whoa! we just got a really good look at a brand new 2010 subaru outback wagon with the glass roof. it’s a really nice looking car…and the factory installed roof rack is something we haven’t seen before from subaru.
the car is equipped with a side rail running front to back. but wait…the siderail is modular and can pivot across the car and become a crossbar too!
in the siderail configuration, there isn’t much versatility to add a tower system like the thule 450 crossroad. the bar spread just isn’t there – only about 18 inches, which isn’t good for really anything, except maybe a ski rack.
when you configure the factory roof rack to the crossbar position, you’ve got a nice bar spread – about 30″ and 36″ of usable bar space.
while this car was here for a windshield repair, we talked about putting a narrow cargo box and a bike rack that attaches to the factory crossbars, like the yakima forklift on the roof for the customer.
i never thought i’d say this, but i think this new 2010 subaru outback is best configured with bike, ski and cargo accessories using the factory installed crossbars!
Tags: 2010, factory crossbars, outback, roof rack, siderails, subaru, thule atlantis 1200, yakima forklift
This is the only less than negative comment I’ve seen outside of a review (and I don’t think any of the reviewers are ourdoor people, so I don’t think they count).
The Subaru Outback roof rack for 2010 is a travesty of bad design. Only someone in marketing could love this design.
Have you seen any pictures of the aftermarket refit wit straight rails? I think they’re much more attractive and functional.
have not seen an aftermarket retrofit of any of the 2010 outbacks with a straight rail.
the existing rack, when used in a siderail format is pretty useless, as the crossbars end up being in a bad spot and much too close together.
Where can I find some info or pictures on the aftermarket refit ?
I love my 2010…EXCEPT the racks! I have two sit on tops and can’t carry them. I don’t know what Subaru was thinking. We need a creative genius in the aftermarket field!!