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Which roof rack systems work best for a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

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Hey everyone, I recently picked up a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and I'm looking to add a roof rack for some upcoming camping trips. My model has the flush factory side rails, so I'm a bit unsure which crossbars fit those best without scratching the finish.

I’m specifically worried about:

  • Wind noise at highway speeds
  • Compatibility with the panoramic sunroof
  • Weight limits for a cargo box

I’ve looked at Thule and Yakima but they are pretty pricey, so I am wondering if anyone has experience with more budget-friendly brands or if the big names are worth the extra cash. Does anyone have a specific setup they love on their Eclipse Cross?


4 Answers
12

Totally agree on the noise issues. Check out the Malone AirFlow2 Aluminum Aero Cross Rail System 50in... tbh its a solid budget option thats much quieter and wont scratch those flush rails.


12

Coming back to this... I totally get the appeal of the cheaper kits, but I’m gonna politely disagree on going budget for a camping setup. When you’re hauling a heavy cargo box at highway speeds, the safety of your gear and your roof finish depends on the quality of those mounting towers. Ngl budget brands often use generic rubber pads that can slide or even bake onto your rails in the heat. For the Eclipse Cross, I’d really suggest looking at the Yakima JetStream Black 50 inch Aerodynamic Crossbars with the Yakima SightLine Towers for Flush Rails. Basically, the Yakima fit kit is engineered specifically for those flush rails to prevent any shifting under load. They also provide just enough clearance so your panoramic sunroof wont hit the mounting hardware when you open it. It might cost more now, but it beats a scratched roof or a lost load, honestly.


4

Congrats on the 2022 Eclipse Cross! Since you have flush rails, the mounting kit precision is vital to avoid marring the finish. Ive analyzed several setups, and basically, you're looking for an airfoil-shaped bar to minimize the laminar flow separation that causes highway noise. I personally recommend the Thule WingBar Edge 95cm Black Flush Rail Rack. It features their WindDiffuser technology, which uses a textured surface to disturb airflow and reduce drag significantly. For your panoramic sunroof, this specific model offers enough vertical clearance for the tilt mechanism while maintaining a low-profile aesthetic. If you want something more budget-friendly, the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Black 2 Bar Roof Rack is a great alternative. It handles the 165 lbs dynamic load limit easily. Just remember the vehicle's actual roof limit is usually around 75kg, so dont overload that cargo box regardless of the bar's rating. Stay safe out there!


3

Saw your post earlier and wanted to weigh in since Ive been through a few different setups over the years. Honestly, I started out trying to save a buck with some generic bars, but the whistling at 60mph was enough to drive me crazy. I eventually just bit the bullet and went with Yakima. If you just get any aerodynamic setup from Yakima, you're gonna be much happier with the build quality... basically you get what you pay for. One thing to watch with the Eclipse Cross is that panoramic roof. Those low-profile kits that sit flush look slick, but they can be a nightmare for clearance. Ive found that the bars that stick out a bit past the towers usually offer more vertical room. It saves you from potentially hitting the glass when you vent the roof. Plus, those systems usually have better weight ratings for cargo boxes anyway.


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