Finding the best cross bars for your Subaru Forester ain’t just about slapping metal on the roof. Wrong fit? You’re stuck with whistling sounds or worse—something flying off mid-drive. Some don’t line up with factory rails, others rust out after two rains. Whether you hauling kayaks, cargo boxes, or bikes, getting the right set matters if you don’t wanna waste gas, time, or gear. Here’s 6 solid picks that actually fit the Forester right and don’t fall apart after a couple road trips.
Best 6 Cross Bars for Subaru Forester
01. Lockable 220lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Lockable 220lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars by Tuyoung are built specifically for Subaru Forester models from 2014 to 2024, including trims like Wilderness. These aerodynamic aluminum crossbars give your SUV the ability to carry gear up top — like kayaks, roof boxes, luggage baskets, or bikes — while maintaining a sleek, OEM-like profile. The bars support up to 220 pounds of evenly distributed weight, which is plenty for most outdoor setups.
Each bar comes with anti-theft locks, rubberized clamp pads, and a bolt-on design that installs without drilling. You’ll get reduced wind noise thanks to the low-profile shape, and the bars are already curved to follow the Forester’s roofline. However, the plastic lock housing can feel a bit light-duty, and fitment might require minor adjustment depending on your roof rail spacing.
✅ Pros
- Designed to fit 2014–2024 Subaru Forester (including Wilderness models)
- Supports up to 220 lbs — good for most rooftop setups
- Lockable and includes rubber pads to protect factory rails
- Aerodynamic design minimizes drag and wind noise
❌ Cons
- Plastic lock components feel a bit cheap
- May need extra adjustment for perfect fit
- Not compatible with raised rails that lack factory side channels
02. Autekcomma 260lb Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Autekcomma 260lb Heavy Duty Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars are engineered for Subaru Forester and Crosstrek models (2014–2024) and built to handle serious rooftop loads. These bars are crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte black powder coat, offering both corrosion resistance and rugged strength. With a 260-pound weight capacity, they’re ideal for hauling roof boxes, cargo baskets, kayaks, bikes, or even rooftop tents on extended adventures.
These crossbars feature a tool-free mounting system with integrated locking clamps that help deter theft and ensure a snug fit on factory side rails. Installation is quick – no drilling required – and the slightly arched profile improves load balance and aerodynamic efficiency. That said, they’re heavier than some competitors, and the locks, while functional, could be tighter for added peace of mind.
✅ Pros
- Heavy-duty 260lb load capacity – great for bulky gear
- Designed for Subaru Crosstrek & Forester 2014–2024
- Lockable, tool-free installation with solid clamp grip
- Durable finish resists corrosion and UV damage
❌ Cons
- Heavier than lighter-duty models
- Locking mechanism could be more robust
- May slightly affect fuel economy with bulky gear mounted
03. FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars
The FengYu Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed for Subaru Forester models from 2014 to 2024, including Wilderness trims, and provide a solid platform for transporting gear like kayaks, cargo boxes, bikes, and camping gear. Made from anti-rust aluminum alloy, these bars combine lightweight construction with decent strength, supporting up to 200 lbs of evenly distributed weight. The aerodynamic shape helps minimize wind resistance, and rubber strips on top help prevent cargo from sliding.
The crossbars clamp securely onto factory side rails using a bolt-on, no-drill design, and they include anti-theft locks for added security. Setup takes around 15–20 minutes for most users. However, while the bars fit snugly, the plastic locking components may not feel as tough as higher-end options, and the instructions could be clearer for first-timers.
✅ Pros
- Compatible with 2014–2024 Subaru Forester (including Wilderness)
- Anti-rust aluminum with 200 lb load rating
- Aerodynamic profile reduces noise and drag
- Includes locking system and rubber grip padding
❌ Cons
- Plastic lock housing may wear over time
- Instructions aren’t very detailed
- Not ideal for extremely heavy or oversized gear
04. HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars
The HmmtyRack Lockable Car Roof Rack Cross Bars are designed to fit Subaru Forester and Crosstrek models from 2014 to 2023, offering a practical solution for carrying kayaks, skis, snowboards, cargo boxes, and other rooftop gear. Built from high-strength aluminum, these bars strike a good balance between durability and weight, supporting up to 200 lbs when properly distributed. The slightly arched shape and rubberized base help reduce wind drag and protect your factory side rails during trips.
These crossbars come with a lockable anti-theft system, giving you added peace of mind when parked in public areas. Installation is tool-free and straightforward, taking about 15–20 minutes. While they’re a solid budget option, the included keys and lock housing feel a bit light-duty, and some users may need to adjust spacing slightly for perfect alignment with factory rails.
✅ Pros
- Fits 2014–2023 Subaru Forester & Crosstrek factory side rails
- Lightweight aluminum construction supports up to 200 lbs
- Includes anti-theft locking clamps
- Simple, no-drill installation
❌ Cons
- Lock mechanism could be sturdier
- May require spacing tweaks during setup
- Not built for extreme weight or rooftop tents
05. Tuyoung Lockable 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars
The Tuyoung Lockable 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars are made for Subaru Forester models from 2014 to 2024, delivering a tough and versatile rooftop solution for hauling kayaks, roof boxes, luggage carriers, bikes, and more. With a 260-pound weight capacity, these crossbars use aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that balances strength and lightness. The matte black finish gives it a factory-style look, while helping resist corrosion over time.
Installation is quick with a no-drill, clamp-on design, and the built-in locking system adds a layer of security to prevent theft. The bars feature rubber padding to avoid scratching your factory rails, and their aerodynamic profile cuts down on wind noise at highway speeds. Just keep in mind that the plastic lock covers could feel a bit thin, and you may need to fine-tune placement depending on roof rail spacing.
✅ Pros
- Designed for Subaru Forester 2014–2024 (including Wilderness)
- 260 lbs load capacity – handles larger rooftop gear
- Anti-theft locking mechanism included
- Rubberized feet protect vehicle’s roof rails
❌ Cons
- Plastic lock covers may not feel very durable
- Minor adjustments may be needed for perfect fit
- Could slightly affect MPG when loaded with bulky gear
06. BRIGHTLINES Aero Roof Rack Cross Bars
The BRIGHTLINES Aero Roof Rack Cross Bars are custom-designed for the Subaru Forester (2014–2023) and offer a sleek, factory-style upgrade for carrying kayaks, cargo boxes, bikes, skis, or rooftop bags. With a weight capacity of 150 lbs, these bars are made from lightweight aluminum and feature an aerodynamic, low-profile shape to help reduce wind drag and noise during highway driving.
These crossbars install directly onto the Forester’s raised factory side rails using a secure clamping system – no drilling or tools needed. Rubber-coated clamps protect your vehicle’s paint, and the bars sit flush for a clean appearance. While they look great and work well for most recreational loads, the 150 lb capacity might be limiting for bulkier or heavier gear like rooftop tents.
✅ Pros
- Custom fit for 2014–2023 Subaru Forester raised rails
- Sleek, aerodynamic shape reduces noise
- Lightweight aluminum with rust-resistant finish
- Easy, tool-free installation
❌ Cons
- Max load is 150 lbs — less than heavier-duty options
- Not ideal for rooftop tents or oversized cargo
- No integrated locking system for theft protection
How to Choose The Best Cross Bars for Subaru Forester
Getting the right cross bars for Subaru Forester ain’t something you just guess at. You mess it up, and next thing you know your cargo box wobblin’ on the highway or worse—comes off. Not all bars fit right, and some don’t even line up with your roof rails unless you measure things first. Lotta folks make that mistake.
Know Your Forester’s Roof Setup First
Different years of the Subaru Forester come with different types of rails. Some got raised roof rails while others got flush-mounted ones. And if you ain’t sure, just go out and check if there’s a gap under the rail. Raised ones got space under it. Flush ones sit flat with the roof—no gap.
Now, the kind of rail you got decides what aftermarket cross bars you can buy. Buying bars made for flush rails won’t work on raised rails and vice versa. Some bars are “universal,” but universal ain’t always reliable. Especially on something like a 2020 Subaru Forester Sport with flush rails—fitment’s tight.
What You Plan to Carry Matters
You using it for kayaks, cargo boxes, roof baskets, or bike racks? That changes everything. Light-duty bars will flex or rattle if you overload them, especially with wind hitting it at 70 mph. Bars like aluminum aero crossbars usually hold up better for stuff like Thule cargo boxes or Yakima kayak mounts.
If you’re carrying long stuff, like paddleboards or skis, you’ll want longer bars, probably 50-inch or even 53-inch depending on your Forester model. And don’t forget about bar weight capacity. Most OEM bars max out around 150 lbs, but good aftermarket ones go up to 220 lbs. That’s a big difference.
Aerodynamics and Wind Noise
You ever had bars that start howling above 40 mph? It gets real annoying fast. Cheaper square crossbars catch wind more. Aero-style cross bars for Subaru Forester are shaped kinda like airplane wings, and cut noise down a lot. If you drive long distance, they make a big difference.
Also, wind noise affects MPG a bit. Some tests show aero bars give you 1–2 mpg better compared to square bars when carrying a load. Might not matter in city, but if you’re road tripping, it adds up.
Installation
Some cross bars just clamp over the factory rails with bolts and a rubber foot. Others, like OEM Subaru cross bars, click right into mounting holes. Clamp-style bars are easier to remove and adjust, but you gotta tighten them just right—too loose and they slide, too tight and you dent the rails.
If you’re not good with tools, go for something tool-free install. Many newer Forester cross bars got thumb screws or built-in torque settings so you can’t overdo it.
Watch out for ones that don’t come with instructions. You’d be shocked how many bars people return ’cause they couldn’t figure out how the brackets work.
Compatibility with Roof Accessories
This part folks forget often. You buying bars to use with Yakima, Thule, Rhino Rack, or even off-brand Amazon roof cargo carriers? Make sure the bar shape fits the clamp system. Aero bars are usually oval, while square bars are… well, square.
Some accessories don’t fit oval bars unless you buy an adapter. You don’t wanna learn that after install. Check the T-slot system too—some high-end bars got channels where accessories slide in, but only certain brands match those slots.
If you already got roof gear at home, measure those clamps before picking bars. Saves you a headache later.
Material and Strength
Plastic endcaps = red flag. Those break easy in cold or heat. You want solid aluminum or stainless steel cross bars with metal hardware. Steel’s strong but heavier and might rust if coating chips. Aluminum’s lighter, rust-proof, and easier to take off when not needed.
Some good Subaru Forester crossbars even come with rubberized tops to keep stuff from sliding, or locking endcaps for anti-theft. If you park outside a lot or use roof gear often, those little extras start making a difference.
Look for Load Ratings, Not Just Hype
Always check static and dynamic weight ratings. Static is when car’s parked—like if you sleep on top using a roof-top tent. Dynamic means while driving. A lot of cheap crossbars don’t tell you that. Good ones say 165 lbs dynamic, 600 lbs static. If it don’t list numbers, skip it.
Also, Subaru’s own limit for roof weight on Forester is around 176 lbs dynamic, depending on year and model. So even if bars are strong, don’t overload the roof past that. Your rack won’t break but your car frame might get dented or the handling gets messed up.
