The Best Cargo Boxes of 2025

Our Picks of Cargo Boxes

Best Overall Rooftop Box

INNO Wedge 660

The INNO Wedge 660 is a dual-opening, low-profile roof box that's both stylish and highly functional. We love how easy it is to set up - it arrives nearly fully assembled, so installation is swift and painless. It mounts to your vehicle's cross bars using intuitive clamps that only need to be adjusted for the first use and then can be locked into place using a lever closure. Taking it off is just as simple: lift the lever to unclamp. This is a perfect choice for folks who don't want to keep a box on their roof year-round. Once installed, its sleek aerodynamic profile looks sharp and helps cut down on wind noise, while still offering enough internal space to carry skis, snowboards, or other long gear.

Measured Weight	45.3 lbs
Volume	11 cu ft
Dimensions	80" x 33" x 11"
Access	Dual-side
Maximum Ski Length	182 cm

The Wedge's slender design means it's not great for transporting bulky luggage or larger camping supplies. If you need a larger capacity, consider a model like the Thule Motion 3 XL, which offers 18 cubic feet of space and a taller profile. Both these premium designs have a shiny exterior, which we found can scratch and scuff more easily than models with a matte finish. But overall, the Wedge is our top recommendation for most people. We love the balance it strikes between form and function at a fair price.

Read more: INNO Wedge 660 review

Best Large Capacity Box

Thule Motion 3 XL

The Thule Motion 3 XL is a spacious, easy-to-use roof box from the updated Thule Motion premium lineup. With a cavernous 18 cubic feet of capacity, it's built for families and adventurers who need to haul a lot without sacrificing comfort inside the car. The dual-side opening design can handle everything from skis and snowboards to camping gear and bulky luggage. (We even stashed a folded-up stroller in it!) The intuitive mounting system clicks into place securely in just minutes, with no extra tools required. Despite its size, the Motion 3 XL's sleek, aerodynamic profile minimizes drag and wind noise at highway speeds, which we found makes long drives noticeably more pleasant.

Measured Weight	51.0 lbs
Volume	18 cu ft
Dimensions	80" x 29" x 15"
Access	Dual-sided
Maximum Ski Length	200 cm

What really sets the Thule Motion 3 XL apart is how polished and refined it feels in day-to-day use. The PowerClick quick-mount system gives you confidence that it's secured down tightly, while the reinforced lid and SlideLock system enable one-handed opening. On the downside, it is one of the heavier and more expensive options on the market, which may not suit every user or budget. The Inno Wedge 660 offers a comparatively easy mount and premium finish for a more affordable price, but lacks the capacity of the Motion 3 XL. For those who prioritize durability, user-friendly features, and maximum space, the Thule Motion 3 XL is a premium option that delivers on all fronts.

Read more: Thule Motion 3 XL review

Best Bang for the Buck

Yakima RocketBox Pro 14

The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 is a great bargain buy, perfect for anyone wanting an all-around excellent cargo carrier without paying the high premium price tag of a top-tier model. Easy to install on most vehicles, this roof box is favored for its convenience and user-friendliness. It has dual-side openings - an absolute must, in our opinion - and feels very solid, secure, and well-made. The matte finish and dimpled texture also do an excellent job of hiding scrapes and scuffs.

Measured Weight	40.0 lbs
Volume	14 cu ft
Dimensions	74" x 33" x 16"
Access	Dual-side
Maximum Ski Length	170 cm

However, a few concessions were made to keep the price lower — as is typically the case. The overall size of this cargo carrier is slightly smaller than that of the premium models, which means the maximum length of gear you can carry is around 170 cm. This will limit many adult skiers. It also looks a bit stubbier and less sleek overall than some of its pricier counterparts. Despite that, we would highly recommend this product to anyone who needs additional vehicular gear storage and doesn't want to make too many sacrifices with respect to quality and budget. However, for a few bucks more, the Thule Pulse allows you to carry skis up to 181 cm.

Read more: Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 review

Another Solid Budget Option

Goplus Rooftop Carrier

For those who don't frequently transport long items like skis, we think the Goplus Rooftop Carrier is a great option. It's easy to use and install, with some of the same convenience features of the premium boxes, yet it costs significantly less. It has a dual-opening lid so you can access your gear from both sides of the car, and the quick clamps make installation and removal a breeze. The low weight of just 25 pounds means it's easier to lift atop a vehicle. This is one of the lightest boxes in our lineup and the shortest from front to back. If your car is shorter or you foresee yourself needing to install the box alone, this could be an ideal choice.

Measured Weight	25.0 lbs
Volume	14 cu ft
Dimensions	63" x 31" x 15"
Access	Dual-side
Maximum Ski Length	140 cm

This cargo carrier is short, with a maximum ski/board length of around 140 cm, meaning most adult skis will not fit. Some cars have a crossbar span that is too wide for this carrier to attach to, unless they are adjustable. Additionally, the quick clamps lack an indicator to confirm they are sufficiently tight; other models have an audible click that lets you know when they are clamped securely. Still, this is a great cargo box if you don't need to carry skis and want to save some money. For a budget box that will fit longer skis, we recommend the SportRack Horizon Alpine.

Read more: GoPlus Rooftop Carrier review

Best Bargain for a Basic, Long Option

SportRack Horizon Alpine

Roof boxes are expensive. If the price tag of most of them is still outside your budget, then the SportRack Horizon Alpine is the cargo carrier for you. The Horizon Alpine is a bare-bones product that can't compare to the premium carriers in terms of convenience features but retails at a fraction of the cost of those models. This budget box is decent-looking and feels very sturdy and durable. It's relatively painless to get on and off a car once you get the hang of it, and it can hold skis/snowboards up to 210 cm in length — a rarity for budget cargo carriers. It also only weighs 20 pounds, which is a plus for those who may not have a buddy to help lift it on and off the vehicle.

Measured Weight	25.0 lbs
Volume	11 cu ft
Dimensions	88.75" x 21" x 15.75"
Access	Passenger side
Maximum Ski Length	210 cm

While the Horizon Alpine will get your stuff from Point A to Point B, the low price means you'll miss out on some premium features. The lid only opens on the passenger side, and there's no way to reconfigure it. It lacks integrated straps for securing gear inside, and the lid is somewhat floppy. It's not the sharpest-looking box on the block, but we figure that's not first on your radar if you're looking at budget models. Despite the drawbacks, this is still a great option if you don't want to spend a whole paycheck on a cargo solution for your car. The Goplus Rooftop Carrier or Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 are two other great options that won't break the bank quite like the higher-end models.

Read more: SportRack Horizon Alpine review

How We Test

We've been testing cargo boxes since 2017, and we're constantly seeking new and notable models to add to our review. To ensure objectivity, we purchase all the products we test and never accept any free products or incentives from manufacturers. We began testing by unpacking and assembling each model, paying close attention to how easy each one is to install and load with gear. Each box was left on for several weeks and driven for hundreds of miles. We evaluated how user-friendly each was for day-to-day use and noted any significant changes in vehicle handling and fuel efficiency. The boxes were loaded and unloaded lots, with a wide variety of equipment, from sleeping bags to climbing ropes to kayak paddles and skis. Throughout testing, we kept track of any visible wear and tried to find flaws in durability. See our How We Test article for additional details on our testing process.

These cargo boxes are scored using four weighted rating metrics:

• Ease of Use (40% of total score weighting)

• Security (30% weighting)

• Quality (20% weighting)

• Appearance (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our cargo box testing team is headed up by Lauren DeLaunay, David Wise, and Sara James. Lauren has lived out of her van for several years and taken these boxes all over the country, filling them with gear for many kinds of trips. David lives in Tahoe and spends a significant amount of time transporting skis, snowboards, and camping equipment throughout the year. In addition to performing comprehensive real-world testing, David also contributes via his background in mechanical engineering when ranking and scoring each model's aerodynamics and structural design.

Sara is no stranger to loading her vehicle with gear for multiple people and multiple sports as she covers miles across California. Sensible storage solutions are essential as she transitions from a traveling dirtbag to a professional presenter, teaching educators at school districts across the state. Sara brings years of experience as an athlete, gear tester, and educator, and loves sharing what she learns with others.

Analysis and Test Results

To rank and score these products and identify which cargo-carrying box is truly worthy of being crowned the best, we developed a comprehensive testing plan that evaluates and judges the performance of each product on various aspects, including ease of installation and how well its finish hides scrapes and scratches. Our assessments can help you find the right cargo box for your needs.

What's the Best Value?

If you don't have a ton of cash to drop on your cargo solution, our top recommendation is the SportRack Horizon Alpine. It's half the cost of many of the roof boxes we tested, yet still performs decently, even carrying long skis. We also find the Goplus Rooftop Carrier and Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 to be great deals. They're a bit more than the SportRack model, but both have dual-side openings. However, skiers beware: the RocketBox isn't long enough for long skis, and the Goplus will really only carry child-sized skis.

For a top-tier model with a mid-range price, the INNO Wedge 660 scored quite well across our tests and costs less than many of the big brand names. We consider its price point quite fair for its performance. It's sleek, easy to use, and has a dual-opening design.

Ease of Use

Whether you plan to use your cargo box occasionally or throw it on your roof and leave it there for months, there are a few ways in which some boxes are considerably easier to use than others. We examined the assembly process, including mounting, opening and closing the box, securing a load of gear, dismounting, and remounting. This helped us develop a picture of the effort required when using these boxes on a daily basis, as well as the effort required in the long run if you need to remove, store, and remount a box at a later time. Overall, we found this ease of use to be the metric with the biggest impact when selecting a cargo box, so it is weighted the most heavily regarding each product's overall score.

The Thule Motion 3 XL and INNO Wedge both rose to the top in our ease of use tests. We love that these cargo carriers arrive nearly fully assembled, requiring only that you place the clamps into position and tighten them up — no inserting locking cores or attaching lids.

The mounting system on the Thule Motion 3 XL makes installation easy and is typically completed in under five minutes. The clamps are mounted through easy-to-adjust portals that can be moved to suit the position of your bars. Next, you simply screw down the integrated torque indicator, which makes a helpful clicking sound when it is fully adjusted.

The Motion 3 lid opens from either side and also features a pull strap, making it easier to close without having to stretch or stand on anything. This lid also has a reinforcement bracket, which makes one-handed opening and closing easier.

Thule's SlideLock system provides a visual indication of whether the box is closed securely, a feature we liked a lot but found in only a few of the premium models we tested.

The only missing add-on, in our opinion, is a light inside the box, though this is available through Thule as an advanced accessory, along with an optional protective box liner. The Thule Motion 3 XL is one of the largest and heaviest models in our lineup, requiring two sets of hands to get the box onto a car roof.

The INNO Wedge leads the way in the quickest cargo system to re-mount, making it perfect for those who want to throw their box on with little fiddling around. The clamps are easy to secure, with a large dial to adjust and a lever to clamp closed. Once you have these clamps adjusted to your bars, you can simply open the lever to detach the clamp or close the lever when mounting back on your car. The dual-sided access also ensures no extra time is wasted digging around to get what you need.

The Yakima SkyBox NX XL has a similarly quick and user-friendly attachment system, with an audible click alerting you to when the system is securely mounted. The torque indicator is removable, which helps keep the bottom of the cargo box snag-free and maximizes storage space. There is a handy spot to stash this torque key; however, we still think it could be easy to misplace.

This Yakima Skybox NX XL also has a visual indicator on the handle designed to let you know when the lid is fully secured down. We found this system not quite as foolproof as the Thule version present in the Motion 3 XL and other premium Thule models. The SkyBox stands out for its ease of loading, thanks to a flat, flush-mounted interior floor that eliminates the ridges and gaps common in many cargo boxes. This design makes it simple to slide in larger items without snagging straps, pack corners, or ski edges. The wide opening and roomy interior further enhance accessibility, allowing you to organize gear more efficiently and maximize usable space. Whether you're loading bulky luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment, the smooth floor makes the process quicker and less frustrating.

Regarding storage when not in use, the FLATED Air-Carrier stood out heads and shoulders above the rest, thanks to its ability to deflate, roll up, and fit into a backpack-carrying system similar to that used for a stand up paddleboard. Those who need a temporary storage solution will find this an easy choice.

The INNO Wedge's low profile also makes this model less cumbersome than most, a perk if you expect to store it in your garage for part of the year.

The GoPlus Carrier features quick clamps and opens on both sides. The quick clamps don't permanently mount into the box, but they are very user-friendly, making the installation process swift and easy. However, the clamps lack an indicator to show when they have been tightened sufficiently. Still, we like that the lid is secure and easy to open and close. Its light weight and short length make it easier for one person to install on a car, but crossbars with larger spans may not be compatible.

The Yakima RocketBox is also above-average regarding ease of use. This cargo carrier has a solid handle and is dual-opening, making it very easy to load or unload with gear. The installation clamps can be a bit finicky, especially with larger crossbars. We like the tool-free installation, but it can be a bit harder to judge if they have been tightened sufficiently.

Security

Everyone wants to be confident that a roof box will keep their gear as safe as possible, though a determined thief could probably get into any of these products with enough motivation and the right tools. Additionally, nobody wants a scenario where you're driving down the highway and see your gear flying behind you in your rearview mirror. We awarded the most points to carriers with simple and easy-to-operate security systems that appear durable enough to resist break-ins and solid enough to be entrusted with our beloved gear.

Nearly all the products in our lineup are relatively equal in terms of security. Most modern cargo boxes do not allow you to remove the key unless the box is properly latched and secured, which we consider a crucial feature. Some boxes, like the Thule Motion 3 XL and Yakima SkyBox NX XL, have red indicators to let you know if the box is latched properly before trying to remove the key, inspiring extra confidence that your belongings are safe. Both models are compatible with a one-key system, enabling you to order replacement lock cylinders and keys for securing your bars and boxes with a single key.

Most of the other boxes, like the INNO Wedge and RocketBox Pro 14, have factory-installed locks but lack any extra indicators or ergonomic handles. Still, they are easy to latch and unlatch and won't permit the key to be removed while the box is unlocked, preventing you from forgetting to close it or locking your keys in the box.

The FLATED Air-Carrier comes with a combination lock for the zipper, deterring quick hands away from your cargo box contents. However, given enough time undeterred, there is little to prevent someone from just taking this system off your rooftop. This is not a box you are likely to want to leave on your car unattended.

Quality

Almost all of these products are made from similar materials, so we looked at the details for clues about their longevity. We drove each box around for weeks without any signs of wear and tear, so this category is primarily concerned with structural integrity and weather resistance. For the most part, every box in this review passed the snow, rain, and wind test, but some had more questionable design features than others. We know you want to invest in a long-lasting roof box that you can rely on for countless future adventures, so we assessed this metric with a critical eye.

One of the main indicators of quality for a cargo box is the overall rigidity of the frame, particularly with the lid. We looked for fairly rigid lids that aligned the latching mechanisms without issue. We also examined the construction and design of the clamps and locking systems, as well as the potential for water intrusion. Finally, we assessed any wear and tear or other damage that each cargo carrier might have experienced after our rough-and-tumble testing process.

We found the Thule Motion 3 XL took the lead in this metric, with the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14, INNO Wedge 660, Thule Pulse, and Yakima Skybox NX XL all trailing close behind. These cargo carriers all held up very well to our testing process and feel solid and sturdy, with lids that open with minimal flopping. They are among the most resistant to water intrusion, and the different clamps and latches all feel well-designed. The Thule took the podium thanks to the reinforcement bracket on the inside of the lid, which boosts the structural integrity and makes it easier to open and close with one hand, as there is less flopping around of the lid.

In general, we found that most of these products will offer adequate protection for your gear. Our belongings were usually dry even after multi-day snowstorms, driving through heavy rainstorms, or getting sprayed with a garden hose on full strength for 20 minutes, one of our rigorous simulated weather tests.

We are a bit more concerned about water resistance regarding the SportRack Vista XL and SportRack Horizon Alpine. These cargo carriers mount to roof racks with a set of U-bolts and come with a series of pre-drilled holes to accommodate different crossbar spacing. These holes mean that there are multiple points where water can enter. To remedy this, SportRack includes vinyl stickers to cover the unused holes. These stickers performed fine during testing, but we wonder if their effectiveness at keeping water out might degrade over time.

Regarding water resistance, the clamps on the Goplus Carrier are mediocre. The clamps push through a slit in a piece of rubber sheeting, which probably provides a better seal than the vinyl stickers, but it's not as good as the premium models with quick clamps that have a sliding seal.

None of these boxes showed any significant signs of damage through normal wear and tear, though most showed a handful of scrapes and scuffs from repeatedly installing and uninstalling them. One tester managed to bend two of the four mounting clips by accidentally backing a Thule box into a cement wall, but there wasn't major damage to the cargo carrier.

Glossier models like the Thule Motion 3 XL and INNO Wedge tended to show scuffs and scrapes more easily. Most people accept that their cargo box will show some scrapes over time, but if this kind of thing bothers you, consider a matte or satin finish box.

Appearance

Although we tend to prioritize function over form for most categories, we recognize that cargo boxes can be an eyesore and are something you'll have to see daily on your vehicle. Testing for this metric was fairly subjective and based upon a group consensus.

There were no shocking designs in this review; all the products we tested generally look like what we'd expect from cargo boxes these days. They come in a surprising number of sizes and finishes, though, and we had clear preferences. With its low profile and sleek finish, the INNO Wedge 660 is definitely more appealing than your average cargo box. We also find the edgy look of the Thule Motion 3 XL appealing. However, these both show dirt and scrapes a bit more readily due to their glossy finish.

If you're going for a more muted aesthetic, the Yakima SkyBox NX XL or Horizon Alpine might be better options. We generally prefer the matte finish for our adventures as this hides dirt and dead bugs well — a problem we hadn't initially thought of. Scratches and scuffs are also notably more subtle on the matte finishes, a problem that glossy models struggled with after many miles on the road.

Additionally, we appreciate that some models, like the Thule Motion 3 XL and INNO Wedge, are available in multiple colors, letting you pick the best match for your car. This gives a definite boost for versatility and personalization.

We weren't the biggest fans of the surface texture and finish on some of the cargo boxes. The textured finish on the SportRack Vista seemed a little cheap to us, to the point where we felt it might detract from the appearance of nicer cars. We liked the dimpled finish on the Goplus Rooftop a bit more.

The Yakima RocketBox 14 also shares a dimpled matte texture that is convenient for hiding minor blemishes. However, the overall appearance of this box is less sleek and stylish than some of the other models. Regardless, it could be a good option if you like how the textured surface matches your vehicle and are trying to save some money.

A Note on Gas Mileage

Does adding a heavy box to your vehicle affect its power, handling, and fuel efficiency? Sure. Were we able to notice the difference, especially comparative differences between each box? No, not really. We tested boxes across different test cars and found no significant impact on how they handled, regardless of whether we were traveling on the freeway at high speeds, over windy mountain passes, or over potholes and bumps on rough roads.

These are all large boxes that go on top of your car, increasing wind resistance and drag while driving. However, they are all quite comparable, especially for larger SUVs or trucks that are not particularly aerodynamic to begin with. Drag is hugely dependent on speed as well, so you most likely can negate any loss in fuel economy by driving just a bit slower — and you probably don't want to be speeding with a fully loaded cargo box on top of your car anyway.

Other Notable Cargo Boxes

• Thule Motion 3 XL Low If you need the length to store long items, such a skis or paddles, but don't want the bulk, the Motion 3 XL comes in a low profile version, sporting all the same high quality features but saving you weight and height clearance.

• KAIRAY 500 Depending on your needs and car setup, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier may be a better option for you, as these are typically cheaper and easier to access for loading and unloading. You can often include much taller items and even lash large and bulky items down to the metal frame, which is something you can't typically do with a cargo roof rack. The Kairay 500 is the best hitch model we have tested so far and comes at a great price. That said, there are some downsides to hitch racks over roof cargo carriers. It takes a lot more time to open, close, and secure the items in the vinyl bag. Getting the hitch on and off usually takes two people, and the rack is awkward to store. If you want to take the bag on and off the metal frame, it takes a lot of time to tie and untie all the straps. And on many newer cars, the backup sensors can be quite annoying every time you put your car in reverse. All that said, this is a great value option, especially for more infrequent road trips.

Conclusion

Our goal is simple: to help you find the cargo box that's not just good enough, but perfect for your adventures. Sure, every model here will haul your gear from Point A to Point B, but the real difference lies in the details; the subtle design choices, clever features, and trade-offs that separate the good from the great. With our in-depth, hands-on testing and honest recommendations, you'll be equipped to choose the box that fits your gear, your vehicle, and your budget. Here's to organized loads, spacious rides, and safe travels wherever the road takes you.