What are the absolute best exterior cargo accessories for a Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring that wont ruin the aesthetic or mess with the hybrid range too much? I am honestly kind of panicking because we have this huge family road trip to the Rockies in about three weeks and I just realized how tiny the trunk is when we have the third row up for the kids and the dog. I spent way too much on this car to have it looking tacky with a cheap plastic box on top but I also need something that actually fits the weird roof rail setup on the GT model.
I did some digging online and saw people recommending the Thule Motion XT but then I read a couple threads where owners said it makes a ton of whistling noise on the Aviator specifically because of how the air flows over the front end and now I am second guessing everything. I also looked at those hitch-mounted trays like the Yakima EXO system but I am super worried about it blocking the backup cameras or the sensors since this car is so tech-heavy and picky about stuff near the bumper.
Does anyone have the GT specifically and know if the extra weight on the roof affects the hybrid battery cooling or the electric mileage? Im just so worried I am gonna buy the wrong thing and be stuck with no space at the last minute...
The Thule Motion XT XL Rooftop Cargo Carrier on Lincoln Aviator Genuine OEM Roof Rack Cross Bars minimizes drag. It's about a 5% range reduction according to my logs, keeping everything quiet too.
tldr: hitch gear saves fuel but blocks cameras. roof boxes are easier but louder. be careful tho... does your GT have the factory tow package or aftermarket? it matters for how the sensors behave. the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Box is usually quieter than thule if positioned right. if you go hitch, the Yakima EXO GearLocker is solid but itll definitely block your backup view. id lean roof.