If you are after a luxury car equipped with roof racks, chances are you are looking at an SUV because almost all SUVs can be had with roof racks from the factory. As such, there are loads of great options to choose from depending on the size of the SUV and the market positioning.
If you are mostly interested in more compact luxury SUVs, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Porsche Macan are the two most dynamic options of the lot. If you want a more conservative comfort-oriented SUV, the Volvo XC60 is a great choice.
But maybe, you don’t want a compact SUV because a compact SUV is not all that ‘’SUV-ish’’. A such, the best luxury mid-size SUV that does not break the bank is definitely the new Kia Telluride, and the best overall mid-size SUV is the Mercedes Benz GLE.
As far as full-size SUVs are concerned, the BMW X7 is the very best full-size SUV on the market. If you don’t want an SUV at all, but you still want roof racks and additional practicality and off-road ability, the Audi A6 Allroad and the Volvo V60 Cross Country are the best ones on the market.
Compact SUVs equipped with roof racks
In the last couple of years, the compact SUV segment has become one of, if not the most popular car segment on the market thanks to a perfect blend of SUV practicality and the driveability usually associated with smaller cars.
As such, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the most dynamic SUV on the market. Besides the driveability, the Stelvio also offers ample space and a bunch of engine options. The Stelvio is also one of the best-looking SUVs out there, especially after the recent refresh. That being said, the Stelvio can be equipped with a roof rack from the factory.
If you do appreciate a dynamic luxury SUV, but you want a more reliable platform and more importantly a better value, the Porsche Macan is the way the go. The Macan can be had in many different trim and engine options and is also available with a factory-installed roof rack system.
If the Porsche Macan and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio are both a bit too brash for you, and you simply want a more chilled, comfortable, and safe SUV, the Volvo XC60 is a perfect option. The XC60 can also be had with a factory-installed roof rack system capable of transporting as much cargo as you’d ever want.
Luxury mid-size SUVs with roof racks
For some, a compact SUV is not really an SUV because of the size, relatively dismissable ground clearance, and the lack of a four-wheel-drive system in many cases. If you are one of those people, you are better off looking for a mid-size luxury SUV. And pretty much every mid-size SUV out there is readily available with factory-installed roof racks.
And one of the best ones out there right now is the Kia Telluride thanks to a relatively affordable price but a really good-looking interior and exterior design. Kia has been on a mission in recent years to completely change the perception of Kia, and the new Kia models are worth considering.
If you want the very top end of mid-size luxury SUVs that also offer roof racks, the Mercedes Benz GLE is the only true segment champion. And that’s because the GLE is basically a more compact version of a GLS which is a good thing if you considering the GLE, and not the GLS.
Luxury full-size SUVs and estate cars with roof racks
If you want the best luxury full-size SUV money can buy, there is no better option than the BMW X7, especially if you opt for the even more comfortable Alpina XB7 variant. The X7 is basically a BMW 7-series on stilts, as such, the X7 is the very top end of SUV luxury without stepping into Rolls Royce territory.
Both the X7 and the XB7 can be had with roof racks that are large enough to support a bunch of cargo without being a safety hazard. Besides the XB7, you might want to take a lot at the Ford Expedition if you want a more approachable ‘’luxury’’ price category.
If you don’t want an SUV at all, but you do want roof racks and off-roadability to a certain extent, the Audi A6 Allroad and the Volvo V60 Cross Country are both amazing options to consider. The A6 offers a more off-road friendly approach, but otherwise, it’s the same as any other A6 Avant.
The same story goes for the Volvo V60 Cross Country. Besides these two, you should also consider the Mercedes Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
FAQ Section
How much do roof racks cost?
If you are buying new, most SUVs come with roof racks as standard, if not, you are looking at a few hundred dollars on top of the MSRP price. If you are buying used, the price difference between a roof rack-equipped used car and a used car without a set of roof racks is virtually identical.
But if you are in the market of buying a set of roof racks, you are looking at a price range of about $150 or so for a lower grade used roof rack system. If you spend upwards of a few hundred dollars, you can get a nice brand new aerodynamic one.
Can you put a roof rack on any car?
Technically you can as there are a few different ways one can mount a roof rack. But the main question is does your car have a factory mount position? If so, you should use that very mount option to secure down the roof rack.
If your car only offers a bare roof without any designated roof rack mounting locations, you can mount the roof rack by using dedicated clipping mechanics that clip onto the inside of your door jams.
Do roof racks damage your car?
If properly mounted and executed, a roof rack should not do any damage to your car. But if the installation process was flawed or the rack itself is questionable, to say the least, the effects can be quite disastrous.
When mounting a roof rack, you got to make sure that it is done properly as bad installation can easily end up costing you obscene amounts of money. This is because you are not only putting yourself and your car at risk, but you are also risking the well-being of everyone else around you.
