If you love taking road trips, short or long, you’ve likely already thought about buying a rooftop carrier for your vehicle. Not only do these boxes fit securely on your car’s roof, but they provide a surprising amount of space to carry extras such as suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, fishing rods, and even snowboards and snow skis.
If you’re unfamiliar with roof boxes, not to worry. There are just a few details you need to know about before you start shopping for one, and once you become familiar with them, choosing the best roof box for your needs is a piece of cake.
First of all, not all roof boxes fit all vehicles, so you’ll have to check and make sure the roof box you want will indeed work on your particular make and model. Fortunately, there are hundreds of roof boxes that fit nearly every vehicle in existence, and it is super-easy to find out if the roof box you’re interested in can accommodate your particular car or truck.
Roof box sizes are made according to the amount of cubic feet of space they provide, and they can be as small as 9 cubic feet or as large as 20 cubic feet and larger. Naturally, the size of the roof box you choose is up to you and depends mostly on how many items you intend to store there, as well as the sizes of those items.
Finally, the materials the roof boxes are made out of is another consideration. Most roof boxes are made out of two main types of materials: a soft-shell material that is usually some type of nylon or polyester; and a hard-shell material, which usually consists of some type of hard plastic, such as ABS or PC plastic. Once again, the type you choose is mostly based on your personal preferences and tastes.
The main advantage of having a roof box is its ability to provide you with a lot more space inside your vehicle. With a roof box, you can store numerous items inside and gain extra space in your back seat and in your trunk, which means if you decide you want to add an extra person or two before you head out, there will be plenty of room for them! No one will have to sacrifice comfort because of all the extra room you get.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the fun part. If you’d like to explore some of the amazing roof boxes on the market today, the good news is there are hundreds of them around for you to choose from. In the list below are the top 10 roof boxes 2020, including the details on what makes each one just a little more unique than the others, allowing you to feel confident about the one you choose in the end.
- Best Cargo Roof Box - Thule Motion XT Rooftop Carrier (paid link)
- Best Cargo Roof Bag - FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier (paid link)
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Our Top 10 Roof Boxes for Your Vehicle
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| Volume | Size | Weight | Opening | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier | 18 cu ft | L: 84.5" W: 36" H: 17" | 46 lbs | Dual Side |
 Yakima SkyBox Rooftop Carrier | 21 cu ft | L: 93" W: 37" H: 20" | 75 lbs | Dual Side |
 INNO Wedge Plus Cargo Carrier | 13 cu ft | L: 80" W: 33" H: 13.75" | 44 lbs | Dual Side |
 Thule Force XT Cargo Box | 16 cu ft | L: 74.75" W: 33" H: 18" | 41 lbs | Dual Side |
 Yakima RocketBox Pro Cargo Carrier | 11 cu ft | L: 89" W: 24" H: 16" | 38 Lbs | Dual Side |
 Malone Profile 18S Rooftop Carrier | 18 cu ft | L: 78.75" W: 32.3" H: 15.75" | 55 lbs | Dual Side |
 SportRack Horizon Cargo Carrier | 11 cu ft | L: 88.4" W: 20.7" H: 15.9" | 29 lbs | Passenger Side |
 FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier | 15 cu ft | L: 17" W: 12.9" H: 6.5" | 6.6 lbs | Zipper Closure |
 JEGS 90098 rooftop cargo carrier | 18 cu ft | L: 57" W: 39" H: 19" | 35 lbs | Rear Side |
 ToolGuards Rooftop Cargo Carrier with Mat | 15 cu ft | L: 14.8" W: 12.4" H: 7.3" | 10.7 lbs | Zipper Closure |
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Thule is one of the most popular brands of roof boxes on the market, and there is little wonder why. Every carrier they make is high in quality and provides you with a lot of bang for your buck.
The Motion XT cargo carrier is a hard-shell roof box aerodynamically designed and with a sleek look that can complement the entire vehicle. It comes in two colors – gray and black – as well as four sizes that range from 16 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet.
One of the biggest advantages of having a roof box is that they are made to keep all of the items inside safe and dry, and this one is no different. The hard-shell carriers such as this one are 100% waterproof, which means the items inside of the carrier can withstand the elements regardless of the conditions you experience while you’re on the road. Snow, sleet, and dirt will simply not be able to get inside!
In addition, the carrier has an attractive glossy finish, is super lightweight, and is easy to both install and remove. The Thule Motion XT carrier even “clicks” when you close it, which lets you know that it is shut completely and you, therefore, don’t have to worry about any air, rain, or dust getting to the inside. With the ability to hold up to 165 lbs. without breaking, this is a very well-made roof box that you’ll be able to enjoy for many years to come.
Yakima SkyBox Rooftop Carrier
With sizes that offer from 12 to 21 cubic feet of extra space, the Yakima SkyBox is another hard-shell rooftop carrier that is sleekly designed, but carries a lot more items than you might think.
It is also super-easy to install and remove, and there are absolutely no tools required to do either one. This means no special equipment or going to the hardware store to buy additional tools – just install it yourself in just a few simple steps.
This rooftop carrier also has dual openings, which means you can load items into it regardless of which side of the vehicle you’re facing. And, because of its tapered aerodynamic design, wind-resistance is minimal and you never have to worry about spending too much money on gas even when you’re traveling long distances. When you press down the lid to close it, the clicking sound ensures you the carrier is closed completely, keeping the items inside nice and secure.
The numerous sizing options mean that regardless of the size of your vehicle or how much storage space you need, you’ll be able to find a great roof box that can accommodate you. The roof box fits perfectly with a Yakima roof rack and allows you to install the carrier in minutes, so it never takes you long to prepare your vehicle for that next camping trip or family vacation.
With its high-tech materials, you are also guaranteed to enjoy it for a very long time, so this is one roof box you won’t regret purchasing.
INNO Wedge Plus Cargo Carrier
If you want a super high-quality cargo carrier that looks great and is aerodynamically designed for a lot more efficiency, the INNO Wedge Plus roof box is it. Available in both black and red, this cargo carrier is definitely one people will notice, but that is certainly the least of its many advantages.
The roof box even comes with a diffuser and special mat that you place at the bottom and which reduce the noise that other roof boxes tend to make as you drive. Easy to install and remove, the INNO Wedge Plus roof box has a sleek design that will make some people wonder how much you can fit inside of it, but not to worry. It is made to hold snow skis, snowboards, fishing rods, and tents without any problem, so although it looks small and compact, it can hold a lot more than you think.
This makes it perfect for outings any time of the year, so you can count on it to hold your belongings regardless of what season it is. One of the reasons this carrier is so simple to maneuver is because it is so lightweight. Instead of weighing 150+ lbs. like some other carriers, this one weighs a mere 44 lbs., making it fast and simple to install and remove anytime.
If you’re looking for a roof box that is guaranteed to keep your belongings secure and dry and is meant to last for many years to come, look no further because this is it.
Thule Force XT Cargo Box
Once again, Thule is proving how good it is because this is the second in this brand to make the list of the top 10 roof boxes 2020. The Force XT is a little less expensive than the Motion XT but still just as efficient when you need to add extra cargo space on that next outing. Available in numerous sizes, it is easy to install, easy to remove, and easy to maneuver regardless of what you’re storing inside or how much trouble you think it’s going to be to store those items.
The clicking sound lets you know that the cargo box is closed completely, and this feature alone will be priceless when you’re driving in the rain, sleet, or snow. After all, what good is a roof box if it doesn’t protect the items inside of it at all times? Even better, no tools or special equipment is required to install the carrier properly, so it is a fast, super-simple task even for owners who are not exactly tech-savvy.
With the Force XT, you get a sleek and attractive design, an aerodynamic look that cuts down on wind-resistance, and enough space to store everything from snowboards to fishing rods and everything in between. You can also load and unload your items from both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle, making it convenient and safe regardless of the situation. If top-notch design and efficiency is what you want, this is the roof box you should choose.
Yakima RocketBox Pro Cargo Carrier
Perfect for small and medium-sized vehicles, the Yakima RocketBox roof box adds a total of 11 cubic feet of space to your car, making it perfect for everything from snow skis to tents and anything else you can think of that you need for your next family vacation.
It offers a sleek, aerodynamic design, dual-side opening for extra convenience, and all of the hardware you need to attach it to either round, square, aerodynamic, or factory crossbars. Indeed, when you do go to install this roof box, it will take you very little time, in part because it comes with everything you need to install it properly and requires no tools or specialized equipment to get the job done.
If you want security, look no further because this cargo carrier comes with SKS locks, two sets of keys, and a push-button lock system to make securing your items both simple and quick. This alone is a great feature to have for those remote or far-away camping or fishing trips.
This is not only a spacious roof box, but a very efficient one as well, as it holds items as long as 7 feet in length with ease. If you are looking for a roof box that can accommodate all of your belongings, but won’t break the bank, the Yakima RocketBox Pro is it.
At less than $450, this hard-shell roof box provides top-notch security, a lightweight design, and an excellent warranty to make those rare occasions when something goes wrong a little easier on you.
Malone Profile 18S Rooftop Carrier
At way less than $500, the Malone Profile 18S roof box competes with the big boys whose rooftop carriers cost a whole lot more. Its neutral silver-and-black design matches any car’s look, and the 18-cubic-foot design gives you tons of extra space to hold everything from snow skis to fishing rods and sleeping bags to extra luggage.
Not only is it enormous, but it also looks great on your vehicle, sporting a sleek design that is an eye-catching addition to your car or truck. With its UV- and scratch-resistant design, this roof box has a centralized locking system for extra peace of mind and can fit cross bars from 25” to 40” in size. It can hold up to 165 lbs. worth of your belongings, and it is so well-made that the manufacturer has given it a lifetime warranty, which provides all owners with the confidence they need to keep this roof box for many years to come.
Its lightweight design makes installing it and removing it fast and simple, even with its long length and design. Better still, you don’t have to be heading out for a vacation or camping trip to find this roof box useful.
If you need to haul large or even odd-shaped items from one location to another – including musical instruments or evacuation supplies – this is a great roof box to have. In fact, whatever you’re looking for in a high-quality rooftop carrier, you’ll never regret purchasing this one.
SportRack Horizon Cargo Carrier
Available in three different sizes and adding up to 17 cubic feet of extra space for your vehicle, the SportRack Horizon roof box is a real gem if you’re looking for something that is lightweight, able to carry tons of your belongings, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
You can load or unload the roof box from the passenger side away from traffic, and the impact-resistant ABS materials it’s made of keeps everything inside of it safe and dry regardless of how long your trip is. This cargo carrier fits most square, round, and factory racks on your vehicle, not to mention nearly every type of car or truck you might own.
It also protects your belongings from the elements and even from dirt, dust, and grime. It comes in an aerodynamic design that makes for great fuel efficiency, regardless of how fast you’re driving or how far away you’re traveling, and it just plain looks great on top of your vehicle!
With the SportRack Horizon roof box, you can easily give yourself a lot more room in the trunk or back seat of your vehicle, and it is super-easy to install and remove, making it convenient for you if you have a lot of trips planned throughout the year. If you want something to keep your items secure and dry and which costs under $300, this is the roof box you’ll need, and it is one cargo carrier you’ll never regret purchasing.
FIVKLEMNZ Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier
Okay, let’s switch gears a little. Although the FIVKLEMNZ rooftop carrier is a soft-shell carrier, there are lots of reasons it’s one of the best-sellers out there. Priced at under $80, the carrier provides a whopping 15 cubic feet of extra space and comes with its own protective mat to make double-sure the top of your vehicle won’t get scratched or damaged.
It comes with everything you need to install it properly, and it even comes in a sharp-looking black design with bright-orange trim. The carrier is also made out of 600D Oxford cloth and has welded seams and a stitched design to make sure everything is water-tight. It can hold everything from suitcases to sleeping bags, to name a few, and the waterproof zipper makes sure everything inside of the carrier is dry and secure.
Best of all, not only is it super-easy to install and remove, but it can be installed whether you have a roof rack or not, meaning it will fit nearly every vehicle on the market. To make it even better, once you remove the carrier, you simply fold it up and insert it into the enclosed storage bag, meaning it won’t take up much space in your garage or storage shed.
The protective mat also helps the roof box stay in place when you’re driving on bumpy or hilly terrain, giving you a little added assurance that your belongings will be safe regardless of how long your drive is.
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Completely waterproof and providing a total of 18 cubic feet of extra space, the JEGS rooftop carrier is one you’ll never regret purchasing.
There’s a reason why it’s on the list of the top 10 roof boxes 2020, and it all starts with the fact that you can install it without any tools or special equipment, meaning you can have it attached to your roof in minutes, not hours. Although it does have to be mounted to a roof rack, it is still able to accommodate hundreds of different car and truck models.
This cargo carrier comes with two sets of keys and all of the hardware you’ll need to install it properly, and you can install and remove it easily and quickly. You can add up to 110 lbs.’ worth of items to the carrier, and its tough design means you can put it through a lot as you travel and it will continue to work the way it’s supposed to.
This is definitely not a flimsy cargo carrier, but one made out of sturdy, high-quality materials and does a great job fully protecting all of the items inside of it. This is also a super lightweight cargo carrier that is easy to maneuver even for people who are not mechanically inclined.
Plus, at 57” in length, the roof box is great for holding large items such as tents and extra luggage. In addition, its price of under $220 makes it affordable for nearly everyone, because you definitely get a lot of bang for your buck from this one. It is one cargo carrier you’ll be able to use successfully for many years to come.
ToolGuards Rooftop Cargo Carrier with Mat
Made out of 100% waterproof material and available in neutral black with bright-yellow trim, the ToolGuards roof bag is great for all types of road trips because it provides you with a total of 15 cubic feet of extra space for your vehicle.
It comes with coated zippers and extra-tough stitches to make sure it lasts for a very long time, and it can be installed easily whether you have a roof rack or not.
In fact, in any circumstance, installing this cargo carrier is a breeze. Available for around $80, this is also a rooftop bag you can purchase without breaking the bank, and the enclosed mat does two important things: protect the top of your roof from scratches and damages, and makes the rooftop carrier steadier so that it doesn’t move around as you’re driving.
Although quite large, it has just enough of an aerodynamic design to cut back on wind-resistance, making it a rooftop carrier that won’t cost you a lot of extra money in fuel. Not all rooftop carriers are alike, and the ToolGuards carrier is on the list of top 10 roof boxes 2020 for many reasons.
Inexpensive, lightweight yet sturdy, and with the ability to hold tons of belongings so that the inside of your car can gain some extra space, this is one rooftop carrier you won’t regret purchasing, and it even comes with a great two-year warranty to give you extra peace of mind as you travel.
