Comparing rear-mounted cargo carriers and roof boxes

Adding extra storage to your vehicle can open up new worlds of possibilities. Whether you’re a frequent adventurer or a family needing to reclaim some cabin space, a cargo carrier ensures you’ll never have to choose between passenger comfort and bringing along bulky essentials.

This guide explores different cargo carrier solutions, including key features and differences, to help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

In this article:

• Why choose a cargo carrier?
• Which solution should I choose?
• Roof boxes
• Rear-mounted cargo carriers
• Roof baskets
• Tested to the limit
• Functional by design
• Frequently asked questions

A cargo carrier helps unlock your vehicle’s full potential and seamlessly extends your storage capacity to match your lifestyle. Whether you are navigating city streets or heading into the wild, the right solution becomes a long-term partner that makes each journey smoother and more comfortable.

For travel and adventures

Cargo carriers are invaluable for carrying outdoor and sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, as well as camping and fishing gear.

For daily life

They are equally ideal for city logistics and daily activities and errands, like transporting strollers, grocery hauls, or gardening tools.

For comfort

Stowing your gear outside keeps the interior clean and comfortable for both passengers and four-legged friends.

Roof boxes are a well-known, tried-and-tested solution that most people are familiar with in one way or another. Mounted on roof racks on the top of your vehicle, they offer spacious packing volume, easy access to your gear and great aerodynamics.

For a more detailed look at roof boxes, visit our guide The complete guide to roof boxes.

Explore roof boxes from Thule

Thule offers premium roof boxes that are thoughtfully designed, made from durable materials, and rigorously tested. This means you can feel confident you’re not compromising on safety or performance, only choosing the style that best suits your needs.

Thule Motion 3

The award-winning update of one of the world’s best-selling roof boxes, the Thule Motion 3 combines stunning design, excellent aerodynamics and intuitive handling.

Thule Force 3

Built for the active family, Thule Force 3 offers a robust solution for year-round use. Its tough AeroSkin surface can handle the demands of wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting durability and functionality.

Thule Pulse 2

Thule Pulse 2 is a reliable roof box, ideal for daily use and spontaneous trips. With smart features and functional design, it’s built for quick getaways and everyday convenience.

Sizes and styles

Roof boxes come in a wide range of sizes and designs, including narrower and lower styles. Whether you’re in need of more cargo space or a flexible system combining both a cargo box and large sporting equipment, there is a solution that suits you.

Key features and considerations

• Mounting: Mounts on a roof rack system.
• Clearance: Ensure your trunk opens without touching the box.
• Easy access: Many roof boxes offer features like dual-side opening, making it easy to access your gear.
• Load capacity: Depending on which size you’re going for, a roof box has a high volume load capacity.

Rear-mounted cargo carriers are becoming increasingly popular among modern drivers. Mounted on a platform or carrier at the back of the car, they offer ergonomic loading and unloading, as well as improved aerodynamic efficiency.

If you’re curious about rear-mounted solutions, read more in our complete guide to rear-mounted cargo carriers.

Explore rear-mounted cargo carriers from Thule

Rear-mounted cargo carriers from Thule offer a wide range of options, from dedicated cargo systems to multi-purpose solutions that combine bike racks and cargo boxes. Designed for ease of use, durability, and everyday practicality, they meet a variety of needs.

Thule Arcos

Featuring a streamlined aesthetic and durable hard-shell material, Thule Arcos feels like a natural extension of the vehicle. Its low-mounted design ensures convenient loading and unloading of bulky cargo.

Thule Santu

Thule Santu mounts to Thule bike carriers and transforms your bike rack into a multi-purpose transport solution, offering simultaneous transport of both a bike and cargo box. Using smart features, it ensures smooth storage and easy mounting.

Thule Onto 2

The Thule Onto 2 is a soft-shell cargo carrier designed for accessibility and smart storage. With features like partial opening and a lightweight, foldable structure, it offers both great accessibility and convenient storage.

If your cargo doesn’t require protection from the elements, a roof basket is a great option.

• The open design of roof baskets and roof platforms makes it easy to load and unload items of various shapes and sizes.
• Unlike enclosed roof boxes, roof baskets allow the transport of taller or irregularly shaped items, such as camping gear or firewood, or even small kayaks.

While design might guide your thoughts towards aesthetics and appearance, it is deeply related to product development, usability and functionality. A well-designed cargo carrier naturally complements your vehicle’s appearance while offering advanced performance through careful engineering.

Aerodynamics and efficiency

All external accessories increase your vehicle’s wind resistance, and the larger they are, the more they affect efficiency.

• Roof boxes are designed in an optimized, streamlined shape to reduce wind resistance and minimize noise while driving. Specialized models, such as low-profile boxes, sit closer to the car for even better aerodynamic performance.
• Thanks to their position at the back of the car, rear-mounted cargo carriers sit in the vehicle’s "slipstream," effectively decreasing wind resistance to ensure optimal aerodynamic performance. This placement has a minimal impact on fuel consumption and battery range, which is especially beneficial for preserving the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs).

Accessibility and handling 

Cargo carriers are engineered for easy mounting and intuitive use, making them suitable for any activity.

• Many roof boxes offer ergonomic features, such as dual-side opening to allow access from either side of the vehicle. Premium models also incorporate intuitive handling features and ergonomic handles for smooth, one-handed operation.
• Rear-mounted cargo carriers offer easy loading and unloading thanks to their position lower to the ground, which is ideal for large and bulky items. The waist-high position eliminates the need for heavy lifting overhead, making it convenient for transporting heavy luggage, strollers, or golf bags.

To maximize your cargo carrier experience, Thule offers a range of accessories, including smart storage and organizing solutions designed for your convenience both on the move and at home.