Choosing the best cross bars for your Subaru Crosstrek ain’t just about what looks cool on top. It’s more about what actually holds up when you throw a kayak, bike, or cargo box up there. Some bars rattle, some whistle, others just don’t fit right. You don’t want that. If you’re lookin’ for strong, quiet, easy-to-install crossbars that’ll work with your Subaru Crosstrek roof rails, this quick list’s gonna save you time and headache. Below are 5 that real Crosstrek folks swear by—tested, daily-driven, and not just hyped up with marketing junk.
Best 5 Cross Bars for Subaru Crosstrek
01. HmmtyRack Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
The HmmtyRack Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars are a solid choice for adding cargo-carrying capability to your vehicle without breaking the bank. Designed to fit raised side rails (like those on Subaru Crosstrek and other SUVs), these aerodynamic aluminum bars support a wide range of rooftop accessories—bike racks, cargo boxes, ski holders, and more—with a 165 lbs load capacity. The anti-theft locking system adds extra peace of mind, especially for travelers or daily commuters.
They’re lightweight, rust-resistant, and relatively easy to install without needing special tools. However, compatibility may vary with some factory rail shapes, so measuring beforehand is key.
✅ Pros
- Lockable design adds security for rooftop gear
- 165 lbs load capacity—works with bikes, kayaks, cargo carriers
- Aerodynamic aluminum build reduces wind noise and drag
- Fits most vehicles with raised side rails
❌ Cons
- Doesn’t fit flush or track-mounted roof rails
- May require adjustment to fit snug on certain SUV models
02. Tuyoung Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Tuyoung Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars are custom-designed to fit Subaru Crosstrek models from 2018 to 2023, offering a strong, secure foundation for rooftop cargo like kayaks, bikes, luggage boxes, or skis. Made from lightweight but durable aluminum alloy, these bars support up to 150 lbs of load capacity and include anti-theft locks for added peace of mind. The aerodynamic design helps cut down wind noise and drag while driving.
Installation is tool-free and quick, thanks to the adjustable clamps and fitment tailored for factory-raised side rails. However, these cross bars are model-specific and won’t work with vehicles outside the listed compatibility range.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for 2018–2023 Subaru Crosstrek
- Lightweight aluminum with 150 lbs capacity
- Anti-theft lock system improves gear security
- Aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance
❌ Cons
- Only fits Crosstrek with raised factory rails
- Not compatible with flush-mounted or non-Subaru vehicles
03. FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars
The FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed specifically for Subaru Crosstrek (2018–2023) and Subaru Forester (2017–2023) with factory raised side rails. These cross bars are built from aerospace-grade aluminum, offering a strong yet lightweight structure that supports up to 200 lbs—ideal for hauling bikes, kayaks, rooftop cargo boxes, or ski gear. The bars feature a low-profile aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise and fuel drag during travel.
Installation is quick and straightforward with no drilling required, and the rubber-lined clamps help protect your vehicle’s rails from scratches. However, this rack is only compatible with factory-raised rails and won’t work with flush-mounted systems or other vehicle brands.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for Crosstrek (2018–2023) & Forester (2017–2023)
- Supports up to 200 lbs—great for kayaks, skis, cargo carriers
- Lightweight aluminum with corrosion-resistant finish
- Aerodynamic and easy to install without tools
❌ Cons
- Only fits vehicles with raised factory rails
- Not compatible with other SUV models or flush roof rails
04. Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Autekcomma Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars are built to fit Subaru Crosstrek (2013–2021) and Subaru XV models equipped with raised factory side rails. Made from high-grade aluminum with a black powder-coated finish, these bars are both strong and rust-resistant, supporting up to 198 lbs of cargo—perfect for hauling kayaks, bikes, cargo boxes, skis, or luggage. The integrated anti-theft locks add security, while the aerodynamic shape helps reduce wind noise and drag.
Installation is tool-free and hassle-free, thanks to the adjustable clamps that are designed to match Crosstrek’s rail spacing. However, they’re not compatible with flush rails or other vehicle models outside the specified range.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for 2013–2021 Subaru Crosstrek/XV with raised rails
- Heavy-duty aluminum supports up to 198 lbs
- Lockable design for added theft protection
- Aerodynamic profile reduces wind noise
❌ Cons
- Not compatible with flush roof rails or non-Subaru vehicles
- May require readjusting after initial use for tightest fit
05. BRIGHTLINES Aero Crossbars Roof Racks
The BRIGHTLINES Aero Crossbars Roof Racks are custom-engineered for Subaru Crosstrek (2018–2019) and Subaru Forester (2017–2019) models with raised side rails. These aerodynamic aluminum crossbars offer a sleek, low-profile design that minimizes wind noise and drag, while supporting up to 150 lbs of evenly distributed weight—ideal for kayaks, rooftop boxes, skis, and bikes.
Installation is straightforward with no drilling required, and the crossbars come with all necessary mounting hardware. The bars are also adjustable for a precise fit across factory rails. However, their vehicle-specific design limits compatibility beyond these Subaru models.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for 2018–2019 Crosstrek & 2017–2019 Forester
- Sleek aerodynamic design reduces noise and wind resistance
- Supports up to 150 lbs—great for outdoor gear and cargo carriers
- Easy bolt-on installation with included tools
❌ Cons
- Only compatible with specific Subaru model years
- May not work with non-OEM raised rails or aftermarket modifications
06. BougeRV Lockable Car Roof Rack
The BougeRV Lockable Car Roof Rack is specifically designed for Subaru Crosstrek 2018–2024 and Crosstrek Wilderness 2024 models equipped with raised side rails. Made from anti-rust, aircraft-grade aluminum, these crossbars are strong yet lightweight, supporting up to 150 lbs of gear—perfect for carrying kayaks, bikes, skis, cargo boxes, or luggage.
These racks feature a low-profile aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise and fuel drag, and the built-in anti-theft locking system provides extra peace of mind. Installation is quick and tool-free, making them a user-friendly choice for both daily use and road trips. However, they are not compatible with flush-mounted or bare roofs.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for 2018–2024 Crosstrek and 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness
- 150 lbs capacity—ideal for all kinds of rooftop gear
- Anti-theft lock system included
- Lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum construction
❌ Cons
- Only fits raised side rails—won’t work on flush or bare roofs
- Not compatible with vehicles outside the Crosstrek lineup
How to Choose the Best Cross Bars for Subaru Crosstrek
Picking cross bars for Subaru Crosstrek ain’t rocket science, but it sure ain’t something you just do without thinking either. You got options. Too many, honestly. If you ain’t careful, you’ll end up with bars that whistle like a tea kettle at 65 mph or ones that snap when you toss a kayak on ’em.
Why Cross Bars Matter on a Crosstrek
You already know your Subaru Crosstrek got decent storage space, but that roof? That’s where the real utility lives. Adding roof rack cross bars lets you haul kayaks, cargo boxes, bikes, ski gear, maybe even lumber if you’re that type.
The Crosstrek roof got integrated side rails from the factory, so you ain’t dealing with bare-roof install headaches. But don’t just grab whatever says “universal.” That word’s mostly marketing fluff.
Types of Cross Bars That Fit Subaru Crosstrek
Cross bars mostly break down into three shapes:
- Square bars – Cheap. Strong. But they can be noisy. Real noisy sometimes.
- Round bars – Bit quieter, but if you don’t tighten things right, your gear might spin around like a fidget toy.
- Aero bars (also called wing-shaped or elliptical) – Best for gas mileage. Quietest. Often cost more but worth it if you drive long distances.
You gotta ask yourself: are you gonna carry bulky stuff regularly? Or this just for a once-in-a-blue-moon road trip? No point dropping $300+ for Yakima JetStream bars if all you carry is a beach towel and a lawn chair.
OEM vs Aftermarket: What’s Better?
You could go with OEM Subaru crossbars, sure. They made to fit Crosstrek, no question. But they’re not always the best value. Usually come in a kit, may not hold as much weight, and don’t always let you add attachments from third-party brands.
Aftermarket roof rack bars like Thule, Yakima, or Rhino-Rack often let you carry more weight and give more flexibility with things like bike carriers, paddleboard holders, and roof boxes. Some support up to 165 lbs, while Subaru OEM usually caps out lower.
Just make sure the load rating fits your plans. For example, a pair of Thule WingBar Evo can handle up to 220 lbs on some setups, but always double-check what’s safe for your Crosstrek roof rails.
Know What You’re Mounting
Different gear got different mounting needs.
- Roof top tents? You’ll need bars with higher dynamic and static load ratings.
- Surfboards or kayaks? Get ones with T-slots or wider mounting areas.
- Ski racks? You’ll want bars compatible with ski and snowboard carriers like Yakima FatCat EVO.
And don’t forget bar width. Most Crosstrek models handle 50–55 inch crossbars. Too long and you’ll bang your head every time you get in.
Wind Noise, Fuel Efficiency & Looks
Some bars scream when you’re on the freeway. That constant whistle? Annoying as hell. Aero bars usually reduce that. Thule Aeroblade or Yakima JetStream both got wind-diffusing designs that make long trips quieter.
You’ll also notice a dip in MPG once you throw bars on. Aero ones cut that loss a bit. Subaru owners on forums report 1–2 mpg drop with roof racks, depending on speed and load.
Looks-wise? It matters, even if you won’t say it out loud. Some bars just look better. Low-profile ones blend with the Crosstrek’s lines. Chunky black square bars stick out and scream “DIY build.”
Your Crosstrek’s Roof Weight Limits
Don’t overload your roof. Most Subaru Crosstrek models got max dynamic roof load around 150 lbs. That’s with crossbars installed. Static load (when parked, for roof tents) goes up to 700+ lbs.
If you’re mounting a roof top tent, check both bar AND vehicle limits. Some tents alone weigh 130 lbs before you even climb in.
Always subtract the weight of the crossbars themselves when calculating gear weight.
Final Tip: Check Compatibility by Year
Not all crossbars work on all Crosstrek years.
- 2013–2017 models had slightly narrower rails.
- 2018–2023 models got beefier rails with wider spacing.
- Some newer trims (like Wilderness Edition) may have raised rails vs flush mounts.
Bar kits like Yakima Skyline, Thule Evo Flush Rail, or Curt Roof Rack Crossbars may come with vehicle-specific clamp kits, so check twice before buying.
Keywords to sprinkle in your searches: Subaru Crosstrek roof rack, Crosstrek aero bars, best crossbars for Subaru, Thule vs Yakima Crosstrek, Subaru roof rails weight limit, Crosstrek roof tent setup, aftermarket crossbars Crosstrek.
Use that list and avoid impulse buys from knock-off brands with 2-line manuals written in broken English. Better to spend $100 more than end up duct taping a kayak halfway to Lake Tahoe.
Bottom line? Think about what you carry, how often, how fast you drive, and how much you wanna hear wind noise. Your answer’s in there somewhere.
