Will a Roof Tent Fit on Kia?
Kia is a popular choice for roof tent enthusiasts, especially models like Sorento and EV6. Roof capacity varies between 60-100 kg depending on model, providing different options for roof tents. In this guide, we cover what applies to your specific Kia.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Roof capacity varies between 60 kg (Picanto) and 100 kg (Sorento, Niro)
- ✓Sorento and Niro are best suited for roof tents with 75-100 kg capacity
- ✓EV6, EV3 and Ceed have 80 kg roof capacity – excellent for most tents
- ✓Optima varies between 70-100 kg depending on model year
- ✓Picanto has limited capacity (60 kg) – lighter tents only
- ✓Always verify your specific car's roof capacity on car.info
Important About Kia and Roof Tents
Kia models have varying roof capacity, and many models lack built-in roof rails. This means you need to mount roof bars on fixed mounting points or use roof bars that clamp to door frames. Check which mounting solution your specific model has.
Roof Capacity by Kia Model
Here are the general roof capacities for different Kia models. Note that this is dynamic load (while driving) – the static load (stationary) is significantly higher.
| Model | Dynamic roof capacity | Suitable for roof tent? |
|---|---|---|
| Picanto | 60 kg | Check tent weight |
| Stonic | 70 kg | Check tent weight |
| Optima | 70-100 kg | Check tent weight |
| Ceed | 80 kg | |
| EV3 | 80 kg | |
| EV6 | 80 kg | |
| Niro | 75-100 kg | |
| Sorento | 75-100 kg |
⚠️ Important: These values are general guidelines. Always verify your specific car's roof capacity in the owner's manual or on car.info by searching your license plate.
Check on car.infoRecommendations by Model
Picanto (60 kg)
Only lighter models up to ~50 kg recommended with safety margin. Lite Cruiser, Normandy Auto and Air Cruiser work well.
Stonic (70 kg)
Lighter models up to ~63 kg work well. Desert Cruiser 140 is borderline.
Optima (70-100 kg)
With 70 kg capacity, lighter models fit. With 100 kg capacity, almost all our models fit. Check your specific model year.
Ceed/EV3/EV6 (80 kg)
Excellent choice for roof tents. Most models up to 71 kg fit. Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 120 is borderline.
Niro (75-100 kg)
Excellent choice for roof tents. With 100 kg capacity, almost all our models fit, including the heaviest.
Sorento (75-100 kg)
Best Kia for roof tents. With 100 kg capacity, almost all our models fit, including the heaviest.
Measure Your 'Clear Roof Bar'
In addition to roof capacity, you need to check that your roof bars have enough 'clear roof bar' space – that is, the space between the roof bar feet where the tent's rails can attach. See the illustration below to understand what this means.
Which Wild Land Tents Fit on Kia?
Our roof tents weigh between 34-79 kg. Here's an overview of all models sorted by weight:
⚠️ Important: Remember that the roof bars' weight (typically 3-7 kg) also counts towards the total roof capacity. A 75 kg tent will not fit on a car with 75 kg roof capacity – you need margin for the roof bars.
Lite Cruiser
Normandy Auto 120
Normandy Auto 140
Air Cruiser
Wild Cruiser 160
Voyager Pro 140
Desert Cruiser 120
Voyager Pro 160
SE-125
Desert Cruiser 140
Voyager Pro 230
Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 120
SE-180
Rock Cruiser
Wild Cruiser 250
Bush Cruiser V2 Pro 140
* Values in parentheses show minimum measurement when rails are moved to the edges.
Wild Land Tents on Kia – Customer Photos
Unsure About Your Kia?
Contact us and we'll help you find the right roof tent for your specific Kia.
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