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Subaru Roof Cargo Box – Reviews and Comparison

If you are an outdoors person and enjoy how Subaru’s handle long trips, you probably need more storage for your gear. You might consider buying a Subaru roof box for extra storage space. This ensures that you bring along important gear and items you need in your trips without anybody feeling uncomfortable or cramped in the vehicle.

Subaru Roof Boxes are the best way to carry your gear when you need more space than what is available in your car.

They're perfect for storing items like sporting equipment, camping equipment, and even groceries (if you don't want them rolling around on the floor of your trunk). 

A Subaru roof box will also help keep everything dry if there's bad weather or rain while you're driving. We've reviewed different brands and models so that you can find the right one for your needs.

Here is a Subaru roof box review we’ve put together to guide you when choosing your roof box.

My Top Picks For Best Subaru Roof Box

Best Subaru roof cargo box Comparison Table

Image
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Thule Pulse Cargo Box, Black
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Title
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Thule Pulse Cargo Box, Black
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Volume
11, 16, 18, 22 cu. ft.
11, 14, 16 cu. ft.
18 cu. ft.
8, 11, 13,14, 18 cu.ft.
8 cu. ft.
11, 16, 17 cu ft
Capacity
165 lbs
165 lb
165 lb
165 lb
75 lbs
110 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dual Side
Dual Side
Dual Side
Passenger Side
Rear Open
Price
Price not available
Price not available
$299.99
$708.00
Price not available
$555.99
Image
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Title
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Volume
11, 16, 18, 22 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon
Image
Thule Pulse Cargo Box, Black
Title
Thule Pulse Cargo Box, Black
Volume
11, 14, 16 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon
Image
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
Title
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
Volume
18 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Price
$299.99
Buy on amazon
Image
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Title
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Volume
8, 11, 13,14, 18 cu.ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Price
$708.00
Buy on amazon
Image
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
Title
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
Volume
8 cu. ft.
Capacity
75 lbs
Opening
Passenger Side
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon
Image
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Title
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Volume
11, 16, 17 cu ft
Capacity
110 lbs
Opening
Rear Open
Price
$555.99
Buy on amazon

Best Subaru Roof box Reviews

 1. Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier 

The Thule Force XT roof box provides a lot of space for your belongings with 165 pound weight carriage capacity. It has longer length compared to others making it easy to accommodate skis and snowboards that are up to 70’’. It also has safety features to ensure your roof box is well secured while on the road. It’s one of the best Subaru roof boxes especially for the Subaru Outback.

This box is very easy to mount as it makes use of the Thule Quick Mount System, a system that allows you to attach or detach the box with absolutely no tools required. It has supporting lid lifters that prevent the lid from bending when you are trying to access items from the box which can be quite frustrating as well as dangerous. This Subaru roof cargo box offers full trunk access and sits in a forward position to ensure that you can easily get into the trunk.

It is designed in a manner that ensures it doesn’t hang down in front of the car whenever you’re on the move. The exterior of the box is waterproof and has a reflective surface that ensures the items in the trunk don’t heat up in hot conditions and that your items remain dry whenever it rains. The roof top box has a dual side opening functionality which allows access from either side of your Subaru enabling you to easily load and offload your items. see full review.

Thule Force XT Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Title
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Volume
11, 16, 18, 22 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
74.8 x 33 x 18 in.
Skis
Up to 5.74147 ft.
Weight
41 lbs.
Sizes
Sport, Large, X Large, XX Large
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon
Image
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Title
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Volume
11, 16, 18, 22 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
74.8 x 33 x 18 in.
Skis
Up to 5.74147 ft.
Weight
41 lbs.
Sizes
Sport, Large, X Large, XX Large
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon

2. Thule Pulse Roof Cargo Box

The Thule Pulse medium roof box is a budget friendly and the best roof box for Subaru Outback. It is made of a textured ABS material that makes it lightweight, durable and sturdy enough to protect all your items whenever you’re on the road.

The roof top box has a 14 cubic feet storage capacity with a central locking system that provides additional safety of the box by allowing users to remove the key only after all locking points have been well secured.

The box also opens from the passenger side and has lid lifters that automatically open the lid offering the user a hands-free access to the items in the box. Its secure fitting system and extensive rack compatibility make it appealing to Subaru owners. see full review.

Thule Pulse Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
Thule 614 Pulse Rack, Medium, Black
Title
Thule 614 Pulse Rack, Medium, Black
Volume
11, 14, 16 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
67 x 35 x 16 in.
Skis
4-6 pair skis
Weight
34 lbs.
Sizes
Alpine, Medium, Large
Price
$599.95
Buy on amazon
Image
Thule 614 Pulse Rack, Medium, Black
Title
Thule 614 Pulse Rack, Medium, Black
Volume
11, 14, 16 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
67 x 35 x 16 in.
Skis
4-6 pair skis
Weight
34 lbs.
Sizes
Alpine, Medium, Large
Price
$599.95
Buy on amazon

3. JEGS 90098 Rooftop Cargo Carrier

This rooftop cargo carrier holds up to 110 pounds with 18 cubic feet storage space. It has a dual side opening functionality which makes it accessible from either side of your Subaru hence it’s easy for you to load and offload items.

The JEGS 4 point locking system gives it additional safety and ensures your items are safe.  It’s made from 4-season HDPE black plastic and durable material. This box is very easy to fit to your car and stable making it the best roof box for Subaru Outback as well as Subaru Forester.

The JEGS Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
Title
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
Volume
18 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
57 x 38.5 x 17.8 in.
Skis
6.06955, 6.56168 ft.
Weight
28 lbs.
Sizes
X Large
Price
$299.99
Buy on amazon
Image
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
Title
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Car Storage - Large Roof Rack Cargo...
Volume
18 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
57 x 38.5 x 17.8 in.
Skis
6.06955, 6.56168 ft.
Weight
28 lbs.
Sizes
X Large
Price
$299.99
Buy on amazon

4. INNO Shadow Rooftop Cargo Box

The INNO Shadow box has a memory mount system making it very easy to mount on your Subaru. The box has a unique base construction which makes it stronger and lighter compared to conventional boxes. This has made it one of the best roof box choices for Subaru Outback.

To ensure users enjoy great MPG, the box has a sleek aerodynamics to enable it to cut through air easily while you’re on the move. It can hold up to two surfboards, eight skis or snowboards making it a great option if you’re looking for a lot of extra storage.

INNO Shadow Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Title
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Volume
8, 11, 13,14, 18 cu.ft.
Capacity
110 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensitons
63 x 38 x 19 in.
Skis
up to 6.06955 ft
Weight
42 lbs.
Sizes
sport Alpine, Large, X Large
Price
$708.00
Buy on amazon
Image
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Title
INNO BRA1210BK Shadow 16 Low Profile Cargo Box - 13 Cubic FT (Matte...
Volume
8, 11, 13,14, 18 cu.ft.
Capacity
110 lbs
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensitons
63 x 38 x 19 in.
Skis
up to 6.06955 ft
Weight
42 lbs.
Sizes
sport Alpine, Large, X Large
Price
$708.00
Buy on amazon

5. Thule 682 Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box

The Thule 682 Sidekick rooftop box is the most ideal if you’re looking for a more compact choice. It has a capacity of 8 cubic feet and can hold weight up to 75 pounds. The box allows passenger loading and has two strong locks to provide security for your items.

The compactness of the box makes it a suitable choice for camping trips. Key thing to note is that this box doesn’t use the Thule tool-less mounting system, it makes use of the U-bolt style attachment to mount to the roof rack of your Subaru.

The attachment method makes it compatible with nearly any shape of rack. The compactness of this box makes it suitable for both the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Forester.

Thule 682 Sidekik Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
Title
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
Volume
8 cu. ft.
Capacity
75 lbs
Opening
Passenger Side
Dimensipons
54 x 25 x 15.5"
Skis
No
Weight
16, 19. lbs.
Sizes
Sport, Large
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon
Image
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
Title
Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
Volume
8 cu. ft.
Capacity
75 lbs
Opening
Passenger Side
Dimensipons
54 x 25 x 15.5"
Skis
No
Weight
16, 19. lbs.
Sizes
Sport, Large
Price
Price not available
Buy on amazon

6. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

This box has a slim design that can hold up to 6 skis and 4 snowboards. It opens on the rear to ensure safety and give you more storage space. It has a storage capacity of eighteen cubic feet. It has a more aerodynamic design compared to the JEGS while maintaining the same price point. It is one of the best Subaru Forester roof cargo box.

SportRack Vista XL Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Title
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Volume
11, 16, 17 cu ft
Capacity
110 lbs
Opening
Rear Open
Dimensipons
63 x 38 x 19 in.
Skis
N/A
Weight
28 lbs.
Sizes
Alpine, Large, X Large
Price
$555.99
Buy on amazon
Image
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Title
SportRack SR7016 Horizon Cargo Box, 16-Cubic Feet, Black
Volume
11, 16, 17 cu ft
Capacity
110 lbs
Opening
Rear Open
Dimensipons
63 x 38 x 19 in.
Skis
N/A
Weight
28 lbs.
Sizes
Alpine, Large, X Large
Price
$555.99
Buy on amazon

7. GoPlus Cargo Box

The GoPlus Cargo Box is made from high quality PC and ABS material which makes itt very strong and long lasting. It has a storage capacity of 14 cubic feet giving you that extra storage space you need when your trunk is full. It has a sleek aerodynamic design to easily cut through air when you’re on the move reducing drag back.

The lid of the cargo box is normally firmly attached to the base to ensure stability. The GoPlus Cargo box has a dual side opening system making it easy to access items in the box. It is a light roof box and easy to install on your Subaru.

For easy mounting, it has four connect anchors which also ensure safety of your items. If you love color, then this box is your best option because this box offers a variety of color choices. So far it works great as a Subaru Forester roof cargo box.

GoPlus Cargo Roof Box Comparison Table

Image
Goplus Cargo Box, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy Duty Roof...
Title
Goplus Cargo Box, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy Duty Roof...
Volume
14 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
62.5 x 30 x 15 in.
Skis
N/A
Weight
25 lbs.
Sizes
Medium
Price
$499.98
Buy on amazon
Image
Goplus Cargo Box, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy Duty Roof...
Title
Goplus Cargo Box, Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Heavy Duty Roof...
Volume
14 cu. ft.
Capacity
165 lb
Opening
Dual Side
Dimensipons
62.5 x 30 x 15 in.
Skis
N/A
Weight
25 lbs.
Sizes
Medium
Price
$499.98
Buy on amazon

There is a wide range of great roof boxes available in the market with different price range. This can make the search for a roof cargo box for your Subaru a little overwhelming. Here is a list we’ve put together to help you choose the right roof cargo box for your Subaru according to your needs;

  • Storage space
  • Ease of attaching the box
  • Ease of access of the items in the box
  • Aerodynamics of the box
  • Locking system security
  • Material of the box
  • Durability of the box
  • Stability of the box
  • If the box is waterproof
  • Size of the box

How to Accessory Subaru Roof Cargo Carrier by Thule

By considering the above features you will find that choosing the right roof box for your Subaru has been made very easy. The guide above highlights the best roof boxes for Subaru and guarantees durability as well as value for your money.  We hope that it will help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to picking the best roof cargo box, you should consider your needs and find a product that will work for you.

If your budget is limited or if you just want something simple, then Thule-SidekickSportRack-Vista XL, and The JEGS, the options may be perfect for you.

However, if cost isn’t an issue and durability is what concerns you most about purchasing a roof cargo box, then we would recommend looking into some of our heavier-duty products such as Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box or The INNO Shadow Cargo Box.

All in all, there are many great choices when it comes to choosing the right rooftop cargo carrier, you just need to know which ones will suit your lifestyle!

Whatever you end up choosing, let us know how it worked for you. and 

check out theroofboxes.com. On this website, you’ll find expert reviews, how-to guides, and much more from our team of roof box experts.

Subaru roof box – Reviews and Comparison

Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author 


Vieira Babeker

Hi! I'm Vieira. I've always been interested in different Auto Accessories

My passion here at theroofboxes.com is to provide helpful straight forward clear advice and tips for Automotive Accessories.

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