The best car roof boxes of 2022

“Dachnik or hunter?” – a half-joking question is asked to a new acquaintance on the road at the sight of a box on the roof of a car. Indeed, an additional cargo compartment is most often installed by lovers to get out into nature. And here is another joke: “I got things on vacation through the roof!”. In general, the extra trunk helps out. We will use it especially comfortably if it is not just a “black coffin” made of plastic with a couple of fasteners, but a well-made tool. Let’s talk about the best car roof boxes in 2022.

Rating of the top 10 best boxes on the roof of the car according to KP

1. THULE Pacific 780

This brand is the leader among autoboxes. Available in anthracite and titanium (light grey). If the 780 version seems too long (196 cm) to you, there is a shorter version numbered 200 (178 cm). And also under the same number they produce models with one-sided and two-sided opening (15% more expensive). Boxes of this brand are famous for their proprietary mounting system. Installation is as simple as possible. The key can only be taken out if all the bolts of the locks are firmly locked. It is impossible not to note the aerodynamic shape and skin of the box.

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2. Inno New Shadow 16

Available in three colors: white, silver and black. Boxes in the Shadow line have been on the market for several years. This is a hit of the Japanese manufacturer of auto accessories. Pay attention to the word new (“new”) in the title. This is the most current model for 2022. If there is no such prefix, then you are considering the old configuration. It is also good, but lacks a number of advantages. For example, the fastening system in the new ones is much more convenient, and also with a memory function – it remembers the size of the luggage bars profile. Clip-on installation. All colors except white are matte, which means they are more practical. Plus, it has improved the already good aerodynamic characteristics.

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3. Hapro Cruiser 10.8

Car box for large cars with almost maximum volume (there are models up to 640 liters). Sold in black matte only. You can put ten pairs of skis in it and still have room for things. Travelers take one to carry an inflatable boat and a few tents. Made very high quality. Despite the massiveness, the fittings are excellent, so it is convenient to open and close even for children and fragile ladies. Like Thule, there is a security system that prevents the key from being removed if something is not secured securely.

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4. Lux Tavr 175

Boxing with a brutal design. With its stiffening ribs, the cover resembles a bicycle helmet. Available in five colors: various variations of metallic and matte. The manufacturer has worked on aerodynamics. This is a heavy box (22 kg, competitors are usually lighter). It has an average volume of capacity, but a sure 75 kilos of load capacity. The bottom is reinforced with metal inserts. The lock is locked at six points, while more mass models are limited to three at best.

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5. Suitcase 440

With this domestic manufacturer, the model is located in the middle of the volume line. Available in black, white and matte grey. They put EuroLock locks, like the Germans from Thule. The mounting bracket guide is integrated into the reinforcement, so that it is convenient to choose the place for attaching the crossbars. The spring dampers of the opening mechanism do not look very reliable, but we did not meet any complaints about the breakdown of this unit when preparing this review.

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6. «Eurodetail Magnum 420»

Boxes are available in six colors, including stylish carbon. For some reason, this material is rarely used for lining trunks, although fans of this design have a demand for it. Holds six snowboards or four pairs of skis. Plus additional things and accessories. Like other top models in 2022, it is made of ABS plastic. There is a central lock. The shape for aerodynamics resembles products of European manufacturers. 

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7. YUAGO Cosmo 210

A flat autobox (only 30 cm high) on the roof, which is positioned as a trunk for people who choose outdoor activities – sports, fishing, hunting. And it is also convenient to call in some underground parking lots. Available in white, gray and black. The plastic is thick, but flexible – ABS material is used. The manufacturer allows you to drive at speeds up to 110 km / h, although those who have tested it in practice write that you can go faster, it will not make noise. On examination, the budget fittings attract attention.

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8. ATLANT Diamond 430

A popular brand that also makes roof rails for installing most models. The model is elegant, in three colors: black matte and glossy and white gloss. The latter plays very beautifully in the sun and also does not heat up. The manufacturer says that the model was developed in Italy, but is produced by us. The Hold Control system is attached to the lock, which additionally keeps the box from involuntary opening. 

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9. Broomer Venture L

The design here is for everybody, but it will suit both an SUV and a sedan. The nose is sharp, there is a longitudinal diffuser at the bottom for better aerodynamics. In the reviews they write that nothing rattles at speed. In our rating, we mentioned a couple of times that some brands save on good fittings, which reduces the overall perception of the product. Everything is in order with this model. Thanks to the proprietary mounting system, it can be installed on rectangular and aerodynamic crossbars.

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10. MaxBox PRO 460

Available in black, gray and white, as well as their variations – gloss, carbon, matte. An additive with the frightening name “anti-wash” has been added to the plastic: but in reality this is not for not washing it, but for protection against chemical exposure. So, on the contrary, you can drive with boxing to a car wash and not be afraid that later the plastic will climb. Additionally, aluminum case reinforcements can be purchased from the manufacturer to increase the load capacity.

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How to choose a car roof box

It may seem that an additional roof rack is definitely not the kind of car unit that you need to fiddle with and choose for a long time. Indeed, the device is simple, but running into a low-quality craft is easier than ever. Therefore, read our short tips on choosing boxes – with them you will definitely be able to choose the best one.

What are they attached to

1. On drains (for old cars – examples of the Soviet automobile industry and modern Niv).
2. On roof rails (in modern SUVs and crossovers they are often already installed or there are holes for fastening skids).
3. On the crossbars (for cars with a smooth roof, mass modern sedans).

Tops are made from ABS plastic.

This is an abbreviation in which the long name of the material is encrypted (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer – could you read it without hesitation?) It is found everywhere in the autosphere. If you see this in the characteristics of the model you like, then you already have a good box in front of you with a high degree of probability. They are also made of polystyrene and acrylic, but often the most budgetary models. When you are in the store and you can feel products from different materials, you will see that ABS plastic is often softer. But that doesn’t mean he can’t take a hit. The margin of safety is fair.

Most autoboxes leave the conveyor in a black case. The color is universal, for any car body. That’s just on a summer trip, this one is heated in the sun in a matter of hours. You can cover the additional trunk with colored film yourself or look for an option in a white and gray case.

Sizes for every taste

The optimal length is 195 cm with a volume of 430 – 520 liters. But you start from your tasks. There are models on the market from 120 to 235 cm. They also differ in height (and hence the final volume) and width – from 50 to 95 cm. Ideally, before buying, try on the box on your car or carefully measure everything with a tape measure when ordering online. The structure on the roof must not prevent the main trunk (fifth door) from opening.

Boxes with reinforced construction

The bottom in such a trunk is reinforced – stitched with metal inserts. This increases the load capacity and also affects the price. Say, if a standard autobox pulls out about 50 kg, then with a reinforced structure it will carry both 70 and up to 90 kilos. Loading more is fraught with the prospect of creating an emergency, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Roof mount

You can install the box yourself. Mass models use brackets (in the shape of the letter U), which screw or press the autobox to the crossbars. In the best models, clamps that are more convenient for installation are used: it snaps into place and everything is held.

How does it open

Most models are produced with side access. Those that are more expensive open on two sides, not one. Occasionally met with access through the rear wall. They are no longer produced, because it is not so convenient for the warrior.

Popular questions and answers

Answers questions Maxim Ryazanov, technical director of the Fresh Auto network of car dealerships: