Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53″) Black: The Ultimate Roof Rack Solution
Welcome to our latest product review! Today, we’re diving into the Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53″) in sleek black-a premium roof rack system that has wholly transformed our outdoor adventure capabilities. Over the past few months, we’ve put these aerodynamic load bars through their paces on various road trips adn excursions, and we’re excited to share our findings with you.
When it comes to roof racks, noise reduction and fuel efficiency are always top concerns, which is exactly where the Wingbar Evo truly shines. We’ve been especially impressed with the innovative WindDiffuser technology that noticeably cuts down on that annoying wind noise that plagued our previous rack system. Plus, the smart TrailEdge design has made a remarkable difference in our vehicle’s fuel economy during long hauls with gear mounted up top.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything from installation ease to load capacity, and explain why these bars have become an essential part of our adventure toolkit. Weather your a weekend warrior or a dedicated outdoor enthusiast, we think you’ll find our hands-on experience with the thule Wingbar Evo 135 valuable for your next roof rack purchase decision.
Elevating Your Roof Rack Experience: Our Take on the Thule Wingbar Evo 135
After extensive testing across various vehicles and conditions, we’ve found these sleek black load bars to be a game-changer for roof transport systems. The WindDiffuser technology is more than just marketing jargon-we noticed a meaningful reduction in wind noise even at highway speeds, something that plagued our previous roof rack setup. This clever design creates disrupted airflow patterns that not only minimize that annoying whistling sound but also reduce drag for better fuel efficiency. The TrailEdge design further enhances aerodynamic performance,and we were impressed by how the SmartSlides system doubles as both a measurement tool and aerodynamic cover,making installation remarkably straightforward.
What truly sets these bars apart is the thoughtful engineering behind the SwingBlade end caps and QuickAccess T-track system. We no longer struggle with accessory installation-the pivoting end caps provide complete T-slot access without disassembly, while the upper track interface makes attaching bike racks, cargo boxes, and other accessories almost effortless.the BoxBeam internal structure provides exceptional strength without excessive weight,safely supporting our gear through:
- Challenging mountain roads
- High-speed highway travel
- Various weather conditions
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Sleek Design Meets Superior strength: Key Features We love
When it comes to roof rack systems, the WindDiffuser technology transforms the driving experience by substantially reducing that annoying wind noise we’ve all experienced with lesser racks. We were impressed by how the innovative trailedge design creates clean air separation from the bar,minimizing drag and ultimately improving fuel economy-something we can all appreciate with today’s gas prices. The sleek black bars blend seamlessly with virtually any vehicle’s aesthetics while providing exceptional functionality through the SmartSlides system,which cleverly doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover for no-hassle installation.
The engineering brilliance continues with the SwingBlade end caps that pivot open, giving us full access to the T-slot for effortless accessory installation. We found the upper T-track with QuickAccess interface to be a game-changer, allowing for smooth attachment and removal of various accessories without the frustrating fumbling typical of other systems. The BoxBeam internal structure isn’t just for show-it creates an exceptionally strong load bar that confidently carries everything from bicycles to cargo boxes without compromising on safety or stability.
- Premium aerodynamic design for quieter rides
- Fuel economy improvements through reduced drag
- Pivoting end caps for easy accessory installation
- BoxBeam structure for superior strength
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Wind Noise reduction and Aerodynamics: How the Wingbar Evo Performs on the Road
We’ve put these sleek black bars through extensive road testing and the results are remarkable. The WindDiffuser technology genuinely makes a difference, creating small disturbances in the airflow that significantly reduce that annoying whistling sound common with inferior roof racks. Even at highway speeds, the noise level remains remarkably low-a testament to the TrailEdge design that allows air to separate cleanly from the bar’s rear edge. This thoughtful engineering doesn’t just keep things quiet; we noticed our fuel economy remained stable compared to driving without a roof rack installed,confirming the manufacturer’s claims about reduced drag.
the aerodynamic benefits extend beyond the obvious noise reduction. The BoxBeam internal structure provides exceptional strength without adding unnecessary bulk that would increase wind resistance.During our testing,we noticed how the SmartSlides work as aerodynamic covers beneath the bars,further streamlining the profile. The integrated design creates a cohesive system where every component-from the under-bar covers to the end caps-contributes to minimizing drag. This translates to practical benefits including better fuel efficiency on long trips and a more comfortable driving experience without the distracting drone that plagues many aftermarket roof racks.
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Installation and Versatility: Our Recommendations for Your Vehicle Setup
When it comes to installation, we found the process remarkably straightforward thanks to the ingenious SmartSlides system with its slidable length scale. this feature doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover, eliminating the usual hassle associated with rack installation. The SwingBlade end caps are a game-changer - they pivot open to provide complete access to the T-slot, making accessory mounting a breeze. We particularly appreciated the upper T-track with QuickAccess interface, which allowed us to smoothly install and remove various accessories without the frustration typically experienced with other systems.
For optimal versatility across different vehicle types, we recommend consulting the Thule Buyer’s Guide before purchase to ensure perfect compatibility with your specific car model. The 53″ (135cm) length makes these bars suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to larger SUVs. The robust BoxBeam internal structure provides exceptional strength without unnecessary weight, supporting everything from bike racks to cargo boxes with confidence. We’ve tested various configurations and found the bars accommodate multiple accessories simultaneously while maintaining stability.
| Feature | Benefit for Installation | Versatility Factor |
|---|---|---|
| SmartSlides System | Swift measurement and positioning | Fits multiple vehicle widths |
| swingblade End Caps | Easy accessory mounting | Compatible with T-slot accessories |
| BoxBeam Structure | Secure installation | Supports various load types |
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Customer Reviews Analysis
Customer Reviews Analysis
after putting the Thule Wingbar Evo 135 through our own tests, we wanted to see how other customers’ experiences compared to ours. We’ve analyzed reviews from various users to give you a comprehensive picture of real-world performance.
Installation Experience
Most customers report a relatively straightforward installation process. One Toyota Highlander Hybrid owner mentioned using Thule’s “Fit My Car” feature to ensure compatibility before purchasing. Another customer who installed the bars on a 2020 Ford Escape with a panoramic roof noted, ”Install was pretty easy,” though they mentioned needing a few attempts to get the measurements perfect as “the bar tightens down it can pull you out of your perfect measurement.”
Several reviewers specifically confirmed good fits for:
- 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 2020 Honda Civic
- 2020 Ford Escape (with panoramic roof)
- 2018 Ford Explorer
- 2023 Honda CRV
However, we noticed an important compatibility issue: a 2024 Subaru CrossTrek owner reported that despite Thule’s website recommendations, the bars “flat out don’t work” properly on their vehicle, forcing the bars to be mounted too far forward.
Noise Performance
| Noise Level | Customer Comments |
|---|---|
| Minimal | “Very slight increase in wind noise” – Ford Escape owner |
| noticeable but acceptable | “Don’t seem to whistle too bad” – Civic owner |
| Situational | “When it is windy with the windows down you can still hear some whistle” |
| Compared to alternatives | “Much better than the slidebars which are very noisy” |
A Japanese customer confirmed the wingbars produce much less wind noise than standard bars,though they emphasized “風切音がしないわけではない” (they’re not completely silent).
Durability and performance
Long-term users seem particularly satisfied with durability. One reviewer reported using them for over three years without any rust or bending,successfully carrying kayaks,oversized bags,and ladders. The bars also appear compatible with various accessories - customers mentioned using them with Yakima ski racks, Kuat bike racks, and the Thule Hullavator Pro for kayaks.
A Honda CRV owner specifically mentioned there was “no significant impact on range,” which is good news for those concerned about fuel efficiency.
Aesthetics and Quality
Several reviewers commented positively on the appearance, with one Highlander owner saying the black Wingbar Evos “look great.” Another mentioned they “look cool.” While most agree Thule products are “a bit overpriced,” they generally feel the quality justifies the cost, with one customer stating they “didn’t want to trust a cheap substitute when transporting my new kayak.”
We did note one customer reported receiving the product with scratches and missing parts, which appears to be an isolated shipping or packaging issue rather than a product defect.
our analysis of customer reviews aligns with our own findings – the Thule Wingbar Evo 135 delivers on its promise of reduced noise, solid construction, and reliable performance for most vehicles, though compatibility should be double-checked for newer models.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Whisper-quiet operation – The WindDiffuser technology truly delivers on its promise of noise reduction,even at highway speeds
- Impressive fuel efficiency – We noticed minimal impact on our gas mileage compared to other rack systems we’ve tested
- Tool-free installation – The SmartSlides system made mounting these bars surprisingly straightforward
- Robust construction – The BoxBeam internal structure gives these bars exceptional strength without excess weight
- Clever SwingBlade end caps – Access to the T-slots without removing the end caps completely is a thoughtful design feature
- Sleek aesthetics – The black finish and aerodynamic profile look great on virtually any vehicle
What Could Be Better
- Premium price point – Quality comes at a cost,and these bars are definitely an investment
- Specific fit requirements - You’ll need to ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s mounting points
- Width considerations – At 53 inches,these may be too wide for some smaller vehicles
- Additional feet required - Remember that you’ll need to purchase appropriate evo feet separately
- Slight learning curve – While easier than most systems,frist-time installation still requires careful attention to instructions
| Performance Factor | Rating (out of 5) | Our Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Reduction | 4.8 | Nearly silent at normal speeds |
| Ease of installation | 4.5 | Intuitive system with clear instructions |
| Build Quality | 5.0 | Exceptional materials and construction |
| Accessory Compatibility | 4.7 | Works with most T-slot accessories |
| Value for Money | 4.0 | Expensive but worth it for frequent users |
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## A Sound Investment for Your Rooftop Adventures
After weeks of testing the Thule Wingbar Evo 135, we’re thoroughly impressed with how it delivers on its promises. The WindDiffuser technology truly makes a difference in reducing road noise, giving us that peaceful drive we all crave, especially on longer journeys. The sturdy construction inspires confidence even when fully loaded, while the clever design elements like the SwingBlade end caps and SmartSlides make installation and accessory mounting remarkably straightforward.For anyone looking to transport gear without compromising on vehicle performance or peace of mind, the Wingbar Evo 135 represents an excellent investment. Its aerodynamic profile not only keeps noise to a minimum but also helps maintain fuel efficiency – something we particularly appreciated during our extended road tests.
