Roof rack wind resistance?

[bruker]

Any idea how much wind resistance the roof rack cross bars add to a vehicle? I've been noticing a few vans and SUV's that don't have the cross bars on them anymore. Is this fuel saving trend?

[baumbr]

Most roof rack bars have a very streamlined cross section when presented to the wind, so probably not much impact on gas mileage. The newer model vehicles without cross bars are probably just making a style statement and like many things in the style and fashion world, their roof racks are totally non-functional anyway.

[fcrew]

The reason you don't see to many any more is because the manufactures have made them part of the option list.