Best Cargo Box For Subaru Forester Of 2024: Buying Guide & Reviews

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Large
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Large

Designed to fit a wide range of vehicles with maximum space efficiency, the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box features a quick-mount system that clicks when the rooftop box is secure and properly mounted. Offering maximum cargo capacity, its strong ABS construction is durable and rugged. The Force XT has a removable lid so you can access your gear easily. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Rooftop Cargo Carrier - Works with OR Without Roof Rack

It's easy to get your items from point A to point B with the Rooftop Cargo Carrier. This durable cargo carrier is large enough to hold up to 50 lbs of gear, yet folds up for easy storage when not in use. Its innovative straps feature a noiseless design with Velcro tapes that will keep your cargo in place without the need for any extra weight or bulk. Read Review

3. Best Smart: P.I. AUTO STORE Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Waterproof and Protective Mat

This car top carrier features tough Kevlar threads, heat-welded seams, and a waterproof zipper to prevent leaks and keep your cargo dry. The easy to install mat protects your vehicle's roof from rips and tears while you make your way across the city. It’s perfect for carrying groceries or gear from home to work. Read Review

4. Best Mileage: SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box

The SportRack SR7018 Vista XL rooftop cargo box provides 18 cubic feet of waterproof storage space atop virtually any roof rack. The box's angled contours allow it to cut through the air quietly while the vehicle is in motion, and its durable ABS plastic construction keeps stowed gear dry while also providing resistance to impact strikes and UV rays. Read Review

Having a spacious car is one of the biggest advantages for car owners who plan to use their vehicles for longer trips. Even if you have a small family or just two friends, having ample space will make your drives more comfortable and enjoyable.

On top of that, having ample space also helps you keep your car organized and tidy. That’s why we’ve come up with this article so that you can learn about the best cargo boxes available for subaru forester. We’ll also discuss some things to consider before choosing the right one and the pros and cons of each model.

Our team had to focus on researching for 17 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Large is one of the most wonderful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also provide you with Rooftop Cargo Carrier - Works with OR Without Roof Rack model that you may consider if the top is not your choice.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, Large
Our Score:
9.8
Thule
  • Full trunk access with no roof box contact
  • External dimensions: 74.75 x 33 x 18 inches
  • CONVENIENCE & SAFETY - Comes with Anti-slip Protective Mat to protect your vehicle roof from cosmetic damage, scratches or damage of any sort, we’ve come up with a perfect fit and waterproof protective mat to go as a barrier between our product and your vehicle. and a bonus TSA lock to keep your belongings safe.
  • What to expect: A product designed by certified engineers Legendary and innovative design Tried and tested with a focus on Research and Development
  • Weather Resistant - Engineered with Nylon fabric, our durable cargo carrier for top of vehicle use is strong enough to withstand wind, rain, sand, and snow.
  • More Roof Rack Storage - If you're running out of room in the trunk, these vehicle cargo carriers will provide 16 cubic ft of extra space to safely carry everything you need on the go.
  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 63 x 38 x 19 in / 160 x 96.5 x 48 cm
  • Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
  • MADE IN USA, LIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier’s high-quality construction and performance give you peace of mind
  • NO TOOLS REQUIRED, EASY ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION. All mounting hardware and simple instructions are included to get you safely on the road quickly
6 RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier, 15 cu. ft.
Our Score:
9.0
RoofBag
  • TRULY WATERPROOF: RoofBag car carrier keeps your rooftop cargo dry, offering the benefits of a rigid luggage carrier for car rooftop and the efficiency and economy of a cargo bag for top of car. Our roof bag waterproof carrier is made from a single piece of waterproof material to ensure total waterproofness. It also includes waterproof zippers, waterproof flaps, water-repellent straps, and no exposed stitching to optimally protect your car topper against water penetration
  • HEAVY-DUTY: Whether you need a roof rack storage solution or a roof bag for car without rack, our heavy-duty rooftop carrier bags are built for long-lasting service. Trusted since 2004, a RoofBag car cargo carrier uses a durable fabric that is peel- and tear-proof, UV resistant, and free of harmful chemicals. Customer support is ready to help with questions about your RoofBag top of car storage solution. The excellent quality of our car rooftop cargo carrier is backed by a 2-year warranty
  • EASY TO USE - The MeeFar XBEEK roof bag come with 1x anti-slip mats, 1x luggage lock, 6x security hooks, and 1x storage box, it can be quickly and easily installed in minutes; Made of soft shell material, it can be folded into the storage bag to save space while not in use;
  • LARGE STORAGE SPACE - 20 cubic feet 51” (L) X 40” (W) X 17” (H) rooftop cargo bag allows you to hold 4-6 suitcases, travel luggage case, tents, sleeping bags and more.
  • Rugged and durable design keep contents protected
  • Central Locking system provides maximum safety
9 Premium Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag
Our Score:
8.4
BILLITON MASHI
  • LARGE CAPACITY & FOLDS COMPACTLY: Our Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag contains a 21-cubic-foot capacity, and measures L51” x W41” x H18”.It can easily hold four large suitcases, three tents, four sleeping bags, and four large backpacks. It has a suitable capacity to hold all your requirements on your road trips and journey into the great outdoors! It's also extremely easy to install, remove, and store when not in use which makes it very convenient to store and package up for later use!
  • THE 1ST ANTI-THEFT ROOFTOP CARGO CARRIER BAG: This Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag will revolutionize your road trips! it's a foldable, waterproof,and secure bag that includes a combination lock that allows you to safely store your gear on top of your car with complete peace of mind! The bag is securely attached to the roof of the car with ultra-durable seat-belt straps reinforced with heavy-duty buckles to ensure that all of your gear is contained and secured to the highest degree of security
  • LARGE STORAGE SPACE - Large 21 cubic dimension (L 52" x W 39.5" x H 17.5") can hold all luggage of a family easily (6-8 suitcases). Quick solution to increase the vehicle's storage capacity, and keep your gear clean and dry;
  • EASY TO USE - The Morkot rooftop cargo bag come with 1x anti-slip mats, 1x luggage lock, 6x security hooks, and 1x storage box, it can be quickly and easily installed in minutes; Made of soft shell material, it can be folded into the storage bag to save space while not in use;

How Could You Recognize Whether best cargo box for subaru forester Suit With You Or Not?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best cargo box for subaru forester, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best cargo box for subaru forester. You are expected to count on our expertise in best cargo box for subaru forester to make the right choice. 

Along with these factors, we also include some questions concerned by many customers. It’s beneficial for you to look through these:

  • Where if for you to ask for help with product problems?
  • Why should you invest in this product? Does its value worth it?
  • What are the practical benefits this product brings about?
  • Which line of this product is most loved in the market?
  • How can you choose the best one? Which factors?

Nowadays, best cargo box for subaru forester is among the most valuable items users tend to collect. The information sources on the Internet are also essential and available for you to get consulted. The proliferation of many websites and forums helps you have access to the buying guides more straightforward.

So now we move on to the significant factors related to best cargo box for subaru forester you must keep in mind:

Looks

This is probably not the most crucial criteria. If you are looking for a sporty and sleek car, adding any type of roof box to your vehicle will make it look less elegant. You can minimize any negative effects by sticking with more aerodynamic designs.

Ease Of Use

You might only use the box once a year, so you should consider how simple or difficult it will be to attach and take down. There are many attachment methods available from different manufacturers, so some may be quicker and easier than others.

Fuel Economy

A roof storage system will have an adverse effect on fuel economy. Even though you don't have any cargo, the extra weight of your box and the mountings can affect how much gas you get. Although aerodynamic designs may reduce the impact, you'll still get a decrease in miles per gallon.

Price

"Rooftop carriers can be very expensive. The price of a rooftop carrier is unlikely to play a major role in your buying decision, unless you are Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Storage capacity is generally more expensive. You will also pay more for extra features and a well-known brand.
You can expect to pay $300-$400+ for a good quality carrier made by reputable manufacturers. Unfortunately, if you require something more, then the cost will go up."

Aerodynamics

You should consider the aerodynamic design. The most aerodynamic design will generally be the most expensive and have a lower capacity to hold certain shapes.er boxes, on the other hand, are less concerned about aerodynamics and will offer more freedom when it comes to the size and shape of items you can transport.

Weight Capacity

To find out the maximum weight for your roof, you will have to consult the owner's guide. The maximum weight of a car roof is typically 75kg or 165lbs. This includes both the container and the racks/rails it's attached to. Boxes typically weigh between 30-40 pounds so you will need to leave around 120-130 lbs of cargo.

Security

Your items' value will determine the level of security that you need. You should not dismiss theft from the roof box or even the entire package.

Size

When deciding what items to store on your roof, you should consider the size and shape of the container.
Beyond the size, you should also consider whether the volume in cubic feet of space is adequate for your requirements. There are sizes that range from 8 to 22 feet. You can likely find the right size box for you. You should avoid purchasing something too large for your car.

Access

Ideal worlds would see us load our belongings and not have to go back until we get to our forest hideaway. You will likely need access to your stuff along the route so ensure you choose a carrier that is easy to use.
Others only permit access from one side, while some others allow you to open from both sides. Some will only allow you to access the back, so you must be aware of traffic and not stop at the curb.

FAQs

Will Roof Racks Scratch My Car?

A rack that is properly attached to a clean roof will not cause damage or scratch to your car. To remove road grime and dirt buildup, we recommend you regularly take your roof rack off of your vehicle.

Can You Drive With An Empty Roof Box?

Yes. However, you should not use your roof box for a prolonged period of time. It could have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and create extra noise.

How Much Gear Can I Load?

Three things will determine this:
- Carry capacity of your fitted roof rack
- How the cross bars and roof style are attached to your vehicle
- Size of your rooftop carrier

I Have A Full-length Box And It Seems To Overhang The Bars A Long Way. Is This OK?

Yes. The boxes have a design that allows approximately 1/3 to hang out behind the rear bars. One third of the roof bars supports the third and the third rests on the front bar.

Will A Cargo Box Affect My Fuel Consumption?

You will experience an increase in fuel consumption. It's very minimal. Fuel economy begins to decline when you drive at highway speeds. Fuel economy can drop by 6-10%

Do I Need Anything Else Apart From Roof Bars And A Roof Box?

No. Every roof box that we sell comes with a pair of standard and box fittings, along with a set straps for keeping luggage in place. Because the boxes are secured to roof bars by the fixings inside, they can not be lifted from their bars once locked.

Do I Need A Roof Rack?

Yes. To mount the rooftop cargo boxes, you will need to have a properly fitted roof rack. All boxes can fit on most roof rack cross bars, and the mounting system is universal. To find the best roof rack for your vehicle, check out our Roof Rack Buyers Guide.

How To Storage A Car Roof Box?

You have several options when it comes to where you store your roof box. You can either keep the roof box in your garage or place it in your backyard with the raincover on. If your vehicle is large enough, you could even store it inside of your car.

What Is A Good Size Roof Box?

The best size of roof boxes is the one that suits your specific needs. If you have a small car, it's not worth buying a 22-L roof box. If you are looking to transport skis, you will need to consider the dimensions of your skis when buying a roof cargo container.

What Is The Best Position For A Roof Box?

This is the ideal position for the roof box to be centrally located when you look from the front. The weight should be evenly distributed. To avoid roof boxes that extend too far from your windshield, you should set it so that your hatch can be reached.

The list of best cargo box for subaru forester is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.

You are supposed to be free to get in touch with our customer support. All of your problems or challenges with the best cargo box for subaru forester will be carefully considered.


1 ratings

About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio