Determining if Sunroof Can be Opened on 2016 VW Tiguan with Thule WingBar Roof Rack

Updated 03/29/2019 | Published 03/28/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 47" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$279.95

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$264.95

Question:

Will these work with the Panoramic sunroof on the Tiguan with raised factory rails?

asked by: Brian

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Thule WingBar Roof Rack System you referenced that consists of # TH711220 for the two Wingbar Evo Crossbars and # TH710401 for the Raised Rail Feet will physically mount to the raised side rails of your 2016 VW Tiguan without issue.

There is indeed a chance, as with any roof rack, that the crossbars might interfere with the opening of a sunroof on a vehicle if equipped. I can't be sure if you will have any interference on the Tiguan but I can give you a measurement that will allow you to determine this.

From the bottom of the Evo feet where they will attach to the factory side rails on your vehicle to the top where the crossbars will mount, there is a distance of just about 1-3/4 inches. I recommend opening the sunroof on your Tiguan and then measuring this length up from the side rails in order to see if the bars will clear it when it's in the opened position.

Just keep in mind that even if you do find that there's enough available clearance to operate the sunroof with the rack attached, we don't typically recommend doing this with any roof rack because of the amount of noise the bars create with the window open during travel (even with extremely aerodynamic bars like these).

expert reply by: Chris R