Best Rooftop Cargo Box for SUVs
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In this guide (7 sections)
Top picks at a glance
Best overallThule Motion 3View on Amazon
Easiest to useYakima SkyBox NX 16View on Amazon
Best value ThuleThule Force XTView on Amazon
Biggest capacityYakima SkyBox NX 18View on Amazon
Budget pickSportRack Vista XLView on Amazon
A rooftop cargo box frees up cabin space for passengers and keeps luggage dry and locked. For SUVs, the best box balances capacity with roof load limits, garage clearance and easy loading from either side.
Quick answer: our top pick is the Thule Motion 3, for most SUVs: dual-side opening, a shape that clears most liftgates, and quick mounting hardware.
Before you buy
- Roof dynamic load limit: your owner's manual lists it. Box weight + cargo must stay under it.
- Crossbars: most boxes need crossbars; check spacing requirements.
- Garage clearance: measure roof height plus box height.
- Hatch clearance: make sure the rear hatch opens fully under the box.
Quick picks
| Cargo box | Size | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion 3 | Multiple sizes | Best overall | Check price |
| Yakima SkyBox NX 16 | Multiple sizes | Easy open and close | Check price |
| Thule Force XT | Multiple sizes | Value Thule | Check price |
| Yakima SkyBox NX 18 | Large | Big families | Check price |
| SportRack Vista XL | XL | Budget pick | Check price |
The best SUV cargo boxes
Thule Motion 3
Best for: Families who want easy dual-side loading and a premium build.
- Material
- Plastic
- Item Weight
- 59.5 pounds
- Water Resistance Level
- Water Resistant
- Volume
- 3 liters
- Mounting Type
- Roof Mount
- Shell Type
- Hard
The Motion 3 has a wing-shaped, forward-leaning nose to cut drag, a one-hand lid with a wide handle, and Thule's PowerClick mount, which clicks when it is tight enough. Optional accessories include a light, liner and storage cover.
Pros
- Aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise and drag
- PowerClick mount with torque indicator
- Opens from both sides
- Smooth one-hand lid
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy at 59.5 lb to lift onto the roof
Yakima SkyBox NX 16
Best for: Owners who want simple mounting and dual-side access.
- Material
- Plastic
- Product Dimensions
- 75.5"L x 35"W x 16"H
- Item Weight
- 46 pounds
- Volume
- 16 cubic feet
- Water Resistance Level
- Water Resistant
- Mounting Type
- Roof Mount
The SkyBox NX 16 is the large (16 cu ft) version of Yakima's dual-side box, with an SKS lock and a flat interior floor. It is a good size for most mid-size SUVs.
Pros
- Opens from both sides
- SKS lock secures the lid and the box
- Flat floor uses space well
- 16 cu ft suits most SUVs
Cons
- Can be noisy at highway speed on some vehicles
- Less room than the NX 18
Thule Force XT
Best for: Buyers who want Thule quality for less.
- Material
- Plastic
- Mounting Type
- Roof Mount
- Shell Type
- Hard
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
Thule's Force XT (Convoy XT Large on this listing) holds 453 liters and fits skis or boards up to 175 cm. Quick-Grip mounting goes on in under 5 minutes without tools, and DualSide opening lets you load from either side.
Pros
- 453 L capacity
- Tool-free Quick-Grip mounting
- Opens from both sides
- Costs less than the Motion 3
Cons
- Fewer premium touches than the Motion 3
- Skis longer than 175 cm will not fit
Yakima SkyBox NX 18
Best for: Big families and long road trips.
- Material
- Plastic
- Product Dimensions
- 84"L x 36"W x 16.5"H
- Item Weight
- 53 pounds
- Volume
- 18 cubic feet
- Water Resistance Level
- Not Water Resistant
- Mounting Type
- Roof Mount
The SkyBox NX 18 holds 18 cu ft, enough gear for up to 4 campers, and fits skis and boards up to 195 cm. It measures 84 x 36 x 16.5 inches and opens from both sides.
Pros
- Largest box here at 18 cu ft
- Fits skis up to 195 cm
- Dual-side access
- Metal handle locks the lid and box
Cons
- 84 inches long, so check hatch clearance
- Tall at 16.5 inches, so check garage clearance
SportRack Vista XL
Best for: Occasional road trips.
- Material
- Plastic
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 62.5 x 39 x 19 inches
- Load Capacity
- 100 pounds
- Mounting Type
- Crossbar Mount
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
- Volume
- 18 cu ft
The Vista XL is an 18 cu ft (510 L) UV-resistant ABS box with tool-free mounting. It opens from the rear, which keeps you away from traffic when loading at the roadside.
Pros
- 18 cu ft for a low price
- Tool-free mounting
- UV-resistant ABS shell
Cons
- Rear opening only
- 100 lb load limit
How to pack a cargo box
- Put heavy items in the cabin, light bulky items in the box.
- Spread weight evenly over the crossbars.
- Use soft bags so items do not shift.
- Lock the box and check mounts after the first stop.
A loaded roof box raises your center of gravity and changes handling in crosswinds. Slow down, especially on curves and in high winds.
Rooftop cargo box FAQ
What size cargo box do I need for an SUV?
Most SUVs suit a box of about 16–18 cubic feet. Check the length so the rear of the box clears the open liftgate, and leave room on the bars for other gear if you need it.
How much weight can I put in a roof box?
Add the box, the crossbars and your load. The total must stay under the vehicle's roof load limit and the crossbars' rating. Keep heavy items in the cabin.
Do roof boxes hurt fuel economy?
Yes. Any roof load adds drag, especially at highway speed. Take the box off when you do not need it.
Bottom line
The Thule Motion 3 is the best cargo box for most SUVs. The Thule Force XT offers great value, and the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 fits the biggest loads.
Sources
Official sources for the standards, safety rules and products in this guide. Specifications change between model years, so confirm current specs and fitment on the manufacturer's site before you buy.
- Thule — official site — current product specifications
- Yakima — official site — current product specifications
- SportRack — official site — current product specifications
