sleepysurf

Doh! I just picked up my new FWD RX 450h today, but was surprised to find that it doesn't have the aluminum roof rack rails I expected. My dealer said only the AWD 450h has them. I asked my dealer to check and see if it's an available option, as there is a plastic cap in the roof where I presume the rails normally affix. Has anybody else encountered this issue, and added the rails after purchase?

RXSF

yep...imo that was a huge flaw design wise since it doesnt look as proportioned without it. I think you can buy them and have them attached.

artmon

Were you able to get a roof rack installed on the FWD RX450H? I'm in the same position and was wondering if you were successful. Thanks

Art (artmon@gmx.com)

sleepysurf

To be honest, the longer I waited, the more I got used to the "naked" look without the rails. There were a number of RX owners who had actually removed their top rails, and offered to sell me theirs. In the end, I opted not to get them.

currybob

Mine also came without it and I also decided I liked it better without the racks. Probably helps make the ride quiter also. I have never seen anyone actually use them anyway.

Bob

thomas1

I think the vehicle looks sleeker and lower.....without...I just removed mine on my RX400h and love the look...no more soccer mom look....

kitlz

I don't think the roof rack makes the RX a soccer mom SUV, LOL! It's more like twenty stickers on the back with different sports, the "my kid is an A student at XXX school," and of course the stick family.

I've thought about removing mine to make cleaning easier but it's not bad with just the rails, no crossbars. I'm afraid if I do it, it might look like a Mazda CX9.

Cruiter

Like others have said, they're not really missed. Truth be told if they're on they're trim only, not functional. The crossbars are an add/on option for those that have them and there have been lots of reports of additional wind noise so some have removed them. I don't have them and don't miss them.

calgold06

Are you planning on selling them, Jim? I am looking for cross bars.

Cruiter

No, I don't have them. If I had the rails in the 1st place I would have removed them. I like my car the way it is without them. They are of no use unless you're a biker and like stuff 10 ft in the air. A rack attached to a tow hitch is more practical.

I've carried up to two Segways inside the car.

JimH2

The rails and crossbars obviously serve a function for those that desire to have them. I wanted the crossbars added to the factory installed rails for hauling the X-mas tree on top during that season, or for any other future use. I have not yet figured out how to stuff an 8-foot x-mas tree into the back of the RX450h. However, I have figured out how to place 8-foot 2"X6" lumber into the SUV for hauling a few boards at a time. I do not hear any wind-noise w/ the crossbars.

RJQMAN

I read somewhere that adding the rails actually affects the MPG. Not sure if it is true, and I cannot remember where I read it! Sorry I can't give a reference, but I seem to remember that it was about 1 mpg worse with the rails...

JimH2

That 1 MPG would likely relate to a having a load (bikes, carrier, etc.) on the roof rack, but doubt that it would affect mileage that much with nothing on top but the crossrails.

http://www.ehow.com/list_6188620_10-...s-mileage.html

BlueSurf

The roof rack makes wind noise on the highway, and it cuts down mpg's.