27/01/2026 10:01 am
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I recently picked up a 2017 Infiniti QX70 and I’m absolutely loving the drive, but I’ve quickly realized that the trunk space is a bit of a squeeze for my weekend gear. I’m looking to install a high-quality roof rack system to carry a cargo box for family trips and occasionally a couple of mountain bikes.
Since the QX70 has such a unique, sporty silhouette and those specific flush side rails, I’m a bit nervous about picking a system that might look bulky or out of place. I’ve been eyeing the Thule WingBar Edge because of its low-profile look, but I’ve also heard great things about Yakima’s JetStream bars. My main concerns are wind noise at highway speeds and whether the crossbars will interfere with the sunroof operation—I definitely don't want to lose that functionality.
I’ve done some digging online, but it’s hard to find photos of how these actually sit on the curved roofline of the QX70. For those of you who have a setup installed, which brand offered the best fitment and durability? Also, did you go with the OEM Infiniti bars or an aftermarket brand for better weight capacity? Any specific recommendations for a setup that stays quiet and matches the car's aesthetics would be much appreciated!
6 Answers
12
27/01/2026 10:35 am
Curious about one thing: are you planning to leave the mounts on year-round, or just for trips? Technically, the Thule WingBar Edge is the sleekest for that sporty QX70 silhouette, but the Yakima JetStream Bar offers a higher load capacity if you're hauling heavy mountain bikes. Both are quiet, but Thule's low-profile design can sometimes be tight with sunroof tilt. Let me know your typical load weight so I can give you a better recommendation!
10
27/01/2026 10:01 am
Hi there, I totally get the struggle with the QX70's cargo space—it's a gorgeous car but definitely form over function when it comes to the trunk. Before you buy anything, you really need to be careful with the sunroof clearance because the QX70 roof curves quite a bit, and some "low-profile" bars can actually prevent the glass from tilting or sliding properly.
I honestly had a bit of a disappointing experience with the Infiniti OEM Roof Rack Cross Bars because they felt a bit flimsy for the price and the wind noise was way worse than I expected for a factory part. I switched to the Thule WingBar Edge 9595 and the difference was huge. That said, even with the Thule setup, you have to be super precise with the mounting points or you'll get a whistling sound at highway speeds. If you're planning on heavy mountain bikes, I'd actually suggest looking at the Yakima JetStream Bar 50 inch paired with the Yakima SkyLine Towers instead. It sits just a tiny bit higher, which avoids the sunroof issue, and it's much more practical for swapping out gear. Hope this helps!
10
16/02/2026 9:26 pm
Hello! The QX70 is fantastic. For roof racks, both Thule WingBar Edge and Yakima JetStream offer low-profile aesthetics and minimal wind noise. Sunroof clearance is generally fine with correct installation. To recommend the best fitment and durability, considering your cargo box and bike needs, could you specify the typical load weight and dimensions? This helps ensure optimal performance and quiet operation.
5
27/01/2026 10:25 am
Not to disagree, but I've had a different experience when it comes to those high-end brands on the QX70. Honestly, while the Thule WingBar Edge looks amazing, the price tag is pretty painful for what you actually get. Given the QX70's roof curve, you're often paying a premium for a brand name that still might have sunroof clearance issues anyway.
I'd actually suggest a different approach—check out the Brightlines Roof Rack Cross Bars for Infiniti QX70. Here’s why I prefer them from a value perspective:
* **Price:** They're usually half the cost of Thule or Yakima setups.
* **Fitment:** Specifically designed for the Infiniti flush rails, so no universal adapter guesswork.
* **Clearance:** They sit a bit higher, which is actually better for sunroof operation, even if it's slightly less "low-profile."
Unfortunately, I had issues with wind whistle on my last aero setup, but adding a Inno Ridge Cargo Box BRW240BK actually helped break up the airflow. Just my two cents—save the cash on the bars and put it toward a better cargo box! Hope this helps!
5
02/02/2026 6:24 am
If you want the cleanest, most OEM-like setup on a QX70, look for flush-mount crossbars that clamp to the factory rails (if yours has them). Thule WingBar Evo or Yakima JetStream are usually the quietest and have the best accessory ecosystem. If you don’t have rails, you’ll likely need a vehicle-specific fit kit (more cost, more wind noise). I’d prioritize aero bars, correct fit, and a fairing only if needed.
2
11/03/2026 11:20 am
Regarding what #5 said about the QX70 being fantastic, I totally agree. Its a brilliant machine. I have been very happy with my DIY rack installation and found that a methodical approach really pays off for noise reduction. Here are a couple quick tips for your install:
- Always double check the sunroof tilt clearance by hand before using the power switch once the bars are tightened.
- Ensure the rubber vortex strips are cut precisely to the full length of the channel to eliminate any high pitched whistling at highway speeds. Im currently using the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Black 800mm and it works well without interfering with the glass. It is a very low profile option that looks like it came from the factory and I have no complaints about the durability after a year of heavy use.