I finally traded in my 2018 for the new CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring and man the trim is way different than I expected. I used to just slap on whatever generic roof racks I found on Amazon but the new roof line seems a bit more finicky with the way the rails sit. Plus I'm worried about the gas mileage hit if I go too bulky with the exterior stuff. Im planning a trip out to the Rockies next month so I need to get it geared up soon. My budget is about $800-900 for now. What are you guys running for crossbars or maybe those window deflectors? Is the OEM stuff actually worth the markup this time around or should I stick with Thule or something else...
I was so nervous about ruining my gas mileage that I spent weeks researching. I finally settled on Yakima JetStream Crossbars Black 50 inch and I am satisfied.
Jumping in here because I went through this exact process a few months back when I got my Sport Touring. I spent quite a bit of time analyzing the technical specs between the dealer parts and aftermarket options. I eventually settled on the Honda Genuine Accessories 08L04-3W0-100 Roof Rack Crossbars and I am very satisfied with how they seat into the factory flush rails. The fitment is precise and the profile stays low enough that it doesnt ruin the aesthetic or create excessive drag. I tracked my fuel economy during a trip to the Smokies and the hit was barely noticeable, maybe 1 mpg at most. If you want a slightly more premium look, the Thule WingBar Edge Roof Rack System is a great alternative, but the OEM setup works well for the price point. Quick tip: Always double-check the torque on your mounting bolts after the first fifty miles of driving. Things tend to settle.
I have the exact same issue with my Sport Touring and its driving me crazy. Still cant find a solid answer on what fits safely without ruining the gas mileage.