Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes
Top rooftop cargo boxes ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Thule Motion 3 XL Cargo Box
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Tool-free clicking mount system
- Opens from both sides
- Quietest box at highway speed
Cons
- Premium price
- Glossy lid shows scratches
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy the XL if you park in a standard garage, since most vehicles with the box exceed a 7-foot door clearance.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Durable scratch-hiding textured lid
- Substantial recycled content
- Easy tool-free crossbar clamps
Cons
- Slightly louder than Thule Motion
- Lid supports feel light in wind
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it for skis over 185 centimeters, since the 16's internal length maxes out around 175-centimeter gear.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Motion capacity at lower cost
- Matte finish hides wear
- Trusted PowerClick mounting
Cons
- More wind noise than Motion 3
- Lid flexes when opening in cold
Don't buy this if…
- Do not expect Motion-level refinement, since the Force's stiffer latch action and louder ride are the cost savings.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Refined styling and finish
- Torque-limiting quick mounts
- One-key Yakima ecosystem
Cons
- Costs Motion money without the 18 cubic feet
- Heavy 55-pound shell
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid solo installation, since hoisting the long 55-pound shell onto a tall SUV really takes two people.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Huge capacity per dollar
- Backed by Thule Group manufacturing
- Simple universal mounting
Cons
- Rear-only opening is awkward curbside
- U-bolt hardware is slow to install
Don't buy this if…
- Do not plan on moving it between cars often, since the wrench-tightened U-bolts make each swap a project.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Rock-bottom pricing for 18 cubic feet
- Boxy shape swallows bulky duffels
- Sturdy HDPE shell
Cons
- Noisy at highway speed
- Latches feel flimsy
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it for fuel-conscious long hauls, since the blunt shape costs noticeably more MPG than aero boxes.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Lowest profile in its class
- Memory mounts speed reinstallation
- Dual-side access
Cons
- 11 cubic feet fills fast
- Shallow depth limits boot bags
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy for family-of-four road trips, since the slim interior holds soft bags but not bulky luggage.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Thule reliability at entry pricing
- Simple FastGrip knob mounting
- Decent 16-cubic-foot capacity
Cons
- Passenger-side opening only
- Basic central lock point
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid if you load from the driver's side curb regularly, since the single-side opening forces traffic-side loading.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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