Picking Out Thule Roof Cargo Box that Allows Hatch of 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon to Open

Question:

Can you tell me if this box can be mounted on Outback 2020? If so, will it interfere with opening of the hatch door? If so, how much of travel will be restricted? For example, let’s say I install the box and door won’t travel last 2”, this way I can gauge at home is it worth getting the box or not. I’m not really interested in buying additional cross bars and brackets so the box doesn’t interfere with hatch. Thanks

asked by: Fehim H

Expert Reply:

The Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box # TH629907 is a confirmed fit for the factory crossbars of your 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon and would be a great option. To determine if you'd have the needed clearance to open your hatch with this installed you'd need to take one measurement. You'd need to measure from the center of the front crossbar back to the hatch seam. If this dimension is greater than 55 inches the Motion XT will fit without hatch interference.

The smaller version of this box part # TH629707 which has 16 cubic feet of cargo space would require less clearance at 47-1/2 inches to allow the hatch to open.

expert reply by: Jameson C