Best Cargo Box in 2023

Thule Motion XT XL

If you’re looking for a way to transport large, bulky items, then the Thule Motion XT XL rooftop cargo box is definitely worth checking out.

This XL model, with a spacious 18 cubic feet capacity, can house up to 7 pairs of skis or 5 snowboards. What’s more, you don’t need to worry about the weight of your gear because its weight capacity, at 165 lbs, is one of the highest we’ve seen.

Mounting this box won’t take you long, thanks to the pre-installed quick-mount system, and we love the reassuring ‘click’ that tells you everything is in the right place. And we love that it’s been cleverly designed to sit forwards on the car, maximizing trunk access.

Opening the box is easy, despite the large size, because of the grippy handles and supporting lid lifters that help to take the weight off. Plus, you can pack this box from either side (or both, if you’re lucky enough to have a helper) and, when you’re done, the SlideLock system will automatically lock the lid and let you know that the box has closed properly, pretty neat huh?

Also available in L and XXL, these boxes have you covered for all your large capacity needs. Unfortunately, their large size does make them heavy, and they certainly don’t come cheap… but if you can afford one of these cargo boxes, you definitely won’t regret buying one.

YAKIMA RocketBox Pro

If you’re looking for a super reliable way to transport medium-sized cargo, then your search might be over. The YAKIMA RocketBox Pro is an ultra-robust rooftop cargo box that offers an additional 12 cubic feet of storage.

The broad aerodynamic design combined with forward-mounting hardware makes this a great option for smaller cars, as drag will be reduced and you’ll still have great trunk access.

We love that this box doesn’t require any assembly, so you can leave your toolkit in the shed, and the quick-release system means you can pop it off in no time – perfect when you get back exhausted from a weekend trip. You can un/pack from either side too for convenience.

The SKS locks and integrated push-button security mean that you can rest assured that the box is sealed. However, we do recommend storing your gear in a waterproof bag if possible, as water can occasionally make its way inside. For such a sleek, well-designed box with a decent capacity, we were expecting a higher price tag – this box offers excellent value for money and, what’s more, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty included.

Bear in mind that the smaller size means that you won’t be able to fit extra-bulky items, such as boards or skis, in this box. However, it’s a great shout for other gear, especially if you’ll be traveling in a small vehicle – oh, and we love the matte finish too.

Thule SideKick Cargo Box

The Thule SideKick Cargo Box is a fantastic option for when you need just that bit more space and you don’t want to overdo it with an enormous rooftop cargo box.

This compact storage box provides 8 cubic inches of extra capacity, which is perfect for golf clubs or family holidays when packing has got out of hand (obviously not for skis or boards).

The smaller dimensions mean that you’ll encounter less wind resistance and go through less fuel. Plus, with a weight of just 16 lbs, mounting this box is a breeze. We love the self-standing top lid and sturdy hinges that hold this box open for ease of packing but bear in mind that the box can only be opened via the passenger side. Once packed, you can use the dual locks to ensure a secure seal.

It does have a lower weight capacity than larger models but, for its size, it can hold a decent amount of extra gear. Overall, if you don’t have any unusual-shaped items and just need a tad more storage, there’s no point spending extra cash on the extra capacity that you don’t need – it’ll only drag you down and make mounting more cumbersome – instead, consider a cargo box like this.

JEGS Cargo Carrier

If you’re looking for an economical way to transport extra gear, then we can’t recommend the JEGS Cargo Carrier enough.

The best thing about this carrier is how incredibly durable it is. The HDPE plastic coating is super tough and even features UV protection to stop gradual weathering, and you don’t have to worry about water making its way in either – there’s a four-corner locking system, a latch on the front, and a watertight seal to make sure your gear stays nice and dry.

Despite its robust nature, this box weighs just 28 lbs, so you’ll be able to mount it single-handedly without any troubles. Yet it can still bear up to 100 lbs in weight, giving it a great weight to weight-bearing capacity ratio. It can be loaded from either side, has a self-standing lid, and definitely won’t limit your trunk access.

This cargo box really is a box and, although it’s been sculpted slightly to help with the aerodynamics, it isn’t the sleekest design we’ve come across. It won’t fit any unusually shaped bits of sporting equipment either.

However, this box is an extremely high-quality and affordable way for you to transport ordinary shaped items from A to B.

Goplus Cargo Box

The Goplus Cargo Box is a super stylish way to add 14 cubic feet of capacity to your vehicle.

Available in three different colors, and with a sleek streamlined design, this is certainly one of the best-looking cargo boxes we’ve come across. What’s more, the aerodynamic design will cut down on your fuel costs too, winning.

It’s not just a pretty face though (well, pretty box), this is one sturdy bit of gear that can hold an impressive 165 lbs. It also features metal lid stiffeners at the base for added stability (although we wish the roof was slightly sturdier). Despite this, it’s far lighter than we expected, weighing in at just 25 lbs. This, combined with the quick-connect anchors (aka clamps), makes mounting this box a breeze.

When it comes to packing, the box can be opened via either side and there are sturdy arms on hand to prop it open for you. When you’re done, lock the box using the dual side locks and you’re good to go.

Sure, it can’t hold boards of skis but, for every other purpose, this box is a real winner – it’s lightweight, it’s stylish, it can hold very heavy loads, and it’s easy to use.

SportRack Horizon Alpine

We’re returning to the realm of super spacious cargo boxes by introducing you to the SportRack Horizon Alpine.

As the name suggests, this box has been designed with alpine adventures in mind. Its large dimensions and 16 cubic feet capacity means that this box can house up to 6 pairs of skis (up to 180 cm) or 4 snowboards (but it can also fit surfboards if you find yourself at the coast).

And, if that isn’t enough, there is actually an even larger model available too. We wish that the weight capacity was a little higher, but this box is more affordable than most large-capacity boxes, making it a great budget option nonetheless.

Despite the low cost, this box is constructed from impact-resistant ABS material, so it can handle some bumps and scrapes. It’s a little on the heavy side, but mounting won’t be too bad thanks to the included quick-release attachment kit.

It doesn’t have as many fancy touches as other more expensive options, such as dual side opening and multiple locks, but it’s large, fairly easy to install, and won’t break the bank either.

SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline XL

If you’re after a huge capacity, but you don’t want to shell out for it, then we definitely recommend the SPORTRACK SR7095 Skyline XL.

For a fraction of the price (and weight) we’d expect to see, you’re getting 18 cubic feet of extra storage capacity. Constructed from high-density UV-resistant plastic, and with a water-resistant seal, dual locks, and dual latches for total security, you can be sure that your gear will stay protected, no matter how sunny, windy, or rainy it is.

It may only open from the passenger side, but this can actually be a handy safety feature if you have kids around). Plus, once opened, the lid will hold itself ajar while you’re packing. the shorter dimensions mean that access to your trunk is unobstructed too.

So, what’s the catch? The main issue is the installation. Although there are tools and instructions included, most people find that it takes far longer than advertised to actually mount this box.

Overall, if you’re after a lot of storage space at a great price, and you don’t mind a  bit of installation work, then this could be the cargo box for you.

INNO BRA1210BK Shadow Box

And last, but by no means least, on our list of the best cargo boxes is the INNO BRA1210BK Shadow Box. This box has been designed to transport unusually shaped items while minimizing drag.

Although it can accommodate up to 6 snowboards, 8 pairs of skis, or 2 surfboards, this box is not as tall as other similar models (exterior height = 13.4 inches). This helps to streamline the box, which reduces drag and helps to conserve fuel.

When you’re top-loaded with that much gear, you want to be sure that things are stable. The INNO Shadow has you covered on that front, thanks to its durable three-layer construction and reinforced base, which substantially increases the overall stability.

It is a little heavy for its 13 cubic inch capacity, but at least the quick-mount system will help you out. It’s also compatible with almost all crossbars, and you can load up this beast from either side when packing.

It might be a little on the pricey side, but you’re getting a well-design, solid box that can accommodate various unusually shaped bits of spring equipment, so we reckon it’s worth the investment.