Finding the perfect set of 2019 jeep cherokee roof rack cross bars is basically the first step toward turning your SUV into a real adventure machine. If you're like most owners, you probably bought the Cherokee because it's that perfect middle ground—it's small enough to park in a tight garage but beefy enough to handle some light trails. However, the trunk isn't exactly cavernous. Once you throw a cooler and a couple of bags back there, you're pretty much out of room. That's where a good set of cross bars comes in, letting you move the bulky stuff up top so you can actually see out of your rearview mirror for once.
Let's be real: buying car accessories can be a headache. You go online and see a million different options ranging from fifty bucks to five hundred. It's hard to know if you're getting a high-quality piece of gear or a loud, whistling hunk of aluminum that's going to fly off on the highway. I've spent a lot of time looking into what works best for this specific model year, so let's break down what you actually need to know before you hit that "buy" button.
Why You Actually Need Cross Bars
You might be looking at your 2019 Cherokee right now and thinking, "Wait, I already have rails on my roof." Most Cherokees—especially the Latitude Plus, Limited, and Trailhawk trims—come with those silver or black side rails that run from front to back. While they look cool and give the Jeep that rugged silhouette, they're basically useless on their own. You can't exactly bungee cord a kayak directly to them without scratching your paint or having the boat slide around.
The cross bars are the pieces that bridge the gap. They run from driver-side to passenger-side, creating a stable platform. Once those are installed, the world opens up. You can mount a cargo box for family road trips, a bike rack for the weekend, or even one of those trendy rooftop tents if you're feeling extra adventurous. Plus, they just make the Jeep look finished. A Cherokee without cross bars looks a little naked, like it's waiting for its hat.
Knowing Your Roof Type
Before you go shopping, you've got to take a close look at your roof. Not every 2019 Jeep Cherokee is built the same. Most of them have raised side rails. These are the ones where you can actually slide your hand underneath the rail. If you have these, you're in luck because they are the easiest to work with. Almost every universal cross bar kit will clamp right onto these.
However, some base models come with "naked" roofs, meaning there are no rails at all. If that's you, the installation is a bit more involved because the bars have to clip into the door jambs. Then there are the "flush rails" which sit tight against the roof with no gap. Most 2019 Cherokees stick to the raised rail design, but it's always worth double-checking so you don't end up having to deal with a messy return process.
Aerodynamics and the Infamous Whistle
One thing people rarely tell you until you're cruising down the interstate at 70 mph is that roof bars can be noisy. If you buy the cheap, square-shaped bars, they tend to catch the wind like a sail. This creates a high-pitched whistling sound or a low-end hum that can drive you crazy on a long trip. It also drags down your fuel economy because your Jeep has to work harder to push through the air.
If you have a little extra room in the budget, I'd highly recommend going with aerodynamic or "wing" shaped bars. These are tapered like an airplane wing to let the air slice over them quietly. Most of the top-tier brands like Thule or Yakima specialize in this, but even some of the mid-range aftermarket options have adopted this "aero" style. It makes a massive difference in cabin noise, and your gas mileage won't take as big of a hit.
Weight Limits: Don't Overdo It
It's easy to get carried away and think you can stack your entire life on top of your Jeep, but the 2019 Cherokee has its limits. Usually, the roof is rated for about 150 pounds. Now, here's the kicker: that weight limit includes the weight of the cross bars themselves and whatever rack or box you've attached to them.
If your cross bars weigh 15 pounds and your cargo box weighs 40 pounds, you've only got about 95 pounds of "stuff" left that you can safely carry. Overloading the roof isn't just bad for the car's structure; it also changes the center of gravity. If you've got too much weight up high, the Jeep will feel tippy and sluggish when you're taking corners or dealing with crosswinds on the highway. Stick to the limits, and you'll be fine.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
This is the classic debate. Do you go to the dealership and buy the official Mopar parts, or do you find something else?
- Mopar (OEM): These are great because you know they'll fit perfectly. They're designed by the same people who designed the car. They usually look very "factory" and integrate well with the Jeep's styling. The downside? They can be pricey, and they aren't always the most aerodynamic options available.
- Big Name Aftermarket (Thule, Yakima): These are the gold standard. They're incredibly strong, very quiet, and they have a massive ecosystem of accessories. If you buy Thule bars, you know every Thule bike rack will fit them perfectly. They also usually come with locks, which is a nice peace of mind.
- Budget Options: You'll find plenty of brands on Amazon or eBay that look exactly like the expensive ones for a fraction of the price. Honestly, for many people, these are totally fine. If you're only using them twice a year to bring a Christmas tree home or go camping once, you don't need to spend $600. Just make sure the reviews mention that the hardware doesn't rust after the first rain.
Installation: Can You Do It Yourself?
The short answer is yes. Installing 2019 jeep cherokee roof rack cross bars is generally a one-person job that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Most kits come with an Allen wrench or a specific torquing tool. You basically just line them up, make sure they're spaced correctly (check your manual, but usually around 24 to 30 inches apart), and tighten the clamps down.
A pro-tip: once you install them, take the Jeep for a quick spin around the block and then re-tighten everything. The vibrations from the road can sometimes settle the clamps, and you might find you can get another half-turn out of the bolts. Also, keep the tool in your glovebox. It's a good habit to check the tightness every few hundred miles if you're on a long road trip.
Maintenance and Care
Believe it or not, you should actually take care of your cross bars. If you live somewhere where they salt the roads in winter, that salt can get into the locking mechanisms or the mounting hardware and cause corrosion. Giving them a quick rinse when you wash your car goes a long way.
Some people prefer to take their bars off when they aren't using them. This saves on gas and keeps the bars looking new. Most modern sets have a quick-release feature that makes this pretty easy. If you plan on leaving them on year-round, maybe dab a little bit of lubricant into the keyholes every now and then so they don't seize up on you.
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, adding cross bars to your 2019 Jeep Cherokee is one of those upgrades that pays for itself in convenience. Whether you're a hardcore kayaker or just someone who needs a place to put the sandy beach gear so it doesn't ruin the carpets, they are a solid investment. Just be mindful of your roof type, stay within the weight limits, and maybe spring for the aerodynamic shape if you value your hearing. Once you have them on, you'll wonder how you ever managed to pack for a trip without them. Happy trails!