10 Best Roof Cargo Boxes 2026 in the United States

The Yakima SkyBox NX XXL is a hard shell roof cargo box designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts needing extra storage on their vehicle roof. It offers a generous 22 cubic feet of space, enough to hold gear for up to five campers or skis as long as 215 cm, making it suitable for large trips or bulky equipment. The dual-sided opening is a handy feature that makes loading and unloading easier from either side of the car. Built from durable plastic with a sleek, textured finish, it looks modern while providing sturdy protection for your belongings. Its security is enhanced by push-button SKS locks, which offer reliable protection against theft.

This model is not water-resistant, so it may not fully protect your gear in heavy rain. The mounting system is a roof mount type, designed to fit most vehicles securely. Although the box is solid and practical, it is relatively heavy when loaded, which could affect fuel efficiency due to added weight and wind resistance.

This cargo box represents a strong choice for those needing a spacious, secure, and stylish storage solution for travel and camping, but it may require some care in wet weather.

The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 is a compact roof cargo box offering 14 cubic feet of storage, suitable for family road trips and outdoor adventures. Its notable feature is the dual-sided access, making it convenient to load and unload from either side of the vehicle. The aerodynamic design helps reduce drag and wind noise, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The integrated SKS locks offer enhanced security, ensuring your belongings stay safe. The cargo box is made from durable plastic with a rugged matte-black finish, promising long-term use and weather resistance. The tool-free mounting system allows easy installation and removal, making it user-friendly.

At 50.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which could be a concern for some users during installation or removal. While it's a good fit for various outdoor activities, the size might be limiting for larger families or those needing more storage. With a limited lifetime warranty, Yakima stands by the product's durability and performance.

The Thule Force 3 (Size M) is a solid choice for those needing extra storage on their vehicle roof, offering 14 cubic feet of space which suits medium-sized gear loads for trips or active lifestyles. Its hard plastic shell is built to be durable and weather-resistant, protecting your items from rain and road conditions. Weighing around 32.6 pounds, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and manageable weight. The box is designed with aerodynamics in mind, which helps reduce wind noise and drag compared to bulkier models, benefiting fuel efficiency on longer drives.

The mounting system stands out for being tool-free and user-friendly, with a clear click system that assures you when the box is securely attached—a helpful feature for quick installation and peace of mind. Accessing your cargo is convenient thanks to its dual-sided opening, allowing you to reach your items from either side of the vehicle. Security is enhanced with Thule’s SlideLock system, which automatically locks the lid and shows a clear visual indicator when closed properly, making theft less likely. This model fits a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, cars, and electric vehicles, which adds versatility.

Its 14 cubic feet size might not be enough for very large loads or extended family trips, and while it's water-resistant, it's not fully waterproof, so very heavy rains could be a concern. Also, the price can be on the higher side, reflecting its quality but possibly limiting for budget buyers. The Thule Force 3 is well suited for active users looking for a reliable, easy-to-use roof cargo box with good security and convenience features, best suited for moderate cargo needs.