What are cargo boxes?

Cargo boxes – also known as roof boxes, car top carriers, roof bags, or cargo carrier bags – are storage boxes that mount to the top of your car. Most cargo boxes are weatherproof and allow you to store more gear without buying a bigger vehicle.

Does a cargo box affect gas mileage?

Simply put, yes, a cargo box can affect your car’s gas mileage. Although many manufacturers of cargo boxes emphasize their product’s aerodynamics or sleek design, a cargo box will create more drag in the wind, hence a downturn in fuel mileage.

Are rooftop cargo boxes worth it?

Yes, a rooftop cargo box can be worth it. Although they cost more than rooftop cargo bags, they are generally easier to install and secure. It should also be noted that cargo boxes are typically weather-resistant, while rooftop cargo bags usually aren’t.

How fast can you drive with a cargo box?

Manufacturers have different recommendations, but generally, it is best practice to drive under 80 mph to ensure the cargo box stays secure in the event of a sudden stop. You should also only have your rooftop box equipped while it is carrying cargo

How big is a cargo box?

Dimensions vary across models, but cargo boxes for cars can offer between 11.0 to 18.0 cubic feet of storage.

Best Cargo Box, Tested By Experts (2023 Guide)

Thule Force XT

A dual side-opening cargo box that doesn’t take up much space, but offers tons of added storage.

SportRack Vista XL

A highly durable and budget-friendly cargo box that opens from the rear rather than the side(s).

Thule Pulse

A high-quality cargo box that maximizes the amount of storage space you have in your car.

A cargo box can dramatically increase your vehicle’s storage capabilities. We’ve all been there trying to stuff and pack a car full of supplies for a road trip to the point that you struggle to close the doors. With one of the best cargo boxes in the industry, you’ll be able to fully utilize every last pound and inch of storage space.

Our team of experts has physically tested several of these cargo boxes to give you an insider look at the installation process and help you determine whether the manufacturer’s carrying capacity claims are true. Below is a list of our recommended cargo boxes, followed by a buyers guide that delves into what you should know before clicking add to cart.

3 Best Cargo Boxes

Cargo Box

Best Overall: Thule Force XT
Best Value: SportRack Vista XL
Highest Capacity: Thule Pulse

How We Tested

cargo boxes_thule pulse

The cargo boxes in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors such as aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, customer ratings, and prices.

Our product testing team then ordered the cargo boxes that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a car, taking note of how easy the cargo box was to install, its capacity, and its durability. Each cargo box was given a rating out of 5 stars based on these criteria.

Capacity: Arguably the most important characteristic of a cargo box, we tested for capacity by noting the weight capacity and volume of each cargo box. Our team then tested whether each cargo box could withstand the load and volume that it says it can.
Ease Of Installation: Not to be overlooked, our review team unboxed each cargo box and proceeded to mount it to our testing vehicle’s roof racks. As our testing vehicle, a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3, did not come with factory roof racks, we used the cross bars of a team member’s bike rack kit to mount our cargo boxes. We specifically used Thule SquareBar Steel Load Bars, the Thule Roof Rack System Fit Kit, and the Thule 480 Traverse Foot Pack.
Durability: We tested durability by feeling and observing the build quality of each cargo box. We noted the materials used in construction as well as how each cargo box handled high speeds, sharp turns, and bumpy roads.

Why You Can Trust Us

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

#1 Best Overall: Thule Force XT

cargo boxes_thule force

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The Thule Force XT separates itself from the competition with its dual side openings, making installation and packing your cargo box that much easier. Additionally, this cargo box features a narrow design to leave space for extra gear such as skis, snowboards, bikes, and even kayaks. Although this cargo box is narrow, it still boasts 11.0 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of storage space.

A PowerClick Quick-Mount system allows you to quickly and easily mount this cargo box to your vehicle’s roof by simply tightening the integrated torque indicator until it clicks. A LockKnob system lets you open and lock the cargo box, giving you easy access to your rooftop storage.

Key Features

Cost: Around $700
Dimensions: 74.8 by 24.8 by 16.7 inches
Weight: 32.0 pounds
Load capacity: 165.0 lbs.
Volume: 11.0 cu. ft.

Our Experience

cargo boxes_thule force

We tested and reviewed the Sport size of the Thule Force XT. But there are larger sizes available, including Large, XL, and XXL.

Overall Rating	5 out of 5
Capacity	5
Ease of Installation	5
Durability	5

Capacity: In terms of load capacity, no other cargo box can boast that it’s built to withstand over 150.0 lbs. of kit and caboodle. While you may find other cargo boxes with a higher volume capacity, specifically the Thule Pulse, few cargo boxes have such a high weight capacity.

Ease Of Installation: The Thule Force XT was hands down the easiest cargo box to install that we researched or tested. Thule’s mounting systems are levels above the rest of the competition, but the fact that this cargo box could open on each side is what ultimately made the installation process so easy.

Durability: While we originally had concerns about the durability of the cargo box due to the fact that we opened both sides simultaneously, it was much more durable than expected. We’d like to note that opening both sides of this cargo box simultaneously was user error on our part, and that you’ll have no issues with this cargo box lasting if you install and use it properly.

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 1,500 ratings

Many customers highly recommend this cargo box, with several noting that there’s plenty of room to store all of their gear. One man claims he’s taken three cross-country trips with this cargo box and says he loves how easy to use and secure the mounting clamps are.

#2 Best Value: SportRack Vista XL

cargo boxes_sport rack

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Made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, the SportRack Vista XL is UV-resistant. This cargo box is unique in the fact that it is rear opening, which we found made loading bits and bobs notably easier than standard side-opening cargo boxes. In terms of mounting the cargo box on your vehicle’s roof, you simply utilize the SportRack’s quick-release mounting system, which involves tightening U-bolts to inside knobs.

While all cargo boxes will negatively impact your vehicle’s gas mileage, this cargo box features angled contours to make the rooftop cargo carrier aerodynamic and reduce its drag in the wind. Once locked, the cargo box becomes waterproof. It should be noted that the product is compatible with square and round load bars, as well as most factory roof racks.