April 19, 2022
Rack Attack Team
The next generation of Thule Roof Racks has arrived with a promise to revolutionize the roof rack industry! But really, what has exactly changed with the new line of Thule Edge racks?
2022 brings with it the new additions to Thule's roof rack lineup. All of Thule's new racks fall under two families. The existing Evo lineup looks and functions like most traditional roof racks, whereas the new Edge lineup provides a more flush looking alternative and replaces the current AeroBlade Edge family.
The Old - Thule Evo
With the Evo lineup, the bar extends past the foot pack and hangs over the edge of your car, giving a much more traditional appearance. Within the Evo family, you have three bar choices, but we recommend the Wingbar Evo, which comes in Black and Silver, as it provides the most streamlined appearance.
The New - Thule Edge
If you aren't a fan of the overhanging roof racks, the Edge option is the one for you. With this new system, the foot pack and bars integrate into one another, which creates a flush look that ends at the edge of your vehicle.
The Best Choice for Your Vehicle
While it may seem like there are many different products you will have to sort through, choosing the right system is a lot easier than it looks. All of Thule's new products are named after the style of vehicle they will attach to. For example, the Evo Flush Rail is made to connect to vehicles with flush rails on their roof. That means that if you have a flush rail, the only thing you need to choose if you want the Evo system or the Edge system.
Bare Roof Racks
Bare roofs are some of the most common vehicle roof options on the market, and many customers mistakenly think they have no options for a roof rack. That's where they're wrong; clamp systems have been around for decades and are continually getting better. Using vehicle-specific clips and rubber pads, clamp systems are reliable and sturdy while using every precaution to avoid scratching your vehicle. With the correct combination of a fit kit, crossbars and either the Evo clamp or Edge clamp, you will be ready to go.
The Updated Bare Roof Options
- Thule Evo Clamp + Thule Wingbar Evo + a vehicle-specific fit kit
- Thule Edge Clamp + Thule Wingbar Edge + a vehicle-specific fit kit
See our Fit Guide for a full package specific to your vehicle.
Evo Clamp and Edge Clamp Are Replacing
- Thule Rapid Traverse (480R)
- Thule Traverse (480)
Alternatives from Other Brands for Bare Roofs
- Yakima BaseLine
- Rhino-Rack 2500
- Yakima Q-Tower (discontinued)
Raised Rail Racks
As the popularity of overlanding and vehicle exploration continues to rise, more car companies have started adding raised rails to their vehicles to increase their capability. Raised rail roof racks often have the highest weight capacity and are easiest to remove, so it makes sense to choose that option if it's available when buying a new vehicle. This will give you the most straightforward options available to put on a roof rack. Once you choose the crossbars, all you need to do is pick either the Evo Raised Rail or Edge Raised Rail.
The Updated Raised Rail Options
See our Fit Guide for a full package specific to your vehicle.
Evo Raised Rail and Edge Raised Rail Are Replacing
- Thule Rapid Crossroad (450R)
- Thule Crossroad (450) - discontinued
- Thule AeroBlade Edge Raised Rail
Alternatives from Other Brands for Raised Rail
- Yakima TimberLine
- Yakima RailGrab - discontinued
- Rhino-Rack SX tower
Fixed Point Racks
Fixed point racks work when the vehicle manufacturer builds mounting points into the roof. These are generally hidden beneath a little door or sometimes below the black trim on your roof. These systems are very secure and typically provide a low-profile look. Thule's new Evo Fixpoint and Edge Fixpoint also have a super convenient on/off mechanism that leaves the fit kit still attached but allows the rack to come off in seconds.
The Updated Raised Rail Options
See our Fit Guide for a full package specific to your vehicle.
Evo Fixpoint and Edge Fixpoint Are Replacing
- Thule Rapid Podium (460R)
- Thule Podium (460) - discontinued
Alternatives from Other Brands for Fixed Point
- Yakima SkyLine
- Rhino-Rack Quick Mount Leg
- Yakima Control towers - discontinued
Flush Rail Racks
Flush rails have quickly become one of the most common roof options you see on newly manufactured cars. Due to their subtle appearance and improved usability, many manufacturers include them on almost every trim level. This is great since Thule's Evo Flush Rails and Edge Flush Rails are in the top of their class for roof racks using this system. The low-profile design and simple on-off mechanism make having a roof rack easy and sleek with this set-up.
The Updated Flush Rail Options
See our Fit Guide for a full package specific to your vehicle.
Evo Flush Rail and Edge Flush Rail Are Replacing
- Thule Rapid Podium (460R)
- Thule Podium (460) - discontinued
Alternatives from Other Brands for Flush Rail
Need More Help Deciding What Roof Rack Fits You Best?
Visit your nearest store, call 1-888-301-1527 or send us a message.
