Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a low-profile roof rack setup for the QX55 Sensory that won't mess with the sunroof clearance or look too bulky? I just picked up my new ride and I am beyond stoked about the look but I'm hit with a bit of a curveball. I've been installing Thule kits on my SUVs for a decade now so I'm pretty comfortable with the mechanics but the 55s sloped roofline is way more aggressive than my old QX50 and I'm worried about how a standard cargo box is gonna sit.
I am planning a big family road trip from Seattle down to Big Sur in about three weeks so I'm on a bit of a tight timeline to get this ordered and mounted. I've got a budget of about 900 bucks to play with for the bars and maybe a medium basket or slim box.
The Sensory trim has those specific rails and I dont want to scratch the finish or have it whistling like crazy on the highway. Is anyone running a setup that doesn't kill the aerodynamics or block the view through the glass? I really don't want to buy something and have to return it because the hatch hits the back of the box either...
Congrats on the new QX55, that styling is killer but yeah, the roofline is a total headache for cargo compared to the old QX50. I've spent way too much time obsessing over rack clearances on these coupe-style SUVs. You really have to be careful with the hatch clearance on that Sensory trim because the spoiler swings up higher than you'd think. If you go with a box that is too long, it's gonna bite into the hatch when it opens. I would suggest looking into the Thule WingBar Edge Flush Rail System if you want that integrated look. It is super low profile, but you might want to consider that it can get tight with the sunroof. Make sure to test the tilt function on the glass before you fully torque the bolts down. Honestly, if you're worried about the finish on those rails, stay away from cheap universal stuff. The Yakima JetStream Black 50 inch Crossbars used with the Yakima SightLine Towers are another solid bet because they offer a bit more adjustment for the pitch of the bars on that sloped roof. For the actual trip to Big Sur, look at the Thule Motion XT L Cargo Box. It has a specialized base that lets the box sit further forward than most, which is basically mandatory for the QX55 if you want to use your trunk. If that's too pricey, the Kuat Vagabond X Cargo Basket is a sleek alternative that won't look bulky. Just be careful with your budget tho, as bars and a high-end box will definitely push past 900 bucks. You might have to hunt for a deal to stay under that cap... but definitely dont skimp on the mounting hardware.