Acura RDX: Roof Rack Reviews

Installing a roof rack allows you to store your things on the roof, keeping the RDX's interior space available for people. Read on to learn about the most popular brands.

By Bassem Girgis - April 22, 2016

This article applies to the 1st Gen Acura RDX.

A roof rack is designed to make use of your Acura RDX's roof. You install the roof rack on top, learn how to tie things down, and make room on the inside for people. Roof racks can allow you to store your bikes, tie your camping luggage, or install storage on top of it, thus creating a lot of room in the trunk. Although roof racks are all useful, the aftermarket world offers different types of racks. Roof racks come in different sizes, weight capacity, looks, and, most importantly, price tags. This guide will shine some light on the most popular roof rack brands for your Acura RDX, helping you make the best decision for you, your needs, and your budget.

Roof Rack Reviews


Yakima
Thule
Rhino Rack
Price
$295 $399 $314
Weight Capacity
165 lbs 480 lbs 220 lbs
Construction
Aluminum Galvanized Steel Extruded Aluminum
Direct Fit
Yes Yes Yes
Warranty
Lifetime Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Best Quality: Thule

Best Value: Rhino Rack

Yakima

Price – $295

Weight Capacity 160 lbs

Construction Aluminum

Direct Fit Yes

Warranty Lifetime

The Yakima roof rack features a dynamic design, especially with the wind guard that goes on the front of it, which smoothly pushes all the wind up. These are considered the perfect racks for bicycles and cargo boxes, due to their design. The kit requires no drilling, which means you just need to follow simple instructions, and you can start loading up your roof. Some customers complained the kit came with everything needed, except for the longer screws, but this kit isn't designed specifically for your Acura, so the long screw size could vary. Everyone agrees that the quality is fantastic, but it's still overpriced; however, when compared to the competitors, this may be your best deal when it comes to budget. Everyone agrees, however, that this roof rack is a breeze to install. Recommended if you're looking for a good roof rack at a decent price.

Thule

Price $399

Weight Capacity 480 lbs

Construction Galvanized Steel

Direct Fit Yes

Warranty Limited Lifetime

If you're looking for heavy duty, look no further. This kit can carry up to 480 pounds, which means all your bikes, plus all your luggage as well. There are no guesses when it comes to Thule, this kit comes specifically designed for your Acura, which means no hassle with installing and sizes. With its galvanized steel, this kit is as strong as it can possibly be, so don't worry about breaking it; worry about breaking your suspension first. The Thule roof rack also features a wind guard, and even though you may not notice it, its aerodynamic shape could end up saving you a few dollars on fuel. Whether you want to install storage on top, kayaks, bikes, luggage, or all of the above, no other kit will handle what Thule can handle. You could spend a little more money and purchase lock cylinders, which protect your gear, but these are sold separately. You won't need drilling to get moving with this kit, so plan half an hour for installation and you should be ready. Recommended if you're looking for a heavy duty roof rack, and you don't mind spending the money.

Rhino Rack

Price $314

Weight Capacity 220 lbs

Construction Extruded Aluminum

Direct Fit Yes

Warranty Lifetime

There is heavy duty like Thule, then there is semi-heavy duty like the Rhino Rack roof rack. This rack can handle up to 220 pounds, which for the normal camper or traveler is more than enough. You can still get your bikes, a storage box, or luggage up there. The oval-shaped crossbars work well with the wind; they create an aerodynamic shape that will pay off in the long run. These are visually pleasing, so you won't be embarrassed to keep them on when you're not traveling around. This rack comes with the hardware needed to install, which also requires no drilling. It also comes with the locking system, which prevents anyone from removing and stealing them. If you're aware of the weight, you may want to stay away from the Thule's steel construction, instead sticking with the Rhino Rack's lightweight aluminum material. Although it can handle up to 220 pounds, it weighs almost nothing. Recommended if you're looking for a visually pleasing, heavy duty roof rack.

Related Discussions