10 Best Car Roof Carrier 2025 in the United States

The Thule Motion 3 XXL Low is a large hard-shell car roof carrier designed to hold up to 18 cubic feet of cargo, making it ideal for families or travelers needing extra storage space. Its aluminum material keeps the box sturdy yet relatively lightweight at about 25 kg, though it is on the heavier side compared to some plastic alternatives. The carrier features a wing-shaped, forward-leaning nose that helps reduce wind drag and improves fuel efficiency—a nice plus for longer trips.

Mounting the box is simple and secure thanks to the PowerClick quick-mount system, which uses an audible click to confirm proper fitting. This adds confidence that the carrier is safely locked onto your roof rack. Security is further enhanced by the SlideLock system with separate locking and opening functions, ensuring the lid stays firmly closed and providing a clear indicator when locked. Opening and closing are user-friendly, thanks to a wide handle designed for one-handed operation. However, the box is not water resistant, so care should be taken in very wet conditions or heavy rain. Also, while it’s a large carrier, its dimensions (96 x 40 x 16 inches) mean you need to verify it fits your vehicle and garage space. Accessories like an interior light and protective liner are available but sold separately.

This carrier is well suited for those who want a robust, aerodynamic, and secure storage solution for roof transport, especially if ease of use and quick installation are priorities.

The Thule Force 3 XL is a hard-shell car roof carrier designed to add 18 cubic feet of extra storage space, making it suitable for SUVs, trucks, cars, and electric vehicles. Its large size (about 85 x 34 x 18.5 inches) offers plenty of room for luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment, which is great if you often need extra cargo space for trips. Weighing 66 pounds, it’s moderately heavy, so you might want some help to install or remove it, but the plastic shell keeps it durable and resistant to weather conditions, protecting your belongings from rain or snow.

The aerodynamic design aims to reduce wind noise and drag, which helps maintain better fuel efficiency compared to bulkier boxes, though you should expect some impact on mileage when fully loaded.

The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK is a practical solution for those needing extra storage space on their vehicle. Offering a spacious 20 cubic feet capacity, it can comfortably hold 4-6 suitcases or similar bulky items. Measuring 51" long by 40" wide and 17" high, it fits most cars and SUVs, whether or not you have a roof rack, making it quite versatile. Constructed from durable 700D PVC tarpaulin, the bag is fully waterproof and tear-resistant, providing solid protection against rain and rough conditions on the road. It also includes a set of 10 reinforced straps, 6 door hooks, and an anti-slip mat to secure the bag firmly, minimizing movement during travel. The included luggage lock adds an extra layer of security to keep belongings safe.

Being a soft-shell design, it folds down for easy storage when not in use, which is convenient for limited garage space. However, unlike hard-shell carriers, its shape and soft material might create more wind resistance, potentially affecting fuel efficiency. It weighs around 3.9 kg (8.5 lbs), so it adds some load but remains manageable for installation. Setting it up is straightforward and quick, with all necessary accessories included.

This rooftop bag is ideal for families or travelers looking for a budget-friendly, waterproof, and roomy cargo carrier without the need for a permanent roof rack installation. If you prioritize lightweight, rigid design or maximum aerodynamics, a hard-shell carrier might be better, but for flexible, large-volume storage, the MeeFar XBEEK performs well.