My RX is about 2 weeks old now. It doesn't have crossbars. Although I could've waited for one with crossbars, I didn't. I don't see myself needing them for anything. I don't plan on putting anything on top of my car. However, bc I know the option is there and I didn't get them I find myself thinking about them. I look for them on other RX's when I'm driving around town. I know I'm being silly haha. Should I get them? Do you guys think they do anything for the appearance of the car? Thanks!

 

In my opinion, they do nothing for the appearance one way or the other. I got them as I will use on occasion (to transport x-mas tree on top, etc.). I would not get unless you plan to use them.

 

THANK YOU! very helpful!

 

I am thinking about the same thing. Sometimes I need a couple 2x4s from HD and the crossbar would be useful.

How much noise do they create? Is it easy to take off?

 

Let me know guys if you decided to get one

 

I heard they create wind noise and also reduce fuel consumption. I dont particularly like the cross bars on my RX, nor do I dislike them. The roof rails are another story, which I think makes the RX look more balanced.

 

I have em on the wifes car but not on mine only because we have the occasional trip where we need the luggage carrier. i do like the look.

 

I've gone from a naked roof on the 300 to rails and crossbars on the 330 to just rails on the 450h. I think it looks best with rails only and blends in nicely with the color of my RX. And those end caps are a PITA to take off.

 

Anyone in So Cal want to lend a hand and help me take off my crossbars?

OP if you want mine I'll sell them to you, but I'll need your help to remove them.

I'll sell mine for $100

 

I removed both crossbars. They are added weights to the car which you dont need. They are in the closet and I can put them on in case I need them. In my other car, I never used the crossbars in 11 years! I am thinking of removing the roof rails too but my wife says no.

 

There is a thread here in how to remove the crossbars. I know because I posted pictures on how to remove em.

 

Had cross bars and took them off.
Dealer service took them off for free.

 

Crossbars came with my 450h. They don't seem very noisy. I'll leave them on for the rare 2x4. If I ever need to carry more I will put my yakima bars on. They are noisy, but easy to put on and remove.

 

I doubt the crossbars weigh enough that removing them would make much of a difference. As for the wind noise, if it does porduce some I have a hard time hearing it and I am very picky when it comes to noises coming from or produced by a car.

Now, where it would make a difference is the MPG. They do add resistance which will drop your MPG on the highway. I don't think they'll produce enough drag in city. Plus, people remove them for the purpose of getting better MPG yet install mud flaps. Go figure.

I like the look of the cross bars. I haven't seen an RX 350 without them now that I think of it. If you're not going to use them then go off of the looks. IMO they add to the look of an SUV.

 

here is a picture of a 3rd gen end caps, just to give an idea on how to remove them, 3 tabs to take note 1 located on the skinny part.