Advice on roof racks and carriers [2014 XC90]

[1997volvo850]

We purchased a 2014 XC90 that has the long raised bars running lengthwise from front to back. I'm not sure if there are different types of these on the 2014 model. I made the mistake of not purchasing a roof rack and carrier when we purchased the vehicle. I'm looking for any advice on what racks seem to work well with the XC90.

One site I found lists dozens of racks that are compatible with the 2014 XC90. I was told it's best to stick with the same brand for rack and carrier. I'm not sure if dealer is a practical source.

I've run across dozens of brands but the 'Thule' name is one I've heard before. The Thule Aeroblade and Complete Crossroads racks seem reasonable. The Thule Sidekick (8 cu. ft.)and Skyline (18 cu. ft.) carriers are options among the dozens available. I'm wondering which brands folks here like and which are to be avoided. Any advice is appreciated.

[Roger_850T]

I'm not so sure it's that important to stick with the same brand. Most of the rooftop boxes have a pretty generic claw that will grab on to just about any load bars. I bought mine from the dealer - the "Volvo" brand one is actually made by Thule, and is exactly the same but with a different name on it. As I recall, the price was similar at the time, (5 years ago,) so it made the choice easy for me.

One choice you have is whether to get the "aero" load bars or the generic square load bars. Functionally I think they are the same. I got the square (ok, rectangular) bars because they matched my other Volvo bars, and I have some other items (ski racks) that would be interchangeable. Of course, having bought it that way, I have never actually done that. Ah well.

The other route is to go into your favorite retail store (REI, Dicks Sporting Goods come to mind) and put together what you need from the various parts and pieces. By the time you get ALL of the parts, it gets kind of spendy, which is why the dealer actually made sense for me.

Another brand is Yakima Racks. I've had them in the past, and they were fine also, no complaints.

As I think about it, I think the Volvo aero bars actually sit a little lower, at the same height as the long raised bars you already have, instead of on top. The square bars make the box sit a little higher, and perhaps have slightly more aerodynamic drag, so I pined for them at one point, but subsequently got over it.

I think you'll be fine with all of the big name brands (Thule, Yakima) - it really comes down to personal preference. Good luck!

Roger

[Oly850]

I have a 2017 XC90, but it's basically the same idea. Yakima doesn't have a fitment for my car, but Thule does. Unfortunately the load bars and towers from Thule were more than $660. I checked with my local dealer and they have factory Volvo load bars (made by Thule) for $275. They fit perfectly, have an aero style bar that looks nice with a rubber upper surface for grip. They lock, install / uninstall easily and have a nice Volvo log on them. I leave them on all the time just cause they look cool.