10 Best Car Top Carriers 2025 in the United States

The Thule 614 Pulse Rack is designed for those looking to expand their vehicle's cargo space, particularly useful for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing extra storage for road trips. With a capacity of 14 cubic feet and a load capacity of 110 lbs, it strikes a good balance between ample space for gear and maintaining a manageable weight on your car's rooftop. The external dimensions of 67 x 35 x 16 inches make it spacious yet compact enough to fit most vehicles.

One of the standout features is the FastGrip quick-mount system, which allows for easy assembly and installation in minutes, making it user-friendly for those who may not be experienced with mounting systems. The passenger-side opening is a thoughtful design for convenient loading and unloading. Additionally, the central locking system enhances security, ensuring your belongings are safe while you’re on the go.

While the Thule 614 Pulse Rack offers many advantages, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The product is made from plastic, which, while providing durability, may not be as resilient as other materials like fiberglass in extreme conditions. Also, with a height clearance of 16 inches off the crossbar, it might slightly affect your vehicle's aerodynamics, potentially leading to increased wind resistance and fuel consumption.

Lastly, though the carrier is designed to fit 3-5 snowboards, users may find that it has limitations if they need to transport larger items or multiple bags—it's essential to consider what you plan to carry. Despite these drawbacks, the Thule 614 Pulse Rack remains a popular choice for its capacity, security features, and ease of use, making it a solid investment for those needing extra roof storage.

The SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box offers ample storage capacity with its 18 cubic feet of internal space, making it suitable for long trips or family vacations. Its dimensions (63 x 38 x 19 inches) provide a substantial amount of space without being excessively bulky. Despite its large capacity, the cargo box is relatively lightweight at 28 pounds, which makes it easier to handle and install. The box is made from durable UV-resistant ABS plastic, ensuring it withstands harsh weather conditions and long-term exposure to sunlight without degrading. Its rear opening design allows for easy access to contents without needing to stand in traffic, which is a thoughtful safety feature.

The tool-free mounting hardware simplifies installation and removal, catering to users who may not be very handy with tools. It fits various rack systems, including SportRack Rack Systems, square bars, round bars, and most factory racks, making it versatile and compatible with many vehicles. The maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds ensures it can carry a substantial load, though users should be mindful not to exceed this limit to maintain safety. The inclusion of a key and lock adds a layer of security, protecting the contents and securing the box to the rack.

However, some users might find the rear opening a bit cumbersome as it might require more space to fully open in certain situations. Additionally, while the aerodynamics of the box are decent, some users may notice a slight increase in wind resistance and noise during travel. The SportRack Vista XL is a solid choice for those needing extra storage space on their vehicle.

The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine is a sturdy rooftop cargo carrier offering 11 cubic feet of extra space, which is ideal for families or outdoor enthusiasts needing to carry skis, snowboards, or luggage. Its external size (88.5" x 25.5" x 12.5") fits well on most cars without being overly bulky, and it can hold up to 110 pounds, making it suitable for medium loads. Weighing 30 pounds itself, it’s relatively easy to handle during installation or removal. Made from durable plastic, the box is water-resistant, helping to protect your gear from rain or snow.

The FastGrip quick-mount system simplifies installation, and the passenger-side opening makes loading and unloading more convenient, especially when parked on the curbside. Security is well thought out with a central locking system and a Comfort Key that only comes out when all locks are fully secured, reducing the risk of theft.

Though the design is rugged, it does not specifically highlight aerodynamic features to minimize wind noise or drag, which might slightly affect fuel efficiency on longer drives. This carrier is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable protection and ease of use, particularly for winter sports gear or general road trips. However, if you prioritize top aerodynamics or a higher maximum load, other models might be worth considering.