Best Roof Rack for a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek to Keep a Low Profile

Question

Question:

Last question for sure this time...I appreciate all of the help. As for the Yakima High Road, I already purchased the Thule UpRider. So I have decided to go with the following instead, because the original idea was just too tight for future upgrades... Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2 - Item # RRVA118B-2 Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4 - Item # RRSX100 Cable Core Lockdown - Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - 47" Long - Item # RR43206 (Quantity of 2) I would like to lock the bars and legs to my rack with the Rhino-Rack locks. I would also like all of my keys (crossbars and cable lockdowns) keyed alike. I see the RRVA-LEC4 includes the end caps and locks...is it possible to buy a 6 or 8 lock core pack and simply replace the plastic cores in the Vortex bars or do I need the end caps with the locks already installed, then remove the installed locks, and replace them with the keyed alike set? Thanks again and take care.

asked by: Jeremy C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

It looks like there are some videos online of people removing the roof rails from Subaru Crosstreks, but it's not something I recommend doing. The racks that we have available for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek are designed with the rails in mind. We don't have any that are made for this vehicle without rails.

That having been said, we do have an option that is designed with a low profile in mind. It's the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar, part # JA7973. This set wraps around the rails instead of sitting completely on top of them and only adds 1-3/8" more to the height of your Crosstrek, making it one of the sleekest designs we have for any vehicle.

They're aero-style bars, so they are compatible with most accessories and cut down on wind drag.

I've linked to a video review of these crossbars for you to look at.

expert reply by: Kef G

1

Jeremy C.

1/22/2021

Thanks for the excellent info. One last question...do you have a recommendation for bike rack for the top? I like the Thule UpRider, but don't see it on your site.

Reply

Kef G.

1/22/2021

If you like the Thule UpRide, then that's what I'll recommend. Personal taste can go a long way when choosing a bike rack. Besides, it is one of the better roof rack bike racks out there. Luckily, we do have the UpRide here. It's part # TH599000. I've linked to a video review of this rack for you to look at. If you did want to compare it to something else, though, the Yakima HighRoad, part # Y02114, is very similar and well-rated. I've linked to a video review of this one, too. However, I'd go with the Thule UpRide since it has slightly better security with the hook.

Reply

Jeremy C.

1/25/2021

You have been very helpful so far...thank you. Hopefully my last question...when it comes time to purchase a roof basket, do you think the width of the Rhino Vortex bars will accommodate the Thule UpRide and the Yakima SkinnyWarrior basket? Thanks again and take care.

Reply

Kef G.

1/25/2021

If you're trying to fit the Rhino-Rack Vortex Bars, part # JA7973, with the Yakima SkinnyWarrior, part # Y07014, and a bike carrier, we have a way of making that work. However, some careful considerations need to be made. Since the front Vortex bar has only 30-7/8" of crossbar spread (the lower of the two), we have to say that that is the maximum amount of width we have to work with. The SkinnyWarrior is 23" wide and the UpRide is 13" wide. Unfortunately, these two can't work together. On the other hand, if you choose the Yakima HighRoad, part # Y02114, instead of the UpRide, you can make this work. I know I recommended the UpRide over the HighRoad, but for this application, the HighRoad is the better choice. Besides, the UpRide didn't beat out the HighRoad by much. The HighRoad is 9" wide. That might sound like it won't work since the SkinnyWarrior (23") plus the HighRoad (9") equals 32" (slightly more than the Vortex Bars can handle). However, the mounting clamps of the SkinnyWarrior sit more in the middle, so if you clamp it right on the edge of the Vortex Bars, there will be 4" overhanging the Vortex Bar mounts. That means, you have reduced the amount of usable crossbar space taken by the SkinnyWarrior to 19". That, plus the 9" required from the HighRoad, will get you 28", so the two will fit just barely. So, to sum everything up, your setup would be: Vortex Bars: # JA7973 SkinnyWarrior: # Y07014 HighRoad: # Y02114 I've linked to a video review of the SkinnyWarrior along with the others.

Reply

See All (5) Replies to Jeremy C. ∨

Answer 1

The Pioneer platform part #RR42114BF is just a little to wide to attach properly to the JA7973 kit that you mentioned. I do however have an excellent solution for you that will look nice. It starts with using the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars part…

view full answer...

Answer 2

I have a great solution for you. Unfortunately, I confirmed with Thule that the AeroBlades TH7502B-TH7503B have not yet been tested on a Wilderness model of a 2022 Subaru Forester. For that reason, it is impossible to determine with certainty if they…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The Draw-Tite 2-inch Class III hitch model #75673 will install in place of the factory 1-1/4-inch hitch without need to leave any part of the OEM hitch in place. The crosstube of the Draw-Tite will provide a similar reinforcement between the…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Yes, we do! To add a set of crossbars to the raised rails on your 2024 Subaru Forester you will want the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack item #JA7973 in black or the item #JA7954 in silver. These aero crossbars have a 176 lbs capacity and…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The lowest profile roof rack that fits the raised rails of your 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness would be the Rhino Rack Vortex Stealthbar Roof Rack part #JA7970 which is a flush bar design that does not have the bars extend through the feet of the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Yes, the Thule Wingbar Evo roof rack part numbers #TH711300 (Silver) or #TH711320 (Black) and ##TH710401 is a confirmed fit for your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness with the raised side rails.

view full answer...

Answer 7

We do have a roof rack that will fit the raised side rails of your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness and allow the sunroof to open without any interference whatsoever; the rack is from Rhino-Rack and made up of the following parts: - Rhino-Rack Vortex…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The best sleek roof rack option that we have for your 2023 Subaru Outback Wagon Wilderness is the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack #JA7970. This rack has an ultra-low profile and aerodynamic design. It does not require a fit kit and legs, it…

view full answer...

Answer 9

We do! According to my information the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness comes with raised rails and we have a number of options available. I recommend using the Thule WingBar Evo roof rack because it's one of the best quality roof racks we have to…

view full answer...

Answer 10

It sounds like you're worried about your camper van's license plate being visible while having the Thule EasyFold Xt, part #TH903202, equipped. If that is your concern, then Thule has you covered. The EasyFold has an integrated holder for…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If you are considering the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches #TH9043PRO and the Thule Apex XT 4 #TH9025XT, there are some differences to consider. First off, since the Helium is made of durable aluminum, it has a lighter…

view full answer...