Best Vehicle Hard-Shell Carriers of 2025

"After driving a GMC Yukon XL for 16 years, I finally downsized to a GMC Acadia. My biggest concern was camping gear storage since the Acadia has 18 cu. ft. less cargo space. Thankfully, I found the JEGS car top carrier! It was easy to install and I managed to fit 4 sleeping bags, two chairs, and more without a hitch. The car drove as if there was nothing on the roof. I highly recommend it!"

"I used this car top carrier for a 2000-mile cross-country trip and it performed exceptionally well in all kinds of weather. It stayed perfectly in place, with no shifting, even at speeds over 75 mph. The interior remained dry and secure throughout the journey. I truly believe this carrier is just as good as more expensive brands, yet it’s half the price!"

"The JEGS car carrier is a great value. It offers large space and is easy to install, although I had to drill extra holes for my car's crossbars. It's sturdy compared to pricier brands like Thule. However, I did notice a slight drop in mileage and found the opening and closing a bit tricky. Overall, it's definitely worth it!"

"I found the Thule Force XT to fit perfectly on my 2021 Honda Pilot Touring. It held a large suitcase and three carry-ons, with extra room for towels. I initially regretted not ordering the XL or XXL, but the Large size was actually bigger than expected. The installation was a breeze, and I barely noticed any noise or gas mileage drop. I was worried about leaks during rain, but no water got in. However, it arrived with some scratches and a dent, which was disappointing given the price. I decided to keep it for our upcoming vacation and was able to fix the dent with a hair dryer. Overall, I’m really happy with the investment; it made our summer travel much more enjoyable."

"We ordered this cargo box for a 12-hour trip down south. I was initially skeptical, but it arrived quickly and was easy to install—even for us non-handy folks! It’s lightweight yet holds a lot of gear. We drove through heavy rain, and I’m pleased to say that nothing got wet. I highly recommend this product!"

"The big box looks fantastic! Installing it on my 2016 Ford Explorer was super easy, especially with the cross bars. It seems to fit perfectly in the default location. The functionality is smooth, and I love how it opens from both sides. Just a tip: be careful not to unscrew the handwheel too much during installation, as it can come apart. Overall, I’m a happy customer and excited to see how it performs!"

"I've put this on my new 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and I keep it on the vehicle full time. It's light enough to remove when not needed, but storing it can be an issue for me. During my 250-mile trip at 70-85 mph, with heavy AC use, I managed to get 34 mpg, while regular trips at 60-75 mph netted me 38-40 mpg. The attachment assembly is very user-friendly, and I appreciate the visibility of the attachment status. For added peace of mind, I tie it down with 1/4" black nylon rope. Overall, I really love this cargo box!"

"We took a road trip to Colorado, and this cargo box was big and spacious. Mounting was a breeze—no tools required! Having a single lock was so convenient compared to my parents' two-latch system. Despite a drop in MPG from 35 to 30 at 75 MPH, I found this box sleek and aerodynamic compared to others on the road!"

"I decided to go with the Thule Pulse Large for my 2017 Subaru Outback after considering other brands. It fits perfectly and is much larger than I expected. I managed to fit two checked luggage bags and a large carry-on inside. The clamp locks for the crossbars are incredibly easy to use, and I had it assembled in less than 10 minutes. If you're hesitating due to price, just know you won’t regret this purchase!"

"I recently went on a cross-country trip and needed extra space for my dog. It was quiet and provided a great place to store items we didn't need every day. I didn't notice any impact on fuel efficiency with the carrier on top. I'm really happy with this purchase!"

"After some hesitation, I decided to buy this for my Subaru Forester. Installation was pretty straightforward, taking about 45 minutes. It’s an affordable option that kept my camping gear dry during a rainstorm, and it’s a nice spot for stickers from my adventures!"

"I just completed a 3,500-mile trip in various weather conditions, and it was totally worth it! Everything stayed dry and secure, and it was surprisingly less noisy than my roof bars alone. Installing it was easier with two people, but I managed on my own."

"After a few months with this product on my 2005 Scion Xb, I can confidently say it has helped quiet my car by deflecting wind from the roof. While it may not enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics, it barely affects my gas mileage and has significantly reduced the noise from bulky objects in the trunk. I've had ZERO problems with it, and it’s built to withstand harsh conditions, including serious cross-winds on my daily drives."

"I was initially worried about how well this cargo box would mount on my '18 Kia Soul factory crossbars since they are curved. However, it turned out to be a great choice! It mounted easily and has performed flawlessly during a 1500 mile trip. The locking device is very secure, and I appreciate how it won’t lock unless both latches are in the correct position. Overall, I would definitely buy this again!"

"Installation was quite straightforward, but since the box only opens on one side, it made reaching the tighteners on the far side a bit challenging. I managed to fit four duffle bags and a couple of other items without reducing gas mileage significantly. During heavy rain, everything inside stayed completely dry. I did encounter a minor issue with the lock freezing in sub-zero temperatures, but after a little effort, I was able to unlock it. Now I’m ready for my next trip to sunny Florida!"

"I found this box spacious for all our travel needs. Although we had to purchase different racks since the ones provided were too small, the installation was easy."

"While the rails didn’t fit initially, Amazon gave me a partial refund for the correct ones. The box itself is great—I took it on a 3500-mile road trip without any issues."

"Overall, I think this is a great purchase. I gave it 4 stars because the mounting u-bolts were too long, but I managed to cut them down. I added foam tape for a better seal, and it performed well on our 12-hour drive."

“I found this cargo box to be incredibly well designed, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. It fits perfectly on my 2023 Highlander, and I can easily fit two full-sized suitcases and a carry-on inside. The installation took me less than 10 minutes, and I appreciate how it still fits in the garage. Overall, it feels much higher quality than my previous Yakima Skybox.”

“I fitted the Thule Motion 3 XXL on my 2017 Toyota Highlander, and the fit is just right. I love the aerodynamic design and how spacious it is for luggage. Installation was simple and quick, taking only about 7 to 10 minutes. In my opinion, this product is highly recommended for its quality and unique style.”

“I purchased the Thule XL roof box for our ski trips. It looks great on the car and holds all our skis and boots, leaving space for the kids. The key entry can be a bit tricky at first, but it works well once you get used to it. Overall, I would highly recommend this product.”

“I found the carrier to be lightweight and easy to mount. It opens and closes smoothly as long as it's not overly full. For the price, it's a great deal! Just be sure to check compatibility with your crossbars.”

“I thought the product looked decent, but unfortunately, the crossbar width in the photos didn't match the description, and it wouldn’t fit my car. I returned it and got a full refund, but I had to deal with some minor issues during pickup.”

"I was very impressed with the quality of this item."