Comparing the Yakima LoadWarrior and Thule Canyon XT Roof Baskets for a 2017 Toyota 4Runner

Question:

I am wanting to purchase the Yakima LoadWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Basket with Extension Kit - Y07070-74 for my 2017 Toyota 4runner. I am torn between the Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket and the Yakima. Please help! It is a Christmas present for my husband.

asked by: Lisa R

Expert Reply:

The real difference in which to get between the Yakima LoadWarrior with Extension, part # Y07070-74 and the Thule Canyon XT, part # TH859XT-8591XT will be between what kind of load bars you have equipped to the 2017 Toyota 4Runner and how its planned to be used. Additionally, if you have any other Thule or Yakima accessories should be a part of the decision.

If you have Yakima's round bars or the 4 Runner factory bars, the LoadWarrior will be easier to install onto these and the LoadWarrior already includes the proper parts to attach to these bars. Additionally, if you're interested in security, the Load Warrior's security brackets, part # Y07064, let you key the basket and lock it to the crossbars.

If you have aero bars, or Thule's square bars, then the brackets included in the Canyon will work better. Thule's AeroBars are flatter on the bottom, and the U-brackets fit a little better onto these types of bars and let you install cleanly to the bar. For security, the Canyon's brackets are pre-equipped with the locking brackets included, but without any cores. If you have a lot of Thule accessories, then this is the basket you'll want because its extremely easy to key-alike the entire set of accessories.

For the actual use, it depends on what he's wanting to do. If he likes to accessorize the basket, then the LoadWarrior is ready to customize with a plethora of accessories ready to go that are made to work with all versions of the basket. The LoadWarrior also includes a load bar in its middle area that lets you mount round bar compatible accessories to the basket, connecting to either the front or rear bar of the basket.

The Thule Canyon doesn't have any accessories designed for it. However, its extension is much easier to remove as needed, letting you customize to the situation at hand. This also gives it more flexibility in terms of being able to adjust to multiple vehicles. Because the rails in the Canyon run front to back, it is also less limited by the crossbar spread of the vehicle it's equipped to.

Between the two, I definitely prefer the LoadWarrior over the Canyon, primarily because of the accessories and the ability to load onto the ends of the basket, giving you a lot of flexibility, and meaning you don't have to remove the basket to use roof mounted accessories.

I've included video reviews of both baskets so you can get a better idea of their features and performance.