Sometimes, the trunk of your car just doesn’t provide enough space for items like camping gear, golf clubs, or skis and snowboards.
Unless you’re a light packer or keep your trips brief, investing in a car roof carrier and luggage rack may be the best solution to gain the extra room you need.
After conducting extensive research and matching car roof carriers to our vehicles, we tested 20 different options to find the best ones. We took road trips with each cargo box, evaluating factors like ease of use, stability, security, and durability.
he roof carriers listed below stood out for their simple mounting process, excellent stability, and ample storage space for gear like skis and tents, making them essential for road trip enthusiasts.
Best Overall
1. Thule Motion 3
- $1,000 at Amazon
Why We Love It
- The compact, lightweight design makes it effortless to attach and remove.
What to Consider
- Its large size is ideal for substantial gear but may not be suitable for daily use.
Thule is a leader in car roof carriers, so we were thrilled to test their newest cargo box for several months before its launch.
We tested the large size on a mid-size SUV, and compatibility was seamless, thanks to Thule’s detailed size and features guide.
The quick-lock mounting system simplified the alignment and tightening process, and at just 43.6 pounds significantly lighter than standard options lifting and mounting the carrier was a task one person could handle with ease.
With 16 cubic feet of space and a 165-pound capacity, we loaded the carrier with everything from ski bags to luggage. The sturdy lock ensured the contents remained secure, and we never doubted its safety during use.
Additionally, the sleek, aerodynamic design eliminated any noise or movement, whether we were driving on highways or city streets.
Although we couldn’t fit longer skis (over 180 centimeters), Thule offers XL and XXL options for those needing extra length.
Where to get it: Thule Motion 3
The Details:
- Dimensions: 76.9 x 35 x 16.7 inches
- Weight: 43.6 pounds
- Load Capacity: 165 pounds
- Volume: 16 cubic feet
Best Budget
2. SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box
- $400 at Amazon
- $400 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Why We Love It
- Its large capacity easily accommodates oversized luggage and coolers.
What to Consider
- It’s not long enough to fit skis.
The SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box impressed us with its taller capacity, perfect for packing bulky items like large luggage that wouldn’t fit in slimmer cargo boxes.
Despite its high profile, the lightweight construction made it easy to lift onto the roof. While we encountered minor challenges securing the brackets to the roof rails, we expect installation to become simpler over time.
This cargo box easily held oversized luggage, coolers, and golf clubs, with its UV-resistant plastic offering some flexibility for accommodating larger items.
Over several months of day trips to state parks and nearby cities, we appreciated its aerodynamic design and hard-sided construction, which kept our belongings safe from rain.
Although it’s not suitable for storing skis, the spacious design makes it an excellent option for other road trip essentials.
Where to get it: SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box
The Details:
- Dimensions: 63 x 38 x 19 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Load Capacity: 100 pounds
- Volume: 18 cubic feet
- Material: ABS plastic
Most Versatile
3. Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box
- $799 at REI
Why We Love It
- It has dual-side openings and fits on both SUVs and trucks.
What to Consider
- The cargo box is relatively heavy, which makes lifting it onto a car more challenging.
For travelers who use multiple vehicles, a versatile cargo box like the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 is an excellent choice. During our testing, we mounted it on both an SUV and a mid-size truck.
Thanks to Yakima’s user-friendly mounting hardware, the carrier fit securely and comfortably on both. Boasting an 18-cubic-foot capacity, this cargo box offers ample packing space, ideal for long road trips or camping with large groups.
We easily loaded camping gear, multiple pairs of skis, luggage, and coolers into the box, making it an outstanding option for families or adventurers who need extra room.
Our favorite feature of this carrier is its dual-side opening, which allowed us to conveniently access specific items without unloading everything.
While the box is on the heavier side, one person (or two for added ease) can manage to lift and mount it.
During multiple road trips, even at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour, the aerodynamic and slim design of this Yakima roof box ensured smooth and quiet performance.
Where to get it: Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box
The Details: 84 x 36 x 16.5 inches | 53 pounds | 18 cubic feet
Best Splurge
4. Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box
- $2,375 at Amazon
Why We Love It
- Luxe features like LED lights, dual access, and premium materials elevate this cargo box.
What to Consider
- Installation is easier with two people.
For those willing to splurge on a premium car roof carrier, the Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box is a standout. This model earned perfect scores across all our testing categories over three months.
Its special features include LED lights for nighttime loading, a felt-lined interior for added protection, and dual-side access.
While installation is easier with two people due to the box’s 66-pound weight, a single person can manage the process with its relatively straightforward setup.
The cargo box comfortably held several pairs of skis and sports gear, and its interior straps allowed us to secure items in place.
Thanks to its thick plastic material and SlideLock system, the Thule Vector Alpine feels exceptionally sturdy and weatherproof. Even at high speeds or during inclement weather, the carrier proved secure, durable, and rattle-free.
Where to get it: Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box
The Details: 91 x 35 x 12.5 inches | 65.9 pounds | 165-pound load capacity | 13 cubic feet | Felt-lined interior and LED lights
Best Cargo Bag
5. RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- $112 at Amazon ($99 sale price)
Why We Love It
- Budget-friendly, easy to install, and keeps contents safe during drives.
What to Consider
- The softshell design lacks the security of a plastic locking cargo box.
The RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier is an excellent solution for occasional travelers seeking additional storage at a lower cost.
Unlike traditional plastic carriers, this softshell bag is both budget-friendly and easy to store, as it folds up when not in use.
It doesn’t require a roof rack for installation the straps secure by threading under the doors to the car’s interior, making the setup process quick and straightforward.
We tested this cargo carrier on a 700-mile road trip through California. While we didn’t encounter rain, its heavy-duty waterproof material ensured our camping gear stayed protected, even at high speeds.
This option is perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those who need extra storage space infrequently.
Where to get it: RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Details: 48 x 38 x 12 inches | 8 pounds | 100-pound load capacity | 17 cubic feet | Double vinyl-coated polyester
Easiest Setup
6. Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box
- $750 at Amazon
Why We Love It
- The lightweight design and simple assembly make installation a breeze.
What to Consider
- The sides feel slightly wobbly when the box is open.
For those who value ease of use, the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box stands out for its quick and simple assembly process.
No tools are needed for installation, as the box uses a quick-connect system with knobs that securely clamp onto roof rails. This straightforward design also makes it easy to access the carrier’s contents, as the box opens from either side of the vehicle.
Although the lightweight construction of the box made installation effortless, the sides felt a little wobbly when open. However, we didn’t find this to be a major issue.
During our testing, we loaded skis, camping gear, and golf clubs without any trouble, and the box remained secure during use, even at high speeds.
Where to get it: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
The Details: 74.75 x 33 x 18 inches (large size) | 41 pounds | 165-pound load capacity | 16 cubic feet
Best Mid-Size
7. Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- $470 at Amazon
Why We Love It
- The size is ideal for fitting golf clubs and camping gear.
What to Consider
- The materials feel a bit flimsy.
If you’re searching for a medium-sized cargo box, the Goplus Rooftop Carrier is a practical and lightweight option.
While it’s not quite long enough for skis, it easily accommodates golf clubs, folding chairs, and camping gear, making it suitable for short or long road trips.
During assembly, the instructions were a little unclear, which required us to search online for guidance. Once installed, the box felt stable and secure, even in challenging conditions.
Despite being lightweight at only 25 pounds, the polycarbonate materials gave off a slightly flimsy impression.
However, after three months of testing, we found the carrier protected our gear effectively and didn’t produce rattling noises during drives.
Where to get it: Goplus Rooftop Carrier
The Details: 63 x 31 x 15 inches | 25 pounds | 165-pound load capacity | 14 cubic feet | ABS and polycarbonate plastics.
Best Security
8. Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box
- $1,000 at Amazon
Why We Love It
- Its tamperproof key-locking system offers outstanding security.
What to Consider
- The box rattled slightly during a road trip.
The Yakima CBX 16 Premium Cargo Box stands out for its robust key-locking system, which ensures that the clamshell lid only closes when properly locked. This feature provides peace of mind, especially during stops at gas stations or hiking trails.
Setup was effortless, as the box arrived pre-assembled. Its lightweight construction made installation a straightforward process.
While it performed well during thunderstorms, keeping our gear dry, it did rattle slightly on one road trip. Still, its high-quality materials and secure locking system make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing security.
Where to get it: Yakima CBX 16 Premium
The Details: 83 x 38 x 15 inches | 57 pounds | 16 cubic feet
Other Car Roof Carriers We Liked
The following cargo carriers narrowly missed making our list of top performers, but they still offer features worth noting, despite a few drawbacks.
Yakima GrandTour 16: This stylish roof carrier impressed us with its ample capacity and reliable locking system. However, it felt slightly less sturdy compared to other boxes we tested on car rooftops.
Thule Pulse Medium Rooftop Cargo Box: While this carrier effectively protected camping gear from light rain, its capacity left something to be desired we couldn’t fit a cooler inside. Additionally, the installation process was more cumbersome than expected.
Jegz Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Although the initial setup was challenging, this carrier redeemed itself by safeguarding luggage against harsh weather during a weekend road trip. Still, it didn’t stand out enough to rival other carriers that earned higher praise.
Our Testing Process
To determine the best rooftop cargo carriers, we conducted a series of rigorous tests on 20 different models.
After assembling and installing the carriers on our vehicles, we packed them with various items, such as skis, luggage, and camping gear, then tested them over several months. Each carrier was evaluated for ease of use, stability, security, and durability.
Travel + Leisure
We began by researching reputable brands like Yakima and Thule, ensuring each carrier was compatible with our vehicles’ make and model.
We assessed ease of use by assembling the carriers and inspecting their overall quality. This included opening and closing the lids, examining tie-down points, and shaking the boxes to test their stability.
Next, we packed the carriers with items such as skis, golf clubs, luggage, and camping gear. Once loaded, we mounted them onto vehicle rooftops and drove for at least an hour to simulate real-world usage.
For carriers equipped with security features, we paid close attention to how secure the locks and keys felt.
In the end, the best rooftop carriers impressed us with their durability, ease of loading and unloading, and ability to protect belongings during road trips.
To ensure unbiased evaluations, we remained unaware of each carrier’s price until after testing concluded, allowing us to fairly assess their overall value.