Subaru Roof Rack
Subaru Roof Rack Guide
Subarus have quickly become some of the preferred vehicles for off road and overlanding purposes. Simple: they are safe, they are strong, reliable and much more powerful than one can imagine. Add to that quality and a smart design, and they tick all the boxes.
A Subaru is a great rig to modify too. The looks and design make it an attractive vehicle that looks great in the city, and off-road in the mud. It can be easily upgraded with aftermarket accessories, and it looks even better.
At Off Road Tents we offer the best after-market roof racks and crossbars for the preferred Subaru rigs in the market. We have cargo carrying racks for Subaru Ascent, Outback, Crosstrek, Crosstrek XV, Forester, Impreza and Tribeca.
The Subaru roof rack models we offer cover all the different generations of Subaru vehicles, such as the Outback from the 1st to the latest generation and the Wilderness model, same with the Forester, so on and so forth.
In this guide you will find all the information you need to make sure you purchase the right Subaru roof rack for your vehicle. The different sections will introduce information about the different Subaru vehicle models, you will see a quick evaluation of a couple of racks, and you can click on the "VIEW ALL" button, to access all the different roof racks we have for that specific Subaru car model.
| All Subaru Roof Rack For Sale |
Subaru Roof Rack Outback
The Subaru Outback is at the moment the most popular of all Subaru vehicles. Also known as the Legacy, thanks to the first-generation model named Legacy Outback, this Subaru was first launched in 1994, and has now seen the 6th generation come out in 2020. On top of that, they even launched the Subaru Outback Wilderness back in 2022, adding another option for the customers.
The Subaru Outback comes with an all-wheel-drive feature, which is a step forward on most SUVs in the world, without having to go too strong onto bigger off-road vehicle size and style. It remains a an SUV, with the ability of going overlanding, on light dirt roads or off road paths, and with the capability of being upgraded and equipped with after-market accessories.
Prinsu Roof Rack Subaru
This Prinsu roof rack was made to fit the 6th gen Subaru Outback models from 2020 up to the current one. As with all the Prinsu roof rack models, this one was also tested in some of the harshest conditions to ensure its durability and sturdiness. It is a low-profile roof rack that does not require any drilling in order to be installed.
It is also a very lightweight platform roof rack that weighs only 46 lbs but can withstand more than 500 lbs of weight capacity which is more than enough to mount a roof top tent as well as a variety of other overlanding and off-road accessories. As we already mentioned, this is a very low profile roof rack and it has a height of something more than 2 inches.
On top of that it also has an integrated wind deflector that increases the aerodynamics of your vehicle and decreases wind drag as well as the noise even when driving at high speeds. This Subaru Outback platform roof rack is constructed out of long-lasting aluminum which has been black powder coated to prevent any scratches and erosion when driving around in muddy terrain.
Another great thing about this Prinsu rack is that it is a completely modular system that you can adjust to your needs. What we mean by that is that you can add or remove some of the crossbars on the rack depending on your current needs. All of the said crossbars are made of black anodized aluminum except for one which will not be anodized.
Why do we like it?
- Has an integrated wind deflector
- One of the lowest-profile roof rack systems
- Very lightweight and does not require drilling
- Modular roof rack system
| Drill or No Drill | Weight | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 46 lbs | 500 lbs+ | Limited Lifetime |
Front Runner Slimline II
The next product being discussed is from Front Runner, which is a well-known manufacturer of overlanding gear. They have a reputation for producing some of the most durable roof racks available for a wide range of vehicles. This particular roof rack is designed for Subaru Outback Wilderness models from 2022 to the present, and it is a lightweight platform roof rack that does not require any drilling.
The roof rack is constructed from strong T6 aluminum, durable stainless steel, and is coated with black epoxy powder to protect it from damage. Even though it only weighs 62 lbs, it is sturdy enough to support heavy items such as kayaks, motorcycles, bikes, additional luggage, gasoline tanks, or even a roof top tent. With a static weight capacity of 600 lbs, this roof rack can transport a wide variety of gear, gear mounts, and other additional items.
One of the best features of this roof rack is that there is enough space beneath it to store additional items, such as a camping table, or anything else of similar size. To increase aerodynamics and reduce noise while driving, a wind deflector or LED light bar can be added to the roof rack. Installation is easy with the included hardware and provided directions. If you're interested in this amazing roof rack system, check it out!
Why do we like it?
- High-quality, heavy-duty construction
- Easy to assemble and install
- Has space underneath it for storing slim items
| Drill or No Drill | Weight | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 62 lbs | 600 lbs+ | Limited Lifetime |
Subaru Roof Rack Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek was introduced in 2012, being one of the newest models by Subaru. Formerly known as the XV, the Crosstrek is a smaller SUV, a crossover SUV as some prefer to name them. Traditionally, it comes with a clearance of 8.7 inches off the ground, just like the regular Outback, as well as a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which makes it capable enough of handling dirt roads and light off road paths. A great vehicle for any adventure.
Prinsu Roof Rack
This is yet another Prinsu platform roof rack and it was designed to fit the 2nd gen Subaru Crosstrek models from 2018 up to the current one. Like all other Prinsu roof racks out there this one also has a very low profile and aerodynamic design and is very lightweight while retaining strength and durability. But let’s see what else this Subaru roof rack has to offer.
As we've already mentioned, this platform roof rack is extremely lightweight at only 43 lbs but has a weight capacity of more than 500 lbs, which is more than enough to place a roof top tent in addition to a range of other overlanding and off-road equipment. This roof rack is extremely low profile and has a height of around 2 inches, as we already indicated.
Additionally, it has a built-in wind deflector that, even while traveling at high speeds, improves the aerodynamics of your car and reduces wind drag and noise. This Subaru Crosstrek platform roof rack is made of sturdy aluminum that has been covered in a protective black powder coating to shield it from dents and erosion when driving in muddy terrain.
This Prinsu rack's ability to be totally customized to your needs thanks to its modular design is yet another fantastic feature. That means that based on your current demands, you can add or remove parts of the crossbars from the rack. With the exception of one, all of the aforementioned crossbars are composed of black anodized metal.
Why do we like it?
- Lightweight modular roof rack system
- Aerodynamic build
- Strong and durable high-quality materials used
| Drill or No Drill | Weight | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 43 lbs | 500 lbs+ | Limited Lifetime |
Subaru Baja Roof Rack
This Subaru roof rack is a basket roof rack that was designed to fit the Subaru Crosstrek models from 2018 up to the current one. It was designed and manufactured by BajaRack and unlike other platform roof racks, this one features tube walls that surround the platform and that way increase the cargo security. But let’s see what other great features it has to offer.
This rack is constructed out of welded cold-rolled steel tubing that was black powder coated to increase durability and to prevent any scratches and erosion that may occur when driving around in muddy terrain. This is probably one of the lightest Subaru roof rack models out there as it weighs only 39 lbs while having a weight capacity of 300 lbs. Keep in mind that this rack was not designed to carry a roof top tent.
Now as we already mentioned, this rack has steel tube walls surrounding the base of the rack and that way it prevents your cargo from slipping onto the road. However be sure to still safely secure your cargo wherever you go. You can use this rack to transport things such as luggage, camping gear, bikes, kayaks, or even groceries.
It also comes with an integrated wind deflector which will make your vehicle more aerodynamic and will lessen the wind drag and noise even while driving at high speeds. Installing it is easy as this rack doesn’t require any drilling or modifications to be mounted. It is also very affordable and there’s no doubt that it’ll be a great addition to your next overlanding adventure.
Why do we like it?
- Has a welded steel construction
- Features a built-it wind deflector
- One of the lightweight roof rack models on the market
| Drill or No Drill | Weight | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 39 lbs | 300 lbs+ | 2 Year Limited |
Subaru Roof Rack Forester
The Subaru Forester is the best-known vehicle from all the Subaru line and family. Launched all the way in 1997, it’s evolved all the way through 5 generations until the one we have today: the 2018 to the current models. The Subaru Forester is an excellent SUV, capable of withstanding off-road paths, dirt roads and considerable weight. It comes with a 2.5 liter flat four-cylinder engine as well as a 1,500 tow rating. All in all, this is an excellent vehicle and there are plenty of excellent roof racks from many brands which you can add to it. We will recommend a couple here, but please click the “View All” button below to view all, the options we have.
Front Runner Slimline II Subaru Rack
This particular roof rack is a Front Runner model that is designed to fit Subaru Forester vehicles produced from 2013 to the present. It is a reliable and durable kit that is easy to install without requiring any drilling or other modifications to your vehicle. The roof rack is made of T6 aluminum and stainless steel and is coated with black epoxy powder to increase its longevity and resilience in muddy conditions.
Despite its sturdy construction, it is a lightweight model, weighing only 45 pounds. It is a low-profile roof rack that can be upgraded with a wind deflector to improve aerodynamics and reduce road noise. Additionally, it can accommodate an LED light bar to light up the road at night.
The roof rack has a weight capacity of 660 pounds, which is more than enough to hold all your gear, including a rooftop tent. The Front Runner accessories can be attached to this roof rack, making it a great addition to your off-road adventure. Another benefit of this Subaru Forester roof rack is that there is enough space between the roof and the rack to store items of similar size.
Installation of this roof rack is simple and requires no drilling or modifications to the vehicle, but it does require OEM roof rails on your Subaru Forester. Attaching the rack to the rails takes only a few minutes. If you're in the market for a top-quality Forester roof rack system, check out this incredible offering from Front Runner.
Why do we like it?
- A variety of Front Runner accessories can be mounted on it
- High-quality modular construction
- Does not require drilling to be installed
- Very lightweight design
| Drill or No Drill | Weight | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 45 lbs | 660 lbs+ | Limited Lifetime |
Subaru Roof Rack Thule
This Subaru Forester roof rack is different from the previous platform roof rack system as it is a cross bar roof rack. Despite this, it is still a durable and streamlined piece of equipment for off-roading that can bear up to 220 lbs of weight without requiring any drilling or modifications for installation.
The Thule Winbar EVO cross bars have a larger loading space than the AeroBlade bars and are designed for better aerodynamics, featuring a TrailEdge design that reduces wind resistance and noise even at high speeds. These bars are versatile and can carry various items such as kayaks, skis, snowboards, cargo carriers, and roof boxes, without obstructing your sunroof. The dynamic weight capacity is 220 lbs when the weight is distributed evenly.
Installing these cross bars is quick and easy with the SmartSlides slidable length scale doubles, and they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand harsh environments. A 5-year warranty is included as well. Be sure to check them out!
Why do we like it?
- Lightweight and aerodynamic design
- Easy no-drill installation
- High-quality, durable construction
| Drill or No Drill | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 220 lbs | Limited 5 Year |
Subaru Ascent Roof Rack
The Subaru Ascent, the biggest vehicle Subaru has ever made until now. This is the older brother of the Forester and all the other Subaru line. It is a 3-row car, with the capacity to hold 8 passengers inside, essentially this being a full size large SUV. It is comfortable, it is powerful, it maintains the traditional 8.7” ground clearance that Subaru likes, it has a 5,000 lbs towing capacity, and well, it can handle off roading.
Subaru Prinsu Roof Rack
This is the last Prinsu roof rack on our list and this one was designed to fit the Subaru Ascent models from 2019 up to the current one. It has a very aerodynamic and sleek low profile design and best of all it requires no drilling or further modifications to your vehicle in order to install it. It is a string rack that can withstand the weight of a roof top tent as well as many other off-road accessories.
This platform roof rack, which weighs only 56 pounds and has a weight capacity of more than 500 pounds, is more than capable of holding a roof top tent in addition to a variety of other overlanding and off-road gear as we mentioned before. What's great about this roof rack is that it is one of the lowest profile systems on the market right now and it has a height of just over 2 inches.
Additionally, it includes a built-in wind deflector that enhances your car's aerodynamics and lowers wind drag and noise even when you're moving at a high speed. This strong metal Subaru Ascent platform roof rack has a protective black powder coating on it to prevent scratches and erosion when driving through muddy terrain.
Another great advantage of the Prinsu rack is that it can be completely adjusted to your needs due to its modular construction. That implies that you can modify the crossbars' placement on the rack in accordance with your current needs. All of the aforementioned crossbars, with the exception of one, are made of black anodized aluminum.
Why do we like it?
- Has a height of just over 2”
- Lightweight and aerodynamic design
- Strong and reliable modular roof rack system
| Drill or No Drill | Weight | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 56 lbs | 500 lbs+ | Limited Lifetime |
Subaru Rhino Rack
The last Subaru roof rack on our list is the Rhino Rack Vortex Roof Rack Cross Bars that were designed to fit the Subaru Ascent models. Now as you can tell this is not a platform roof rack but regardless it is still a very sturdy and reliable choice that will be a great addition to your next off-road adventure. So with that said let’s take a look and see what it has to offer.
These crossbars were made out of high-quality, build to last materials and they can withstand a weight limit of 165 lbs when the weight is distributed evenly. They are also very lightweight, do not require drilling in order to be installed and have been tested in some of the harshest environments to ensure their durability.
Keep in mind that these Rhino Rack crossbars were not designed to withstand the weight of a roof top tent rather to be used to carry cargo boxes, bikes, kayaks, skis, and other off-road or camping equipment. They come with a Rhino Rack Lifetime Warranty and will surely be a great addition to your Subaru Ascent so be sure to check them out!
Why do we like them?
- Quick and easy no drill installation
- Very lightweight and aerodynamic design
- Comes with security hardware to protect it from theft
| Drill or No Drill | Weight Capacity | Warranty |
| No Drill | 165 lbs | Limited Lifetime |
Subaru Roof Rack Accessories
Subaru roof racks have many accessories you can add to them. Depending on the brand of rack you purchase you will have either less or more options to choose from. Keep in mind there are some universal accessories or others that might need just one small mount so you can install them onto any rack. For example, LED light bars tend to be universal, meaning they can be mounted onto any roof rack or crossbars, all they need (sometimes and not always), is a special mount to adapt to a rack. However, most LED light bars, roof top tents, or awnings come with universal mounts fitting 90% of racks. That said, let’s look at some popular Subaru roof rack accessories.
Subaru Roof Rack Bike Rack
Let's discuss the importance of bike carriers in securing our equipment to our vehicle during off-road trips or regular road travel. To prevent any harm to the equipment and ensure other drivers' safety, it is crucial to have a dependable and robust roof rack bike carrier.
Now, let's look at the Front Runner Pro Bike Carrier. Unlike other bike carriers that require the front wheel to be removed before securing to the rack, this carrier saves time by not requiring the wheel to be removed.
It is adaptable to all bike sizes and easy to install in a few minutes. The bike carrier is adjustable to fit tire widths ranging from 18mm (0.7") to 132mm (5.2"), accommodating different wheel diameters, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and fat bikes.
The carrier is constructed of weather-resistant stainless steel and powder coating, similar to the Front Runner racks and mounting systems. It weighs 20 pounds and can be folded flat on the roof rack when not in use, making it a valuable addition to your gear.
Subaru Roof Rack Storage
Cargo carriers are a crucial piece of equipment for both overlanding and daily use, allowing you to keep smaller items safely enclosed within the hard walls of the carrier. Whether you need to transport extra clothes or larger items like skis, a roof rack cargo carrier is a versatile choice that can even hold groceries.
One popular option is the Thule Motion Roof Rack Cargo Carrier, which boasts a sturdy hard-shell exterior that is both waterproof and durable. Thule has a longstanding reputation for producing top-quality overlanding gear, and this cargo carrier is no exception.
Designed for maximum space efficiency and aerodynamics, it can hold up to 165 lbs and features PowerClick quick-mount technology for easy installation. Additionally, it includes a lock to safeguard your belongings when you're away from your vehicle. This cargo carrier is capable of accommodating skis with a maximum length of 215 cm and has become a popular choice in the market due to its reliability and convenience.
Why Get A Roof Rack?
If you're someone who enjoys off-road or overlanding adventures, you're probably aware of how important it is to have a reliable and effective roof rack system on your vehicle. Although it may require some investment, it will significantly enhance your next journey. A roof rack can increase your storage capacity by allowing you to mount items that would otherwise not fit in your car. This way, you can free up space inside your vehicle for additional passengers or gear.
A roof rack can be used to carry various items, including camping gear, water containers, bikes, skis, kayaks, recovery gear, and more. It's not just useful for off-roading and overlanding, but can also be used for construction vehicles. You can attach ladders, planks, and other materials to the roof rack and transport them with ease. Additionally, a roof rack can be useful for everyday tasks when you need to transport large items that won't fit inside your car.
Although it may be tempting to simply store everything in your trunk, sometimes that's not possible due to size limitations. That's where a roof rack comes in handy. You can transport furniture and similarly-sized items on a roof rack. The possibilities are limitless. This article highlights some of the best roof rack systems that would work with Subaru models, so you can find the one that suits your needs.
Subaru Roof Rack Weigh Limit
This is one of the most common questions everyone asks when getting a roof rack, or in this case a Subaru roof rack. To keep it short there’s a few things you need to know.
A vehicle has two weight ratings, that is the dynamic weight rating (DWC) and the static weight rating (SWC). They DWC is when the vehicle is in motion, and it’s the first one you need to look at. That means, anything you mount to the rack must be equal or less than the DWC. Normally, the DWC of any roof rack is around 250 lbs or less. If for example you want a roof top tent which weighs 150 lbs, get a rack or crossbars that can carry at least 150 lbs DWC.
The SWC refers to the weight your rack can handle when the vehicle is static, parked. The SWC in a good roof rack can be from 500 lbs upwards, and we have even seen over 1,000 lbs on some racks. However, most companies are conservative, play it safe an say it’s around 500 or 600 lbs. That’s more than enough to mount a tent over the rack, and have at least 4 people in it. The weight capacity s larger in the SWC, as there is no wind resistance or forces pushing against it (the vehicle isn’t moving), and the weight evenly distributes along the frame or skeleton of the vehicle.
Now, Subaru says in their manuals, websites and videos (search and find out yourself) that their vehicle’s roof weight rating is 176 lbs. They don’t specify much about DWC or SWC, since they need to play it safe and avoid issues. Being ambiguous protects them in cases where people do a silly thing and mount over 200 lbs to a shitty rack. That’s not a good idea. Therefore, be smart, if Subaru says 176 lbs, the DWC will be 176 lbs so don’t install anything weighing over that when you are driving.
Subaru Roof Rack FAQS
What is the best Subaru roof rack?
There isn’t really one particular roof rack we can call the “best Subaru roof rack”. As explained throughout this entire guide, that will be determined by you and your needs. Are you looking for something affordable and lightweight? Get crossbars. Looking for something rugged, stable and with a higher weight capacity? Buy a platform rack. Overall, brands such as Thule, Rhino-Rack, Yakima, Front Runner and Prinsu are excellent.
Are Subaru roof racks universal?
Not all Subaru roof rack models are universal but there are some Subaru Cross Bars that can fit on a variety of vehicles and that would be the Rhino Rack Vortex Cross Bar system.
How to install a Subaru roof rack?
Since Subaru roof racks do not require drilling to be installed it is very simple to do. Just follow the given instructions and use the hardware provided and you'll get it done in no time.
Can you put a roof rack on Subaru Impreza?
Yes you can! There are also many models of Subaru Impreza roof racks on the market that would fit your needs and your lifestyle!
What is the Subaru roof rack weight capacity?
That all depends on the roof rack itself. But the majority of SUbaru roof racks have a weight limit of around 500-600 lbs.
Is there a Subaru roof rack light bar?
You may mount an LED light bar on to any Subaru roof rack out there. And there are also many different LED light bars that you can install. If you do not know where to start e recommend that you check out this Cali Raised 42” LED light bar!
