Best Roof Racks: Carry Bikes, Skis, and More With These Top Picks

I took many factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best roof racks. First, I made sure to choose products by well-known brands in the industry, such as Thule and Yakima, which are leaders when it comes to transporting adventure equipment. I included racks that support different types of gear, from bicycles to kayaks. Roof racks require several elements, including crossbars and specific add-ons for specific gear, so there are a range of options available in this list. These products aren't cheap, but I was able to find some that are more affordable than others to appeal to a wide range of budgets. While I was unable to personally test these items, I've had experience using some of these brands in the past. To close the gap, I researched user feedback to see how these particular roof racks perform in real-world conditions. For more information on our methodology at The Drive, go here.

My pick for the top roof rack is the Yakima Universal Roof Rack. It's more affordable than many alternatives, and it's removable, so you can easily take it with you on the go. No crossbars are required for this option, so it’s ready to use out of the box. Plus, it can accommodate a range of equipment from kayaks to snowboards. For an even more budget-friendly option, consider the PRO-SERIES 47 in. Universal Aluminum Roof Bars for Small SUVs.

When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money. 

If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.  

To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips for finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner. 

Some vehicles have factory-installed side rails that are designed to support certain types of roof rack systems, such as those offered by Thule and Yakima. These rails can either be flushed or raised and come in a variety of different sizes. Other vehicles have fixed mounting points and/or tracks that can accommodate a range of different roof racks. There are also bare or "naked" roofs that can accommodate clip-fit types of racks. You may also have a vehicle with two metal tracks or gutters. Make sure your roof configuration fits properly with the type of rack you're considering. 

Different types of roof racks are designed to carry different types of gear. You can haul everything from cargo boxes to tents, skis, bicycles, and canoes. The best roof racks can accommodate a variety of items. Depending on your needs, you may need a rack for your children's bikes, you and your spouse's kayaks, or for a surfboard. You can also purchase racks with cargo boxes or baskets to carry extra-large items that may not fit inside your vehicle.

This is a two-part consideration. First, you need to check the amount of weight that your vehicle's roof can hold. This information should be available in the owner's manual. Next, determine how much weight you plan on putting on the roof, and make sure the rack is heavy duty enough to hold the items effectively and safely. 

Some roof racks are easier to install and remove than others. Some are designed to be semi permanent, while other options are removable. Also, some racks are more simple to operate, particularly when it comes to loading heavier gear such as a kayak. Read user reviews to see how user-friendly these racks are to both set up and to operate.

When you put equipment on your roof, it's going to cause a little more drag on your vehicle, which can affect its fuel economy. In addition, some racks are noisier and produce more wind noise than others. Look for racks that are more aerodynamic so that you can travel more comfortably without too much wind buffeting, which will save you money and possibly a headache. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.