Finding the right roof top cargo box for Honda Odyssey gets messy real quick, because the van already swallows half your house and somehow still runs out of room the moment the whole family piles in. You need something that doesn’t wobble in crosswinds, doesn’t screech on highways, and actually fits the Odyssey’s roof rails without you wrestling with it like some awkward gym equipment. As you go through the usual plastic-looking boxes that feel too flimsy or too heavy, one option keeps popping up as the only thing that feels properly built and stress-free to use: the Thule 615 Pulse Rack. If you want a box that stays quiet, locks tight, and doesn’t make loading feel like a chore, that one’s the safest bet.
Best 6 Roof Top Cargo Boxes for Honda Odyssey
Thule 615 Pulse Rack
The Thule 615 Pulse Rack gives drivers a simple way to carry extra gear without stuffing everything inside the cabin. Its sturdy hard-shell body handles long highway drives, rougher backroads, and changing weather pretty well. People who travel with sports gear, camping bags, or ski equipment usually like its roomy interior and how it fits on most factory crossbars and aftermarket bars from Thule, Yakima, and Malone.
The passenger-side opening helps when loading stuff in tight parking areas. The shape sits low enough to avoid garage-door problems but still adds a good chunk of storage for road trips. It’s often searched with terms like rooftop cargo box, roof storage pod, SUV roof carrier, and hard-shell vehicle box, making it a strong pick in the mid-range cargo box category.
Pros
- Tough ABS shell that resists flexing
- Fits many roof rack systems
- Spacious interior for bulky luggage
- Straightforward setup with FastGrip mounts
- Passenger-side opening for easier access
Cons
- Single-side opening only
- Can create wind noise on long drives
- Might limit hatch clearance on some smaller SUVs
Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 Roof Top Cargo Carrier
The Yakima SkyBox NX XL 18 works well for people who travel with bulky gear and want extra storage without crowding the backseat. The long and wide interior fits ski sets, camping packs, duffel bags, and oversized luggage without awkward squeezing. The matte finish and tighter lid design feel more refined than older Yakima boxes. The dual-side opening makes life easier on busy highways or tight hotel parking areas.
Yakima’s mounting system lets you latch it onto most factory and aftermarket racks, including bars from Thule, Inno, and Rhino-Rack. Once installed, it stays firmly in place even when fully loaded on SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Subaru Ascent, and Kia Telluride. The SuperLatch is solid, though the XL height means you’ll want to double-check your garage clearance.
Pros
- Big interior space for long winter gear and travel luggage
- Dual-side lid access
- Easy mounting system fits common crossbars
- Sturdy construction and secure locking
- Works well with many SUV roof lengths
Cons
- The height can interfere with lower garage openings
- Some wind sound at faster speeds
- Costs more than mid-tier cargo boxes
Auto Dynasty Heavy Duty Cargo Carrier
The Auto Dynasty Heavy Duty Cargo Carrier gives you extra hauling space without messing with the inside of your SUV or truck. The steel construction feels solid, and the wide mesh base supports things like coolers, duffel bags, toolboxes, or camping gear. Since it works with a 2-inch hitch receiver, most midsize and full-size vehicles can use it without any aftermarket adjustments.
People who travel often appreciate the raised rails on the sides, as they help keep bulky items from shifting on highways or uneven backroads. The open design also makes cleanup easier, especially after hauling muddy outdoor equipment. Drivers who use hitch-mounted luggage racks or rear cargo baskets will find this one practical for long weekends or moving chores.
Pros
- Strong steel body that handles heavy loads
- Fits standard 2-inch receiver hitches
- Raised edges keep items in place
- Mesh base prevents water pooling
- Good for camping, tools, and travel bags
Cons
- Might block the reverse sensors on some vehicles
- Needs anti-rust treatment if exposed to moisture often
- Adds weight to the hitch area
Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box
The Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box stands out because of its huge capacity and dependable build quality, which many SUV and crossover owners look for when preparing for long trips. It handles everything from bulky duffel bags to camping tools and ski equipment without feeling cramped. The mounting hardware fits well with common roof rack systems, so most people won’t struggle during installation.
Its smooth hinges and dual-side access make loading easier, even when parked in tight spots. The aerodynamic shell helps keep wind noise in check, and the box feels steady at highway speeds. Families who take frequent road trips often appreciate how much clutter gets moved out of the cabin once this rooftop box is in place.
Pros:
- Spacious interior suitable for large luggage
- Works with Thule, Yakima, and standard factory racks
- Opens from both sides
- Strong, weather-resistant build
- Good stability during long highway drives
Cons:
- Can be pricey for casual travelers
- XXL size may be too large for small crossovers
- Needs two people to mount comfortably
- Storage is inconvenient if you have a small garage
Thule Force 3 Aerodynamic roof Mounted Box
The Thule Force 3 Aerodynamic Roof Mounted Box is built for drivers who need added storage for long gear without stuffing the backseat. Its streamlined shape helps reduce the usual loud wind sound that many larger carriers create. The dual-opening design makes packing easier, especially when the vehicle is parked against a wall or curb.
This model frequently ranks among popular choices for SUV cargo boxes, Thule aerodynamic carriers, and roof storage for family travel. The shell’s durability stands up well to rough weather and long-distance driving.
Pros
- Weather-resistant construction
- Easy access from both sides
- Spacious layout for long items
- Fits a variety of rack styles
Cons
- Heavy for single-person mounting
- Size may be too large for compact cars
Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier
The Goplus Rooftop Cargo Carrier offers a roomy setup for travelers who always run out of trunk space. Its waterproof build, reinforced straps, and heat-welded seams help it hold up against long-distance highway runs and rough weather. People often use it for family trips, camping weekends, or hauling bulky gear that won’t fit inside the cabin. It also fits common searches like car roof storage bag, SUV cargo carrier, and soft-shell rooftop bag.
It sits well on most cars with roof racks or crossbars, and the fold-flat design is handy when storage space at home is limited. Many appreciate that it doesn’t weigh much and still carries plenty of luggage without making the car feel overloaded. If someone needs an affordable alternative to a hard cargo box, this Goplus bag usually shows up as a solid choice.
Pros
- Generous storage volume for long trips
- Waterproof PVC protects clothes and gear
- Easy tie-down system for faster installation
- Works with sedans, SUVs, and crossovers
- Packs down small when not in use
Cons
- Can sag if not packed tightly
- Soft-bag security depends on strap tension
- Works best only with roof racks
How to choose the best Roof Top Cargo Boxes for Honda Odyssey
Every time someone buys a Honda Odyssey, there’s this unspoken agreement that the car will eventually become a moving storage room. Road trips, kids’ gear, beach chairs, stroller that folds but somehow still huge… all of it. And sooner or later you reach that moment where you close the trunk and it bounces back open because something is sticking out a bit. That’s usually when people start googling roof top cargo boxes at 1 am.
Funny thing though, picking the right one is not just “get the biggest you can find.” The Odyssey is long, wide, and the roof sits fairly low, so you gotta be careful with length, weight, shape, and even whether your garage hates tall things. So, let’s just wander through this together like someone sorting laundry while ranting about it.
Check your base setup first
Most Honda Odyssey trims don’t come with crossbars, only roof rails on some models. Without crossbars, no cargo box can sit safely. So before everything else, you’ll want something like Thule WingBar Evo or Yakima JetStream bars. These hold around 165 lbs combined weight including the box and stuff inside. Just don’t exceed that, unless you enjoy rattling sounds that freak you out at 70 mph.
Cargo boxes like the Thule Motion XT, Yakima SkyBox, or even the more budget-type SportRack Vista XL usually fit the Odyssey just fine. But always check the length. The Odyssey’s rear hatch is pretty tall when lifted, and some long boxes can smack into it. Nothing damages your soul like hearing plastic-on-metal the same day you spent 500 bucks.
Volume matters, but not like you think
People love big numbers. 22 cubic feet sounds glorious until your mileage drops and steering feels slightly floaty. With the Odyssey’s size, the sweet spot is usually 16 to 18 cubic feet. Enough for suitcases, duffel bags, and maybe sports gear, without making your van behave like it has a sail tied on top.
A random but useful stat: every 100 lbs on the roof drops your fuel economy by around 2 to 3 percent. Someone actually tested this in highway conditions. It’s not catastrophic, but on long trips it’s enough to make you notice the wallet frowning.
Aerodynamics
A box that hums is bad. A box that whistles is torture. The Odyssey’s roof is flatter than many SUVs, so airflow behaves a bit differently. You want a slightly tapered, aerodynamic build. Something like the Thule Force XT or Yakima GrandTour. They’re shaped in a way that slices wind without turning the van into a megaphone.
Also, lighter boxes feel nicer if you plan to remove them often. A few models weigh under 40 lbs, while others cross 55 lbs easy. The heavier ones are sturdier but annoying when lifting solo. I once tried removing a heavy cargo box alone, half-slipped, and nearly gave my neighbor a heart attack.
Opening system and loading comfort
Trust me, side-opening matters. Both sides opening is even better. Parking situations are weird, especially with a big van. One side might be hugging a wall or another car, and crawling around to reach the opposite side is just humiliating.
Look for lid supports that don’t slam shut suddenly. Some cheaper boxes pretend to stay open but then flop onto your head when a breeze says hello. The good ones, like the Motion XT, have hinge systems that stay fully open until you physically push them down.
Inside straps matter too. The Odyssey is smooth on roads, but gear sliding around inside the box makes the weirdest knocking sounds. You start thinking something’s loose in the suspension when it’s just your tennis racket rolling.
Locks that actually lock
Some roof boxes lock like plastic lunch boxes. Avoid that. Dual locking mechanisms are better because they secure both ends. Thule’s lock system won’t let you pull out the key until the lid is fully sealed. It’s a small detail, but it saves you from discovering mid-trip that your box was half open the whole time.
Yakima’s SKS system lets you use a single key for both box and crossbars. If you hate keychains that jingle like a janitor set, this is a small blessing.
The Honda Odyssey shape factor
The Odyssey has a long roof and a slightly rounded front, which means airflow hits the box with a wide angle. Skinnier boxes tend to whistle more. Medium-width boxes stay quieter. And the height of the Odyssey means you should pay attention to garage clearance.
Most garages are around 7 feet. An Odyssey with a cargo box can sneak close to that. I’ve seen someone take off the top corner of their box because the garage lip was low and they forgot it was installed. After that, they removed it religiously after every trip.
Brand choices without the fluff
Thule and Yakima are the two heavyweights. Thule has smoother hinges and generally quieter designs. Yakima feels tougher, chunkier. SportRack is decent if you’re budget-conscious or not traveling long distances often. Goplus is cheap but functional for light loads.
For the Odyssey, something like the Thule Motion XT XL is a fantastic of-everything box. Fits the roof perfectly, strong clamps, 18 cu ft capacity, silent-ish on highway drives. Yakima SkyBox 16 is another solid one but slightly shorter in length, which gives better hatch clearance.
Handling, wind, and the odd consequences
Once you install a box and load it, expect mild sway during side winds. The Odyssey’s suspension is soft, so extra weight up top makes it lean a touch more during turns. Not dangerous, but noticeable.
On rainy days, premium boxes almost never leak. They’re water-resistant though, not water-proof. Long, intense rain can sometimes push a tiny bit of moisture inside. People usually put luggage in big trash bags as backup. Old-school trick but works.
A somewhat messy closing thought
Choosing the best roof top cargo box for Honda Odyssey is strangely emotional. It’s like admitting the car isn’t enough anymore because life, or kids, or hobbies grew bigger. But once it’s up there, suddenly trips feel easier. No more stuffing things behind seats or acting like luggage Tetris experts.
Just check the length, weight, load limit, and locks. The rest falls into place. And maybe, just maybe, the drive becomes a bit calmer because nothing is poking out the back window anymore.
