Roof racks are an essential accessory for anyone who loves outdoor activities and needs to transport gear. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, hitting the slopes, or just need to transport oversized items, a roof rack can make all the difference. But not all roof racks are created equal, and choosing the right one for your vehicle can be a daunting task.
If you own a Subaru Forester and are in the market for a roof rack cross bar, you’re in luck. The Forester is a popular vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are many options available that are specifically designed to fit this make and model. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
When choosing a roof rack cross bar for your Subaru Forester, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, you need to ensure that the cross bar is compatible with your vehicle’s roof rails. It’s also essential to consider the weight capacity of the cross bar and make sure it can support the weight of your gear. Other factors to consider include durability, ease of installation, and compatibility with accessories such as bike racks or cargo boxes.
After researching and testing various options, we have identified the best roof rack cross bars for Subaru Forester owners. These cross bars are durable, easy to install, and can support a wide range of gear. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or need to transport your skis to the mountain, these roof rack cross bars will get the job done.
Best Roof Rack Cross Bars for Subaru Forester
We have compiled a list of the best roof rack cross bars for Subaru Forester to help you transport your gear safely and securely. Whether you are planning a camping trip or need to transport bulky items, having a sturdy and reliable roof rack is essential. After thorough research and testing, we have narrowed down the top options available on Amazon. Check out our list below to find the perfect fit for your Subaru Forester.
BRIGHTLINES Aero Cross Bars 2014-2018 Subaru Forester (US $99)
If you’re in the market for an affordable and reliable roof rack cross bar for your Subaru Forester, the BRIGHTLINES Aero Cross Bars are definitely worth a look.
Pros
- High grade aluminum construction makes them both lightweight and durable.
- Load capacity of 150 lbs when load is evenly distributed, which is more than enough for most outdoor equipment.
- Aero dynamic shape minimizes wind noise, so you can enjoy your drive without any distractions.
Cons
- The installation process can be a bit tricky, so make sure to follow the instructions closely.
- The rubber pads that come with the crossbars may not be very durable and may need to be replaced after a while.
- The crossbars may not fit all types of cargo boxes, so make sure to check the compatibility before purchasing.
We recently purchased the BRIGHTLINES Aero Cross Bars for our 2017 Subaru Forester and have been very happy with them so far. The aluminum construction makes them very lightweight and easy to install, and the load capacity of 150 lbs is more than enough for our camping gear and other outdoor equipment.
The aero dynamic shape of the crossbars also helps to minimize wind noise, which is a huge plus during long road trips. We’ve driven with them on the highway at high speeds and have noticed very little noise or vibration.
While the installation process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with roof rack cross bars, the instructions are easy to follow and the whole process should take no more than 30 minutes.
The only downside we’ve noticed so far is that the rubber pads that come with the crossbars may not be very durable and may need to be replaced after a while. Also, make sure to check the compatibility with your cargo box before purchasing, as the crossbars may not fit all types.
Overall, we highly recommend the BRIGHTLINES Aero Cross Bars for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable roof rack cross bar for their Subaru Forester.
BougeRV Car Roof Rack Cross Bars 2014-2023 Forester (US $99)
If you’re looking for a reliable and secure way to transport your gear on top of your Subaru Forester, then BougeRV Car Roof Rack Cross Bars are definitely worth considering.
Pros
- These crossbars are easy to install and can be assembled in minutes with just a screwdriver.
- The upgraded locking feature provides extra security, and the high-grade aluminum construction makes them durable and lightweight.
- BougeRV car roof rack crossbars are rated to carry up to 150 lbs, making them ideal for transporting a wide range of items such as roof bags, bike carriers, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, and much more.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that these crossbars are a bit hard to get on and require a lot of adjustments to fit correctly.
- The distinct wind noise generated by these crossbars when handling a cargo box or other items can be a bit annoying.
- It’s important to double-check the package box when you open it to see if the instruction and key were stuck to the bottom of the box, as some customers have reported missing parts.
We recently installed these crossbars on our 2018 Subaru Forester, and we were impressed with their overall quality and ease of installation. The front crossbar is longer than the rear to accommodate vehicle size, and the mounting rack installs and secures easily to roof mounts without drilling.
We were also pleased with the locking feature, which provides extra security and peace of mind when transporting our gear. The high-grade aluminum construction makes these crossbars durable and lightweight, and they can withstand greater stresses than the best all-steel roof rack at 1/3rd less the weight.
Overall, we highly recommend BougeRV Car Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with 2014-2023 Forester to anyone looking for a reliable and secure way to transport their gear on top of their Subaru Forester.
Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars (US $129)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty roof rack crossbar that can hold up to 260lbs, the Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove
- Anti-theft locks for added security
- Built-in soft rubber pad to protect your car roof rail
Cons
- May cause wind noise when driving at high speeds
- Some users reported difficulty with the locking mechanisms
- Not compatible with all car models
We recently used the Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars on a road trip and were impressed with its sturdiness and durability. The installation process was straightforward and we appreciated the anti-theft locks that provided added security for our cargo. The built-in soft rubber pad also gave us peace of mind that our car roof rail wouldn’t get scratched.
However, we did notice some wind noise when driving at high speeds, which may be a concern for some users. We also had some difficulty with the locking mechanisms, but this may have been an isolated issue. Additionally, it’s important to note that this product is only compatible with certain car models, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing.
Overall, we would recommend the Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars for anyone in need of a reliable and secure roof rack option.
EZREXPM Cross Bars Roof Rack (US $68)
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable roof rack for your Subaru Forester, then the EZREXPM Cross Bars Roof Rack is worth considering.
Pros
- Easy installation without any drilling or cutting required
- Durable and sturdy construction with a 150lbs load capacity
- Aerodynamic design that reduces wind resistance and noise
Cons
- May not fit perfectly on some models and require additional adjustments
- May produce some noise at high speeds
- Some customers experienced issues with the rubber pads slipping
We found the EZREXPM Cross Bars Roof Rack to be an excellent addition to our Subaru Forester. The installation process was straightforward and took less than an hour. The adjustable length of the crossbar made it easy to fit onto our car’s raised side roof rails.
The middle bar is made of aluminum alloy, and the clamp is made of high-quality ABS, which ensures durability and sturdiness. The aerodynamic design effectively reduces wind resistance and noise, making it a comfortable ride even at high speeds.
We were able to carry kayaks, canoes, cargo boxes, skis, snowboards, bicycles, fishing rods, and more with ease. The roof rack increased the overall storage space of our vehicle, which came in handy during long road trips.
However, we did notice some noise at high speeds, which may be a concern for some drivers. Additionally, some customers reported issues with the rubber pads slipping, but we didn’t experience any such problems.
Overall, we highly recommend the EZREXPM Cross Bars Roof Rack for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable roof rack for their Subaru Forester.
Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Racks (US $68)
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable set of roof rack cross bars for your Subaru Forester, the Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Racks might just be what you need.
Pros
- Perfect fit for Subaru Forester 2014-2023 models
- Easy to install and dismantle
- Adjustable length for flexible position
Cons
- The clamp rubber fillers are “universal”, so the fit may not be perfect
- Some unused space on each side of the bars during installation
- The quality of the plastic finishes could be better
We recently purchased the Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Racks for our Subaru Forester and we’re pretty satisfied with the product. The installation process was relatively easy and straightforward, and we didn’t need to drill any holes into the car’s roof.
The front crossbar is longer than the rear one, which is a nice touch that allows for more flexibility when it comes to carrying cargo. The cross bars fit snugly around the rails, just like the OEM ones, and they’re adjustable in length, which makes it easy to find the perfect position for your needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the clamp rubber fillers are “universal”, so the fit might not be perfect, and there might be some unused space on each side of the bars during installation. However, this doesn’t seem to affect the overall stability of the bars.
The Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Racks are made of aluminum alloy with ABS clamp, which makes them durable and long-lasting. They have a maximum load capacity of 150lbs, which is more than enough for most cargo needs.
Overall, we think the Snailfly Cross Bars Roof Racks are a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable set of roof rack cross bars for their Subaru Forester.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best roof rack cross bars for your Subaru Forester, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision:
Compatibility
First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the cross bars you choose are compatible with your specific make and model of Subaru Forester. Be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s specifications before making a purchase.
Weight Capacity
Another important factor to consider is the weight capacity of the cross bars. You’ll want to make sure that they can safely support the weight of any gear or equipment you plan to transport on your roof. Keep in mind that the weight capacity may vary depending on whether the cross bars are being used in conjunction with a roof-mounted cargo box or other accessories.
Material
Cross bars can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and plastic. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. For example, aluminum cross bars tend to be lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while steel cross bars may be more durable but heavier.
Aerodynamics
Finally, you may want to consider the aerodynamic design of the cross bars. A sleek, aerodynamic cross bar can help reduce wind noise and improve fuel efficiency, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
In summary, when choosing the best roof rack cross bars for your Subaru Forester, be sure to consider compatibility, weight capacity, material, and aerodynamics. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a set of cross bars that meets your needs and helps you transport your gear safely and efficiently.
