Roof rails look lousy on EX35!

[NO ROOF RAILS]

I purchased my 2010 EX35 Journey AWD back in late March for my wife who drives only suv's and crossovers but the only thing I did not like about the EX35 was the roof rails which in MHO make this crossover look very ugly and would only consider EX35'S that did not have them. I have noticed that more and more crossover suv's are getting away from the roof rails such as the Acura MDX and RDX ,FORD edge ,Toyota versa,Lincolns,HONDAS,Mazda CX-7-9 and alot more.I realize that if you are actually using them then get them for sure but if your not why bother.The EX35 to me looks alot like the G37 and G25 sedans which are very sleek looking and since the EX35 is no pathfinder,xtera,or 4runner lets just say it like it is ,the EX35 is a great looking SLEEK CAR I mean crossover with sedan looks and handling along with SPEED so skip those HORRIBLE out of place ROOF RAILS RACKS that belong on bigger crossover suv's. MY first thread and post should be interesting to here how you guys feel about what I have stated hope I dont make any enemies right off the bat for my feelings!

[RedwinGV]

I not sure it looks lousy, but I agree that I would prefer not having them on. You're spot on about the body lines being changed with the rails. Too bad I had to get them with the options that I wanted. i too like the look more without them.
I did use them on my first MDX for skis, but my new MDX doesn't have em, and I'm happy for that. Odd that my EX has em and the MDX doesn't....

[NO ROOF RAILS]

I not sure it looks lousy, but I agree that I would prefer not having them on. You're spot on about the body lines being changed with the rails. Too bad I had to get them with the options that I wanted. i too like the look more without them.
I did use them on my first MDX for skis, but my new MDX doesn't have em, and I'm happy for that. Odd that my EX has em and the MDX doesn't....

I remeber that if I wanted the premium package I had to get the roof rails, the HID lighting and Memory settings would have been nice options to have but I went witout premium to avoid the roof rails I really think the EX35 AWD looks like the G37X and Iknow what the G37X would look like with roof rails .By the way RedwinGV I have seen the new MDX with and without roof rails and that vehicle looks alot sleeker without the rails GREAT choice and great looking crossover suv,I have also seen alot more newer MDX'S without the roof rails than with the roof rails.

[mikemax99]

In Canada they all come with the rails and i like this because it's the easiest way to put a Box on top. Try to put one on the new ford Edge with the moonroof you'll need a rack with hooks and pads clippped in the doors opening. This type of rack cause wind noise and i hate this. Those rails are real clean if you compare with the Benz GLK . They have black rails who look like plastic, if you want the silver one it's an option. I understand your point but the look of those rails is better than average and you can have a bodyshop remove them for you for some $$ if you want. By the way Welcome!!

Mike

[kamiguy]

I agree 100%... personally I would rather not have them. Infinti, are you listening? Make it a stand alone option, please!!

[AWGD8]

What do you mean roof rail?

[cmartin]

Looks like a cheap Lexus without roof rails.

[EibachMBZ]

I like rails...

[EibachMBZ]

Looks like a cheap Lexus without roof rails.

I like rails...

Looks like we're going to have to meet up with opposition and fight this one out!

Roof rails FTW!

[EibachMBZ]

In Canada they all come with the rails and i like this because it's the easiest way to put a Box on top. Try to put one on the new ford Edge with the moonroof you'll need a rack with hooks and pads clippped in the doors opening. This type of rack cause wind noise and i hate this. Those rails are real clean if you compare with the Benz GLK . They have black rails who look like plastic, if you want the silver one it's an option. I understand your point but the look of those rails is better than average and you can have a bodyshop remove them for you for some $$ if you want. By the way Welcome!!

Mike

If your EX comes with the rails, it’s going to cost you a lot of money to remove them.
I took my rails off when I installing the roof overlay and there are 8 holes about 1" diameter on the roof...
You will have to weld them and repaint the roof. My guess it would be about 300~400USD for this type of job.

The rails are not that heavy to begin with, and the way it’s designed is very aerodynamic. I think they are not necessary but it is something nice to have if you ever need it.

Crossover is a crossover between SUV and Sedan/Coupe.
The purpose for crossover is to have a SUV utility (Cargo space and little off-road capability) with a car like handling.
Without the rails it is no longer a crossover, it's more like... station wagon?

[jamesstock]

When I bought mine I had to get one w/ the Roof Rails + Cross Bars. I think the Rails + Bars add to the vehicle's 'slightly rounded' shape. Maybe alot of these car manufacturers don't put them on because these roof rails + cross bars don't get utilized at all throughout the life of the vehicle, hence the MSRP may appear lower to attract buyers. The EX, IMO, w/out the Roof Rails looks too 'flat' on the roof.

[blfstyk]

I personally like the look better without the rails. But I think they're a good idea if you actually take sporting trips with passengers in the back seats (ouch for them unless they're small children or midgets) because you'll probably want to stow gear on top of the car. If there are only two of you, you should be able to fit everything you need in the back with the seats down.

Also roof rails are useful if you want to pass yourself off as a "sporty" person whose athletic pursuits require you to put your sporting equipment on top of the car. That in mind, I did an informal visual survey of how many SUVs/crossovers with roof rails actually had crossbars on them, a good sign the rails are used/needed. I estimated less than half of the vehicles with roof rails had crossbars installed. Poseurs. LOL.

[NJ_EX35]

Roof rails please!

[EXceptional]

Roof rails please x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6 !

I think it looks odd, without them.

[sg77]

I prefer how it looks without roof rails. On my 2008 EX I was able to get all the options I wanted, with no roof rails.

[EXceptional]

I added a Poll to this Thread.

[RedwinGV]

I can see why some folks like the look or utility of the rails. My issue is that it should be an option. For one that won't use them, it is totally useless. I mean, if you have no plans to haul those type of items, there is no use to them. Off the top of my head I can think of only one "required" option that won't somehow be readily used without spending more dollars (you have to buy cross bars and whatever mounting access. you might need.)

It's kind of like forcing the XM radio- if there is a cost to it, one still has to pay to subscribe to it. But at least one is likely is listening to something in the vehicle. Not everyone hauls things on the roof.

[kamiguy]

OK.. let's see some more pics on here from those without rails. And you Photoshoppers out there... how about some before and after pics too, please?
NO ROOF RAILS, see what you started??

[mikemax99]

I did an informal visual survey of how many SUVs/crossovers with roof rails actually had crossbars on them, a good sign the rails are used/needed. I estimated less than half of the vehicles with roof rails had crossbars installed. Poseurs. LOL.

It depends of people, perso, i put my x-bars only when i need them (to put my box when i need more space) I remove them most of the time cuz it's easier to wash the car.

[Raidin]

I have to say, I can't stand the EX without the rails. It just looks like a base model car without them. In my search for my EX, I ignored any EXs that didn't show roof rails in the pictures without a second thought. The rails just complete the classy high-style look, it helps the EX look expensive and luxurious. But hey, that's just me. =)

[blfstyk]

I did an informal visual survey of how many SUVs/crossovers with roof rails actually had crossbars on them, a good sign the rails are used/needed. I estimated less than half of the vehicles with roof rails had crossbars installed. Poseurs. LOL.

It depends of people, perso, i put my x-bars only when i need them (to put my box when i need more space) I remove them most of the time cuz it's easier to wash the car.

I'm guessing you're not the average auto buyer, but a "car guy" or you wouldn't be looking at auto forums. I think most people buy the car on the lot they think fits their needs. If they need roof rails, they'll only buy a car with roof rails; if they don't need the rails and the car has them, they'll buy it anyway, because WTF, the rails can't hurt. The EX I bought didn't have rails, which was kind of a surprise because it was an AWD Journey with all the packages. I would have thought they were included, but I didn't really need them so I bought it anyway. Rails, no rails, I don't care but if I were a sporty guy who really needed rails I would have cared. But I really wanted to avoid SUVs so I was kind of happy I don't have that SUV look. I prefer the sportwagon look because "sport" and "wagon" fits my needs. In any case, with or without rails, the EX is an awesome car that I'm proud to drive.

[Jason Tucker]

Love my EX with the rails.

[AWGD8]

EX35 w/o rail =)

[NO ROOF RAILS]

EX35 w/o rail =)

Exact same car as mine and colors LOVE that NO ROOF RAILS LOOK!VERY SLEEK!

[NO ROOF RAILS]

Poll says 10 to 6 for ROOF RAILS !

Thats because most EX35's came with roof rails especially 08 EX35'S!

[EXceptional]

Thats because most EX35's came with roof rails especially 08 EX35'S!

[EibachMBZ]

Poll says 10 to 6 for ROOF RAILS !

Thats because most EX35's came with roof rails especially 08 EX35'S!

That doesn't mean anything....

Some poeple would prefer their 08 EX w/o the rails even their EX has rails.
Isn't that what this thread is all about? To have Infiniti gives buyer more options and not forced to like the rails cbeause we have no choice when buying it.

[AWGD8]

When I bought my EX35 (2008) I specifically told my dealership that I wanted an EX35 with no rail and they found one for me (about 80 miles from them). I had to come back after 3 days to sign and drive the car home. I guess most can`t wait long enough, so they end up with roof rail even though they don`t need it.

[pwlorraine]

We have the rails on my wife's EX35 - we also have the cross-bars and ski-rack which we use a lot in the winter. I like the appearance but wind noise increases with the cross-bars (and somewhat more with the ski-rack and skis in place). Still makes it possible to take 4 people skiing. Its usually just the two of us in the car but the roof rack system adds flexibility when we need it. My wife puts the skis in the back though when its just her going.

I've debated whether to get the bike rack - right now we take off wheels and drop the seats. I'm not sure how easy it is to get a bike up on the roof but I may try.

Peter

[REX35]

It is Infiniti 's fault anyway. Because if they cared they would have made them easily removable like say in 2010 Lexus rx350, with supplied cover plates. Thus we wouldn't have argued and everybody would have stayed happy.