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Best roof rack options for the Toyota bZ4X crossover?

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I recently picked up a new bZ4X and I’m loving the ride, but I definitely need more cargo space for weekend trips. Since it's a newer model, I’m struggling to find clear info on which roof racks fit best without messing with the aerodynamics too much. I'm specifically looking for a setup that can handle two mountain bikes or a medium-sized cargo box. Has anyone installed the OEM crossbars from Toyota, or are you finding better luck with aftermarket options like Thule or Yakima? I’m a bit worried about how the extra drag might impact my range on longer drives. Does anyone have a specific brand or model they’d recommend for a flush, quiet fit?


6 Answers
7

Sooo, I've been reading through the advice here and honestly, I'd actually suggest a different approach - especially since you mentioned being worried about range and wanting a quiet ride. Respectfully, I'd consider another option before you go drilling holes or spending a ton on those high-end roof setups like the Thule Edge stuff mentioned earlier.

I actually had a pretty disappointing experience with roof-mounted systems on my bZ4X. Even with "aero" bars, the wind noise was literally driving me crazy on the highway, and my efficiency dropped by like 15-20% when carrying bikes. It's just... not as good as expected for an EV that's already sensitive to drag.

If you're mostly doing bikes, I HIGHLY recommend looking into a hitch-mounted rack instead. I went with the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack and it's a game changer. It keeps the bikes in the slipstream behind the car, so the range impact is basically zero. Plus, it's way easier on your back than lifting mountain bikes onto a tall crossover roof!

If you're dead set on the roof for a cargo box, I'd skip the pricey OEM bars and look at the Yakima JetStream Black Crossbars. They have a unique teardrop shape that's actually quieter than the Toyota ones imo. Pair that with a slim box like the Thule Motion XT Alpine Cargo Box which is designed to be low-profile. It's a bit of an investment, but if you're doing long weekend trips, the saved battery percentage (and your sanity from the noise) makes it worth every penny. Just my two cents though! gl! 👍


3

Sooo, I went through this exact same headache last year right after I got my bZ4X! I was literally obsessed with finding something that wouldn't kill my range on highway runs. Background info: EVs are basically giant bricks in the wind, and roof racks add even more surface area, which matters a ton because drag increases exponentially with speed. So yeah, keeping it flush is highkey the only way to go if you care about your kWh/mi.

Just sharing my experience: I tried the cheaper universal bars first and... yeah, nah. The whistling was insane! I eventually upgraded and here's what actually worked for my mountain bikes:

• I ended up with the Thule WingBar Edge Black 9592 crossbars. Honestly, they're so quiet I forget they're even there most of the time. Super low profile!
• For the bikes, I use the Thule UpRide Roof Mounted Bike Rack. It's amazing because it doesn't touch the frame at all, which is great for my carbon MTB.
• If I need the extra space, the Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Cargo Box fits perfectly on those bars without looking too bulky.

It was definitely pricier than the OEM ones (probably cost me about $600 for the bars alone), but the peace and quiet is worth every penny imo. Good luck!! 👍


1

Sooo, in my experience, picking a rack for the bZ4X really comes down to three paths:

- OEM: Super easy fit but can be kinda noisy.
- Aftermarket: Way more aero but definitely pricier.
- Flush styles: Best for keeping things quiet.

Honestly, my current setup is way quieter than the factory ones I tried. I lost like 10% range on highway trips with bikes up top, which is highkey annoying, but a flush-mount looks sooo much better tbh.


1

sooo I am literally so excited for u!! i just got my bZ4X recently too and honestly I was terrified about putting anything on the roof at first. since i am kinda a beginner with this stuff, I was highkey worried about the rack failing or messing with the safety sensors lol.

Here is what I have learned so far:

1. I ended up going with a setup from one of the big name brands cuz I wanted that extra peace of mind for highway speeds.
2. I actually had a pro shop check my install twice because I am super paranoid about things coming loose!
3. My current setup is pretty quiet, but i always double check the weight limits before loading my mountain bikes.

tbh I would suggest talking to ur local shop first just to be 100% safe. i definitely noticed a tiny range drop but it is worth it for the extra space! good luck!!


1

Been using this for years, no complaints


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