If you’ve gone skiing before, you know how hard it can be to load your skis into the car. Your Subaru comes with plenty of storage space, but if you move around a lot or have a big family, that space may not be enough.
One of the options is to install a rooftop cargo box. There are many great options, which can make it hard to decide on one.
That being said, let’s take a look at the best cargo boxes for Subaru Crosstrek.
1. Thule Motion XT XXL
- Length: 7 ft. 7.5 in
- Height: 18 in
- Width: 37 in
- Capacity: 610 liters/ 38,016 cubic inches
- Box opening: Dual side
- Internal Straps: Yes
- Weight: 55 lbs
The Thule Motion XT is one of the most popular cargo boxes for the Subaru Crosstrek as It’s incredibly spacious.
If you’re going on a ski trip, it can carry up to five snowboards comfortably. And because of the XT’s aerodynamic design, it reduces wind friction and makes for a much quieter ride.
It’s durable and can handle a lot when you’re on the go. The only real issue with the Motion XT is that it’s expensive. It certainly offers excellent value for the money, though.
Pros:
- Sleek, aerodynamic design
- Easy to install
- Secure latch to keep items in place
- Spacious and can hold a lot of cargo
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Roof Box
- Length: 6 ft. 9 in
- Height: 15 in
- Width: 36 in
- Capacity: 453 liters/ 27,648 cubic inches
- Box opening: Dual side
- Internal Straps: No
- Weight: 47 lbs
The Yakima SkyBox is great when you’re going on long trips. The tapered design reduces hatch interference and wind noise.
To add, it has dual openings, so you can open the hatch from the driver or passenger seats. You can open the hatches using only one hand, which might come in handy while loading the box.
Because of its compact size, you may have trouble fitting in tall items like skis. And, while the installation doesn’t need tools, it’s a little tricky working with the straps.
Pros:
- You can open the hatch using one hand
- Limited impact on gas mileage
- Can hold a lot of cargo
- Light enough to move frequently
Cons:
- Installation can be tricky
- The short height might make it hard to carry taller items
3. SportRack Horizon XL Cargo Box
- Length: 7 ft. 6 in
- Height: 16.5 in
- Width: 30.7 in
- Capacity: 481 liters/ 29,376 cubic inches
- Box opening: Single side
- Internal Straps: No
- Weight: 44 lbs
If you’re looking for extra storage but nothing luxurious, the SportRack Horizon might be what you want. It offers a lot of storage space but without any extra features.
The best thing about it is its compatibility. You can secure it to an aero bar, a square bar, and most factory racks.
Sadly, one of the major problems is that it can take a long time to set up. But it comes with a quick-release latch to make removal easier after installation.
The cargo box also only opens from the passenger side, which can be a bit inconvenient.
Pros:
- Great deal for the size you get
- ABS material has a high impact resistance
- Can hold up to 6 pairs of skis
- Has a quick-release attachment for quick removal
- Compatible with square load bars and most factory racks
Cons:
- Installation entails many steps
- Only opens from the passenger side
4. Inno Ridge Rooftop Cargo Box
- Length: 4 ft. 5 in
- Height: 13.5 in
- Width: 27.7 in
- Capacity: 226.5 liters/ 13,824 cubic inches
- Box opening: Single side
- Internal Straps: No
- Weight: 20 lbs
The Inno Ridge cargo box is the most affordable on our list. This is a great option if you and a couple of friends want to go camping.
It’s made of ABS, making it strong and lightweight. So, it can survive a long time in the wild. It also has an acrylic coating to avoid scratches and UV screens to protect your gear.
Unfortunately, it’s quite small. It can carry a couple of tents and some gear, but that’s about it. And you have to be smart about packing.
It has no internal straps, so your gear can rattle around and get damaged. You can also only open the box from the passenger side.
Pros:
- Offers UV protection
- Tool-free installation
- Safety lock
- Easy installation
- Universal mount to most factory crossbars
Cons:
- Only opens on the passenger’s side
- Not much storage space
5. Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
- Length: 6 ft. 11 in
- Height: 17.25 in
- Width: 33.75 in
- Capacity: 500 liters/ 30,511 cubic inches
- Box opening: Dual side
- Internal Straps: Yes
- Weight: 47 lbs
The Thule Force XT is another great option for traveling. It can hold many items and can even fit up to seven pairs of skis.
The best thing about the Force XT is how much access you get. It opens completely from both sides so you can see the entire space from all directions.
You would think that would make opening the box and locking it a hassle, but actually, it’s one of the easiest models to open and lock.
Yet, a major issue with the Force XT is that it can affect gas mileage. Because of its shape, it doesn’t do much to cut down air resistance.
Pros:
- Excellent space efficiency
- Easy installation
- Easy to open and secure
- You can access all areas of the box from both openings
Cons:
- Bulky design can affect gas mileage
- Expensive
Wrapping Up
Cargo boxes can be useful when traveling or when trying to carry tools around. Depending on your needs, you can find the best cargo box for Subaru Crosstrek among our top choices.
If you go on road trips often, you might want the Thule Motion XT. It can accommodate a lot of items and, because of its design, it won’t affect gas mileage greatly.
If you’re more into camping every once in a while, the Inno Ridge is the way to go. It’s affordable and will get the job done.