Crossbar Set - Aero. We've been testing and reviewing cargo boxes for years now and constantly seek new and notable models to add to our review. So even with a large roof box your ride will be a smooth one. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. 2018 Outback 3.6r touring //// 2004 Wrx wagon 5mt SOLD. Assessing these models meant lots of measurements and road trips. Products in this gear category are expensive. No warranty is given for defects resulting from conditions beyond Thules control including, but not limited to, misuse, overloading, or failure to assemble, mount or use the product in accordance with Thules written instructions or guidelines included with the product or made available to the purchaser. It also has the SlideLock system, a super handy feature which makes closing your box super simple. Finally, we took into account any wear and tear or other damage that each cargo carrier might have experienced after our rough and tumble testing process. The Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector have a red indicator, and the Yakima Skybox and Yakima GrandTour have nice large handles that make closing everything up securely easy and obvious. Im just starting to look at cross bars and whatnot. Youve read in other posts that is your evidence of it will kill mileage? But with all the different types of cargo boxes and cargo box sizes, how do you know it will fit your car? We weren't huge fans of the surface texture and finish on the shorter and stubbier cargo boxes. This cargo box fit guide helps you choose the right cargo box for everything youre packing. It weighs 20 pounds but has a remarkable weight capacity of 110 pounds. Cargo Organizer. We liked the dimpled finish on the Goplus a bit more. They are usually 60cm wide or less and open on the side. Digging that wood treatment on the walls. The automatic anti-theft lock is accessible by a customized key that keeps the lid firmly shut and secures your luggage. The interior is painted white and lined with motion sensor subtle gray LED lights that automatically switch on as you open the lid. For this review, we looked at the 10 best models and tested them head-to-head to find out which rooftop cargo-carrying solution came out on top. Although we tend to prioritize function over form for most categories, we do recognize that cargo boxes can be an eyesore and are something you'll have to see daily while on your vehicle. The overall size of this cargo carrier is a bit smaller than the premium models, meaning the maximum length of gear you can carry is around 170 cm. We find that we generally prefer the matte finish for our adventures. Also, have a look at the maximum bar spread. No ads. And ever since then, we've made it our business to bring you closer to the world and your passion for life. These cargo carriers mount to roof racks with a set of U-bolts and come with a series of pre-drilled holes to accommodate different crossbar spacing. While most boxes feature a waterproof shell and weather sealing, they are weather-resistant but not completely waterproof. We love that all three of these cargo carriers come close to fully assembled, just requiring you to place the clamps into position and thread the straps through no inserting locking cores or attaching lids. Read on to see which cargo box can carry the most gear, which is the most secure, and which is the best if you are shopping on a tighter budget. The roof boxes that are size L and larger can fit from 3 to 7 skis and from 3 to 5 snowboards. GearLab is reader-supported. Picking the best cargo box isnt a walk in the park as the Subaru WRX comes in sedan and hatchback models. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Unsure if youll be able to open your cars rear door with your new box? The remainder of the boxes, like the RocketBox Pro 14, are all average in terms of security. We may earn a commission when you buy with our links. The cores come in packs of 2, 4, 6, or 10 and should be lubricated using graphite or any other dry lubricant. To put a Cargo Rack on your Subaru you will need roof rack cross bars (bars running across your roof, door to door). It's also very easy to install and remove and is exceptionally convenient to load or unload gear with its dual-side opening. The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 and the Goplus Rooftop Carrier are our favorite inexpensive cargo boxes for those on a budget. This roof box is one of the most expensive options that we have tested and is likely outside the budget for many people. The mounting system is excellent, but similar to that of the Thule Motion XT, which costs significantly less. Adjust the hand knobs to tighten the attachment to the crossbars for stability and security. The clamps also have a wider range than most, allowing this box to secure to more sizes and shapes of crossbars. This slim and sleek roof box has a much more striking appearance than most of its counterparts, standing out from the rest of the group. Measure from the center of your vehicle's front roof rack to the point where the roof meets the hatch. The Yakima RocketBox is also above-average regarding ease of use. Find the best rooftop cargo carrier for your vehicle and lifestyle with this Thule cargo box fit guide! There were no shocking designs in this review; all the products we tested generally look like what we'd expect from cargo boxes these days. When choosing a cargo box, double check that it will fit your vehicle. The design and construction of the Yakima RocketBox exhibit durability, conservation, and security. Your email address will not be published. We are an international group of people united by our own passion for helping active families and outdoor enthusiasts. 2302(C)). When it comes to ease of use, the Yakima GrandTour, Thule Motion XT XL, and Thule Vector all rose to the top in our tests. It is neither inferred nor implied that any item sold by CARiD.com is a product authorized by or in any way connected with any vehicle manufacturers displayed on this page. If the mound remains unscathed, internal struts reinforce both the lid and bottom of the box. They specialize in developing and marketing cargo transportation solutions so these people can bring their gear with them wherever they go, whatever they drive. The quick clamps don't permanently mount into the box, but they are very user-friendly, making the installation process quick and easy. The INNO BRA240BK is a popular cargo carrier among hatchback and compact car owners. Our belongings were usually dry even after driving through heavy rainstorms or getting sprayed with a garden hose on full strength for 20 minutes, one of our rigorous simulated weather tests. A felt liner provides a cushion between your equipment and the box, preventing them from bouncing around as you drive. At the top of the line, the Yakima GrandTour is a premium model that comes with a heftier price tag though still a price point we consider quite fair. While the Horizon Alpine will get your stuff from Point A to Point B, plenty of concessions were made to keep the price down. So, what exactly are the differences? That depends on the maximum roof load of your car or your roof box. From left to right: Yakima SkyBox, Yakima ShowCase, Thule Motion XT, Thule Force, SportRack Vista, Thule Sidekick. It even has an exterior dust cover, along with a dual-opening lid. Yakima also has a holder for the tool inside the cargo box, so it can live safely and conveniently inside. We began testing by unpacking and assembling each model while paying close attention to how easy each one is to install and load with gear. If your bar spread is the right size according to the roof boxs user manual, then youll have full access to the trunk. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The lid opens from either side and is decently sturdy. Thule Force, Thule Motion XT and Thule Vector are three state-of-the-art roof boxes that are designed for increased aerodynamics and enhanced user-friendliness. The RocketBox is very easy to use and feels well-made and secure. It's a great way to haul a lot without giving up the space though! We are a bit more concerned about water resistance regarding the SportRack Vista XL and SportRack Horizon Alpine. The more dialed-in your car set-up is, the more you can focus on enjoying the open road and the adventures awaiting you at a new destination. Mounting the box on your Subaru is rapid and easy due to quick-dial mounting hardware, universal rack compatibility, and tool-free assembly. For the most part, every box in this review passed the rain and wind tests, which were easy to account for in the Eastern Sierra in springtime, but some had more questionable design features than others. No real noticeable gas mileage difference on mine. Cargo box fit guide: Find the best rooftop cargo carrier. The 54.5 x 28.5 x 14-inch chassis comprises 3 layers of high-grade ABS material, which is lightweight, shock-absorbent, and blocks ultraviolet light. The matte finish does a better job of hiding blemishes than the glossy finish on the base, maintaining the elevated style of the Thule Vector. If your SUV has the right hatch clearance and bar spread, the cargo box will fit your SUV. Thule roof boxes have a load capacity of about 75kg/165lbs and most vehicles have the same maximum capacity. Large cargo boxes are of course great because they can fit tons of gear. That said, though it lacks the bells and whistles of the premium contenders, it's more than adequate to haul your gear around for a more palatable price point. 2020 OB Limited, Titanium & Magnetite Grays. It means that the box automatically shuts when closed, so that you can close it with just one hand. The RocketBox Pro 12 measures 58 x 36 x 16 inches with 12 cubic feet of ample storage to carry extra cargo on your trip. the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Sleek, large capacity, dual-opening, flat bottom, Interior lights, felt-lined interior, stylish, dual-side opening, Easy to install, ergonomic handle, sleek design, Simple installation, sleek matte finish, great shape for skis, Great handle, cool appearance, less expensive, No integrated light, dedicated tool required for install, Extremely expensive, floor liner might not be for everyone, Frustrating installation with finicky cam clamps, If you are looking for a premium cargo box that's easy to use with plenty of room, this is our strong recommendation, This is the cargo carrier for you if you want all the bells and whistles and dont mind paying for it, An excellent, high-end cargo box that excels in just about every category, This is an above-average product that is very spacious and easy to use, An exceptional value because of its top-notch user friendly design and sleek good looks, Sport (11 cu ft), L (16 cu ft), and XXL (22 cu ft), This top-tier cargo carrier offers ample space and is very easy to install or remove, With integrated lights, an interior liner, and an included dust/sun cover, this cargo carrier comes with just about all the features you might want, This box is a stand-out product that scored high marks in every category, With plenty of space and a user-friendly design, this is a great cargo box for a variety of users, With an excellent user-friendliness score, this is a great value for a mid-ranged cargo box, If you are looking to save some cash and still want a solid cargo carrier, we strongly recommend this one, If you are trying to maximize bang for the buck and arent typically transporting longer skis and gear, we highly recommend this rooftop cargo carrier, If you are looking for a basic roof box that holds your gear without a ton of extra features, then this might be the cargo carrier for you, A great option if you're shopping on a tight budget and need to haul long items like skis or snowboards, This well-sized cargo box offers a functional design for the budget adventurer. We recommend elevating the roof-box at least 4 inches above the Subaru WRXs rooftop. It isn't too much of a hassle to take on and off a car once you get the hang of it, and it can hold skis/snowboards up to 210 cm in length a rarity for budget cargo carriers. Some electric and hybrid cars dont allow anything to be loaded on the roof. They are some of the most resistant to water intrusion in our experience as well, and the different clamps and latches all feel well-designed. That said, Thule roof boxes are designed to be some of the most aerodynamic boxes on the market, especially the more low-profile Alpine sizes. The low weight of just 25 pounds helps make installing it atop a vehicle easier, too. These boxes can go up to XXL sizes, the largest Thule cargo box size. And how can you make sure it will fit all the things you want to pack? Cargo boxes can fit a wide range of vehicles, not just sedans and hatchbacks. The handle of the SkyBox aligned properly, indicating secure latching. These cargo carriers all held up very well to our testing process and feel solid and sturdy, with a lid that opens with minimal flopping. If you are searching for the best all-around cargo box, we think the Yakima GrandTour 16 is your ticket to ride. Overall, we found this metric to be the biggest factor when selecting a cargo box, so it is weighted the most heavily regarding each product's overall score. The clamps push through a slit in a piece of rubber sheeting, and we think this provides a better seal than the vinyl stickers but not as good as the top-tier models with quick clamps that have a sliding seal. Over 80% of Thule products sold in North America are made in USA, and Thule employs over 1,000 American workers. No more guessing how much tightening the attachments require as the lock will click when the optimum tension is reached. The RocketBox Pro 14 (back) is a bit less stylish than the Skybox (front) or the Motion XT (middle). We love matte black. Still, they are all easy to latch and unlatch and won't permit the key to be removed while the box is unlocked, preventing you from forgetting to close it or locking your keys in the box. If youre using a roof box for everyday chores like packing your kids stroller, groceries, or a suitcase to the airport, a smaller size roof box will do. Our gear junkies have driven thousands of miles with these boxes on different vehicles, filled to the brim with all manner of gear, passing through deserts, mountains, and many landscapes in between. It also only weights 20 pounds, so it is a good consideration if you won't have help when wrangling your box on and off the car. The Thule Vector is one of the best boxes we have seen but it might blow your budget. However, the possibility of losing it remains, though replacements can be purchased from Yakima, should that need arise. Only authorized customers can leave a review on our website. The clamps on the Yakima Skybox fit around a variety of different crossbars with ease. The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 is a great bargain buy, perfect for anyone who wants an all-around excellent cargo carrier without paying the high price of a top-tier model. Some are just better than others. We buy, install, and hit the open road with every model we assess and review. The reinforced lid on the Thule Vector is the strongest and gives the box extra protection from impact (although all Thule cargo boxes are built to withstand lots of force). Comparing our boxes: Thule Force vs Thule Motion XT vs Thule Vector, How to make sure the cargo box fits your car or SUV. Where did you get it? We have tested plenty of cargo boxes that are annoying to operate, but this one flat-out works nicely and comes in at a reasonable price. Cargo box sizes range from S to XXL. None of these boxes showed any significant signs of damage through normal wear and tear, though most showed a handful of scrapes and scuffs from repeatedly installing and uninstalling them. The second half should be organized at either end of the roof box. Double check with your car manufacturer to see if thats the case for your car. It is nicely designed with a robust high-density polyethylene material (HDPE) construction which is lightweight, shock-absorbent, and blocks ultraviolet light. Cargo boxes are a great way to increase the packing capacity of your car. Your email address will not be published. If you have a high car and want a storage solution that is lower down to the ground, rear cargo carriers might also be a good option for you. This is the distance between your roof racks. The textured finish on the SportRack Vista seemed a little cheap to us, to the point where we felt it might detract from the appearance of nicer cars. It looks like you're coming from United States. It opens from the passengers side, enabling you to access all your gear very easily without worrying about oncoming traffic. Today Thule leads the market with innovative products for transporting, bicycles, watercraft, snowsport equipment and other gear on the roof, with the trailer hitch, on the trunk or hatch, or in the pickup bed. Are These Going To Kill My Gas Mileage or Ruin Handling? We've tested and purchased close to 20 different cargo boxes in the past 9 years. If you are a fan of the outdoors, a roof box becomes necessary to complement the Subarus 12 cubic feet cargo space. In all honesty, all the products in our lineup are relatively equal, and we were never worried about security. We found the Thule Vector, Yakima GrandTour, Thule Motion XT XL, Thule Force XT XL, Yakima Skybox Carbonite 16, Yakima RocketBox Pro 14, and Thule Pulse all to be the frontrunners in terms of quality. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. We developed a comprehensive testing plan, evaluating and judging the performance of each product on everything from its ease of installation to how well its finish hides scrapes and scratches. Additionally, the roof carrier has universal compatibility with factory and aftermarket crossbars with a 3-4 inch diameter. JavaScript is disabled. Made from ABS injection-molded plastic, this roof box is tough UV-resistant with a flat bottom strong enough to support up to 165 pounds heavy loads. Under the Thule Guarantee, Thule will warranty all Thule branded products under the original purchaser, during its specified time frame listed below, and for products manufactured by Thule. In general, we found that most of these products will offer adequate protection for your gear. It's a great option if you don't want to spend a ton of cash on a cargo solution for your car, but this box is far from flawless. However, both of these boxes aren't necessarily the most stylish options out there. Thule Bike Carrier - Fork Mounted. It has a maximum ski/board length of around 140 cm, meaning most adult skis will not fit. The security of each cargo box was our next concern. The U-bolt system makes installation easy and proficient. How Rooftop Carriers Affect Fuel Economy for Cars and SUVs, https://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.5092076, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. However, the clamps don't have an indicator to tell you when you have tightened them sufficiently. Despite that, we would highly recommend this product to anyone who needs additional vehicular gear storage and doesn't want to make too many sacrifices with respect to quality and budget. If you need cross bars, click here. Thule roof boxes are mounted on the roof racks of your car. That said, Yakima includes a handy torque wrench for this, and we like this wrench it makes installation convenient and produces a clicking sound to indicate that tightening is just right. It's going to kill your milage though. Learn how your comment data is processed. While most Subarus have a decent amount of carrying capacity on their own, if youre into the outdoors then chances are youre going to find yourself with more gear than room. It also looks a bit stubbier and overall less sleek and stylish than some of its pricier counterparts. We would love to know what you like or dislike about the product. All three boxes have dual-side opening meaning that you can easily open the box from either side of the car. We guarantee that all the above cargo boxes reviewed are of the highest quality and offer value for money. Thule is using the Yakima design with the angled back portion. All manufacturer names, symbols, and descriptions, used in our images and text are used solely for identification purposes only. In no event will Thule be liable for any lost profits, lost sales, or for any consequential, direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or punitive damages or for any other damages which were not directly and clearly caused by a defecting product. Cargo boxes for SUVs are the same as cargo boxes for any other vehicle. The Yakima GrandTour also opens on both sides and is very easy to install and remove. Fits roughly: 4 people (3-5 pairs of skis, or 3-4 60L bags), Perfect for: A camping trip or outdoor adventure with your family or friends, Fits roughly: 4 people (5-7 pairs of skis up to 180cm, or 3-4 skis + 4 60L bags), Perfect for: A family ski trip or outdoor camping trip, Fits roughly: 5 people (5-7 pairs of skis up to 200cm, or 3-4 skis + 5 60L bags), Perfect for: A family ski trip or outdoor camping trip (that needs even more packing space), Fits roughly: about 6 people (5-7 pairs of skis up to 215cm, or 4-5 skis + 6 60L bags), Perfect for: A ski trip or outdoor adventure with a large family or friend group. We spent more time trying to locate where the manufacturer had taped the key than actually mounting it the first time. Find the best rooftop cargo carrier for your lifestyle.