Do you ever have to cut down on the luggage you pack? Or are you afraid that your Subaru trunk will end up worn out by the endless cramming you have to do each trip?
Imagine you don’t have to go through all that pain. Get that road trip going with all the people you love, and keep your trunk clean and new!
All you need is a cargo box. It has more endurance and is much easier to install than a cargo bag or a roof basket. It’s lidded too, so it provides protection to your luggage.
The question is, what is the best cargo box for your Subaru Outback? Here’s a quick list of our top picks:
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cargo Box
Before we go into detail about our hand-picked choices, let’s discuss the basics of what you need to look for.
Safety
Our number one concern is always safety. Look out for a cargo box that attaches firmly to your car’s crossbars. It should also be made of tough material to withstand the contents of the box and the weather.
Not to mention, you would want to keep it inaccessible to intruders.
Weight and Installation Method
Ease of installation is a must! Who wants the hassle of attaching a million parts together and making sure they’re all secured in place?
The most convenient installation system is based on memory mount clamps. You simply fasten them around the roof rack and they never slip or loosen. You only have to install them once.
Also, make sure the box isn’t heavy. Having a cargo box that needs more than one person to haul is certainly unpleasant. Besides, there’s a specific load limit to your car, so you don’t want half of it to be lost to the box’s weight.
Size
Aside from the weight of the cargo box, look for its load capacity and dimensions. Consider the kind of luggage you’ll be stacking, whether it be suitcases, ski gear, skateboards, etc. According to that, you can decide on the right size.
Price
Although we all would like to have the price out of the equation, it plays a huge role. In the cargo boxes market, you’ll find substantial variations in prices. So, while considering prices, make sure you’re not giving up crucial features in return.
The 3 Best Cargo Boxes for Subaru Outback: Reviews
Here are the three cargo boxes that ticked not only all our boxes but a few more!
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
We’ll start with the Thule Force XT cargo box. If you’re looking for massive load capacity, this is the one for you.
When it comes to safety, Thule doesn’t hold back. The cargo box is made of recyclable ABS plastic, which is exceptionally durable to corrosive chemicals, rain, wind, and physical impact.
It has two locks, one on each side. They’re designed so that you can’t remove the key unless you do lock the box. Also, there are straps included in the product. So, you can strap down delicate objects inside the box to keep them from moving around.
The Thule box is narrowly built to allow you to attach other gear like bikes or kayaks. The Thule Force XT-XXL is 35.5 inches wide. This means that even if you buy the largest size, you’re still saving 37.5 inches for other gear.
The cargo box attaches using a knob that clutches steadfastly to the crossbars as you turn it. Besides that, it has a hollow part at the backside’s bottom, which gives clearance for the rear antenna.
Pros
- The box is exceedingly easy to assemble and disassemble.
- It comes in four different sizes to match your needs.
- All sizes have a load capacity of 165 lbs.
- It makes negligible noise when you drive.
Cons
- The key is a bit fragile, so be gentle with it.
- It can be pricey for some, but it’s surely worth every penny!
SportRack Vista XL
If you’re looking for practicality, here’s your answer.
The SportRack Vista XL is made of ABS plastic for a quality unaltered by even the sharpest of objects. It closes with a lock that is placed on the rear side. That enables you to access your luggage without having to stand in the middle of the road.
It’s available only in one size, with dimensions of 19 x 63 x 38 inches (HxLxW). It’s worth noting that the lid of the box is higher than in most other models. This extra height gives space for all your tall gear.
As for the assembly, that can be done smoothly by using the clamp and screws that come with the product. You won’t need any tools, and the clamp works like magic! Once you place the box properly and fasten it, the cargo box will hold securely to your car.
Pros
- Weighs 28 pounds only.
- The installment is completely hassle-free.
- The price is affordable, and the material is more than great!
Cons
- The rear opening can be a little hard to reach. Use the bumper bar for support if you need it.
- It has a load capacity of 100 pounds, which might not be big enough.
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
We kept our best pick for last. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier fulfills all you could ever dream of.
It has a double-sided lock feature like the Thule Force XT. And, it has the lightweight feature of the SportRack Vista. Not to mention, it’s made of HDPE plastic, which resists water and physical damage.
Although this box is roomy, it’s important to remember that it has a load capacity of 110 lbs. So, make sure you don’t overload it..
Pros
- It’s extremely affordable!
- It weighs 28 pounds only, so it’s easy to lift and move around.
- It has an aerodynamic design.
Cons
- A bit weaker than ABS plastic.
- It only comes in one size.
Wrap Up
A cargo box for your Subaru Outback is not a luxury. The car ride is a major part of any trip, so it’s only fair to equip it for all your needs.
We’d recommend the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier because we’re fans of the double-sided access, ease of assembly, and that perfect price!
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for another premium cargo box with unmatched space and all the extra safety measures, you should go for the Thule Force XT.
Let’s get that cargo box in place and buckle up!