Recently picked up my 2008 E 5spd/2wd and am getting 23.5 mixed 50/50 driving. Since the OEM racks are aero in shape can I expect little effect on mpg? My last vehicle was a 97 Rav4 and saw almost 2mpg difference with a set of Thule box bar types.

Recently picked up my 2008 E 5spd/2wd and am getting 23.5 mixed 50/50 driving. Since the OEM racks are aero in shape can I expect little effect on mpg? My last vehicle was a 97 Rav4 and saw almost 2mpg difference with a set of Thule box bar types.

You can expect a mpg hit from any rack that has transverse bars. The OEM rack may have the least drag, but since its bars aren't designed to be detachable, it might end up being a greater total fuel waster than an aftermarket rack with crossbars detached when not needed.

Because of the rake of the Element's windshield, bars or loads close to the front or rear edge of its roof will create more turbulence/drag than bars or loads placed closer to the center of the roof panel.

lbmalibu,

I have Yakima Landing Pads, to use with Control Towers, 48" crossbar, LoadWarrior with extension, & bike racks, but I probably only use them 4-5 times a years during long trip or camping, so I leave everything off of my E other than Landing Pads most of time. Land Pads come with black cover to protection nuts/bolts from weather element, & it bland with LX/EX black roof trim very well, & they weight almost nothing. It only take one person 20-30min to add crossbar, LoadWarrior, & bikeRack, so it is well worth it not have to carry extra weight most the time, & keep my Control Towers, LoadWarrior, cross bars, bike racks from weather element, since they are stored in garage most of time.

Not sure factory rack could be easily partially remove & install, & I don't believe it come with cover to protect nuts/bolts of pads after partially removed.

Updated: By the way, actually my wife's CR-V also has a sets of Landing Pads, so both of our cars shared same set of Control Towers, 48" crossbars, LoadWarrior with extension, & bikeracks. It works out very well.

Any bars will always be bad for mpg.