"

When I got my '22 Niro, the manufacturer wanted folks to test these out, and I nabbed a set for free from them. Installed, road-tested and sent pictures. They fit perfectly right out of the box.

IMO these are very good indeed, and smart-looking too. I only use them occasionally, but they are easy to install and remove, and stay in place very nicely.

Says they fit the '23 as well.

Your mileage may vary.

Peter Jay said:

Look on Amazon for this: "AUXPACBO Upgraded Cross Bars Fit for Kia NIRO EV NIRO Plug-in Hybrid 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Roof Rack Aluminum Cargo Bar Carrier Rooftop Luggage Crossbar" When I got my '22 Niro, the manufacturer wanted folks to test these out, and I nabbed a set for free from them. Installed, road-tested and sent pictures. They fit perfectly right out of the box. IMO these are very good indeed, and smart-looking too. I only use them occasionally, but they are easy to install and remove, and stay in place very nicely. Says they fit the '23 as well. Your mileage may vary.

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Thank you SO MUCH! this is exactly what i've been looking for. I'm frustrated with Kia for not approving one yet.

Quite welcome! Hope they work well for you, too!