Which roof rack cross bars are recommended for the Buick Enclave?

Question

So we are heading out for our annual trip to the Rockies next Friday and I just realized my old universal bars from my last SUV dont fit the flush side rails on this 2023 Enclave at all. Ive been hauling gear for years and usually do my own installs but these newer rail designs are a pain and I need something that wont whistle at 80mph on the highway. I looked at the official Buick ones but the reviews say they sit way too low and might scratch the roof if the clamps flex too much under load. I really need something with a solid dynamic rating because we’re putting a huge Thule XL box up there plus maybe a bike rack if I can squeeze it on.

Constraints:

Budget is around $450 max

Needs to be quiet (wife hates the whistling)

Must have T-slot compatibility for my existing accessories

Quick install because I’m short on time

Has anyone tried the Yakima JetStream or the Thule WingBars on the newer Enclave models specifically? Im worried about the sunroof clearance too since it slides back pretty far. I gotta get these ordered like yesterday so they arrive before we leave...

owphpexzuw · Accepted Answer

I would suggest being very careful with the sunroof clearance on the 2023 Enclave specifically. Proper tower selection is critical, tho the Yakima JetStream Aerodynamic Crossbars 60 inch work well for quiet highway speeds.

use the Yakima SightLine Towers designed for flush rails

verify the bar spread distance so your Thule box dont hit the rear hatch Honestly, just be sure to test the sunroof slowly the first time you install them to avoid any expensive scratches.

litpythzyt · Answer

Just saw this and wanted to chime in because I went through the same headache with my Enclave. I've been really happy with the Thule WingBar Evo 135 setup. Honestly, the best part for me is the T-slot design where you dont even have to cut the rubber strip to slide your accessories in. It saves a ton of time during install. They're dead silent at highway speeds, which should keep your wife happy. I paired mine with the Thule Flush Rail Evo Foot Pack and the clearance for the sunroof is totally fine. It is a bit pricey tho, right at the edge of your budget. If you want to save a few bucks without sacrificing quality, I've also had great luck with the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Bar 1375mm. Use the Rhino-Rack SX100 Legs for those flush rails. These bars are incredibly sturdy and have a high dynamic load rating that handles a large cargo box with zero flex. The T-slots work perfectly with Thule or Yakima gear. Installation is pretty straightforward... just gotta make sure the legs are centered before you tighten everything down. Both of these options are way better than the OEM bars because they sit high enough that you wont be worried about the clamps rubbing your roof paint when you're loaded up for the Rockies.

rejkvhmgue · Answer

^ This. Also, check out the Inno Aero Base Rack System with XS400 stays. It fits the Enclave flush rails well and stays under your $450 budget. T-slot works great with existing gear. Quick tip: check your owners manual for the roof load limit. Sometimes the car rails are the bottleneck, not the crossbars themselves. Its a very simple install too.