Recommended Cargo Carrier for a 2016 Honda CR-V

Question:

I drive a 2016 Honda CR-V. I had the dealer install the side rails and crossbars and there was only one option they are not adjustable. I am looking for a roof carrier that will fit and allow the hatchback to open the whole way without touching the carrier even a little bit. In the past I discovered that manufacturers will say that a carrier is compatible with my car as long as it fits on the crossbars, even if it completely prevents the hatchback from opening. In early 2020, Thule referred to me a chart that depended on a measurement on top of the car, I think from one of the crossbars to the rear of the vehicle. I measured as best I could, and picked an appropriate model from the list it was the Pulse Large. It did not allow the hatchback to completely open. When I contacted Thule, they said theyd pass the info on to the engineering department, and I got a refund, but I still had to find another carrier. I then bought a Yakima Showcase 15. It lists as 80 inches long, which tells me that I cant go by length alone, because the Thule Pulse L is shorter. I liked it, but it failed towards the end of the first trip. When I returned it for a replacement, I discovered that the model was discontinued, and the replacement model did not work with my car. I got a refund, but I have been without a carrier since then. Now that I am making long trips again, I am once again researching my options and still driving the same car. I am not interested in taking measurements on my car again, I am hoping that somebody can tell me the model will work with my car because somebody actually tried it with the same model car. I would like as much cubic feet as I can get. Previous experience suggests that anything over 16 isnt going to happen the CR-V isnt a big car, 16 may be wishful thinking, 15 is possible, 14 shouldnt be a problem. I am looking for a carrier that opens on both sides. I am not concerned about appearance, and am not interested in paying extra for stuff like glossy finish. I am wondering if any of the following models will work with my car without interfering with the hatchback: Yakima SkyBox NX16 Roof Box Yakima SkyBox NX18 Roof Box again, seems unlikely, but Yakima says it will work Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Yakima GrandTour 16 Thule Pulse M I see this one only opens on one side, so it would be a last resort Thule Motion XT L Thule Force XT L Thanks for your assistance

asked by: Benjamin G

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Honda CR-V I recommend going with the Thule Force XT L Rooftop Cargo Box # TH6357B. This cargo carrier in my opinion hits all the wickets you're after.

It's shorter measuring only 74-3/4" long overall so you should not run into any issues since it isn't over that 80" threshold you mention, it has 16 cubic feet of storage space, and is the lightest among all of the 16 cu.ft cargo boxes on your list weighing only 41-lbs.

The Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box # TH629706 is another great contender, however at the price point, longer length, and increased carrier weight I don't think it's worth it.; especially since you are only using it in increments and not all the time.

The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Rooftop Cargo Box # Y07192 is a bit more economical and shorter but you are going to lose storage capacity only having 14 cubic feet.

The Yakima GrandTour Rooftop Cargo Box # YA74FR is good, but I think again at the price point and the size is not worth it. Finally, the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box # Y45AV would probably be the best choice giving you the most storage space with the most economical price point, however the main issue is the length of this box. At 84" long, I can't see how that'll play out with your hatch if 80" was not allowing you to operate your hatch.

There is also one more measurement you can take to be sure, all you'll need to do is open your hatch and measure from the crossbar to the hatch. This measurement will tell you for sure if you'll have clearance issues or not that way we can be confident that you won't have this issue again.

Attached is a review video of # TH6357B for you to check out as well.