Can Aero Crossbars Be Used With An Old-Style Thule Square Bar Roof Rack?

Updated 04/22/2026 | Published 04/17/2026

Question:

Hello. I have a 2006 Honda Element. I have a Thule roof rack, pobably the same vintage, that I believe is in the OEM mounting point, or at least looks very clean. The square bars are too long and stick out and are showing age. Do I have any option to use the Thule feet and upgrade my crossbar to somethign more aero or modern looking?

asked by: Jeff M

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeff, thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, there is not a way to take an old-style Thule square bar rack and use it with different crossbars. If your roof rack uses the older style Thule square bars where the bars pass thru the towers and do not have a bottom channel, there would be no way to use that with another bar type. If you want to upgrade to something more modern, the only solution is a whole new roof rack.

For that I'd recommend the following:

- Yakima SkyLine Roof Rack for Fixed Mounting Points - JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - Qty 2 # Y22EB

This comes with aero crossbars, towers and fit kit for the fixed mounting points on your Element. This will definitely have a more modern, aerodynamic look compared to an older Thule rack.

What will you be using the rack for mostly?

expert reply by: Jesse M