Which roof racks work best for the Buick Encore GX?

Question

Hey everyone! I just picked up a new Buick Encore GX and I'm looking to add some roof racks for our upcoming camping trips. I’ve noticed the GX has those flush side rails, and I’m a bit torn between getting the official ones from the Buick dealership or going with an aftermarket brand like Thule or Yakima. My main concern is finding something that doesn't create too much wind noise on the highway and won't interfere with the panoramic sunroof. Has anyone here installed crossbars on their GX recently? I'd love to know which setup provides the most secure fit without breaking the bank. Which specific models or brands have you found work best for this vehicle?

erdqjqzwxo · Accepted Answer

Hmm, I've had a different experience. Respectfully, I'd consider another option cuz spending $600+ on big brands is kinda overkill. I had issues with the "premium" finishes peeling before... so annoying. Tbh, the Malone AirFlow2 Aluminum Aero Cross Rail System is a better value. Its basically silent with those aero wings and fits flush rails perfectly without hitting ur glass. Solid technical build for way less money. gl!

qoxexfpnkd · Answer

Sooo, I actually stumbled upon this discussion while looking for stuff for my own GX. For your situation, I gotta be honest, I had a really bad experience with a "budget" set from a random site. They looked fine but the wind noise was literally deafening on the highway and I was constantly terrified they'd crack the pano roof glass when it tilted up. It was super disappointing and not worth the stress imo. If you want to save a bit compared to Thule but still get high-end quality, I would suggest looking at the Yakima JetStream Black Crossbars. You basically have to pair them with the Yakima SkyLine Towers and the Yakima Landing Pad 19 to fit those specific flush rails. Technically, the JetStream has this cool teardrop shape that cuts through the wind way better than round or square bars. It basically manages the airflow so you don't get that annoying whistling sound while driving. Also, you really gotta pay attention to the height! Some bars sit way too low. The Yakima setup gives just enough clearance so the sunroof can still vent without hitting anything, though it's still a tight fit, you know? It's not exactly "cheap"—probably around $550 for the whole kit—but it's much cheaper than replacing a shattered panoramic roof glass. I know someone already mentioned the Buick Encore GX Integrated Roof Cross Rails, and they're decent for a factory part, but they're just not as quiet as the Yakima ones. Anyway, hope that helps you out! gl!

mngukjhgpm · Answer

I agree with qoxexfpnkd that the cheap budget bars are a total disaster. Unfortunately, I’ve had issues with the finish on the official Buick bars too... they felt kinda flimsy and definitely werent as good as expected for the price. If you want something that actually stays solid, I'd go with the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Black. The reliability is much better for long-term use. Tip: Make sure you test the panoramic roof clearance while someone else operates it from inside. Those flush rails sit low, so even a tiny misalignment can catch the glass mechanism. Also, tighten the mounting bolts again after your first hour of highway driving.