Finding the best cross bars for Subaru Crosstrek ain’t as easy as grabbing whatever shows up first online. Some don’t fit flush, others whistle like crazy soon as you hit 40 mph, and a few won’t even work with your existing racks or roof box. If you’re planning to haul bikes, kayaks, or maybe just throw a cargo box up top, you need bars that match your Crosstrek’s rails and can actually hold up. This list runs through 6 options that folks trust – no junk, just stuff that fits right and holds strong.
Best 6 Cross Bars for Subaru Crosstrek
01. Lockable 220lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Tuyoung Lockable 220lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars are specifically designed for Subaru Crosstrek models from 2013 to 2024, including the Wilderness trim. These aerodynamic aluminum crossbars are built to handle up to 220 pounds of evenly distributed weight, making them a great choice for hauling kayaks, bikes, cargo boxes, roof bags, or ski gear. The matte black finish looks clean and OEM-like while offering corrosion resistance for long-term use.
They attach directly to your Crosstrek’s factory side rails using a no-drill clamp-on system and feature built-in anti-theft locks to keep your gear safe. Rubber-padded clamps help prevent scratching and provide a snug, rattle-free fit. While the design is sturdy for everyday use, the plastic locking covers feel a bit flimsy and might not hold up well under rough handling.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for Subaru Crosstrek 2013–2024, including Wilderness
- Supports up to 220 lbs – ideal for outdoor gear
- Aerodynamic design reduces wind noise
- Includes anti-theft locks and rubberized feet
❌ Cons
- Lock covers are plastic and feel somewhat light-duty
- Instructions may be minimal or unclear
- May slightly affect MPG when carrying large items on top
02. HmmtyRack Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
The HmmtyRack Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed to fit Subaru Crosstrek models from 2013 to 2023, offering a practical rooftop solution for carrying kayaks, snowboards, roof boxes, luggage, or bikes. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these crossbars balance strength and weight while supporting up to 200 lbs of gear. Their aerodynamic arc design helps reduce drag and wind noise, making them a solid pick for daily drivers and weekend adventurers.
Installation is tool-free and doesn’t require drilling — the bars clamp directly onto factory side rails and include anti-theft locks for added security. The crossbars are padded underneath to protect your paint and minimize movement. While they’re a great value, the plastic lock housings aren’t the most rugged, and the included instructions might feel a bit too brief for first-timers.
✅ Pros
- Fits Subaru Crosstrek 2013–2023 with factory side rails
- Supports up to 200 lbs – great for most rooftop cargo
- Sleek arc design cuts down on wind noise
- Easy install with included anti-theft locks
❌ Cons
- Lock housing is plastic and may wear over time
- Instructions could be clearer
- Not suitable for rooftop tents or very heavy loads
03. Richeer 220LBS Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Richeer 220LBS Roof Rack Cross Bars are a heavy-duty, vehicle-specific solution for 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza models with raised side rails. These crossbars are crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and offer a 220-pound load capacity, making them ideal for transporting kayaks, rooftop cargo boxes, bikes, skis, or luggage carriers. The matte black finish looks clean and resists corrosion, while the aerodynamic profile helps reduce wind drag and noise on highways.
Designed for an exact fit, the crossbars install directly onto factory rails using a no-drill clamp system and feature lockable mounts for added security. Rubber padding on the base protects your rails from scratching and keeps the bars stable even on bumpy roads. However, the locking mechanism is plastic, which may not be ideal for frequent heavy-use, and the included instructions could use clearer illustrations for beginners.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for 2024 Subaru Crosstrek & Impreza with raised side rails
- 220 lbs load rating — great for outdoor gear and rooftop carriers
- Easy clamp-on install with anti-theft locks
- Aerodynamic and corrosion-resistant aluminum construction
❌ Cons
- Lock housing is plastic and may wear with time
- Instructions lack detailed visuals
- Not suitable for vehicles without raised factory rails
04. FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars
The FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars are made for Subaru Crosstrek (2018–2023) and Subaru Impreza (2017–2023) models with factory raised side rails. Built from lightweight aluminum alloy, these crossbars support up to 200 lbs of evenly distributed cargo — perfect for hauling kayaks, roof boxes, bikes, skis, or cargo baskets. The design features an aerodynamic arc to help reduce wind drag and noise while driving at higher speeds.
They install without drilling, using a clamp-on mounting system that includes anti-theft locks and rubber padding to prevent scratching your rails. These bars are great for everyday adventurers looking for affordable utility. That said, the plastic locking covers may not hold up well in extreme conditions, and the install may take a bit of trial-and-error for first-time users due to minimal instructions.
✅ Pros
- Designed for 2018–2023 Crosstrek and 2017–2023 Impreza
- 200 lbs weight capacity – good for most rooftop gear
- Anti-theft locks and rubber clamp pads included
- Aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise
❌ Cons
- Locking covers are plastic and can wear over time
- Instructions are basic – setup might be tricky for beginners
- Not ideal for very heavy or oversized rooftop setups
05. VEVOR Roof Rack Cross Bars
The VEVOR Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed to fit Subaru Crosstrek models from 2018 to 2024, offering a strong and functional base for carrying kayaks, bikes, roof boxes, skis, or camping gear. Made from heavy-duty 6063-T5 aluminum, these crossbars support up to 200 lbs of cargo and are built to resist rust and weather damage. The aerodynamic shape helps minimize wind resistance, which cuts down on noise and improves fuel efficiency during road trips.
These bars install easily with a no-drill, clamp-style system, and they come equipped with lockable mounting feet to prevent theft. Rubber padding under the clamps helps protect your Crosstrek’s factory side rails. While installation is pretty straightforward, some users report that the included instructions are vague, and the locks may not feel as durable as the metal bars themselves.
✅ Pros
- Fits 2018–2024 Subaru Crosstrek with factory side rails
- 200 lbs load capacity – great for most rooftop accessories
- Built from 6063-T5 aluminum – strong and corrosion-resistant
- Includes anti-theft locks and protective rubber pads
❌ Cons
- Locks are plastic and may feel flimsy
- Instructions could be clearer for new users
- Not intended for rooftop tents or extreme overloading
06. BRIGHTLINES Aero Crossbars Roof Racks
The BRIGHTLINES Aero Crossbars Roof Racks are made to fit Subaru Crosstrek (2018–2019) and Subaru Impreza (2017–2019) with factory-installed raised side rails. These aerodynamic aluminum crossbars offer a clean, OEM-style look and can handle up to 150 lbs of rooftop cargo, making them ideal for mounting kayaks, cargo boxes, skis, bikes, or travel bags. Their low-profile design reduces wind drag and noise, helping maintain smoother highway driving.
Installation is fast and tool-free, with clamps that attach securely to the existing rails. The bars are lightweight yet sturdy, and the rubber-padded feet help prevent scratches on your vehicle. However, there’s no built-in locking system, so added anti-theft security will have to be purchased separately. Also, with a lower weight rating compared to some heavy-duty options, these bars are best for light to moderate loads.
✅ Pros
- Vehicle-specific fit for Crosstrek 2018–2019 and Impreza 2017–2019
- Sleek, low-drag aero design
- Lightweight aluminum with 150 lb weight capacity
- Easy clamp-on install — no drilling
❌ Cons
- No integrated locking mechanism
- Lower load capacity than some competitors
- Only fits specific model years (not for 2020+ Crosstrek/Impreza)
How to Choose The Best Cross Bars for Subaru Crosstrek
Okay, so let’s be real. The moment you start googling cross bars for your Crosstrek, there’s this immediate rush of… paralysis? Like—wait, there’s how many options? And they all look the same? And every single product description is yelling about “aerodynamic performance” like it’s a NASA mission? Nah, man. You just want something that won’t whistle like a kettle when you’re going 55. Or maybe you do want the whistle, some folks dig that weird road noise, like white noise for emotionally constipated people.
But yeah, you’re here ‘cause you bought a Crosstrek thinking it was gonna be your outdoorsy, hike-the-weekend-away, gear-hauling buddy. Except now you realize, oops, that thing doesn’t actually come with the cross bars unless you shelled out for some high trim or dealership upcharge. And now you gotta pick your own. That’s fine. That’s cool. No pressure.
Don’t let the metal fool you. Compatibility isn’t just plug-and-go.
So here’s the thing that got me the first time: not all cross bars that say “Crosstrek-compatible” actually… fit. Like, some of ’em sorta fit, but you gotta do this dance with the clamps or file down a plastic bit and, I swear, at one point I used a butter knife and a shoelace just to get one side to line up.
Check the year. No, seriously. 2017-2023 Crosstreks have slight roof differences. Subaru does this thing where the rails look the same but they’re not. Which is basically like putting a zipper on your backpack that only zips if the moon is full.
Also, you gotta figure out if your Crosstrek has raised rails, flush rails, or no rails. Yes, apparently some people bought the “rugged adventure vehicle” with no rails at all. Wild choice, but hey—we all make decisions.
Weight limits: A fantasy until reality kicks in.
Here’s a stat you’ll see thrown around: “supports up to 150 lbs.” Cool. But like… what kind of weight? Static? Dynamic? Emotional? Because I swear I loaded two bikes and a cargo box once and the bar started looking like it was trying to do a limbo contest.
And Subaru’s actual dynamic load limit is usually around 100–150 lbs depending on year, which includes the cross bars themselves. So when that product says it can carry 220 lbs? That’s cute. That’s also probably the number they tested in a lab strapped to a fake car made of hope and delusion.
What about noise? Because road trips shouldn’t sound like banshees.
Alright. Let’s talk about the wind noise. It sneaks up on you. First time I installed some no-name bar I got off a marketplace app, I thought something broke under the hood when I hit 40 mph. Turns out it was the air cutting over the bar like a damn harmonica.
Go with an “aero” bar design if you can. The ones shaped like a flattened airplane wing? They help. Not perfect, but help. Square bars? Forget it. Unless you miss that comforting hum of chaos.
Locking system or no?
Personal opinion: if it doesn’t lock, it walks. Especially if you park outdoors or go camping. I had a buddy lose his entire roof setup while on a grocery run. Came back to his Subaru naked up top, like a plucked chicken.
Good cross bars usually come with some anti-theft setup. It’s not Fort Knox, but it’s better than nothing. Honestly, even a fake keyhole makes a difference—people are lazy thieves, mostly.
Installation: Do you enjoy swearing at inanimate objects?
Some cross bars go on like magic. Others… well, you’ll need a second pair of hands, a flashlight, and possibly a drink afterwards. Or during.
Read the reviews. Not the 5-star ones. Look at the angry 1-stars with too many caps. That’s where the real gold is. If people mention stripped screws, misaligned clamps, or instructions written in Martian? Run. Or at least brace yourself.
I once followed an install video that looked easy, except I didn’t have that same wrench the guy was using. I improvised with pliers. Regret. Just pure regret.
Brand loyalty or random pick?
You’ll see names like Thule and Yakima tossed around like sacred scrolls. And sure, they’re great. But do you need them? Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on your usage.
If you’re hauling 3 kayaks across state lines while blasting old Foo Fighters CDs? Yeah. Go name brand. If you’re mounting a ski rack twice a year and maybe a cargo box during Thanksgiving trips? Mid-tier will do just fine.
But avoid the $50 mystery bars with 2 reviews and an odd translation. One guy said his bar snapped on a hot day. Snapped. That’s not a bar—that’s aluminum spaghetti.
Looks matter more than you think.
I know, I know. “Function over form.” But admit it—if your bars look clunky or stick up like antennae from a 1960s alien movie, you’ll hate looking at your car. And you’ll park it backward so no one sees the roof. Ask me how I know.
Match the bar color. Low-profile helps. Matte black blends better than that weird glossy chrome some brands use. It’s not just gear—it’s vibe.
Last thoughts. Or maybe not.
I’ve changed bars three times. Once ‘cause of wind noise. Once ‘cause I stripped a bolt. Once just… I don’t know. I got tired of the old ones? Point is, you learn by trying. Just make sure to check return policies, because most bars look universal until you’re 2 hours into install and the thing just doesn’t want to sit flush.
And weirdly enough, I found that reading Reddit threads at 2am helped more than any buying guide. Real folks talking about real nonsense—like how one guy used socks to reduce rattle. Not even joking.
Anyway, don’t overthink it. But also, like… don’t underthink it either. Somewhere in between is where sanity lives.
