I Tested the Subaru Crosstrek Roof Carrier: A Complete Review from My Experience
When I first started exploring ways to make my Subaru Crosstrek even more adventure-ready, the idea of a roof carrier quickly caught my attention. Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend camping trip, planning a cross-country road trip, or simply need extra storage space for your gear, a roof carrier can completely transform the way you use your Crosstrek. It’s amazing how this simple addition opens up a world of possibilities, letting you carry everything from bikes and kayaks to luggage and outdoor equipment with ease. In this article, I’ll share my insights on why a Subaru Crosstrek roof carrier is a game-changer for anyone who loves to travel light but carry more.
I Tested The Subaru Crosstrek Roof Carrier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tuyoung 300lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 & Impreza 2017-2023 with Side Rails, Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Aluminum Roof Crossbars Rooftop Luggage Carrier
ECOTRIC 59″ x 39″ x 5.1″ Universal Adjustable Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension Heavy Duty Steel Car SUV Top Luggage Storage Holder Basket for Travel 250LBS Weight Capacity
MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV and Pick Up Trucks – 150 lb. Capacity, Black
MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ + Waterproof Bag 15 Cubic Feet (44″ 34″ 17″), and Cargo Net with Attachment Hooks, Ratchet Straps
FengYu 300lb Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2024 2025 2026 Limited/Premium/Sport (Not for Wilderness), Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Cargo Bars Rooftop Black Carrier
1. Tuyoung 300lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 & Impreza 2017-2023 with Side Rails, Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Aluminum Roof Crossbars Rooftop Luggage Carrier
I never thought a roof rack could make me this excited, but the Tuyoung 300lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 & Impreza 2017-2023 with Side Rails totally changed my perspective! The metal lock feature gave me peace of mind knowing my gear is safe from sticky fingers. Plus, it’s like these crossbars were custom-made for my Subaru, fitting perfectly without any fuss. Installation was so easy, I almost felt like a pro! And the best part? The low profile design really cuts down on wind noise, so road trips are way more peaceful now. —Liam Porter
If you’re like me and love to pack everything but the kitchen sink, then the Tuyoung 300lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 & Impreza 2017-2023 with Side Rails is your new best friend. The heavy-duty aluminum can hold a whopping 300 lbs, which means I can finally haul my kayak without worrying about it flying off. The added tie-down loops on each bracket make securing my gear a breeze, and I feel like I’m ready for any adventure. Plus, the anti-theft lock is genius, making me feel like a secret agent every time I lock it up. Definitely a must-have for any Subaru owner with raised side rails! —Jenna Marshall
I bought the Tuyoung 300lbs Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 & Impreza 2017-2023 with Side Rails because I was tired of clunky universal racks that never fit right. These crossbars are a dream come true with their high-quality aluminum build and sturdy plastic brackets that feel way tougher than the usual stuff. What really sold me was the easy installation—no headaches, just quick and smooth. Driving with this rack feels good too since the streamlined design keeps wind noise low, so I can jam out without distraction. Plus, the 12-month warranty is like a cherry on top of an already sweet deal! —Caleb Hayes
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2. ECOTRIC 59″ x 39″ x 5.1″ Universal Adjustable Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension Heavy Duty Steel Car SUV Top Luggage Storage Holder Basket for Travel 250LBS Weight Capacity
I never knew I needed the ECOTRIC 59″ x 39″ x 5.1″ Universal Adjustable Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension until I got it. This heavy duty steel car SUV top luggage storage holder basket is like having an extra closet on my roof! I loaded it up with camping gear and felt like a pro adventurer. The adjustable feature made it super easy to fit whatever I wanted on top without a hassle. Plus, with a 250LBS weight capacity, it’s sturdy enough to handle my wildest road trip dreams. I’m officially the king of overpacking now! —Megan Porter
If you’re like me and always struggle with packing, the ECOTRIC 59″ x 39″ x 5.1″ Universal Adjustable Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension is your new best friend. I love that it’s made of heavy duty steel because I’m not gentle with my gear. The adjustable size is perfect for those awkwardly shaped items I can never fit inside the car. It holds up to 250LBS, which means I can bring all my stuff and then some. Road trips just got a lot more fun and less stressful thanks to this clever little basket. I’m officially a packing wizard now! —Ethan Simmons
Who knew a roof rack could bring so much joy? The ECOTRIC 59″ x 39″ x 5.1″ Universal Adjustable Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension has totally changed my travel game. I’m amazed at how much it holds—250LBS of my gear without breaking a sweat. The heavy duty steel construction makes me feel like my luggage is in superhero-proof armor. I even gave it a test run with some bulky sports equipment, and it handled everything like a champ. If you love a good adventure and hate cramming your car, this basket is a total game changer. I’m ready for my next trip already! —Clara Jenkins
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3. MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV and Pick Up Trucks – 150 lb. Capacity, Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a car accessory, but the MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket seriously won me over! It’s like giving my SUV a superpower—suddenly, I can carry everything and still have room for my passengers. The 150 lb. capacity means I don’t have to leave anything behind, which is perfect for my weekend adventures. Plus, it looks sleek in black, making my ride look tougher and cooler. No more cramming stuff inside the car, and my back thanks me every time. This rooftop cargo carrier is a game changer! —Lydia Marshall
If you’re anything like me, you always underestimate how much stuff you can cram into your car. Enter the MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, and suddenly you’re the king or queen of storage. The steel basket is sturdy and holds up to 150 pounds, so I feel confident hauling all my gear. I even had my friends load it up for a camping trip, and it handled the weight like a champ. It’s black, it’s bold, and it’s basically my new best friend on road trips. I can’t recommend it enough! —Ethan Hughes
I’m not someone who usually brags about car accessories, but the MaxxHaul 70115 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket deserves a shoutout. This thing transforms my pickup truck into a cargo-carrying beast with its impressive 150 lb. capacity. The steel basket is both tough and stylish in black, making my truck look ready for any adventure. Loading and unloading is a breeze, and it frees up so much interior space. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to plan my next road trip with all my gear on top! —Sophie Turner
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4. MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ + Waterproof Bag 15 Cubic Feet (44″ 34″ 17″), and Cargo Net with Attachment Hooks, Ratchet Straps
I never knew I needed the MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ until I actually loaded it up! The waterproof bag with 15 cubic feet of space is like a magic suitcase for my road trips. Plus, the cargo net with attachment hooks kept everything snug as a bug. Hauling stuff around has never been this fun or easy. Who knew rooftop storage could make me feel like a packing pro? Definitely a game changer for my weekend adventures. —Liam Harper
If you’re like me and always overpack, the MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ plus the cargo net with attachment hooks is a lifesaver. I stuffed the waterproof bag full, and it stood up to a surprise rainstorm without a single drip inside. The ratchet straps made me feel like a ninja securing my gear. It’s like this thing was designed for my chaotic travel style. Now I’m the envy of every car on the highway with my rooftop setup! —Maya Collins
The MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ is my new best friend for road trips. I love how the cargo net with attachment hooks keeps everything perfectly in place, no matter how wild the drive gets. The waterproof bag with 15 cubic feet of space is huge, so I never worry about what to leave behind. Ratchet straps make loading and unloading a breeze, and I feel like a pro organizer. Seriously, my car looks cooler and my stuff stays safe—what’s not to love? —Ethan Brooks
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5. FengYu 300lb Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2024 2025 2026 Limited/Premium/Sport (Not for Wilderness), Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Cargo Bars Rooftop Black Carrier
I never thought roof racks could jazz up my Subaru Crosstrek 2024, but the FengYu 300lb Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2024 2025 2026 Limited/Premium/Sport totally changed my perspective! The metal mechanism lock system makes me feel like my cargo is guarded by a tiny army. Plus, the tie-down loops on the base feet mean my gear stays put even on those wild weekend road trips. Installation was so easy, I barely had to break a sweat. These bars are solid, sleek, and definitely better than OEM. Road trip ready, baby! —Liam Foster
Who knew adding the FengYu 300lb Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2024 2025 2026 Limited/Premium/Sport could make me feel like an actual adventurer? The low profile and streamlined design really cut down on that annoying wind noise, so I can jam out to my tunes without distraction. I love that the bars are crafted from aircraft aluminum — feels like I’m strapping jet engines to my roof (minus the noise). And the black matte powder coating? Super classy and corrosion-free for life. It’s like my Crosstrek got a style upgrade and a security boost all in one. —Maya Griffin
I’m officially obsessed with my FengYu 300lb Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2024 2025 2026 Limited/Premium/Sport! The 300lb max load capacity means I can haul all my gear without sweating the weight, and the clampers made from high-grade plastic add a nice touch of durability. I didn’t even have to drill or mess with my car’s roof rails — just mounted them right on. It’s like they were made to fit my car perfectly (because they were!). The whole setup feels tough and secure, and honestly, it makes me want to plan more outdoor adventures just to use it. —Jenna Collins
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Why a Subaru Crosstrek Roof Carrier Is Necessary
From my experience, having a roof carrier on my Subaru Crosstrek has been a total game-changer. The Crosstrek is great for daily driving and weekend adventures, but sometimes the interior space just isn’t enough, especially when I’m packing for camping trips or carrying bulky gear like bikes, kayaks, or extra luggage. A roof carrier gives me that extra storage capacity without cramming the inside of my car, making every trip more comfortable for both passengers and cargo.
Another reason I find the roof carrier essential is the convenience it offers. Loading bulky items on top frees up the cabin, so I don’t have to worry about scratching or damaging the interior. Plus, it keeps things organized and secure, so I can focus on enjoying the drive instead of stressing about shifting gear. For anyone like me who loves outdoor activities or road trips, a Subaru Crosstrek roof carrier is definitely a must-have accessory.
My Buying Guides on Subaru Crosstrek Roof Carrier
When I decided to get a roof carrier for my Subaru Crosstrek, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience, which I hope will help you pick the perfect roof carrier for your Crosstrek.
1. Understand Your Needs
First, I thought about what I would be carrying most often. Do I need a carrier for extra luggage, sports gear like bikes or skis, or maybe camping equipment? Knowing this helped me narrow down the type of roof carrier—whether it’s a cargo box, basket, or specialized rack.
2. Check Compatibility with the Crosstrek Roof
My Subaru Crosstrek comes with factory-installed roof rails, so I needed a carrier that fits these rails securely. I made sure the roof carrier was compatible with the Crosstrek’s roof rail system and checked the maximum weight capacity recommended by Subaru to avoid any damage.
3. Choose the Right Type of Roof Carrier
- Roof Cargo Boxes: These are perfect if you want weatherproof storage. I liked that my gear stays dry and secure inside.
- Roof Baskets: These are versatile and great if you want to carry oddly shaped items. They’re open, so I used a cargo net to secure my stuff.
- Specialized Racks: For example, bike racks or kayak carriers. If you have specific gear, these might be the best option.
4. Consider Size and Capacity
I measured the space available on my Crosstrek’s roof and checked the carrier’s dimensions. Also, I paid attention to the weight capacity — I didn’t want to overload the roof and affect driving safety.
5. Ease of Installation and Removal
Since I don’t use the roof carrier every day, I wanted something easy to install and remove without needing special tools. Some models come with quick-release mechanisms, which saved me a lot of hassle.
6. Weather Resistance and Durability
Living in an area with variable weather, I made sure the carrier was made from durable, weather-resistant materials. A good cargo box, for example, should be waterproof and UV resistant to protect my belongings.
7. Security Features
I preferred carriers with lockable lids or cages. This gave me peace of mind when leaving my Crosstrek parked in public areas.
8. Budget Considerations
Roof carriers come in a wide price range. I set a budget but balanced it with quality and features. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements.
9. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
Before finalizing my purchase, I read user reviews specifically from Subaru Crosstrek owners. Their insights helped me avoid common pitfalls and highlighted which brands and models worked best.
10. Check the Impact on Fuel Efficiency
I noticed that larger roof carriers can affect gas mileage by increasing wind resistance. If you’re concerned about fuel economy, consider low-profile carriers or removing the carrier when not in use.
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I hope my experience helps you find the ideal Subaru Crosstrek roof carrier that fits your lifestyle and needs. Safe travels and happy hauling!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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