TOP PICKS FOR PADDLESPORTS
This quartet will serve you well
Paddlesports are more popular today than they’ve ever been.
So what’s best for getting up to the head of the creek without losing your paddle? Here are four great options and alternatives for those who can’t wait to get out on the water this summer.
SUBARU OUTBACK
This, as they say, it the obvious choice. Subaru makes a big deal about the rugged, outdoor nature of its vehicles, which is a convenient way to get around criticisms of their somewhat underwhelming interiors.
The new Outback makes a great kayak and board hauler for a couple of reasons. First, it has a roof rack with built- in crossbars that you can swing away once the season’s over. Second, it has a lower roofline than a crossover, making it slightly easier to tie down your cargo.
It has better ground clearance than a Toyota Highlander, standard all- wheel- drive ( of course), and in Canada we still have the option of a genuine six- speed manual transmission. The CVT is also pretty great on soft surfaces, applying power smoothly.
Nicest of all, the Outback’s interior is much improved over previous versions, with the Limited Trim variants feeling far more upscale than a Forester. The EyeSight driver- safety aids are useful in the city, and the touchscreen navigation and infotainment is a huge improvement when compared with the rest of the Subie range.
Alternative shout- out: Volvo XC70 — The announcement of a crosscountry version of Volvo’s V60 wagon should spur sales for the company, but in the meantime, the original is still the best. The XC70 is longer than the V60 and has more space for gear, while echoing the Outback in the attributes of good clearance but low loading height.
HONDA CR- V
I’d be willing to place a bet that Honda’s new HR- V crossover will make a great outdoors escape pod for city dwellers, but in the meantime here’s a family favourite with a long- running nameplate: the CR- V.
While not quite as comfortable or fancy as something like a Nissan Rogue, the CR- V holds the trump card when it comes to utility. The trick folding seats are easy to use, and the cargo space in the back is large.
However, only the top- level Touring trim comes with roof- rails as standard, so set some money aside in the budget for the CR- V utility package. This $ 1,700 bundle includes roof rails, crossbars, and running boards, so you need only option the correct racking equipment for your board or kayak.
Alternative shout- out: Nissan Rogue — Fitted with extremely comfortable seats and a huge swath of available technology, Nissan’s Rogue is a strong seller in the crossover market. The Rogue deserves a mention here as it has something the CR- V doesn’t: a pass- through in the back seats. If you don’t want to risk strapping your carbon- fibre paddles to the roof, they’ll be nice and secure in the Rogue without folding your seats down.
NISSAN XTERRA
The Xterra’s getting on in years now, but still makes a great buy as a board and kayak transport. It comes with a sturdy roof- rack as standard, one that includes an eggcrate style drainage box up front to stow your watershoes, gloves, and any other wet and stinky gear. It’s a great feature, and would be even better if it locked.
Power comes from a stout 4.0L V- 6 that makes 261 horsepower and 281 pound- feet of torque. That’s plenty — more than enough to haul all kinds of gear, and the hard plastic cargo area can put up with all kinds of abuse. It does tend to get scratched up over time, but it’s easy to get sand and dirt out, and the sliding tie- downs are handy for heavier cargo.
The Xterra is a proper body- on-frame truck, which makes for a few on- road compromises. It’s a bit thirsty with that big V- 6, and the ride is most definitely truck like. However, its off- road capabilities are excellent, so if you’re a whitewater kayaker looking for better access, this is an ideal truck.
Loading height for the X- Terra is very tall, but there are steps built into the rear bumper sides and extrawide doorsills for standing on.
Alternative shout- out: GMC Canyon — Add a canopy to one of GM’s new compact pickup trucks, and you’ve got the capability to strap on a canoe for a great all- around camping vehicle. The Canyon’s twin, the Chevy Colorado, also looks compelling — and just wait until the diesel version lands.
VW GOLF SPORTWAGEN
We’ve just finished reviewing VW’s updated wagon version of the Golf and came away impressed. Heck, you might not even need a kayak considering how well this thing throws a bow- wave.
The combination of an easily reachable roofline and cargo rails makes loading the Sportwagen a cinch, particularly handy when loading paddleboards. The added cargo room over the Golf will also be appreciated for paddles and gear.
The new standard 1.8L turbocharged engine in the Golf range is a peach of a thing, and does return very good economy, especially if you’ll be using the car as an urban commuter through the week. If long- range paddling expeditions are your thing, then it’s the thrifty and long- legged diesel version that’ll appeal, especially with its stellar resale value.
Alternative shout- out: Prius V — Basically, it’s a bigger Prius — pretty straightforward, no? If your daily commute is a stop- and- go slog, but you still manage to break away for the odd morning paddle at a local lake, then the largest of the Prius range might work for you.
There are a couple of different racking options for the V, including a set from Yakima that appears well- reviewed. Add in a little more carrying capacity than a standard Prius, and you’ve got a friend for the urban paddler.