Best Roof Rack for a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek to Keep a Low Profile

Published 02/01/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum - Black

(53)

$689.97

Rhino-Rack Locking Endcaps for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Metal Cores - Qty 4

(148)

$41.00

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2

(2759)

$239.98

Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum

(45)

$399.95

Yakima SkinnyWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Basket - Steel - 58" Long x 23" Wide - 165 lbs

(60)

$528.95

Question:

Last question for sure this time...I appreciate all of the help. As for the Yakima High Road, I already purchased the Thule UpRider. So I have decided to go with the following instead, because the original idea was just too tight for future upgrades... Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2 - Item # RRVA118B-2 Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4 - Item # RRSX100 Cable Core Lockdown - Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - 47" Long - Item # RR43206 (Quantity of 2) I would like to lock the bars and legs to my rack with the Rhino-Rack locks. I would also like all of my keys (crossbars and cable lockdowns) keyed alike. I see the RRVA-LEC4 includes the end caps and locks...is it possible to buy a 6 or 8 lock core pack and simply replace the plastic cores in the Vortex bars or do I need the end caps with the locks already installed, then remove the installed locks, and replace them with the keyed alike set? Thanks again and take care.

asked by: Jeremy C

Helpful Expert Reply:

It looks like there are some videos online of people removing the roof rails from Subaru Crosstreks, but it's not something I recommend doing. The racks that we have available for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek are designed with the rails in mind. We don't have any that are made for this vehicle without rails.

That having been said, we do have an option that is designed with a low profile in mind. It's the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar, part # JA7973. This set wraps around the rails instead of sitting completely on top of them and only adds 1-3/8" more to the height of your Crosstrek, making it one of the sleekest designs we have for any vehicle.

They're aero-style bars, so they are compatible with most accessories and cut down on wind drag.

I've linked to a video review of these crossbars for you to look at.

expert reply by: Kef G

Jeremy C.

1/22/2021

Thanks for the excellent info. One last question...do you have a recommendation for bike rack for the top? I like the Thule UpRider, but don't see it on your site.

Kef G.

1/22/2021

If you like the Thule UpRide, then that's what I'll recommend. Personal taste can go a long way when choosing a bike rack. Besides, it is one of the better roof rack bike racks out there. Luckily, we do have the UpRide here. It's part # TH599000. I've linked to a video review of this rack for you to look at. If you did want to compare it to something else, though, the Yakima HighRoad, part # Y02114, is very similar and well-rated. I've linked to a video review of this one, too. However, I'd go with the Thule UpRide since it has slightly better security with the hook.

Jeremy C.

1/25/2021

You have been very helpful so far...thank you. Hopefully my last question...when it comes time to purchase a roof basket, do you think the width of the Rhino Vortex bars will accommodate the Thule UpRide and the Yakima SkinnyWarrior basket? Thanks again and take care.

Kef G.

1/25/2021

If you're trying to fit the Rhino-Rack Vortex Bars, part # JA7973, with the Yakima SkinnyWarrior, part # Y07014, and a bike carrier, we have a way of making that work. However, some careful considerations need to be made. Since the front Vortex bar has only 30-7/8" of crossbar spread (the lower of the two), we have to say that that is the maximum amount of width we have to work with. The SkinnyWarrior is 23" wide and the UpRide is 13" wide. Unfortunately, these two can't work together. On the other hand, if you choose the Yakima HighRoad, part # Y02114, instead of the UpRide, you can make this work. I know I recommended the UpRide over the HighRoad, but for this application, the HighRoad is the better choice. Besides, the UpRide didn't beat out the HighRoad by much. The HighRoad is 9" wide. That might sound like it won't work since the SkinnyWarrior (23") plus the HighRoad (9") equals 32" (slightly more than the Vortex Bars can handle). However, the mounting clamps of the SkinnyWarrior sit more in the middle, so if you clamp it right on the edge of the Vortex Bars, there will be 4" overhanging the Vortex Bar mounts. That means, you have reduced the amount of usable crossbar space taken by the SkinnyWarrior to 19". That, plus the 9" required from the HighRoad, will get you 28", so the two will fit just barely. So, to sum everything up, your setup would be: Vortex Bars: # JA7973 SkinnyWarrior: # Y07014 HighRoad: # Y02114 I've linked to a video review of the SkinnyWarrior along with the others.