The 10 Best Roof Bars for Car of 2025

Below is a rundown of the top 5 products for which we spent the most time researching, along with a summary of their benefits and drawbacks.

1. Best Overall: Amazon Basics 2-Piece Cross Rail Roof Rack

2. Best Budget: Mazda CX-9 2016-2017 New OEM Roof Rack Cross Bars 0000-8L-N11

3. Best Material: YAKIMA, CoreBar Aerodynamic Crossbars for Roof Rack Systems, Set of

4. Best Compatibility: LEDKINGDOMUS Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible for 2012 2013 2014

5. Best Design: Malone VersaRail™ Bare Roof Cross Rail System

1. Amazon Basics 2-Piece Cross Rail Roof Rack

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Product Summary

These sleek and aerodynamic roof bars are constructed from lightweight aluminum and feature a T-slot design for easy installation and attachment of various accessories.

Specification

• 56-inch long cross rail roof rack mounts to most cars, SUVs, or crossovers with raised longitudinal rails, gap between rail and car roof must be 1/2 inch (1.3cm) and above, distance between two rails must be bigger than 42 inch (107cm) and smaller than 49.6 inch (126cm) , diameter of rail must be within 1.4-2.1 inch (36-55mm). Vehicle fit found in Product Description below.
• Installing rubber sealing trips into roof racks as per paper UM or DP video can reduce wind noise, the rubber sealing strips is included in product packaging more

Reasons to buy

• Increased cargo capacity for your vehicle.
• Ability to carry large, bulky items that won't fit inside the vehicle.
• Versatile platform for carrying a wide range of items.

Reasons to avoid

• Increased wind resistance and drag can decrease fuel efficiency.

2. Mazda CX-9 2016-2017 New OEM Roof Rack Cross Bars 0000-8L-N11

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Product Summary

These sturdy roof bars are made from high-quality aluminum and feature a vortex design for improved aerodynamics and reduced wind noise.

Specification

• Mazda quality
• Factory fitment more

Reasons to buy

• Can accommodate various accessories, such as bike racks, ski racks, and cargo boxes.
• Can be easily installed and removed from the vehicle.
• Durable and long-lasting construction.

Reasons to avoid

• Can be difficult to install properly, especially for first-time users.

3. YAKIMA, CoreBar Aerodynamic Crossbars for Roof Rack Systems, Set of

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Product Summary

These heavy-duty roof bars are made from strong aluminum and feature a flat platform design for easy attachment of various accessories.

Specification

• AERODYNAMIC CROSSBAR: The high-performance JetFlow teardrop shape is quiet, minimizes drag for maximum efficiency and looks great on your car
• DURABLE DESIGN: Made with galvanized steel and vinyl-wrapped for extra durability and corrosion resistance, the CoreBar is ready for any adventure; Carrying capacity is 165 lbs (75 kg) across 2 bars more

Reasons to buy

• Can enhance the look of your vehicle.
• Can increase the resale value of your vehicle.
• Can be used for both recreational and professional purposes.

Reasons to avoid

• Can increase the overall height of the vehicle, making it more difficult to park in low-clearance areas.

4. LEDKINGDOMUS Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible for 2012 2013 2014

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Product Summary

These premium roof bars are made from lightweight aluminum and feature a unique wing-shaped design for improved aerodynamics and reduced wind noise.

Specification

• Compatibility - Compatible for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Honda CRV CR-V roof rack cross bars. Each cross bar is designed for a specific model, please check your vehicle's Year, Make and Model before purchase
• Versatility - It provides the perfect foundation for the installation of Camping Gear, Luggage, Fishing Poles, Bikes, Snowboards, Skis, and other rooftop accessories more

Reasons to buy

• Provides an efficient solution for transporting goods.
• Can help organize and streamline your cargo.
• Can provide additional storage space for smaller items that might clutter the interior of your vehicle.

Reasons to avoid

• Can limit access to the vehicle's roof or trunk while the roof bars are installed.

5. Malone VersaRail™ Bare Roof Cross Rail System

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Product Summary

These lightweight roof bars are made from corrosion-resistant aluminum and feature a wind tunnel tested design for improved aerodynamics.

Specification

• No additional tools required (wrench provided)
• Corrosion resistant load bar coating more

Reasons to buy

• Offers a safer and more secure way to transport your cargo.
• Can be locked to prevent theft of your cargo.
• Provides a more comfortable ride by freeing up interior space.

Reasons to avoid

• Can potentially damage the roof of the vehicle if not installed properly or if the weight capacity is exceeded.

Compatibility:

It's crucial to confirm that roof bars will work with your car before you buy any. To find the right fit for your automobile or truck, check the manufacturer's website or refer to the owner's handbook.

Weight Capacity:

To guarantee that the roof bars can support the weight of your goods, take into account their weight capacity. Depending on the brand and type, the weight capacity might range from 100 pounds to 600 pounds.

Material:

Roof bars are often composed of steel or aluminum. Steel bars are more inexpensive and heavier than aluminum bars, which are lighter and cost more. Take into account the material that best satisfies your demands and budget.

Ease of Installation: 

Select roof bars that can be quickly installed and removed and that need little hardware or equipment. Search for roof bars with a clamp or a T-slot system to make it simple to attach extras.

1. Do roof bars increase fuel consumption?

   Roof bars can increase fuel consumption by creating additional wind resistance and drag. Choosing aerodynamic roof bars and removing them when not in use can help reduce the impact on fuel efficiency.

2. Can roof bars damage the roof of my vehicle?

   Properly installed roof bars should not damage the roof of your vehicle. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not exceed the weight capacity of the roof bars.

For people who need to carry more baggage on their vehicle's roof, roof bars are a wonderful purchase. They provide a flexible platform for transporting a variety of goods, including bags, kayaks, bicycles, and other hefty objects. When selecting roof bars, it's necessary to take into account elements like compatibility, weight capacity, material, aerodynamics, simplicity of installation, brand reputation, and pricing.

See other reviews here: Best Roof Boxes For Secure And Spacious Vehicle Storage