Hey everyone! I’ve been driving my Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross for a few months now and I’m absolutely loving it, but I’m starting to run into some space issues when we head out for weekend camping trips. The trunk fills up surprisingly fast, especially with that slanted rear hatch design. I’m looking to add some extra storage capacity by installing a solid roof rack system, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by the choices out there.
My Eclipse Cross has the integrated flush side rails, so I’m looking for something that fits those perfectly without looking too bulky. One big concern I have is the panoramic sunroof—I really don’t want a setup that interferes with the glass opening or, worse, creates a ton of whistling wind noise while I’m on the highway. I’ve looked at the Thule WingBar and some Yakima options, but they are definitely on the pricier side. I’ve also seen some cheaper universal ones online, but I’m worried about the fit and safety for my gear.
Does anyone here have experience with a specific brand or model that works well with the Eclipse Cross’s roofline? I’m looking to spend around $500 for the bars. Should I stick with the official Mitsubishi OEM racks, or is there an aftermarket brand that offers a better balance of price and durability?
> I really don’t want a setup that interferes with the glass opening
tbh, be careful with clearance. check out Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Black. it's super low-profile, quiet, and really secure for your gear while staying under that $500 limit. gl!
Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, I've spent years messing with different setups, and while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross OEM Roof Rack Crossbars are the safest bet for fitment, they can get a bit loud at highway speeds.
If you want something quieter for that panoramic sunroof, check out the Thule WingBar Edge. It's super low-profile and aerodynamic, so less whistling, but yeah, it's pricey. Another solid choice is the Yakima JetStream with SkyLine Towers. It’s really sturdy and uses a great landing pad system that fits those flush rails perfectly.
Whatever you do, stay away from those $100 "universal" kits. In my experience, the clamps often don't grip the Eclipse's specific rail shape correctly, which is a HUGE safety risk. Plus, they're basically guaranteed to scratch your paint. Better to spend the extra $200 now than lose your gear on the interstate!
gl with the camping trips! 👍
For your situation, WATCH OUT for cheap universal racks cuz they basically whistle like crazy and might scratch your rails! I'm no expert, but I've used the official Mitsubishi bars for years and I'm really satisfied.
* Perfect fit for flush rails
* Sunroof opens fine
It works well for me, so maybe stick with OEM or Thule if you find a sale? peace
Honestly, the advice to skip the cheap stuff is SPOT ON. I've seen too many people mess up their flush rails trying to save a few bucks on sub-par mounting hardware. If you're looking at that $500 sweet spot and want a solid DIY project, I’d highly recommend looking into the Inno Aero Base Rack System. It’s a bit of an "insider" choice compared to Thule, but the build quality is top-tier and the fitment is basically perfect for our specific roofline. The best part about doing the install yourself with a kit like this is that it uses a dedicated stay-system designed specifically for those integrated rails. Tbh, as long as you have a decent torque wrench to hit those manufacturer specs (usually around 4 Nm), you definitely don't need to pay a shop for professional service. It’s a simple 30-minute job in the driveway. Just make sure you’re precise with the foot placement measurements so you don't have any clearance issues with the pano roof. These aero bars are REALLY quiet and use standard T-slots, so you can swap out gear or boxes without any hassle later on. Definitely worth doing it yourself to save on labor!
Been using this for years, no complaints