Best Cargo Box For Subaru Outback: Compare 7 Roof Boxes

#1 · Best Overall

1. SportRack Vista XL

• Dimensions: 62.5 x 39 x 19 in
• Material Type: Plastic

Best for: Large rear-access road-trip storage.

Why it ranks #1: Its stated fit includes most factory racks, square bars and round bars; 18 cubic feet, rear opening, tool-free mounting and a lock add practical utility.

Rear opening keeps the SportRack Vista XL’s 18 cubic feet of cargo accessible from the back of the vehicle, away from passing traffic. That layout is useful when loading or retrieving gear beside a busy road, while its tool-free mounting hardware makes installation and removal simpler for rack-equipped Outback owners.

The 18-cubic-foot interior gives road-trip luggage and outdoor gear a dedicated space above the cabin, helping preserve passenger room. Its rear-opening design lets you reach items from behind the vehicle rather than the traffic-facing side. Durable, UV-resistant ABS supports outdoor exposure, and the included lock secures both the contents and the box to the rack. Tool-free mounting works with SportRack systems, square and round bars, and most factory racks; check the fit guide for your setup.

Skip it if you need more than 100 pounds of roof-box load capacity; the listed limit is 100 pounds.

Choose this for Outback trips when rear-side access and roomy 18-cubic-foot storage matter. Its broad rack compatibility is useful, but verify your rack against the fit guide and keep cargo within the 100-pound load limit.

Listed on Amazon as: SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black

#2 · Best For Long Gear

2. Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XLG

• Dimensions: 84"L x 36"W x 16.5"H
• Dimensions: 84"L x 36"W x 16.5"H
• Material Type: Plastic

Best for: Long skis and group camping gear.

Why it ranks #2: The 18-cubic-foot box opens from either side and accommodates skis or snowboards up to 195 cm, with included SKS locks.

The Yakima SkyBox NX 18 fits skis and snowboards up to 195 centimetres, making it a focused choice for Outback trips with long winter gear. Its 18 cubic feet of storage and dual-sided opening also give campers room to stow equipment and reach it from either side of the vehicle.

The 18-cubic-foot interior is listed as providing secure storage for up to four campers, and its flattened floor leaves usable space unobstructed for arranging gear. Dual-sided access lets passengers load from the side that is easier to reach. A full metal opening handle locks gear inside and secures the box to the vehicle, while included SKS locks support that locking setup. At 84 inches long, the box is substantial, so account for its dimensions when considering roof storage.

Skip it if you need a shorter box than its listed 84-inch length; this carrier measures 84 inches long.

Choose it for Outback ski trips or group camping when 18 cubic feet, dual-side loading, and room for gear up to 195 centimetres fit your plans. Its 84-inch length is an important roof-space consideration.

Listed on Amazon as: Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XLG Rooftop Cargo Carrier, 18 Cu Ft, SKS Lock, Black

#3 · Best Tool-Free Mount

3. Thule Pulse 2 M

• Material Type: Plastic

Best for: Everyday dual-side loading.

Why it ranks #3: Its 400-litre capacity and 75 kg load capacity suit regular trips; a tool-free torque-indicator mounting system and access from either side are specified.

A torque indicator that clicks when the Thule Pulse 2 M is safely attached gives installation a clear confirmation point. With 400 litres of cargo space and access from either side, it accommodates luggage and trip gear while letting Outback users load from whichever side is more convenient.

The 75-kilogram load capacity supports luggage, gear, skis, and snowboards, while 400 litres of space gives everyday journeys and weekend escapes extra carrying room. Dual-side access can simplify loading when one side of the Outback is blocked or less convenient. Its tool-free mounting system reduces installation steps, and the torque indicator clicks when the box is safely attached. The streamlined shape is described as suiting a wide variety of modern vehicles; check that your roof setup and cargo needs match the box.

Skip it if you need the Yakima SkyBox NX 18’s listed 18-cubic-foot capacity rather than 400 litres.

A good match for Outback owners who want dual-side access and a tool-free attachment process for commuting or short getaways. Its 400-litre capacity and 75-kilogram load rating set boundaries for larger loads.

Listed on Amazon as: Thule Pulse 2 M Roof-Mounted Box, 14 Cubic Ft, Dual-Side Opening

#4 · Best Bar-Spacing Details

4. GarveeTech Rooftop Cargo Box

• Dimensions: 62.2"L x 31.5"W x 13.4"H
• Dimensions: 62.2"L x 31.5"W x 13.4"H

Best for: Dual-access crossbar setup.

Why it ranks #4: The 14-cubic-foot configuration lists crossbar spacing of 20.5 to 30.3 inches and bar width and height ranges, making fit checks more specific.

Dual-side opening lets the GarveeTech cargo box be reached from either side of the vehicle, giving Outback travelers more flexibility when loading at home or roadside. Its 14-cubic-foot option measures 62.2 by 31.5 by 13.4 inches, offering enclosed rooftop storage in a relatively low profile.

The ABS hard shell is described as waterproof and UV-resistant, helping shield luggage from weather and sun exposure during road trips. Its aerodynamic shape is intended to reduce fuel consumption and noise, while the dual-side opening title points to access from either side of the Outback. For the 14-cubic-foot version, the crossbars must be 20.5 to 30.3 inches apart, 1.1 to 3.3 inches wide, and 0.7 to 1.5 inches high, so measure before installation.

Skip it if you have crossbars outside the stated spacing, width, or height ranges; this box lists specific bar dimensions.

A practical candidate for Outback owners whose crossbars meet its measurements and who value access from both sides. Choose the 14-cubic-foot configuration for its stated dimensions, and check bar spacing, width, and height before deciding.

Listed on Amazon as: GarveeTech Rooftop Cargo Box Carrier, Dual-Side Opening Luggage Storage

#5 · Highest Load Capacity

5. VISRACK Roof Cargo Box

• Dimensions: 62.52"L x 32.48"W x 13.19"H
• Dimensions: 62.52"L x 32.48"W x 13.19"H
• Material Type: ABS+PC

Best for: Weather-protected dual-side storage.

Why it ranks #5: This dual-side-opening box lists a 150-pound load capacity and measures 62.52 by 32.48 by 13.19 inches; confirm rack limits separately.

A 150-pound load capacity gives the VISRACK cargo box a substantial stated limit for carrying heavier essentials on an Outback trip. Its 14-cubic-foot interior and dual-side opening pair useful storage with access from either side, while ABS and PMMA construction is specified for weather and impact resistance.

The 62.52-by-32.48-by-13.19-inch shell provides 14 cubic feet of enclosed space for trip gear, and the dual-side opening can make loading easier when access on one side is limited. Its ABS-and-PMMA material is described as resisting impacts and harsh weather, with protection against rain, UV rays, and dust. The stated 150-pound capacity accommodates heavier essentials, but buyers should still plan cargo around that limit and the box’s dimensions.

Skip it if you need 18 cubic feet of storage; the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 lists that larger capacity.

This suits Outback owners who want dual-side access, weather protection, and a stated 150-pound capacity for heavier essentials. Its 14 cubic feet of storage is the boundary for buyers packing larger loads.

Listed on Amazon as: Roof Cargo Box, Dual-Side Opening Design, 14 Cubic Feet Capacity

#6

6. DNA MOTORING Cargo Box

• Dimensions: 53"L x 34"W x 15"H
• Dimensions: 53"L x 34"W x 15"H
• Material Type: ABS Plastic

Best for: Compact crossbar-mounted gear carrier.

Why it ranks #6: Its 11-cubic-foot capacity and 110-pound maximum load offer a smaller option, but it requires crossbars and has no stated Subaru-specific fit.

A 110-pound evenly distributed load rating gives the DNA MOTORING box a clear role for carrying substantial gear above the cabin. Its 11 cubic feet of storage adds room without taking passenger space, while the 53-by-34-inch footprint suits buyers seeking a smaller rooftop carrier than a large-capacity box.

The impact-resistant ABS shell provides a rugged enclosure, and the box opens up to 14 inches wide to accommodate bulky items. That opening can make loading awkward-shaped gear easier, while its 11-cubic-foot capacity is suited to adding storage without moving cargo into the passenger area. The listed mounting brackets and hardware support installation on vehicles with crossbars; the product specifies crossbars only and no-tool assembly and installation. Distribute cargo evenly and stay within its 110-pound maximum.

Skip it if you do not have vehicle crossbars; this carrier is specified for crossbar-equipped vehicles only.

Consider it for an Outback with crossbars when an 11-cubic-foot box, wide opening, and 110-pound evenly distributed limit suit your gear. It is not an option for a vehicle without crossbars.

Listed on Amazon as: DNA MOTORING Rooftop Cargo Box Carrier Lockable Heavy Duty Car Top Storage Case, Capacity 110 Lbs, 53" L x 34" W x 15" H, 11 17 Cubic Ft.(Textured Black), PT-ZTL-8166-BK

#7

7. D SOLUTIONS Cargo Carrier

• Dimensions: 53"L x 34"W x 15"H
• Dimensions: 53"L x 34"W x 15"H
• Material Type: ABS Plastic

Best for: Crossbar-only compact cargo option.

Why it ranks #7: The 53-by-34-by-15-inch ABS box lists a 110-pound load limit, but its crossbar-only universal fit has no stated Subaru-specific compatibility.

A 110-pound load rating gives the D SOLUTIONS hard-shell carrier a defined capacity for rooftop luggage and gear. Its 53-by-34-by-15-inch ABS box adds storage without occupying passenger space, while the listed no-tool assembly and installation can simplify setup for an Outback with crossbars.

The ABS shell is described as durable and able to help protect contents from inclement weather, giving luggage an enclosed rooftop location. Its 110-pound rating sets a clear cargo limit, and the 53-by-34-by-15-inch dimensions help buyers judge the space available for their gear. The listing specifies vehicles with crossbars only and says assembly and installation require no tools. That combination suits straightforward crossbar setups, but it will not work for an Outback without crossbars.

Skip it if you do not have crossbars; this box is specified for crossbar-equipped vehicles only.

Consider it for an Outback with crossbars when its 110-pound limit and 53-by-34-by-15-inch dimensions suit your luggage. Its no-tool installation is convenient, but crossbars are a firm compatibility requirement.

Listed on Amazon as: Hard Shell Roof Top Cargo Carrier Waterproof Travel Luggage Box