Choosing cross bars for Subaru Forester ain’t just about slapping some metal on top and calling it a day. You’re dealing with wind drag, weight ratings, cargo box fit, even that annoying whistle sound at 70 mph. Some bars bend under pressure, others rattle like old lawn chairs. After looking at what owners actually use and testing what holds up on long road trips, the Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars comes out ahead. It’s quiet, sturdy, handles heavy loads without drama, and fits the Forester rails clean, so you don’t waste time fiddling with adapters.
Best 5 Cross Bars for Subaru Forester
01. Tuyoung Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Tuyoung Roof Rack Cross Bars are built for Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models (2014–2024, including Wilderness edition), making them a solid option if you need more hauling space for kayaks, cargo boxes, or camping gear. Made from lightweight aluminum with anti-rust coating, these roof rack crossbars offer a balance of strength and efficiency. The aerodynamic design also helps cut down on wind noise while driving, which is a big plus for long road trips.
They’re simple to install with a direct fit to factory rails, but like most universal cross bars, there are a few tradeoffs depending on the load you carry. Still, for outdoor trips, weekend camping, or everyday use, they provide practical storage support without needing complicated adjustments.
Pros:
- Compatible with Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback (2014–2024, Wilderness models included)
- Lightweight aluminum construction with rust-resistant finish
- Aerodynamic shape reduces drag and noise
- Easy bolt-on installation, no drilling required
Cons:
- Load capacity may not match heavy-duty roof racks
- Wind noise can increase at higher speeds with bulky cargo
- Limited to vehicles with existing factory side rails
02. Autekcomma Max Loading 260lb Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Autekcomma Max Loading 260lb Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars are built for Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza owners who need reliable carrying strength without fuss. With an anti-theft lock system and a 260lb max load, these roof rack cross bars handle kayaks, cargo boxes, bikes, or luggage with ease. The design fits flush with factory rails, giving a sturdy and aerodynamic feel that keeps noise lower on highways. Great for long trips, outdoor gear, and everyday hauling.
Still, like any accessory, there are things to weigh. While the heavy-duty aluminum makes them durable, installation can take some trial and error for first-timers. Also, depending on your load, clearance under low garages might be tricky. Below are some quick pros and cons:
Pros:
- Supports up to 260 lbs, ideal for kayaks, bikes, and cargo carriers
- Lockable anti-theft system adds security for long trips
- Fits Subaru Crosstrek 2014-2021 and Impreza 2013-2021 with raised side rails
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction for strength and durability
Cons:
- May require patience during installation and alignment
- Adds height, which can affect garage clearance
- Not compatible with models lacking factory side rails
03. HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars
The HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars are built for Subaru owners who need extra storage on the road. Designed to fit models like the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek (2014–2023), these roof rack crossbars are perfect for carrying bikes, kayaks, snowboards, or cargo boxes. The lockable feature adds security, while the aerodynamic design helps reduce wind resistance and noise when driving at higher speeds.
For people weighing options, it’s worth considering both strengths and drawbacks of these car roof rack cross bars:
Pros:
- Compatible with Subaru Forester and Crosstrek (2014–2023)
- Lockable system for better security of gear
- Strong aluminum construction handles luggage, kayaks, and skis
- Aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise
Cons:
- Installation may take longer for first-time users
- Limited weight capacity compared to heavy-duty racks
- Not universal—fits only specific Subaru models
04. FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars
The FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed for Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models (2014–2024), including the Wilderness edition. Built with a sturdy aluminum structure, these crossbars provide a dependable base for carrying cargo boxes, kayaks, bikes, and camping gear. Their aerodynamic design helps reduce wind noise, while the simple bolt-on installation makes them convenient for daily use. For drivers looking to expand vehicle storage, these roof rack cross bars fit well into long road trips and outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Compatible with Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback (2014–2024) including Wilderness edition
- Durable aluminum build with high load capacity
- Aerodynamic design reduces wind drag and noise
- Easy installation, no drilling required
Cons:
- May not support oversized rooftop tents or heavier cargo racks
- Some users might prefer OEM crossbars for exact fitment
- Wind noise can still be noticeable at high highway speeds
05. Richeer 220LBS Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Richeer 220LBS Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed for the Subaru Forester (2014–2025, including Wilderness models), giving drivers a strong and secure way to carry extra gear. With an anti-theft lock system, these aluminum crossbars provide safety and convenience for carrying kayaks, bikes, cargo boxes, or luggage on long trips. They’re lightweight yet tough enough to handle up to 220 lbs, making them a solid choice for anyone needing extra cargo space.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
- Fits Subaru Forester 2014–2025, including Wilderness trim
- 220 lbs load capacity for luggage, kayaks, or bikes
- Anti-theft lock adds extra security
- Easy installation with no drilling required
Cons:
- Wind noise may increase at higher speeds
- Weight capacity may not suit very heavy gear
- Fitment limited to specific Subaru models only
How to Choose the Best Cross Bars for Subaru Forester
Finding cross bars for Subaru Forester feels simple at first glance, but then you fall in the rabbit hole of aluminum versus steel, weight ratings that don’t even seem real, and brands claiming their racks can carry a canoe, two bikes, a roof box, and maybe even your neighbor’s grill if you felt brave. It’s messy. You’ll probably think, why not just grab the cheapest set on Amazon and call it a day? Then you read reviews of bars snapping, whistling like a banshee on highways, or scratching paint. That’s when you realize—nah, this decision got teeth.
Weight Limits Aren’t Just Numbers Printed in Manuals
You look at a Subaru Forester and think: pretty sturdy SUV, it can take a beating. But the roof isn’t some industrial loading dock. Subaru says the factory roof rails can support about 150 pounds of dynamic load. That means while the vehicle is moving. Static load (when parked) is higher, sometimes around 700 lbs, which is why rooftop tents don’t instantly collapse your car like a soda can. But people forget that speed plus wind drag changes everything. A kayak that weighs 60 lbs on paper can exert twice that on racks at 75 mph. Cross bars need to carry that strain or you’ll be that poor soul on the side of I-80 watching your $1,200 paddle board bounce across lanes.
Factory vs Aftermarket: The Never-Ending Debate
The factory Subaru Forester cross bars slide right in, literally. They’re made to fit without hassle, but the tradeoff is they tend to be more expensive and not always as strong as good aftermarket ones. They look neat, match the car’s profile, and Subaru owners like that OEM vibe. But you might be shocked at the price tag for two bars that feel, well, average.
Then there’s aftermarket brands like Thule, Yakima, Rhino-Rack, even budget players like MaxxHaul or BougeRV. Some swear by Yakima’s aerodynamic JetStream bars that cut down noise, others go with Thule because the accessories lock in like Lego pieces. The question becomes: do you want easy compatibility with everything or do you want “good enough” at half the cost? My buddy bought cheap universal cross bars once, swore he saved money, then spent the rest of summer fighting wind noise louder than his AC on max. Ended up rebuying Thule anyway. Classic penny wise, pound foolish.
Noise: The Thing Nobody Talks About Until It’s Too Late
Cross bars can howl. At 40 mph you might not notice, but get on an open highway and suddenly there’s a whistling that makes you crank up the radio just to drown it out. The shape matters. Round bars? Affordable but noisy. Square bars? Sturdier but still draggy. Aero-shaped aluminum bars? Pricier but save your sanity. Wind deflectors exist but adding one feels like patching a problem rather than fixing the cause. Subaru Forester itself already has a boxier roofline, so pairing that with loud racks is… not fun for road trips.
Steel vs Aluminum: Strength vs Weight
Steel cross bars scream durability. You could probably hang off them if you wanted (don’t try). But steel is heavier, rusts if the coating chips, and eats up more fuel efficiency. Aluminum bars? Lightweight, don’t corrode as easily, and easier to remove if you only use them occasionally. Most Forester owners lean aluminum unless they’re hauling heavy ladders or construction gear daily.
There’s also a hidden factor: weight of the bars themselves counts toward the roof limit. If bars weigh 20 lbs, that’s 20 pounds less cargo you can carry up top. That’s why the 10-12 lb aluminum ones get more love.
Locking Systems and Theft Paranoia
A weird thing people forget is roof racks are theft magnets. Some guy at a trailhead unscrewed my old Yakima bars in broad daylight while I was gone hiking. They’re easy targets if you don’t get locks. Thule and Yakima sell lock cores, usually keyed alike if you buy sets. Cheaper racks often don’t have secure locks or they rely on Allen bolts you could undo with the same tool. If you’re carrying bikes or a pricey roof box, why gamble? Subaru Forester’s cargo area isn’t huge, so most folks add rooftop storage at some point. That means your cross bars basically turn into moving shelves of temptation.
Installation Headaches
On paper, most bars say “easy install.” Reality: some fit like Cinderella’s shoe, others fight you for an afternoon. Subaru Forester’s raised rails are pretty forgiving, but universal bars sometimes leave gaps or clamp awkwardly. Torque matters too. Over-tighten clamps and you risk bending rails, under-tighten and the bars shift while driving. A surprising number of owners report checking bolts every few trips. One forum thread had multiple users admit their bars loosened after 300 miles of highway driving. That’s not fear mongering, just a reminder these things aren’t “set it and forget it.”
Cost Versus Lifetime Value
A decent set of Subaru Forester cross bars runs anywhere from 100 bucks (budget Amazon sets) up to 400+ for premium brands. At first that feels steep, but racks often last longer than the car. Thule/Yakima owners say they’ve swapped bars between three vehicles over a decade. That longevity matters. Cheap bars? They bend, coatings flake, or rubber pads wear down. Then you’re stuck replacing them anyway.
Think about resale too. A Forester with quality racks already mounted sells easier to outdoor folks than one without. Weirdly enough, accessories like racks, all-weather mats, and roof boxes add perceived value even if book value stays the same.
Personal Use Case Matters More Than Reviews
At the end of the day, no single rack is “best.” Someone who hauls skis twice a winter doesn’t need the same bars as someone carrying mountain bikes every weekend. If you’re planning to add a rooftop tent, your choices shrink fast since not every bar is weight-rated for that. For city dwellers, the priority might be bars that are low-profile enough to clear parking garages. For road trippers, wind noise is the bigger deal. It’s less about chasing brand hype and more about matching bars to what you actually do with your Subaru Forester.
Final Half-Thought
Cross bars aren’t exciting purchases. You don’t brag at a BBQ that you just spent 300 dollars on two sticks of aluminum. Yet they can define whether your Forester feels like the adventure wagon Subaru markets it as, or just another commuter car. I’ve seen people with clunky racks regret it every mile, while others barely notice theirs after setup. If anything, think of it like shoes—you can buy cheap sandals and they’ll work until they don’t, but if you’re walking long miles, comfort and strength are what keep you sane. Same logic, just strapped to the roof of a car.
