Rivian Cargo Crossbars Review: Solid Hardware, Rough Instructions

Unboxing: Bigger Than Expected

These things are big. The box is probably five or six feet long, and it's heavy. Heavier to carry in from the delivery spot, heavier to open up and unpack. If you're expecting a compact little accessory kit, think again ★ this is a serious piece of hardware, and the packaging reflects that.

Installation: Easy★ Once You Know the Trick

Here's where the experience went sideways. Installation is incredibly easy ★ once you know the trick. But figuring out that trick? That was 25 minutes of frustration.

There's a flap on each crossbar mount that pops up, with a keyhole underneath that locks them in place. The keys come with your GearGuard key set. Simple enough concept. But actually getting them to slide on and lock? I could not figure it out initially.

I was trying to maneuver the key, push the crossbars hard down into the rails, wiggle them around. Nothing. My father-in-law ★ who's a carpenter and has worked construction his whole life ★ couldn't figure it out either. Two grown men, defeated by roof rails.

I genuinely wish the instructions explained this better. The directions that come in the box are vague at best. A simple diagram showing "push flap past 90★" would save every single customer the same frustration I had.

I also needed a ladder on one side to reach properly and be careful not to ding the panoramic glass roof. Something to keep in mind ★ you'll want a step stool or ladder handy, and maybe a second person for peace of mind.

Build Quality & Aesthetics

Once they're on? They look great and feel incredibly sturdy. The crossbars are heavy-duty and clearly built to handle real cargo loads. They lock securely with the GearGuard keys, and they don't rattle or shift at highway speeds.

They come in two colors, black and silver. I chose silver ★ and really debated it. My Rivian is black on black with the blackout package, so black seemed logical. But I went against the grain. I've never really questioned the color since they've been on, so no regrets.

Aesthetically, they really differentiate the look of the car. As more and more Rivians show up on the street, the crossbars give yours a distinct, adventure-ready look. It's a nice visual upgrade even before you strap anything to them.

Final Verdict