The best Thule Roof Rack Options for Land Rover Defender (NZ Guide)
The new Land Rover Defender is the sort of vehicle that really looks at home with a good set of roof racks on it. Bikes, roof boxes, skis, SUPs, and general getaway gear are all common setups on a Defender, especially for owners using them for weekends away, ski trips, or even just around-town duties
This guide runs through the main roof rack options for the Land Rover Defender, the mounting styles you may come across, and which setup tends to suit this vehicle best.
Fitment notes for the Land Rover Defender
We mainly deal with 2020-on Land Rover Defender models, and roof rack fitment is based around the factory roof track. These use a Thule 7107 or 7207 fixpoint style foot pack and the correct fitting kit to suit, so the key thing is making sure your vehicle has the factory track before ordering (some don't have it from standard).
What roof racks are commonly used for on the Land Rover Defender
For the Defender, the most common roof rack setups we see are for bikes, roof boxes, skis, SUPs, and general extra gear for weekends away. It is the sort of wagon that suits ski trips and longer roadies really well, and you see plenty of them being used exactly that way in places like Queenstown and Wānaka.
Top Thule Roof Racks for the Land Rover Defender
Thule WingBar Evo
The Thule WingBar Evo is usually the more practical option if you want a bit more flexibility across the top of the vehicle. It is a popular choice for carrying bikes, ski racks, kayak carriers, and roof boxes, and it tends to suit owners who want a setup that is easy to adapt over time.
- Quiet aerodynamic bar shape with Thule WindDiffuser technology
- Upper T-track for easy accessory fitment
- Good all-round option for everyday use
Shop Thule WingBar Evo roof racks for Land Rover Defender
Thule WingBar Edge
The Thule WingBar Edge is the tidier, lower-profile option. It is a good fit if you want something that blends into the roofline a bit better and still works well for common accessories like bike racks, ski carriers, and smaller to medium roof boxes.
- Low-profile look with a more integrated appearance
- Aerodynamic shape to help reduce wind noise
- Strong option for a clean everyday setup
Shop Thule WingBar Edge roof racks for Land Rover Defender
Which option usually makes more sense?
For the Defender, WingBar Evo is usually the more practical all-round pick. The extra room to work with across the top helps on a taller vehicle, especially when you are loading bulkier gear. WingBar Edge still looks really good on the Defender though, especially with the shape of the vehicle and the way the roof tapers in slightly.
Mounting options for roof racks on the Land Rover Defender
Depending on the model year and roof type, the Land Rover Defender may use one of the following mounting styles:
Fixed Points
Mounted to factory threaded inserts in the roof. Advantages: Secure and stable, with a clean, integrated look.
What it comes down to
Thule roof racks are a solid choice for the Land Rover Defender if you want a reliable, well-supported setup that is easy to live with long term. The key is getting the right kit for the vehicle's year and roof type first, then choosing the bar style that best suits what the vehicle is actually going to be used for.
