Best Cars for Surfers 2024 (Top Choice)

Best Cars for Surfers – When you’re a surfer, the thrill of the ride isn’t just about catching waves; it’s about the adventure of getting there. That’s why choosing the right vehicle is essential for surfers – it’s not just a means of transportation; it’s your surf buddy on wheels, your mobile storage unit, and sometimes even your sanctuary after a day of wave-riding.

So, what makes the best car for surfers? Well, it’s a combination of factors, from ample storage space for your boards and gear to rugged durability that can handle whatever the beach throws your way.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top contenders for the title of “best car for surfers,” each with its unique features and benefits.

The Importance of Surfboard Transport Safety

Before diving into the specifics of surfer cars, it’s crucial to understand the importance of surfboard transport safety.

Protecting your board not only ensures its longevity but also prevents damage to your vehicle and, most importantly, ensures the safety of yourself and your passengers.

Protecting the Surfboard

A loose surfboard is a recipe for disaster. Fiberglass dings and dents can affect its performance, not to mention the risk of surface punctures that can injure both you and your board.

Improperly securing your board on the roof can lead to scratching or, worse, a potentially catastrophic fall.

Protecting the Vehicle

Surfboards can wreak havoc on your vehicle if not properly secured. From damaged upholstery to dented trim, the consequences of a loose board can be costly.

Even something as seemingly innocuous as wax can cause damage if it transfers to interior surfaces on a hot day.

Ensuring Passenger Safety

Loose objects in a vehicle can quickly become dangerous projectiles, especially during sudden stops or accidents.

An unsecured surfboard poses a significant risk to both you and your passengers, making proper transport methods essential for everyone’s safety.

Exploring the Best Cars for Surfers

For surfers, the thrill of catching the perfect wave is unparalleled. But getting to that perfect spot requires a reliable vehicle that can transport your prized surfboard safely.

Not every car is up to the task, but fear not, as we delve into the world of surfer-friendly vehicles to find the best cars for surfers.

Now that we understand the importance of surfboard transport safety, let’s explore some of the best cars for surfers that combine functionality, style, and, most importantly, board transport convenience.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

While the Chevrolet Trailblazer may not offer ample space for storing your surfboard inside, its easy-to-install and affordable roof rail package makes it an ideal choice for surfers.

With the option for an all-wheel drive, navigating beachside terrain becomes a breeze, ensuring you reach your favorite surfing spot without hassle.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 boasts a spacious cargo area capable of accommodating shortboards with ease. With available four-wheel drive options, tackling sandy beach conditions becomes a walk in the park.

While not every version offers an extra-long cargo bed, the F-150 remains a popular choice among surfers for its versatility and reliability.

GMC Yukon XL

For those seeking ample space without sacrificing comfort, the GMC Yukon XL fits the bill. With its jumbo-sized design, this full-sized SUV can accommodate small to medium surfboards without the need for rooftop storage.

Depending on the seating configuration, there’s even room to share the back with cargo and fellow surfers, making it the perfect choice for group outings to the beach.

Honda Passport

Nestled within Honda’s esteemed SUV lineup, the Passport emerges as a haven for surfers seeking spaciousness and convenience. With two rows of ample room, this vehicle provides a comfortable interior for both passengers and cargo.

While surfboards may need to ride on the roof, the integrated roof rails ensure a hassle-free and accessible loading experience.

Plus, with room in the back for the kids’ boogie boards, the Honda Passport seamlessly blends family functionality with surf-ready features.

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback, renowned for its rugged versatility, seamlessly merges the practicality of a wagon with the adventurous spirit of an SUV. Its clever design lends itself perfectly to the surf lifestyle, with ample space for surfboards on the roof rack.

With its not-too-tall dimensions, accessing the roof rack is a breeze, making every surf trip a smooth and effortless endeavor.

Toyota Sienna

Who says surfing and family life can’t go hand in hand? Enter the Toyota Sienna, a minivan that defies convention by seamlessly blending practicality with adventure.

Drop the little ones off at school and head straight to the beach with your surfboard in tow. While shortboards may find refuge inside with the seats dropped, longboards require the addition of roof crossbars, easily accomplished thanks to Sienna’s versatile design.

With available all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, the Sienna ensures an eco-friendly and surf-ready ride for the whole family.

Volkswagen Atlas

Step into the Volkswagen Atlas, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of space and comfort. As VW’s largest SUV, the Atlas boasts an interior that’s nothing short of massive, providing ample room for surfboards of all shapes and sizes.

Flip down the back seats, and you’ll discover a cavernous cargo area capable of accommodating most shortboards with ease.

For those that don’t fit inside, the Atlas’s flat-style crossbars offer a secure and reliable solution for rooftop transport.

With its versatile design and surf-friendly features, the Volkswagen Atlas stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to adventure and exploration.

Subaru Crosstrek

Priced affordably and packed with features, the Subaru Crosstrek emerges as a top contender for surfers seeking a rugged yet reliable ride. With its all-wheel-drive capability and elevated ground clearance, navigating sandy or dirt tracks to reach the waves becomes a breeze.

The spacious interior and standard roof rack make transporting surfboards and gear a seamless experience, ensuring nothing holds you back from chasing the surf.

With a reputation for reliability and a price tag that won’t break the bank, the Crosstrek earns its place as a favored choice among wave chasers.

Honda Pilot

Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you—the Honda Pilot is a hidden gem in the realm of surfer-friendly vehicles. Boasting a spacious interior and three rows of seats, the Pilot offers ample room for surfboards, whether stowed inside with the back rows folded down or mounted securely on the roof rack.

Its V6 engine delivers ample power for venturing off the beaten path, while its intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures confidence-inspiring traction on sandy or slippery terrains.

Combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability and modern tech features, the Pilot provides surfers with both practicality and peace of mind on their oceanic adventures.

Ford Transit Connect

Compact yet remarkably practical, the Ford Transit Connect proves to be a versatile companion for surfers on the move.

Unlike traditional surfer vans, the Transit Connect boasts a small footprint while offering ample interior space for multiple surfboards, wetsuits, and gear. Its customizable interior ensures everything stays secure and organized, while twin sliding doors make loading and unloading a breeze.

The Transit Connect’s high roofline lends itself well to attaching external roof racks or carriers, further enhancing its surf-ready capabilities.

With respectable fuel efficiency and Ford’s trusted durability, the Transit Connect emerges as an efficient and reliable workhorse for surfers seeking adventure on the open road.

Toyota RAV4

Priced affordably and packed with features, the Toyota RAV4 emerges as a classic choice for everyday surfers. Its blend of versatility, fuel efficiency, and durability makes it an ideal companion for beach-bound adventures.

With a spacious cargo area and the option to fold down the rear seats, the RAV4 comfortably accommodates surfboards of various sizes, ensuring nothing holds you back from chasing the waves.

The RAV4’s all-wheel-drive variants deliver steady performance, instilling confidence in surfers as they embark on their oceanic pursuits.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is more than just a vehicle; it’s an embodiment of adventure and freedom, resonating deeply with the ethos of surfing.

Renowned for its off-road prowess, the Wrangler allows surfers to tackle the dunes and the waves with ease. While surfboard storage is strictly a rooftop affair, the Wrangler’s rugged design and longer wheelbase in the Unlimited variant provide ample cargo space for boards, camping gear, and supplies.

With its plug-in hybrid option and removable doors and top, the Wrangler offers a truly immersive coastal driving experience, letting surfers feel the ocean breeze and the sun as they head to their favorite surf spot.

Honda Element

The Honda Element stands out as one of the most uniquely designed and functional vehicles, making it a favorite among surfers. Its boxy shape translates into an incredibly spacious interior, perfect for stowing away surfboards, wetsuits, and other beach essentials.

The Element’s standout features include water-resistant seats and rubberized flooring, making post-surf clean-ups a breeze.

With wide-opening suicide doors and flat-folding seats, loading and unloading gear is effortless, while its reliable engine and available all-wheel drive ensure surfers are well-equipped for both city commutes and beach escapades.

Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is well known for its rugged looks and reliable drivetrain, making it a trusted companion for surfers seeking adventure.

Its spacious loading bed can accommodate multiple boards, camping gear, and equipment, while its four-wheel-drive system ensures even the most secluded beaches are within reach.

With high ground clearance and tailgate pads for carrying longboards, the Tacoma navigates rocky terrain with ease, allowing surfers to access their favorite surf spots with confidence.

Subaru Forester

Renowned for its standard all-wheel-drive system and generous cargo space, the Subaru Forester is a classic surf wagon ideal for everyday surfers.

Its wide and square-shaped cargo area makes it easy to slide in surfboards alongside other beach gear, while its panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury to coastal drives.

With good ground clearance and a compact footprint, the Forester is the perfect option for surfers seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle capable of tackling varied terrains with ease.

Conclusion

As surfers embark on their oceanic adventures, the significance of selecting the perfect vehicle cannot be overstated.

Each car discussed in the article presents a distinct set of features that cater to the diverse needs of surfers, ensuring they can pursue their passion for riding the waves with ease and confidence.

The best car for surfers is not just a mode of transportation but a companion for their oceanic pursuits.

Surfers can find their perfect companion for coastal adventures, ready to carry them on their surfing journey with excitement and enthusiasm.