10 Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes 2025 in the United States

The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine is a solid choice for those needing extra storage space on road trips or ski outings. With an impressive capacity of 11 cubic feet, it can accommodate 4-6 skis or 3-4 snowboards, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. Its rugged construction ensures that your belongings remain protected from the elements, and the hard-shell design offers excellent durability.

One of the standout features is the FastGrip quick-mount system, which allows for easy assembly in just a few minutes. This means less hassle when preparing for your adventure. The passenger-side opening enhances convenience, making it easier to load and unload your gear without having to reach across the vehicle.

Security is also prioritized with a central locking system, ensuring that your items are safe while parked. The Comfort Key is designed to be removable only when all locks are securely closed, giving you peace of mind. While the cargo box is lightweight at 30 pounds, some may find it challenging to lift or install without assistance. Additionally, its height off the crossbar at 11.3 inches may impact your vehicle’s aerodynamics slightly, potentially affecting fuel efficiency, though it is designed with aerodynamics in mind. Another aspect to keep in mind is that while the box is water-resistant, extreme weather conditions may still pose a risk to your contents. Finally, being a hard-shell box, it limits flexibility in terms of odd-shaped items compared to soft cargo bags.

The MeeFar Car Roof Bag XBEEK is a spacious rooftop cargo carrier with a capacity of 20 cubic feet, making it ideal for large families or extended trips. Its 51” (L) x 40” (W) x 17” (H) dimensions allow it to hold up to 4-6 suitcases, tents, and sleeping bags. The bag is made from 700D PVC tarpaulin, a material known for its durability and waterproof capabilities, ensuring your belongings stay dry and secure even in harsh weather conditions.

The anti-slip mat and 10 reinforced straps help in securely mounting the bag to your vehicle, whether it has a roof rack or not. The soft shell design allows for easy storage when not in use, as it can be folded into a compact size. Security is enhanced with a combination lock, which prevents the zippers from slipping and adds an extra layer of protection for your luggage.

However, the soft shell design might be less aerodynamic compared to hard shell cargo boxes, potentially impacting fuel efficiency. Additionally, the weight of the bag itself is 3.9 kilograms, so users need to consider the added weight when fully loaded. The universal compatibility makes it a versatile choice, but users should ensure that their vehicle can handle the total weight. The MeeFar XBEEK roof bag is a durable and spacious option with good security features and easy installation, but its soft shell design might not be the best for optimizing fuel efficiency.

The Thule Motion 3 XXL rooftop cargo box is an excellent choice for those needing a large, durable storage solution for road trips or outdoor gear. It offers a roomy 21 cubic feet of space, capable of carrying up to 165 pounds, which makes it suitable for bulky items like camping equipment or luggage. The aluminum construction provides strength and a premium feel, although it is not fully water resistant, so it is best suited for dry or light weather conditions.

Its aerodynamic, wing-shaped design helps reduce wind drag, potentially improving fuel efficiency compared to boxier models. Mounting the box is hassle-free thanks to the PowerClick quick-mount system, which signals when the box is securely attached, offering a tool-free setup that is convenient for occasional users. The lid opens and closes smoothly with one hand, aided by a wide handle, simplifying loading and unloading. Security is enhanced with the SlideLock system that locks the lid tightly and clearly indicates when it’s secured, providing peace of mind when leaving your vehicle unattended.

Additional features such as optional interior lighting and protective liners enhance usability but may increase the overall cost. The cargo box is relatively heavy (about 35 kg), which may make installation challenging for one person. While it does not offer full water resistance, it is solidly built and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This rooftop carrier is ideal for travelers and families seeking a spacious, secure, and sleek storage solution with easy mounting and access; however, those frequently driving in heavy rain or requiring complete waterproofing might prefer other options.