How Do You Take the Luggage Bars Off Your 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

I love roof racks. They make any lowered station wagon look 10x cooler and besides the cool factor, they are actually useful. I’m sure I don’t need to go in detail and explain why roof racks are so helpful but one thing they would’ve saved me is the scratch on my car’s roof from taking 3 2x4s thinking it would be okay. I guess that’s the cost of owning an old, outdated car. However, the only negative aspect that roof racks contribute is a distortion in the roof’s aerodynamics. Automakers are making them more aerodynamic than ever but for the efficient geek such as myself, even the slightest wind distortion can knock off a few MPGs.

On a car such as the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, this is the case. On Facebook’s Toyota RAV4 Hybrid page, Lakshay Grover asked, “Was I supposed to get a key to unlock these things so I can move the roof rack bars?” Now before we take a look at what some of the owners said, it’s important to know that the little bumps on the side of your SUV from the factory are integrated into the car’s equation for aerodynamics. However, the roof racks installed on the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid from the dealer is not really a factory add on. Think of it as a spoiler or something else that doesn’t add any efficiency points.

Chris AJ said, “Glove box, should be a kit and have the filler strips if you take them off, so they don’t leak.” Now different dealers might install different types of roof racks, but my best option would be to just call them or ask them when you pick up. If in case they do give you a key or maybe some sort of pry bar to peel off the strong adhesive, it’s important to remember that if it is held in by bolts, you may want to fill it in with something or just put back the bolts in place, so it doesn’t leak.

Alec Taylor said, “I had bars fitted and later asked the same question, then I found the keys and other pieces in the glove box, so I could.” Most of the time, anything needed to take something off of a car like a roof rack or your star key to change a tire are going to either be in the trunk or in your glove compartment.

All in all, I think that a roof rack shouldn’t be taken off. Because you never know when you may need to take a surfboard or maybe take a canoe somewhere. Besides, taking off and putting back on a roof rack is a very cumbersome task, especially if you are short.

What do you think? Would you take off your roof rack? Let us know in the comments below.

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun and on YouTube at Toyota Time for daily Toyota news.