The new and powerful Subaru Forester is a hit among passionate travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who love driving to secluded areas. It is a great vehicle to test out tough roads and rocky terrains because of its great mileage.
However, if you are going on a hiking trip or a long tour, then you will need a roof rack for your Forester because there is no way you can fit everything you want to carry in your vehicle’s boot. A big outing to a faraway place requires many supplies, and no one wants to use the seats and leg space for storage.
Let's have a look at the best roof racks that suit Subaru Foresters
Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar Set
Best Overall
- Reasonably priced
Pros
- An impressive 150 lbs capacity
Cons
- May create noise at high speeds
Malone VersaRail Bare Roof Cross Rail Rack
Budget option
- Fits most cars
Pros
- Universal
Cons
- Straps can be a hassle
FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars
Premium option
- Great all around option
Pros
- Fits perfectly
Cons
A strong and durable roof rack is ideal for solving the space problem in your Subaru Forester. Whether you want to load your bicycle, surfboard, luggage, cargo, or anything, it will help a lot. Also, sometimes you may have to carry smelly items or sharp objects which can damage your vehicle’s boot or seats.
A roof rack provides a perfect place to carry anything you want safely away from the reach of your children. There are many options in the market, and we have done extensive research to find the best roof racks for your Subaru Forester.
Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar Set
CargoLoc’s aluminum crossbar set is an affordable option, but your vehicle must have existing side rails with a maximum of a 46” gap between them to use it. The durable crossbars are constructed using a high-quality aluminum body which is lightweight but does not compromise on strength.
It has a maximum load capacity of 150 lbs which is perfect for carrying heavy luggage, bicycle, surfboards, etc., without any risks of damage to your goods or your vehicle’s roof. The bars come with a clamping mechanism which can be tightly fastened to the side rails fitted on your car’s roof. The heavy-duty design ensures that the bars are firmly attached.
You will get two keys as the bars have a strong and secure locking mechanism, and no one will be able to steal your crossbars while you are away from your vehicle. The bars measure 52” from end to end and offer enough space for you to load heavy-duty stuff onto the roof without worries. You can adjust the bars according to your requirements, but you won’t be able to use this crossbar set if your vehicle does not have pre-fitted side rails with a 46” maximum gap between them.
When you purchase this product, you get a limited lifetime warranty from CargoLoc. The company is one of the leaders in cargo management, and all their products go through strict checks for durability, strength, quality, etc. Top-quality webbing mills partner with CargoLoc for their roof racks, and that’s why you get a locking mechanism and an impressive 150 lbs total capacity.
Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack with 2-inch Receiver
If you do not want to install a permanent rack on your vehicle, then Malone VersaRail Bare Roof railing system is the right product for you. When you buy this product, you’ll receive 2 load bars, 4 end caps, load straps, tower attachment bracket, suction towers, 1 Allen assembly wrench, and other necessary hardware for installation. As everything comes within the package, you don’t need to find any tools and will be able to install the roof rack on your vehicle within 15 minutes.
It features a heavy-duty load bar that can carry up to 135 lbs and instantly transform your vehicle’s roof into a high-quality platform. You can carry heavy furniture, hardware items, bicycles, tents, kayaks, etc., with relative ease and without worrying about any damages. The load bar also features a corrosion resistant coating that protects it from rusting during rainfall.
Even if you don’t uninstall the bars from your vehicle, they will not get spoiled. The 1.5” wide load straps you get are really strong and will keep your luggage or other stuff tightly in a safe position while driving. You can hand-tighten the strap according to your wish so that nothing gets damaged. The strap also supports the suction tower through its tongue.
The rectangular shape of the rack ensures you can carry different-sized objects and fit multiple rack accessories seamlessly. If you tightly strap the cargo straps across your vehicle’s paddle, then the suction towers will not move from their position and stay tight. This will ensure that whatever you carry remains safe even at higher speeds, and the rack does not make whistling noises even if you do not use a wind deflector.
HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars
The HandiRack is a convenient and easy-to-use inflatable roof rack to help you transport your load, leisure, or sports luggage easily. The universal size and inflatable design make it a hit among consumers. Lovers of extreme sport can load their surfboards, kayak, canoes, bicycles, etc., and go on a weekend getaway when they want to. You get a better rack than traditional metal ones at a lower price.
You won’t need any tools and can install the rack bar within 5 minutes of opening the box as each bar bladder inflates in 30 seconds. The bars are tightened using a strap that passes through the cabins and fastens into the strong cam-buckle. The roof rack is inflatable, but that does not take away from its capacity, and you can place up to 175 lbs on it without any issue. Inflation causes a stability between your car roof and the HandiRack.
You get a double-action pump to fill up the bar when needed, and it also provides a safe cushioned surface. After completing your adventure, you can deflate the rack bar and store it in a bag and carry it with you. Also, an aerodynamic design reduces wind and drag noise along with vibrations.
Two strong straps make sure that your load stays put even at fast speeds and sharp turns. Its lightweight and portable frame is impressive and makes it easy to store in your car trunk. It is a universal product that fits various car models and is one of the best roof racks for the Subaru Forester.
FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars
The FengYu roof rack bar is designed specifically for the Subaru Forester models 2014-2021. The versatile crossbars are adapted to match the vehicle’s raised side rails and work a million times better than universal metal roof racks. The roof racks feature an improved clamping system made using heavy-duty aluminum, which is more durable and secure than plastic roof racks.
No need to carry heavy luggage because the bars have thickened aluminum structures with extra casting on the crossbar clamps. Screws are made with stainless steel, while the product also has a soft built-in rubber gasket. There should be no trouble in carrying up to 150 lbs of weight, and it will help you transport your bicycle, skis, roof boxes, fishing equipment, surfboards, etc., on your trip.
Some other roof racks are complex to use, but this model by FengYu is made for your Subaru Forester and can be installed in minutes. You don’t need any tools or roof drilling and can assemble or disassemble the roof rack whenever you feel like it. The rack also has a matte powder coating which makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. Leaving the rack installed on your vehicle during rain will not spoil it.
Whether you are on a family vacation or are taking a weekend adventure trip, FengYu’s roof rack will make sure you do not have trouble transporting your stuff anywhere. The product comes with a 1-year company warranty while providing technical support for lifetime in case you face any issues.
SnailAuto Cross Bars Roof Racks Fit for 2014-2022 Subaru Forester
For Subaru Forester owners, SnailAuto Cross Bar Roof Racks is the right replacement product for models from 2014 to 2023. The lightweight crossbar weighs around 7 lbs and is made using strong aluminum that can withstand weight up to 150 pounds. Just like other top options in the market, this product will help you carry your leisure or sports equipment like surfboards, boats, kayaks, bicycles, etc., in a safe and sound manner on your Forester.
The rear crossbar is shorter than the front one, and both of them can be easily bolted around the rack rails like OEM racks. The bar is made with an alloy of aluminum and secured with an ABS clamp to keep whatever you’re transporting safe, even at high speeds and rocky roads.
Everything you need to assemble and install the crossbar on your vehicle is provided already, and you won’t have to arrange for any tools. You can even adjust the length of the crossbars based on your requirements, which makes them easy to use with other rack accessories. This item is popular among Forester owners, and spare parts are easily available if you ever need to replace anything.
Another advantage of purchasing SnailAuto’s roof rack is that it comes with an aerodynamic design that cuts off unnecessary noises made by the roof rack while driving. The durable and strong aluminum crossbar is perfect for Forester owners and will do the job for you in an impressive manner.
Our final say on the best roof racks for Subaru Foresters
Many adventure enthusiasts own the Subaru Forester and drive it every weekend to new thrilling locations. It has great driving features, but you will find it difficult to carry heavy equipment and luggage in it. This is where a roof rack comes into action and gives you the perfect helping hand to carry heavy-duty sports and leisure goods.
If you are looking for an affordable and long-lasting roof rack for your Subaru Forester, we reviewed the five best options available in the market in the above blog. Each one has great utility and offers a unique set of benefits to consumers. Take a look at your budget and get a durable and affordable roof rack for your beloved Forester so that you don’t leave anything behind while traveling.