[Ssav]

Hi All,

I’m new to this forum so I would like to say hi to everyone.
I went to shop for a Rav4 LE 2022 yesterday where I got the bad surprise to learn about the 2022 LE version not having the option for roof rack😟.

They offered me the XLE version. Paying approx CAD 6k$ more to carry 2 kayaks once in a while is quite an expensive alternative. Mostly when you don’t need the extra gadgets/AWD that come with it. (I keep my vehicles 12-14 years so try not having too many options that can break/require maintenance over the years). Then they told me it was easy, just need to buy a rack that fits bare roof. After researching on the web for few hours with no luck, I found that thread.

I asked them to do their homework and get back to me with a concrete solution. Will see what they come out with (if they do).

I also sent an email to Thule, first to see if they are aware the 2022 LE version is different than the 2021 and if they have plans to offer a solution for this. In the meantime, if someone finds something, I will appreciate to hear about it.

Thanks (and sorry for a first post so long)!

 

[pgeezer]

If Toyota doesn't want to put roof rails on it then they should stop calling it an SUV.

Not having the option on an LE forces me $5K up the options chain to buy a bunch of useless complexity I don't want, and frankly prices it out of being competitive with those that put rails on the base model. This goes for the Corolla Cross as well.

You're supposed to offer more value mid to late cycle, not gut the things.

 

[crazyhorse]

If Toyota doesn't want to put roof rails on it then they should stop calling it an SUV.

Not having the option on an LE forces me $5K up the options chain to buy a bunch of useless complexity I don't want, and frankly prices it out of being competitive with those that put rails on the base model. This goes for the Corolla Cross as well.

Tell Honda that too.

 

[ravdy]

Hi All,

I’m new to this forum so I would like to say hi to everyone.
I went to shop for a Rav4 LE 2022 yesterday where I got the bad surprise to learn about the 2022 LE version not having the option for roof rack😟.

They offered me the XLE version. Paying approx CAD 6k$ more to carry 2 kayaks once in a while is quite an expensive alternative. Mostly when you don’t need the extra gadgets/AWD that come with it. (I keep my vehicles 12-14 years so try not having too many options that can break/require maintenance over the years). Then they told me it was easy, just need to buy a rack that fits bare roof. After researching on the web for few hours with no luck, I found that thread.

I asked them to do their homework and get back to me with a concrete solution. Will see what they come out with (if they do).

I also sent an email to Thule, first to see if they are aware the 2022 LE version is different than the 2021 and if they have plans to offer a solution for this. In the meantime, if someone finds something, I will appreciate to hear about it.

Thanks (and sorry for a first post so long)!

New to this forum as well, welcome! I just picked up my 2022 LE AWD today and to my dismay they've removed the roof rails. Super disappointing but certainly not worth anyone considering the higher trims if for this reason only.

I had a fit about it at the dealership (I know it's sort of out of their controls and should be complaining to product guys at HQ, but still) they threw in a few free oil changes. Aw well. Seems like will need to go with the options that have been in the market for naked roofs such as the Thule Evo.

Now the problem is Thule and friends seem to be unaware that the base 2022 LE doesn't come with one. Will also email and hope they move on it quickly. I do wonder though, wouldn't it be easy to just get the Thule Evo for naked roof and fit it on the LE before they release anything officially. I think it does fit most cars, it just comes with a fitting guide for each specific vehicle..

Anyway will report back anything.

 

[Ssav]

New to this forum as well, welcome! I just picked up my 2022 LE AWD today and to my dismay they've removed the roof rails. Super disappointing but certainly not worth anyone considering the higher trims if for this reason only.

I had a fit about it at the dealership (I know it's sort of out of their controls and should be complaining to product guys at HQ, but still) they threw in a few free oil changes. Aw well. Seems like will need to go with the options that have been in the market for naked roofs such as the Thule Evo.

Now the problem is Thule and friends seem to be unaware that the base 2022 LE doesn't come with one. Will also email and hope they move on it quickly. I do wonder though, wouldn't it be easy to just get the Thule Evo for naked roof and fit it on the LE before they release anything officially. I think it does fit most cars, it just comes with a fitting guide for each specific vehicle..

Anyway will report back anything.

Hi,
here is the reply I got from Thule, looks like they are not aware about the roof rack situation with the 2022 LE as you mentionned:


Thank you for contacting Thule. You are looking for a roof rack for your 22 Rav4 with a bare roof. If your roof is truly a bare roof, Thule does not offer a fit for this roof style.

However, there are models that have fixed mount points under tabs located at the 4 corners of the roof which can appear to be a bare roof:

If you have these tabs and mount points, the Thule fit would be kit183177 + 460R + 47" crossbars (either Evo wingbars #711200 or Evo square bars #712200).

Using this link, you can order the bar option you prefer:
Buyer's Guide

If you need further assistance, please respond to this email or give us a call at 1-800-238-2388

Thank you for contacting Thule and have a nice day!

Patti
Thule Customer Service

Hope this helps,

 

[pgeezer]

Tell Honda that too.

I didn't want a CRV, partly for exactly that reason. Honda are notorious for holding back one key option to force buyers up the chain, and I resent the coercion. You feel like you're being screwed before you even buy the car. Honda was out of the picture.

I was planning on an LE RAV4 because I could put my Thule cargo box on the roof. Base Forester is now about five grand cheaper with better AWD and roof rails. Crosstrek is also about five grand cheaper than a Corolla Cross LE AWD Upgrade, with better AWD and roof rails.

Mazda CX5 roof rails are a $1K option on the base model, with better handling, a nicer interior and a quieter ride.

And none of those have the knee-banger centre console or the non-adjustable high chair passenger seat.

I don't want a power liftgate, sunroof, push-button start, wireless charging and all the other guff that doesn't make a lick of functional difference that I will have to fix in future.. But I do want roof rails and some sound proofing. Why should 36 grand feel like you are driving a tin can? This is basic stuff.

This changes the game out of Toyota's favour.

 

[14v6]

At least Honda made getting something like fog lights a dealer installed option available.. Toyota nothing. In fact, you have to go up 2 trim levels in 2022 to get fog lights. It all depends but so far I see Toyota's starting level of content to be on the low side.

 

[pgeezer]

It all depends but so far I see Toyota's starting level of content to be on the low side.

I noticed that looking at 2018 LEs. Some of them had steelies and hubcaps, but most of them had aluminium wheels. I get most may have been 'LE Upgrade' packages?

At any rate, all of the 2017-2018s have roof rails. Argh.

It seems like technology has jacked up the prices of cars and simultaneously made them into less reliable surveillance devices masquerading as your property. Throw out everything but the safety tech (ABS, Stability Control, AWD modes, collision detection, BSW), insulate the things a bit better, and let us focus on driving.

Cars shouldn't be $50,000 / 84 month debt rolling entertainment centres for people with ADHD, or personal data collection devices for manufacturers. They should be cars. You don't fall in love with a power liftgate or a wireless charger over five to ten years. You fall in love with function, dependability, serenity, handling, and simple elegance. Like fine art or photography, the beauty of a great vehicle is what's left when you take all the distractions away. And great Engineering IS art.

But I sympathize with the manufacturers, if endless debt and irreducible complexity is what customers really want. However, I heard the median new car buyer is about 50 years old. Why do you figure that is?

To put some bread on top: Toyota should be commended for the D4S tech and the 8 speed auto, as well as the fixed first gear in the new CVTs, the iMT manual in the Corollas, and the improvements to its AWD systems. These and the full size spare well in the Rav4 may have me buying one even though I'm mad about them robbing my roof rails. However, every time I get bumped up the 'Build & Price' lineup and get the $42,000 to $46,000 sticker slap at the end, I think 'I won't spend this kind of money to get roof rails', and go on to look at base Foresters, Outbacks, and CX-5s.

 

[spyhero]

I'm in Canada. Does anyone know if 2022 RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD come with roof rails? I can't find this information on Toyota.ca.

 

[SUV1]

With the roof rail leaks and the fact that most buyers don’t ever use the roof rails, I’m glad that there is a RAV4 model where you aren’t forced to have any holes in the roof for roof rails or a moonroof.

What other model would make sense other than the most base LE grade that’s missing features even more basic that people would regularly take advantage of like automatic headlights and auto climate control? I wish I could get an XLE without roof rails and the rails were part of an option package instead.

Roof rail leaks are an issue and they aren’t even an exclusive issue to the RAV4. I did a search and found several other SUV models from different brands with the same issue.

Aftermarket roof racks that work without rails are available for occasional use. If you need to use roof racks regularly, then the RAV 4 LE is probably not the model for you.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

I wish I could get an XLE without roof rails and the rails were part of an option package instead.

I agree as long as the XLE still had fog lights which were deleted on the XLE in 2022 model.

 

[SUV1]

You can see in this video that the LE gas model no longer has roof rails.
One feature that also seems new is rear seat HVAC vents on the LE.

 

[gur]

I factory ordered a 2022 RAV4 LE AWD that is going to ship within the next 2 weeks, i just found out today that roof rails are missing. My dealership agent didn't tell me before. I wanted to add ski rack in winter and wanted to mount the thule cargo box during summer camping trips. I am thinking of cancelling my order.

Are there any good 3rd party crossbar alternatives without the roof rails and that can handle around 100lbs?

 

[kallsop]

I don't know when the 2022 e-brochure became available, but it says which rav4 models have roof rails - all of them. If Toyota are delivering cars without them, do they owe you? Breach of contract? Is this deletion because of shortages? I will not be happy if my 2022 LE Hybrid arrives without roof rails. May even refuse the car until they fix it, I want roof rails for kayaks, etc.

 

[crazyhorse]

I don't know when the 2022 e-brochure became available, but it says which rav4 models have roof rails - all of them. If Toyota are delivering cars without them, do they owe you? Breach of contract? Is this deletion because of shortages? I will not be happy if my 2022 LE Hybrid arrives without roof rails. May even refuse the car until they fix it, I want roof rails for kayaks, etc.
View attachment 177078

Something's wrong somewhere.

 

[kallsop]

I just optioned a 2022 Rav4 on the Toyota web site. For both the LE and LE Hybrid, you can add optional $315 roof rack cross members. Sure would be interesting to see the dealer fit them if the car has no roof rails!

 

[gur]

i think this will fit.

Thule Edge Clamp | Thule | Canada

-

www.thule.com

 

[carryacanoe]

So has anyone found anything new on this? I am looking to add a roof rack to carry my canoe which the dealer promised would be no problem, however, I haven't found a good solution. The only potential commercially available solution would be the Thule Clamp Evo but the fit kit for the 2022 RAV4 is not available in the US (I did find it on the Thule Switzerland website, but can't find a source--any leads?) Besides it's so expensive for something that will look scrappy at best.

My other thought was to get these 2013-2018 side rails from amazon

Amazon.com: ANTS PART Roof Rack for 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 Roof Side Rails Luggage Rack Silver : Automotive

Buy ANTS PART Roof Rack for 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 Roof Side Rails Luggage Rack Silver: Cargo Bars - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Thoughts on if the gen4 version will fit a gen5? The 2019-22 isn't available as far as I can tell. I would try bolting it to the gutter on the roof using threaded rivets. Any thoughts on that? Any experience with bolting to the roof? Aluminum or stainless rivets? Anything helps, I'm a little wary of drilling into the roof of my brand new car but if that's the only option I'll do it.

 

[Sanbeee]

Hey all. I recently signed up to lease a 2022 RAV4 LE AWD with plans to add a roof rack down the road (for camping and water sports). Dealership said it shouldn't be a problem adding it later. I'm looking online to see about purchasing one and can't find a rack that's compatible with the bare roof of the LE model (only flush rail or raised rail options). Has anyone else had this issue?
Is it worth contacting the dealership to see about upgrading to the XLE model so that I can get the roof rack?
Thanks in advance!

Did you get answer for this?

 

[owilliams47]

The bare roof 2022 Rav4s in the UK and in Australia have compatible fittings with THULE. Has anyone tried getting and using these to attach a thule roof rack? I'm wondering what differences these have with the North American model.