If you’re in need of some extra storage for your next road trip, car roof boxes can make the difference between an easy trip and one that you’ll regret slightly. Not, of course, before you get a set of roof racks installed.
Roof boxes provide a few hundred litres of extra storage space on a part of your car that would otherwise be unoccupied, the roof. These hinged boxes open up and can easily store suitcases, boxes and other items that eat up valuable cabin space.
Naturally, you’ll need roof racks before fitting either a roof box or roof bag. It’s also worth looking at where you can store your roof box when it’s not installed on your car. After all, an empty roof box will do nothing but spoil your fuel economy so it’s a good idea only to use it when required.
The best roof boxes at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Modula Wego 500L – Buy from Driveden
Best for storage capacity: Nordrive ABS 530 – Buy from Amazon
Best budget roof box: VonHaus car roof box – Buy from Amazon
We love the extra versatility these things can provide, sometimes doubling a car’s storage capacity. That’s why we’re bringing you the best roof boxes for your next big trip. And if you’re stuck for somewhere to place your bikes, have a look at our guide on the best bike racks for your car.
The best roof boxes for your car
Editor's pick
Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the Wego shouldn't affect your fuel economy too much with its sleek design. Partner this with a dual opening mechanism for maximum versatility and the Wego really is the best option for big families.
Pros
- Huge storage capacity
- Very easy to install
- Quite aerodynamic
Cons
- Overkill for smaller cars and loads
- Only really suitable for larger cars
| Capacity: | 500L |
| Dimensions: | 198 x 80 x 38cm |
| Weight: | 16.9kg |
Best roof box for small cars
More affordable than the premium options but still made of quality UV-resistant materials, the Ciao is best suited to smaller cars offering 340 litres of capacity. It may only open on one side, but it's excellent value for money.
Pros
- Quality item
- Lightweight
- Great value
Cons
- Not the biggest capacity
| Capacity: | 340L |
| Dimensions: | 140 x 80 x 44cm |
| Weight: | 11kg |
Best for aerodynamics
Beyond this, the Motion XT Alpine features all the other Thule features that make it such a clever purchase. The PowerClick quick mounting system makes installing the roof box simple, while the SlideLock will automatically lock the roof box once the lid is closed.
Pros
- Aerodynamic design
- Huge storage capacity
- Great quality box
Cons
- Hefty weight at 20kg
| |
Best small aerodynamic roof box
You get 300 litres of storage, and it's designed to be just that little bit more aerodynamic than your average small roof box. It even comes with its own Thule-specific key for a bit of extra security, too. It's also relatively compact at just 139 x 89.5 x 39cm, which is useful if you only have a small car to attach your roof box to.
Pros
- Quite aerodynamic
- Offers pretty good storage
- Good for lots of cars
Cons
- Isn't the most extensive in terms of space
Best soft roof box
This roof bag makes sense if you're only very occasionally in need of extra storage space and don't mind watching your fuel gauge plummet in these events. Think of it as a big, lockable backpack for your car.
Pros
- Easy to store away when not using it
- Easy to install
- Better value than a solid roof box
Cons
- Not aerodynamic at all
- Makes noise on a cruise
| Capacity: | 330L |
| Dimensions: | 110 x 75 x 40cm |
| Weight: | 3.6kg |
Best budget roof box
Security is found in the form of a central locking mechanism for the single-side opening, while the roof box is secured via a series of U-bolts in a simple but time-consuming affair.
Pros
- Value for money
- Relatively lightweight
- Has its own central locking system
Cons
- Quality isn't as great as others
- Not real carbon fibre, despite design
| Capacity | 320L |
| Dimensions | 131 x 78 x 35cm |
| Weight | 11.5kg |
Best for storage capacity
Nordrive roof boxes come in a variety of sizes ranging from 280L all the way up to 630L in capacity. With thick materials and compatible with a number of roof bars, this is a great option if you're planning a winter getaway.
Compatible roof bar manufacturers are as follows: Silenzio, Quadra, Alumia, Helio, Snap, Club, Kuma, Kargo, Kargo Plus, Yakima.
Pros
- Great quality
- Loads of space on offer
- Compatible with plenty of roof bars
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the other options
| Capacity: | 530L |
| Dimensions: | 199 x 39 x 88cm |
| Weight: | 17kg |
Best for most uses
Compatible roof bar manufacturers: Quadra, Alumia, Helio, Snap, Club, Kuma, Kargo, Kargo Plus, Whispbar.
Pros
- Great quality roof box
- Ideal for most holidays
- Quite lightweight for its size
Cons
- Not the largest in capacity
| Capacity: | 330L |
| Dimensions: | 133 x 36 x 76cm |
| Weight: | 10.5kg |
FAQs
What size roof box do I need for my car? This depends on your car’s roof capacity, the type of items you plan to carry, and how much extra space you need. Smaller cars typically accommodate boxes around 300-400 litres, while larger vehicles can handle boxes up to 600 litres or more. Always check your vehicle’s maximum roof load limit, which includes the weight of the roof box itself.
Can I use any roof bars with a roof box? No, not all roof bars are compatible with all roof boxes. It’s important to make sure that the roof bars you have or plan to purchase can securely fit the roof box model you choose.
Is it safe to leave a roof box on the car all the time? While it is safe to leave a roof box on your car, it’s not always recommended. Leaving it on can impact fuel efficiency due to increased drag and may expose the box to weather damage or theft. If you’re not using it frequently, it’s best to remove and store it.
How does using a roof box affect my car’s fuel efficiency? Using a roof box increases aerodynamic drag, which can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 10-25%, depending on the size and shape of the box.
Do I need to inform my insurance company if I use a roof box? It is advisable to inform your insurance company if you use a roof box, as it might affect your coverage. Some policies require notification of any modifications or additions to the vehicle that may impact its handling, security, or value.
Things to consider with car roof boxes
Above all, you should always consider if the roof box you’re going for is going to fit on your roof bars or rack. Some manufacturers do handily provide a list of compatible bars that their products will fit on, but others don’t. This can make things slightly tricky. We have made things slightly easier by also providing you with a guide on the best van roof racks as well.
However, another option is to opt for a roof bag. Provided your car has a couple of roof bars, you can strap these directly to your roof. But we would always advise that in order to protect the paintwork, strap these things to a set of racks that sit above the metal.
Thirdly, you have to always remember that roof boxes come with the extra weight and compromised aerodynamics. You might notice, therefore, that your fuel economy will be hindered. This is because they sit directly on your roof which affects airflow when in motion, causing drag. This causes the engine to work harder – especially when fully loaded – and thus, reduces fuel economy. Some roof boxes are designed with aero in mind, such as the Thule XT Alpine, and these are generally more ideal for skiing trips due to their longer profile.
How we choose
All of these roof boxes have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching roof boxes to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tool Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. He also contributes to What’s The Best.
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