Best Roof Rack For Subaru Outback To Create More Space

A big challenge all adventurers face is the amount of space or storage available in cars for putting luggage without cramping or restricting them. If you face the same challenges with your Outback, you ought to have the best roof rack for Subaru Outback.

Getting the perfect roof racks can be tasking. To help you find the perfect one for your Outback, we have the five most reliable roof racks for Subaru Outback, their pros and cons, as well as the key factors to consider before purchasing one.

What is a Roof Rack?

A roof rack is a set of bars installed or attached to the top of the roof of a vehicle used to transport or carry large cargo. The racks give your cars the chance to transport things without affecting the car's design or even damaging it.

There are several types of roof racks, and they vary depending on the type of vehicle and the type of cargo. Some will have the box, basket, or bag design to create space for your regular luggage. Others are designed to carry other loads like bikes, skis, and snowboards.

Now that we understand what a roof rack is, we will look at the five best roof racks for Subaru Outback.

1. Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Unassembled

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Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform (58" x 46") Unassembled , Black
  • Rhino-Rack Universal Pioneer Platform; 58" x 46"; Suitable for...
  • Easy assembly and installation for immediate use; compatible with...
  • Universal mounting system and hardware included.
  • Stylish and aerodynamically designed to minimize wind drag and...
  • Made from strong and durable materials and allows you maximum...

Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms are the best roof rack for Subaru outback in 58 inches by 46 inches. The advantage of these roof racks is that they are suitable for most cars and are easy to assemble and install.

The Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform is great for various rooftop cargos and is compatible with the Rhino-Rack Vortex bars. The crossbars sustain the weight of all the gear you will be adding to the roof and distribute it evenly.

The best part is that this rack comes with a universal mounting system and hardware that will help while you mount the rack. Moreover, the roof racks are stylish and aerodynamic, which minimizes wind noise and friction.

Pros

  • Provides full trunk access
  • These models can be used with bike racks
  • Perfect for Subaru outback and most noncommercial vehicles
  • Attractive and modern style
  • Large storage capacity for adventure and camping

Cons

  • A bit demanding to assemble

2. Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box

Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box Grey, One Size
  • Compact roofbox, ideal for small loads such as camping gear or...
  • Sturdy U-bolts with reinforcement plates and adjustable brackets...
  • Compact design leaves room for other roof mounted accessories
  • Passenger side opening for easier loading and unloading
  • External Dimensions: 54 x 25 x 15.5 in

Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box is designed by a well-known brand with great customer reviews for offering high-quality products. Most of the Thule branded products like roof bars, cargo boxes, water sport racks, and bike racks are available in most Subaru dealerships, and you can get a Thule rack for your Subaru outback from them.

Thule Sidekick Rooftop Cargo Box is made with high-quality materials that ensure that your luggage is protected and at the same time will not damage your Subaru outback. You should, however, note that this Thule cargo box will not hand to a large load and will only carry loads like golf gear or your camping gear.

Pros

  • Sealed for cargo protection
  • Features flexible brackets that give a secure fit to rack
  • Heavy-duty box construction that protects your load and car

Cons

  • Little storage capacity

3. YAKIMA - EasyTop, Instant Rack

Yakima - EasyTop Removable, Universal Roof Rack, Installs in Minutes, Carries Kayaks, Skis,...
  • Add a durable, removable roof rack to your vehicle in minutes;...
  • Equipped to hold skis, snowboards, paddleboards, surfboards,...
  • Includes 2 heavy-duty straps and 2 tie-down ropes for tool-free...
  • A convenient travel accessory, this soft and sturdy roof rack is...
  • This removable car rack weighs less than 5 pounds, so toting your...

YAKIMA - EasyTop, Instant Rack is a great rooftop cargo rack that will allow you to carry your gear with many conveniences. The YAKIMA Easytop rooftop cargo rack can fit most cars, including the Subaru outback.

YAKIMA - EasyTop, Instant cargo Rack is easy to install and will only require you to mount and secure it to the door frames. It also has a double latch buckling system that will fasten the cargo, ensuring it is secure, which will give you peace of mind as you ride along. The load capacity of these YAKIMA racks is 80 Pound meaning it can carry gear of up to 80 lbs, and it has dimensions of 44 by 12 by 6 inches.

These YAKIMA instant cargo carriers are an affordable option and have a durable thick padding protector that will protect your roof against damage from the gear. In addition, it comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Pros

  • Provides full trunk access
  • Suitable for long length and flat load
  • Aerodynamic design that decreases the drag from air moving past
  • Large storage capacity for adventure and camping

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy cargo

4. Thule 838 Hull-a-Port Aero Kayak Carrier

Thule 838 Hull-a-Port Aero Kayak Carrier
  • The spring-loaded hub system makes it easier to reach and fold...
  • Sure Grip padding on both the base and mast conforms to the hull...
  • Corrosion-resistant steel tubes that fold make the carrier...
  • Includes QuickDraw bow and stern tie downs and two center straps...
  • Fits Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks with...

Thule Hull-a-Port Aero Kayak Carrier is a premium option for your Subaru outback that will keep your gear secure. The Thule carrier is a high-performance rack that will even work as a bike rack and are extremely easy to install and use.

The Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop cargo carrier has thick weather-resistant pads that will provide maximum protection. Additionally, the Thule cargo carrier has long-lasting straps that will help keep your cargo secure as you travel.

The Thule Hull-a-Port PRO Rooftop Kayak Carrier comes with a tool-free installation that makes your work much easier. Additionally, the Thule has a J- Profile wide-mouth construction that makes it easy for you to load and offload your kayak.

Pros

  • Features longer length that can fit a bike, skis, and snowboards
  • Great customer reviews
  • Premium quality and will perform

Cons

  • Not adaptable to different cargo types

5. ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket

ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket
  • Sporty 2 piece construction. Rough-coat finish protects against...
  • Mounts to round, square and most factory OEM racks. Adjustable...
  • Assembled Dimensions - 48 x 37.5 x 5 inches
  • Includes easy to fit custom air deflector
  • Long lasting durability. Heavy-duty steel construction

ROLA vortex cargo basket is another great option for full-sized cars, sports cars, SUVs, and wagons like the Subaru outback. The cargo basket is to be used in a vehicle that has factory-installed roof bars.

The ROLA vortex cargo baskets allow for multiple and different loads to be fastened and secured at the roof of your vehicle. In addition, the cargo baskets will ensure that you have a convenient travel or camping encounter seeing that it has a weight capacity of 130 lbs and dimensions of 48 by 37.5 by 5 inches.

The cargo basket has a Sport-like construction and a rough-coat finish that will protect it from harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, these basket carriers come with all hardware you need to mount them and feature an easy-to-fit clamp-on style.

Pros

  • Features longer length that can fit a bike, skis, and snowboards
  • Lightweight models
  • Great Storage that ensures comfort and security

Cons

  • Produces some whistling sounds while driving

Type of Roof Rack For Subaru Outback

There are different types of roof racks that vary depending on the type of car you have and the different brands available in the market. We have discussed the different types of roof racks below.

1. Raised Rail

The raised rails rack is a common type of rack mostly used by most sports vehicles, SUVs, and minivans. The raised rails are fashionable factory-installed accessories that are on the roof of the car. Additionally, the cave crossbar for connection and they f most cars. They are also multifunctional and can carry a wide variety of goods.

2. Tracks

These racks are heavy-duty, and they run from the front to the back of your car and are parallel to each other. The tracks come with bars or a roof rack system that will give you an easy time mounting them. However, some cars will come with racks already installed in the factory.

3. Bare Roof

The bare roof is another very common type that is being used today. The cars that use this type will normally have a bare roof with no pre-installation in the factory. The racks are mounted to the roof contours and door frames.

4. Fixed Point

This type of fixed point is another type that has factory fastened points on the roof's edge. These points are less visible, and you can not spot them if they are not in use. The fixed points are secure and will give you a platform to carry different cargo.


Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Roof Rack for Subaru Outback

1. Material

It is very important to ensure that you purchase racks made of high-quality materials like steel that are super strong yet lightweight. Having in mind that the material used is meant to be left out into harsh outside conditions and heavy loads, you have to settle for a long-lasting option.

Steel is the commonly used material by most companies because it will give you the perfect quality and is still lightweight. Remember that steel will not break and can handle heavy loads without harming the roof of the vehicle. Also, it would help if you look for a rust-free material or that will cause stains to the cargo you are transporting.

2. Roof Rack Systems

The other important factor that you should consider is the roof rack system of the Subaru Outback roof so that you will be able to get the best-suited rack for your Subaru Outback. You will need to look at how strong the roof rail of your Subaru outback is; this way, you will be able to know which cargo box you will settle for. Moreover, it could be advantageous if you get a versatile base rack, this will allow you to carry different shapes and goods using the same cargo basket carriers.

3. Weight

Considering that cargo boxes are additional care accessories when making a purchase, you will have to check the total weight of the cargo basket. All vehicles will have an indicated weight rating for their roof, which is the total amount the vehicle can handle. Ensure that the rack you get will fit your Subaru outback perfectly and will distribute the weight evenly on the car.

The Subaru Outback has a weight rating of 150lbs, which is inclusive of the bars. Therefore the total amount of cargo weight that it carries is 13o pounds because the bars weigh 20 lbs.

4. Installation or Mounting

Mounting a rack on the Subaru outback is more straightforward because the cars will have roof rails, and the space between the car's roof and the roof rails will easily grasp the installation bar all around.

However, while buying the best roof rack for Subaru Outback, you must ensure that it has easy mounting and installation mechanisms. Most of this cargo box comes with an installation book guide that will help guide on how you should install the racks. Additionally, you could opt to check on youtube DIYs videos on how to install the cargo boxes.

5. Carrying Capacity

You will want to ensure that the rack you buy will property fit all the goods you want to move around or transport. Therefore you will have to maximize the carrying capacity. The first thing you ought to know is the weight of the goods you are transporting or carrying. Second, you will need to ensure an extra space left if you want to add something more. Then you can get a cargo box that will meet the requirements.

In addition, on the same note as the carrying capacity, you will also want to make sure that you get the cargo box based on the shape of the load you are transporting or carrying. Ensure that the cargo box will carry the wind-exerted pressure on the roof luggage when driving at high speeds.


Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Roof Rack for Subaru Outback

1. Will Thule racks fit Subaru Outback?

Yes, the Thule racks will fit factory bars on a 2020 Subaru Outback. And you will mount it without any hassles and always get convinent and secure transportation of your cargo.

2. How much weight can a Subaru Outback roof rack hold?

The Subaru Crosstrek, which is the world's best compact SUV, factory roof rails can reliably carry 150 pounds of goods, including the bars' weight.  150 lbs are the effective weight rating which means it is safe to drive around with.

3. Can you drive with empty cargo boxes?

Driving with an empty cargo box is not recommended; however, you will find that many people do it. Therefore, you should remove the cargo box from the vehicle when you are not using it. This way, it will reduce significant fuel consumption, which will help with the durability of the cargo box.

4. Why are bike racks so expensive?

Bike racks are not as expensive; however, the price of the bike racks will vary depending on the brands and quality of the roof rack system. In addition, the complexity and the pieces required to make up the whole system can be expensive hence leading to a higher buying cost.