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. FengYu Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 Crossbars
These crossbars provide a sturdy and reliable platform for carrying extra cargo on your Subaru Crosstrek. Perfect for transporting sporting equipment, luggage, or anything else you need to bring along for your adventures. The sleek design complements the vehicle’s aesthetics, while the robust construction ensures secure transport of your gear.
The easy installation makes it a breeze to add and remove the crossbars as needed. They’re built to withstand the elements, making them a dependable accessory for year-round use. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, camping in the wilderness, or just running errands, these crossbars offer versatile and practical utility for your Subaru.
Pros and Cons
- ✅ Secure and stable cargo carrying capacity
- ✅ Sleek design that complements the vehicle’s aesthetics
- ✅ Relatively easy installation process
- ✅ Durable construction for year-round use
- ❌ May require additional accessories for certain cargo types
- ❌ Price point may be higher compared to some competitors
02. Soruci Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2023 Snowboard and Ski Carrier
This snowboard and ski carrier is specifically designed for the Subaru Crosstrek, offering a convenient and secure way to transport your winter sports equipment. The carrier is easy to attach and detach, allowing for quick setup and removal when needed. Its design ensures your boards or skis are well-protected and arrive at the slopes without damage.
This carrier not only protects your equipment, it also frees up interior space, making it ideal for longer trips with passengers or more gear. The carrier’s secure mounting system provides peace of mind, ensuring your precious sporting equipment stays put during travel. The compact design also means the carrier is easily stored away when not in use.
Pros and Cons
- ✅ Securely transports snowboards and skis
- ✅ Easy to attach and detach from the vehicle
- ✅ Protects equipment during transport
- ✅ Frees up interior vehicle space
- ❌ May not be suitable for all types of skis or snowboards
- ❌ Can be somewhat bulky when stored away
03. Crosstrek 2018-2023 Aluminum Crossbars for Subaru Crosstrek 2017-2023
These aluminum crossbars are designed specifically for the Subaru Crosstrek, providing a robust and lightweight solution for carrying extra cargo on your vehicle’s roof. The sleek aluminum construction not only looks great but also offers superior strength and durability, capable of handling a variety of cargo.
The crossbars are relatively simple to install, making them a convenient option for anyone who needs to transport extra gear. They offer a secure platform for various items, from luggage and sporting equipment to camping supplies. They make your Crosstrek even more versatile for your adventures.
Pros and Cons
- ✅ Lightweight yet strong aluminum construction
- ✅ Sleek and stylish design
- ✅ Relatively easy installation
- ✅ Versatile for various cargo types
- ❌ May not be suitable for heavy loads
- ❌ Check for compatibility with your specific Crosstrek model.
04. AUXPACBO Compatible with Subaru Crosstrek 2018-2022 Adjustable Roof Rack Cross Bars
These adjustable crossbars offer a customized fit for your Subaru Crosstrek, providing a flexible and secure platform for carrying various items on your roof. The adjustable design ensures compatibility with a wide range of cargo, while the durable construction guarantees secure transport of your gear.
The simple installation process is a big plus, making it easy to install and remove the crossbars as needed. The strength and stability of these bars makes them ideal for everything from camping gear to sporting equipment. The ability to adjust makes them exceptionally versatile.
Pros and Cons
- ✅ Adjustable design for various cargo sizes
- ✅ Durable and strong construction
- ✅ Easy installation and removal
- ✅ Versatile for various cargo types
- ❌ May not fit all Subaru Crosstrek models
- ❌ Adjustability can sometimes be less stable than fixed bars
05. HmmtyRack Crosstrek Wilderness Aluminum Snowboard and Ski Carrier
Specifically designed for the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness model, this carrier provides a secure and stylish solution for transporting your snowboards or skis. The aluminum construction is lightweight yet incredibly strong, ensuring your equipment is safely secured during transport, even at higher speeds. The sleek design blends seamlessly with the vehicle’s rugged aesthetic.
Easy to install and remove, this carrier is incredibly convenient for frequent winter trips. Its robust design ensures your snowboards and skis are protected from the elements and any potential damage during travel. It’s a must-have for any Crosstrek Wilderness owner who enjoys hitting the slopes.
Pros and Cons
- ✅ Designed specifically for Crosstrek Wilderness
- ✅ Strong and lightweight aluminum construction
- ✅ Easy installation and removal
- ✅ Protects snowboards and skis during transport
- ❌ May not be compatible with other Crosstrek models
- ❌ Price point may be higher than alternative carriers.
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.
Last modified: June 24, 2025
