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Last updated: September 2026
A Thule roof rack isn’t one product. It’s a system of three parts: feet (also called a foot pack) that match your roof type, crossbars, and, for many vehicles, a vehicle-specific fit kit. Once the base rack is on, you add carriers for bikes, kayaks or a roof box. This guide explains how the system fits together and compares ten Thule parts and carriers, so you know exactly what to buy for your car.
How we chose: this is a guide based on Amazon listing titles and Thule’s own system structure, not hands-on testing. Always confirm your feet, bar length and fit kit with Thule’s fit guide for your exact vehicle, and stay within your roof’s and the rack’s load limits.
Quick Picks: Thule Roof Rack Parts
- Feet for raised side rails: Thule Evo Raised Rail foot pack
- Feet for flush rails: Thule Evo Flush Rail (needs a fit kit)
- Feet for a bare roof: Thule Evo Clamp (needs a fit kit)
- Aerodynamic bars: Thule WingBar Evo (135 cm or 150 cm / 60″)
- Budget square bars: Thule SquareBar 150 (60″)
- Sleek flush-style bar: Thule WingBar Edge
- Roof box: Thule Motion 3
- Bike: Thule UpRide
- Kayak or SUP: Thule Compass
How a Thule Roof Rack Fits Together
| Your roof | Thule feet | Fit kit? |
|---|---|---|
| Raised side rails (gap under the rail) | Evo Raised Rail | Usually not needed |
| Flush rails (no gap) | Evo Flush Rail | Yes, vehicle-specific |
| Bare/naked roof | Evo Clamp | Yes, vehicle-specific |
| Fixed mounting points | Evo Fixpoint | Yes, vehicle-specific |
Our Thule roof rack fit guide walks through looking up your exact feet, bars and kit. If you want the full Evo system explained, see our Thule Evo roof rack guide.
Thule Roof Rack Feet
1. Thule Evo Raised Rail Foot Pack
- Set of 4 load carrier feet for Thule Evo roof rack system (load bars sold separately)
- Foot installs easily onto vehicles with raised railings
- Ergonomic torque limiter key indicates when the rack is safely and properly secured to your vehicle
Bottom line: The foot pack for vehicles with raised side rails, the simplest Thule setup because it usually doesn’t need a vehicle-specific kit.
What to know: Very thick or unusually shaped rails may need a different foot. Check Thule’s fit guide.
2. Thule Evo Flush Rail
- Set of 4 load carrier feet for Thule Evo roof rack system (load bars sold separately)
- Foot installs easily onto vehicles with flush railings
- Ergonomic torque limiter key indicates when the rack is safely and properly secured to your vehicle
Bottom line: The foot for flush rails, which sit tight against the roof with no gap underneath. It needs a vehicle-specific fit kit.
3. Thule Evo Clamp
- Set of 4 load carrier feet for Thule Evo roof rack system (load bars and fit kit sold separately)
- Foot installs easily onto vehicles without pre-existing roof rack attachment points
- Ergonomic torque limiter key indicates when the rack is safely and properly secured to your vehicle
Bottom line: The foot for bare roofs without rails. It clamps into the door frame using a vehicle-specific fit kit.
A real limitation: Clamp racks rely on correct fit and torque. Follow the instructions exactly and re-check them after the first drive.
Thule Crossbars
4. Thule WingBar Evo 135 cm (2-Pack)
- 2 Load bars for Thule Evo roof rack system
- WindDiffuser technology disturbs airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy
- TrailEdge design reduces aerodynamic drag by allowing clean air separation from bar
Bottom line: Thule’s aerodynamic WingBar Evo in 135 cm, a common length for many cars and small SUVs. Aero bars are usually quieter than square bars. See our roof rack wind noise guide for more tips.
5. Thule WingBar Evo 150 (60″)
- WindDiffuser technology disturbs airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy
- SmartSlide, slidable length scale doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover, providing quick, no-hassle rack installatio…
- TrailEdge design reduces aerodynamic drag by allowing clean air separation from bar
Bottom line: The 150 cm (60″) WingBar Evo for wider roofs, or when you want more bar space for two carriers side by side.
What to know: Longer isn’t always better; bars that stick out too far can add noise. Use the length Thule’s fit guide recommends.
6. Thule SquareBar 150 (60″)
- Classic steel square bars with black polymer coating
- Polymer coating provides additional grip for rooftop cargo
- Slot underneath is compatible with all Thule Eva and Rapid foot packs
Bottom line: Thule’s square steel-style bar in 150 cm (60″), usually the lower-cost bar option. It works with Thule feet and carriers but is typically louder than aero bars.
7. Thule WingBar Edge
- Load bar for Thule Edge roof rack system
- WindDiffuser technology disturbs airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy
- TrailEdge design reduces aerodynamic drag by allowing clean air separation from bar
Bottom line: A sleek, flush-style bar in Thule’s range, designed to sit closer to the roof for a cleaner look.
What to know: WingBar Edge pairs with its own feet and kits, so check the listing’s length and compatible feet for your vehicle.
Thule Roof Rack Carriers
8. Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box
- Wing-shaped profile with a dynamic, forward-leaning nose for reduced drag and fuel efficiency
- Sturdy lid design with a wide handle for smooth opening and closing with just one hand
- Available accessories include interior box light, protective box liner, and storage cover
Bottom line: Thule’s Motion 3 roof box for luggage and camping gear. Check the listing for the size version and whether it clears your rear hatch. Compare other boxes in our best roof box for car guide.
9. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
- Universal upright bike rack for 1 bike
- No frame contact for maximum protection
- Fits most 20-29" wheel bicycles with tires up to 3" wide
Bottom line: A roof bike mount that holds the bike by its wheels, with no frame contact. For hitch and trunk options, see our Thule bike racks guide.
10. Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Carrier
- Versatile water sport carrier that can transport kayaks or stand up paddleboards
- Multiple carry options: Single kayak in J-style or saddle mode, two kayaks in stacker mode, and up to two SUPs in saddle…
- Thick rubber saddles and padded upright for maximum protection
Bottom line: A J-style carrier for a kayak or SUP, listed with a 130 lb weight limit. Our kayak accessories guide covers straps and bow and stern lines.
Who a Thule Roof Rack Is NOT For
- Buyers who want the cheapest rack possible: Thule usually sits at the premium end. See our universal roof rack crossbars guide for lower-cost options.
- Owners of vehicles with no roof load rating: some cars aren’t rated for roof loads at all. Check your owner’s manual first.
How to Choose a Thule Roof Rack
1. Identify your roof type
Raised rails, flush rails, bare roof or fixed points each need different feet.
2. Look up your fit kit and bar length
Thule’s fit guide gives the exact foot, kit and bar length for your vehicle.
3. Choose your bars
WingBar Evo for lower noise, SquareBar for lower cost, WingBar Edge for a flush look.
4. Do the roof-load math
Add the rack’s own weight, your carriers and your gear, then compare the total with your vehicle’s roof limit and the rack’s rating. The dynamic (driving) limit is usually lower than the static (parked) one.
5. Compare brands
See our Thule vs Yakima comparison and our Rhino Rack roof racks guide.
Considering the other big brand? See our Yakima roof rack guide.
Carrying a kayak? See our Thule kayak racks guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for a complete Thule roof rack?
Feet for your roof type, a pair of crossbars and, for flush rails, bare roofs and fixed points, a vehicle-specific fit kit.
Do I need a Thule fit kit?
For raised rails, usually not. For flush rails, bare roofs and fixed points, yes. The kit shapes the foot to your vehicle.
WingBar Evo or SquareBar?
WingBar Evo is the aerodynamic bar and is usually quieter. SquareBar is the lower-cost option but tends to be louder.
Can I use Yakima or other carriers on Thule bars?
Many carriers are designed to fit a range of bar shapes, but check each carrier’s listed bar compatibility.
How much weight can a Thule roof rack carry?
It depends on the rack and your vehicle. Your car’s roof limit is often lower than the rack’s rating, and the lower number always wins.
Final Thoughts
Start with the right feet for your roof, add the fit kit Thule’s fit guide specifies, then choose WingBar Evo bars for quiet everyday use or SquareBars to save money. With the base rack in place, add a Motion 3 box, an UpRide bike mount or a Compass kayak carrier as you need them. Check fit and roof-load limits first.
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