Finding the right jeep kl roof rack is basically a rite of passage for any Cherokee owner who actually wants to use their SUV for more than just grocery runs. Let's be real for a second: while the KL (that's the 2014+ Cherokee for the uninitiated) is a fantastic daily driver and a surprisingly capable trail hawk, the interior cargo space isn't exactly cavernous. Once you throw a cooler, a couple of camp chairs, and a dog in the back, you're pretty much out of room. That's where a solid roof rack comes into play.
If you've spent any time looking at mods for your Jeep, you've probably noticed that the market is flooded with options. It can get overwhelming fast. Do you need simple crossbars? A full platform? Something that bolts directly to the roof or just clips onto the existing rails? There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but there's definitely a right answer for how you plan to use your Jeep.
Why Your Cherokee Needs the Extra Space
The Cherokee KL occupies a weird middle ground in the Jeep lineup. It's bigger than the Renegade but lacks the boxy utility of the Grand Cherokee or the Wrangler. For solo trips, the trunk is fine. But the moment you bring a friend or two along for a weekend camping trip, you realize just how fast that "compact" part of compact SUV fills up.
Adding a jeep kl roof rack isn't just about carrying more stuff; it's about organization. There's something deeply satisfying about throwing the muddy, bulky gear—like recovery boards, fuel cans, or a wet tent—outside of the vehicle. It keeps your interior clean and gives your passengers some legroom. Plus, let's be honest, a Cherokee with a beefy rack just looks a whole lot more aggressive. It takes it from "mall crawler" to "trail ready" in about an hour of installation time.
Breaking Down the Different Types of Racks
Before you pull the trigger on a purchase, you need to know what you're actually looking at. Generally speaking, you're going to be choosing between three main styles for the KL.
Basic Crossbars
This is the most common starting point. If your Jeep came with factory side rails (those silver or black bars running front-to-back), you can just slap a pair of crossbars on them. These are great if you just want to haul a kayak, a bike, or a slim cargo box. They're relatively cheap, easy to install, and don't kill your gas mileage as much as a full platform.
The downside? They have a lower weight capacity. You aren't going to be mounting a heavy hardshell rooftop tent on a pair of budget crossbars. If you just need a little extra utility for occasional weekend hobbies, this is your best bet.
Platform Racks
Now we're getting into the serious stuff. A platform rack is essentially a flat floor for your roof. Brands like Chief Products or Gobi make these specifically for the KL, and they are game-changers. Instead of just two bars, you have a whole grid of mounting points.
Platforms are lower profile, which helps with garage clearance, and they are incredibly strong. You can mount almost anything to them—shovels, axes, awnings, and yes, those heavy rooftop tents. They give the KL a very "overland" look, but they do come with a higher price tag and a bit more wind noise.
Basket Racks
A basket is basically a tray with walls that sits on top of crossbars. It's the "old school" way of doing things. They are awesome for throwing random bags or gear up there and strapping them down with a cargo net. However, they aren't very aerodynamic. If you leave a basket on your jeep kl roof rack year-round, you're going to see a noticeable dip in your MPGs. They're great for utility, but maybe not the best for a quiet highway commute.
The Installation Reality Check
I've spent plenty of time turning wrenches on Jeeps, and I can tell you that installing a roof rack on a KL can be either a 20-minute job or a four-hour headache. It all depends on your trim level.
If you have the North, Latitude, or Trailhawk trims, you likely have the raised factory side rails. Installing crossbars on these is a breeze. You just clamp them on, tighten a few bolts, and you're done.
However, if you have an Altitude or a Limited with the "flush" rails—or worse, no rails at all—things get tricky. You might have to remove the interior headliner to bolt a new rail system in, or use "naked roof" clips that grip the door frame. If you're looking at a full platform rack that replaces the factory rails, be prepared to get cozy with your socket set. It's totally doable for a DIYer, but it requires some patience and maybe a friend to help you lift the rack onto the roof without scratching your paint.
Dealing with Wind Noise and MPG
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: wind noise. The Cherokee KL is actually a pretty quiet ride for a Jeep, but the second you put a jeep kl roof rack on it, that changes. You're essentially putting a giant sail on top of your car.
At highway speeds, you'll likely hear a hum or a whistle. Most high-end racks come with a wind fairing (that slanted piece at the front) to help deflect air, but it's never going to be as silent as a bare roof. If you're sensitive to noise, look for "aero" style bars that are shaped like airplane wings. They slice through the air much better than square or round bars.
As for fuel economy, expect to lose maybe 1 to 2 MPGs. It's the price we pay for adventure. If you're worried about it, try to find a low-profile rack that stays as close to the roofline as possible.
What Should You Actually Carry Up There?
Just because you have a rack doesn't mean you should treat it like a pickup truck bed. Every roof has a weight limit. For the KL, you generally have a dynamic weight limit (when the car is moving) of around 150 lbs, though some aftermarket rail systems can bump that up.
The static weight limit (when the car is parked) is much higher, which is why you can sleep in a tent on top of the car without crushing the roof pillars. When you're packing for a trip, keep the heavy stuff inside the vehicle as low as possible to maintain a decent center of gravity. Use the jeep kl roof rack for the light but bulky items—sleeping bags, camp chairs, Maxtrax, and maybe a spare tire if you've upgraded to a size that doesn't fit in the internal storage well.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Once the rack is on, don't just forget about it. Off-roading involves a lot of vibrations, and vibrations love to loosen bolts. I usually make it a habit to check the mounting hardware every few months or after a particularly bumpy trail ride. A quick turn with a wrench can prevent a very expensive disaster on the freeway.
Also, keep an eye on the finish. If you live in a place where they salt the roads in winter, aluminum racks are great because they won't rust. If you go with a steel rack, make sure you touch up any chips in the powder coating immediately. A little bit of spray paint now saves you from a face full of orange flakes two years down the road.
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, picking out a jeep kl roof rack comes down to balancing your budget with your needs. If you're just hauling a kayak once a month, don't break the bank on a $1,200 overlanding platform. But if you're planning on living out of your Jeep for a week-long trek through the backcountry, investing in a high-quality system is worth every penny.
The KL is a much more capable platform than people give it credit for. With the right rack, you're not just adding storage; you're expanding what your Jeep is capable of doing. It's about having the freedom to bring whatever you need for the journey ahead, without having to play a game of Tetris in the backseat every time you leave the driveway. Just remember to double-check your garage clearance before you pull in with that new gear mounted up top—ask me how I know!