If you're a lover of adventure and own a 2019 Honda Civic or any other model year, the storage space might not be enough to carry luggage like camping gears, skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and other items that you might need in your adventure. However, the best roof rack for Honda Civic space won't be a problem anymore. This storage space accessory will provide you extra space for luggage as you travel.
What is a Roof Rack?
A roof rack is usually a set of bars that you securely mount on top of your car roof then use it to carry bulky items like canoes, kayaks, bicycles, luggage, or different carriers and cargo box. There are four most common roof racks: cargo and luggage racks, bike racks, canoe or kayak racks, and ski or snowboard racks.
These roof racks come in handy and help you more than double your cargo space and offer room for carrying luggage or items that may not fit in your car. So, they enable you to transport items on your Honda civic roof without reducing interior space for passengers or the cargo area volume limits. Now that we know what a roof rack is, let's look at our best roof racks for Honda Civic.
1. Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box
If you're looking for the best roof rack for Honda Civic that is sealed, we recommend the Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box. This rooftop cargo box has a space-saving design and carries the load with room for other luggage on the roof rack. It is constructed with the idea of protecting your luggage from weather conditions that might end up damaging them. Moreover, it's compact hence leaving enough room for other roof-mounted accessories.
Since you're looking for the best model to install on your Honda civic roof, be in the know that it has a smaller capacity for small cargo like camping gear and golf clubs. Conversely, to make sure your cargo box is safe and secure after mounting, this Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box features sturdy U-bolts with adjustable brackets and reinforcement plates. Moreover, it comes with ease of loading and offloading because of its passenger-side opening.
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2. Thule WingBar Evo Load Bars
The Thule WingBar Evo comes as a set of two, and its internal structure creates a remarkably sturdy load bar. The roof rack system comes in an advanced aerodynamic design that reduces wind noise and drag. It also uses wind diffuser technology which disturbs airflow to minimize noise and drag for enhanced fuel economy. Additionally, the upper T-track interface allows hassle-free installation and removal of compatible accessories. Additionally, the smartSlides has a slidable length scale for offering smooth and quick rack installation because it doubles like an under-bar aerodynamic cove.
The load bar for the Thule Evo roof rack system is sturdy to handle 220 lbs load. In addition, the roof rack comes with swingBlade end cap pivots, which are usually open to allow access to the T-slot for quick and easy accessory installs. Conversely, before buying this roof rack, we recommend you to check the Thule Buyer's guide first to find out which of them fits your Honda Civic model.
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3. YAKIMA - JetStream Bar Aerodynamic Crossbars
Yakima - JetStream Bar, Aerodynamic Bar for Roof Rack Systems, Black, 50"
- Aerodynamic crossbar: The high-performance JetFlow teardrop shape...
- Reinforced design: Features JetTruss internal support engineering...
- Easy to install: The T-slot rubber infill makes it easy to mount...
- Compatibility: Works with Yakima StreamLine Towers, T-Slot...
- We’ve got your back guarantee: Covered by our Limited Lifetime...
The Yakima JetStream Bar Aerodynamic Cross-bars are available in black and silver color and two cross-bars and four end caps. The high-performance JetFlow has a teardrop shape that is sturdy, quiet, and reduces drag to offer you maximum efficiency. In addition, the roof racks feature JetTruss internal support construction that adds strength for minimal weight. Besides, the carrying capacity is 165 lbs.
The roof cross-bars work with Yakima Streamline towers, Yakima T-Slot attachments, and all Yakima gear mounts. The T-slot comes with SmartFill™ push-down infill, which allows easy mount attachment and efficient airflow, plus it comes with four high-gloss polymer end caps for a polished look.
The Yakima cross-bars come with a clear anodized alloy finish and high-gloss polymer end caps, which look great on your Honda civic roof. Also, the cross-bars are made of seamless aluminum construction, which is sleek and lightweight. Moreover, when you buy the Yakima Crossbars, you will get a limited lifetime warranty.
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4. Rhino-Rack Master-Fit Cargo Box
Rhino Rack Master-Fit Cargo Box, Gloss Black, 14 Cubic Feet (400 Liters)
- CARRY MORE - The proven 4WD Off Road Roof Box can carry 833lbs,...
- OPENS BOTH SIDES - Opens on Both Sides for Easy Access to all...
- ENGINEERED TOUGH - Made from highly durable materials (ABS and...
- AERODYNAMIC - Aerodynamically designed to reduce drag, this box...
- LARGE CAPACITY - With the 400 liters / 14.13 cubic feet / 106...
If you are looking for the best roof rack for Honda Civic with a sleek, modern design, we recommend the Rhino-Rack Master-Fit Cargo Box. It offers an extra 14 cubic feet of space and comes in an extremely attractive glossy black design that will definitely match your car irrespective of its color. Furthermore, this Rhino-Rack is a proven 4WD Off-Road roof box that can carry 833 lbs. Besides, with this Rhino-Rack, you can conveniently carry more on all your trips, off-road and on-road.
The Rhino-Rack Master-Fit Cargo Box usually opens on both sides for easy access to all your cargo. It features two load securing straps so that your cargo doesn't rattle around while you drive off-road. The Rhino-Rack is constructed from highly durable materials (ASA and ABS), which offer enhanced weather resistance, impact resistance, UV resistance, retain gloss, and form for years of long quality life. Additionally, it features two metal reinforcements beneath for extra strength.
The Rhino-Rack comes with an aerodynamic design that reduces drag and saves you on your fuel bills. The Cargo box is contoured sleek and includes a rear wind diffuser so that you can concentrate on the road ahead and not your MPG. A MasterFit Technology is also featured to enable you to fit the cargo box quickly and safely using a revolutionary Twist to tighten and press to lock the clamping system. Moreover, you can carry about anything with this cargo box: camping equipment, equipment from golf clubs, travel gear, electric scooter, and more.
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Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Roof Rack for Honda Civic
1. Type of racks
When looking for the best roof rack for Honda civic, the type of rack is an essential consideration. They're usually different types of roof racks depending on the cargo you are planning to carry on. The following are the most popular racks for Honda civic:
- Cargo & luggage racks
Usually carry ordinary family luggage with an extended storage capacity that does not restrict what you carry with you. This type of roof rack usually comes in a cargo basket, cargo box, or cargo bag where each of them has its suitability.
Cargo baskets are usually suitable for off-road traveling because they are tough to withstand the rough off-road conditions. For cargo bags, they offer enough storage space at an affordable rate. Conversely, cargo boxes are ideal for storing any cargo you require dry, such as skis and boards.
- Bike racks
As the name suggests, this type of rack is used to carry bikes. So, if you have a bike and want to bring it with you while traveling, this unit will be perfect for you. You can mount these bike racks on the roof, spare tire, pick-up bed, trunk, and a trailer hitch. Besides, Each bike rack can hold a single bike; however, you can use multiple bike racks if necessary.
- Canoes or kayaks racks
This roof rack is designed to transport your kayak or canoe on the roof of your car using existing roof bars. Canoe and kayaks usually make transporting your boat simple. So, when using a rooftop kayak or canoe to transport your boat, ensure to secure the boat properly and occasionally stop during your travel to ensure it hasn't loosened up.
- Ski and snowboard racks
The snowboard and ski racks easily mount to your car's roof rack to allow you to easily and safely transport your snowboards or skis. When choosing a snowboard or ski rack, consider the number of snowboards or skis you need to transport, how often you'll use the rack and whether you will store anything else on the roof.
2. Rack material
When looking for the best roof rack for Honda Civic, remember to consider the rack material. The best roof rack is made with sturdy and lightweight material. Also, considering the roof rack will be exposed to harsh exterior environment conditions and heavy loads, it must be sturdy for reliability and durability. Therefore, the racks are constructed with heavy-duty alloy steel on our best roof rack list to endure harsh weather conditions and aluminum for lightweight, strength, and durability.
3. Base roof rack systems
Before buying the best roof rack for Honda Civic, we recommend considering the roof-rack system for your Honda car. For instance, you'll need sturdy cross-bars or roof rails to support the rack and the carrier of your choice. Additionally, the base roof rack system should be multi-functional to allow different rack and cargo carriers for different cargo.
4. The weight limit
We recommend you check the maximum weight the roof rack can hold to avoid damaging your car because roof racks have few contact points on the roof, making it easy to distribute the luggage's weight evenly. Conversely, the even distribution of rack weight will ensure that your Honda Civic withstands the extra weight without its roof getting damaged. Also, it's important to ensure that your roof rack can stand up wind-exerted stress on the roof luggage when driving at high speeds.
5. Aerodynamics
It's essential to consider whether the roof rack has an aerodynamic system or not. We recommend you to look for a roof rack that is aerodynamic for reduced stress on the car's movement and rooftop. Since a roof rack acts as a wind barrier, it might increase your vehicle's drag, leading to increased fuel consumption. However, roof racks are usually designed to allow air to flow under and over the rack evenly. With such aerodynamic systems, your car's drag will reduce and prevent the luggage from lifting off the car while in motion.
How Do You Install A Roof Rack on Your Honda Civic?
After buying the best Honda Civic roof racks, you will need to know how to mount them. Although it might seem complex, mounting a roof rack on a Honda civic is very simple. Here are four steps to follow.
Step 1: Open the roof rack package and remove everything inside. In some scenarios, your roof rack will come assembled already. However, if not, follow the given instructions to assemble the roof rack properly.
Step 2: Then, go ahead and attach the cross-bars to the top of your car. Since you don't require any drilling, you won't risk damaging your vehicle. The SportRack Complete Roof Rack System usually mounts fast and easily.
Step 3: Now, take your rack and firmly secure it to the car's SportRack Roof Rack System. To get started, take your mounting clamps and ensure that everything is firmly secure.
Step 4: Finally, you have a roof rack that is firmly mounted on your Honda Civic. However, to ensure that everything is fine, it is wise to take a small drive around your neighborhood or a similar location. Although this might seem like much work, it is a great way to ensure you have firmly mounted your new roof rack.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Roof Racks for Honda Civic
1. Do rooftop racks damage your vehicle?
Yes, they may if fitted wrongly, so pay attention to the torque settings. A properly installed roof rack will not damage your vehicle, but an under tightened, over tightened, badly fitted, or over-loaded rooftop rack can easily damage your vehicle.
2. What are the differences between roof racks and roof rails?
The main difference between roof racks and roof rails is the direction they are mounted on the rooftop of your car. For instance, roof racks are mounted across the roof, while roof rails usually run along the length of a vehicle's roof attached by feet or other mounts.
3. Can you mount a rack on a Honda Civic roof with a sunroof?
Yes, it's possible to install a rack or carrier on your Honda Civic rooftop with a sunroof since most roof-rack models come with directions if they're suitable for such installations. But you'll need to check your car's sunroof functionality if it is still functional when different cargo carriers are mounted.