Best Roof Rack for a 2020 Audi A4 Allroad with Raised Rails

Question:

I am looking to find the best cross bars for my Audi a4 allroad 2020 with raised rails. I want the bars to be aerodynamic with as little wind-drag and noise as possible. I have a heavy foot and these would be used on a long trip. I will likely only keep the bars on when i need them, so taking them on and off easily is a goal. My basic need is to support luggage/camping gear soft carrier with a basket or hardshell carrier havent decided yet. I think I should probably look for one with the T mounting option so that I can accomodate lots of types of carriers but maybe that is overkill? I have seen a recommendation on a similar vehicle for the Thule windbar Evo but am wondering how it stacks up to the Thule or Yakima aerodynamic bar versions. Also wondering that given my limited usage, am I overthinking this and is there one of the lesser brands that you would recommend that still achieves my goals above?

asked by: Tracey H

Expert Reply:

The Thule WingBar Evo and the Yakima JetStream crossbar systems are definitely top of the line when it comes to roof racks for the raised rails on your 2020 Audi A4 Allroad. Since you are looking for ease of install and the best wind drag and noise reduction out there I've got to go with the WingBar Evo system on this one:

Thule 50" WingBar Evo Crossbars - Black # TH711320 or Silver # TH711300
Thule Evo Raised Rail Feet - # TH710401
Thule One-Key System - # TH450400 (optional for extra security)

I would argue that both crossbar systems have the same quality when it comes to wind noise and drag, but the Thule feet use a clamp-style while the Yakima system uses a rubber strap that isn't necessarily difficult to use, but it won't be as quick as the clamp-style to install and remove.

One of the most underrated roof rack brands that we carry is Inno. They system essentially has the same quality and features as Thule and Yakima, but they don't have as much popularity. Their Aero crossbars have the T-Slot and an adjustable tab on the bottom of the bar so wind noise and drag are on par with the big guys, and then their foot system uses the strap-style like what you find with Yakima. It wil still be easy to install and this rack actually comes with lock cores so that's another expense that you don't have to think about. Here is what you'll need for this system:

Inno Aero 51" and 54" Black Crossbars - # INXB130-138
Inno Through Feet - # INXS150

Attached are review videos for both the Thule and Inno roof racks mentioned above so you can get a good idea of what the system looks like and how it will install on your 2020 Audi A4 Allroad.

If you don't already have a carrier then I recommend the Thule Force XT L # TH6357B for a box or the Inno Roof Deck Platform, Small # INA510 or Large # INA520, for a basket (you can use a bag like # RL100A20 for either platform rack). A box costs more but offers better protection against the elements while a platform is more cost-effective and doesn't have a lid so you can carry larger stuff if need be.