I am within the strategy of reviewing the brand new Yakima CBX Photo voltaic roof provider. I’ve mounted it to a Subaru Outback and my very own Audi Allroad, whereas a brand new Subaru Crosstrek Sport shall be subsequent. Alas, the 2021 Nissan Rogue SV presently in my driveway will not get the possibility to trip round with Spock’s coffin on its again.
You see, the Rogue has pretend roof rails. Though they seem like flush rails at first look, they’re in reality made from plastic and lack the grooves essential for rack towers to clamp onto. As a substitute, there are little plastic covers that pop off with a flathead screwdriver to disclose static mounting factors. These are vaguely just like what you’ll find on numerous BMW sedans and even the Porsche 911 which are hidden behind little doorways of their roofs.
I’ve by no means seen something like this so I reached out to the Yakima match workforce. Apparently, the Nissan Murano has the identical factor, however it makes for a tricky match, so to talk. “Nissan is never sort to us,” mentioned match technician Taylor Thompson. Certainly, the Yakima web site signifies that none of its rack methods are suitable with the Murano (Yakima has but to “match” the brand new Rogue).
Whereas Yakima says it is engaged on a match resolution for the Rogue, Nissan will presumably promote a few of its personal crossbars because it does on the Murano for an affordable $370 (although sellers are inclined to upcharge equipment). The truth that there are two screw-in factors, fairly than the one you will discover in these Yakima-compatible BMWs and Porsches, would appear to be the compatibility drawback. Now, no matter the place the crossbars come from, the Murano a minimum of provides a wide range of Yakima racks that connect to them. I assume that would be the case with the Rogue as effectively.
For its half, Yakima’s essential competitor, Thule, requires a “Fast Podium Foot Pack” that is wanted for fastened or different uncommon attachment factors, after which a further “Match Equipment 3141” designed particularly for the Murano. That is possible just like the answer the Yakima match workforce is engaged on for the Rogue. Collectively, these are $338, with racks going for $459, $559 or $619 relying on the design. That is clearly dearer than Nissan’s, however they’re additionally sure to be extra versatile, particularly when it comes to their higher width that enables extra stuff to be mounted aboard.
Frankly, it is laborious to think about that many Nissan Rogue patrons are sure to even discover. Just like the Murano, it is one of many least outdoorsy crossovers in look, character and functionality. Of us who really intend to mount one thing to the roof appear extra prone to look down the Subaru aisle or maybe the brand new, extra rugged Toyota RAV4 (under left).
That mentioned, the pretend rails are nonetheless curious. A part of the explanation flush rails are rising in recognition (versus raised ones as on my Allroad pictured above proper) is as a result of they’re decrease, sleeker and due to this fact extra interesting to automobile designers who don’t love slapping stuff to their stunning creations (see sideview mirrors on idea automobiles). It is due to this fact curious that Nissan successfully places them on the Murano and Rogue although they are not really useful … effectively, apart from serving to to create the looks of a standard roof rack once you pay further for the accent cross bars. It is simply bizarre.
In contrast, most variations of the Mazda CX-5, one other decidedly un-outdoorsy crossover, have a “bare roof.” You need to pay further for actual flush rails. These price $400 and also you’d then need to pay extra for crossbars. You are not as restricted in alternative or positioning as you’re with the Rogue, however you’d be out much less cash. Maybe that is finally the enchantment.
