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: Roof Rack Cross Bars for Toyota Highlander L & LE

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

3. Best Material: DNA MOTORING PT-ZTL-8025 Pair Aluminum Car Roof Rack Cross Bars

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

5. Best Design: 4 PC All Black Roof Rail Rack

1. Roof Rack Cross Bars for Toyota Highlander L & LE

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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

• COMPATIBILITY LIST - Compatible for 2020 2021 2022 Highlander L , LE and Hybrid LE models. NOT for 2020 2021 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, Limited,Paltinum,Hybrid XLE,Hybrid Limited,Hybrid Platinum models.Please check your vehicle's Year, Make and Model before purchasing.
• VERSATILITY - Provide the perfect foundation for the installation of bicycle carriers, kayak racks, cargo boxes and other rooftop accessories. Made of high-grade aluminum structure. Plastic and rubber base feet for easy installation and removal. 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. Amazon Basics 2-Piece Cross Rail Roof Rack

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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

• 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

• 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. DNA MOTORING PT-ZTL-8025 Pair Aluminum Car Roof Rack Cross Bars

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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

• 【Fitment】Compatible with 2015-2018 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV; Compatible with 2015-2018 Chevy Suburban, Tahoe; Compatible with GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
• 【Load Capacity】150lbs Max Load when Distributed Evenly 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. Mazda CX-9 2016-2017 New OEM Roof Rack Cross Bars 0000-8L-N11

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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

• Mazda quality
• Factory fitment 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. 4 PC All Black Roof Rail Rack

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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

• Just for Mazda CX-5 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
• Made of high quality light weight durable aluminum 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