In this article, we will be reviewing the best roof racks for the Honda CRV.
In our testing, we considered factors like build, durability, the design and of course the value each rack delivers. We also consider any special features the racks offer.
As such, we think that Brightlines’ Crossbar Roof Rack delivers the perfect combination of durability, load capacity, and price.
The all aluminum construction is rigid and tough,enabling a higher load capacity. It also has a secure fit that prevents your cargo from falling off in transit.
We have been testing vehicle accessories for more than a decade. So we can help you make a more worthwhile buying decision when it comes to roof racks for your Honda CRV.
Keep reading for more information on the best roof racks for the Honda CRV.
BRIGHTLINES Crossbars Roof Rack for the CRV
Overall Best
Brightlines’ roof rack is really well built and combines an aluminium construction, a sturdy fit for more confidence at speed, and one of the highest load capacities we’ve seen. The design is also sleek and low profile.
Starting with the build quality of this roof rack, we have an all aluminium design which makes the rack lighter and more rigid than alloy steel.
The lightweight build means less weight is being mounted onto your vehicle. It also makes it easier to install the rack. Corrosion is a major concern for roof racks, especially in regions that get a lot of rain, but thankfully this aluminium rack is corrosion resistant.
We are sure drivers living near the sea will appreciate the corrosion resistance. Bring it on, salty sea air!
Don’t let this rack’s low weight fool you, though; it is built to take a beating! The crossbar is ¾ inch thick. It bolts on very securely using hook on style mounting and doesn’t move around or make any weird noises when you are on the road.
Mounting is very simple and does not require cutting, drilling, or any other modification to your car. We loved the robust build and fit which kept both roof rack and cargo in place.
Installation was a walk in the park as all of the mounting equipment is included in the box, along with easy to follow instructions. The attention to detail here also deserves praise, as the front crossbar is slightly longer than the rear to match the CRV’s roofline.
Overall, it took us just under 20 minutes to have the roof rack fully installed.
Moving on to the efficacy of this rack, Brightlines provide a load capacity of around 150 lbs. That is on par with most other racks we’ve seen in this category and you can easily carry stuff like snowboards, kayaks, camping equipment and luggage.
Overall, we can’t find anything bad to say about the awesome construction of Brightlines’ roof rack.
It is immediately apparent that aerodynamics played a huge role in the designing of this roof rack. The whole rack is lower profile than others we’ve seen, so you won’t face any wind resistance, excessive drag, or wind noise. The CRVs mileage was also unaffected.
Pros
- Bolt on installation
- No drilling required
- Aerodynamic design
- Minimal wind noise
- Aluminium construction
- 150 lbs load capacity
- Overall best roof rack for the Honda CRV
- Quick and easy installation
- Aerodynamic design reduces drag at speed
- All mounting hardware provided
- 1 year manufacturer warranty provided
Cons
- A bit more expensive than other options
DNA Motoring Cross Bar Roof Rack
Best Budget
DNA Motoring come on the scene with an affordable and high quality roof rack for the CRV. It delivers an awesome design that is both functional and appealing.
Build quality is often the first thing budget roof racks compromise. But DNA Motoring has flipped the script and given us a rack that is as durable as it is good looking. Aluminium is used generously all throughout the design. The only place where high quality ABS plastic is used is in the mounting brackets. This is done to keep weight low and make the crossbars adjustable.
And strangely, DNA Motoring opted to apply a black powder coating on this aluminium rack. No complaints here! All and any protection from scratches, dents and rust is welcome. Not to mention, this blacked out look is probably the sexiest design we’ve seen in any roof rack.
Part of that sexy look is the subtle curve in the design of this roof rack. But it’s not just for aesthetics. That curve enables air to pass over the roofline more easily. It also conforms to the shape of the Honda CRV, keeping the whole rack more compact and firm.
Speaking of firm, this rack has a very secure fit for cargo. It is rated for around 150 lbs and you can rest easy knowing that all of that cargo is going to stay in place, even at speed. Even fully loaded up, the rack does not budge at all.
Installation was very easy. It is basically a bolt on roof rack and we did not need more than 20 minutes to have it fully installed. The instructions could have been a bit clearer and more direct but other than that, we had no issues.
There are soft rubber feet on the brackets which keep your car’s paintwork looking pristine. You won’t need to drill or cut away any parts and the roof rack fits right into the factory mounting points.
Pros
- Aluminium build
- High quality ABS plastic brackets
- Black powder coating
- Curved design for better aerodynamics
- Easy installation
- Bolts onto factory mounting points
- No drilling or cutting required
- No wind noise
- Reduced drag
- 150 lbs load capacity
- Rubber inserts on mounting brackets prevent scratches
- Very secure and stable at speed
Cons
- Instructions aren’t the easiest to follow
Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket
Premium Choice
Leader Accessories’ cargo basket delivers a tonne of utility. It is really well built and designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. You also get a lot more space for loading cargo.
This rack uses reinforced alloy steel which means it is very rigid. Alloy steel is a bit heavier than aluminium, but it is still structurally sound and enables a secure fit. In our experience, it works great for keeping cargo in place at highway speeds.
Steel is more prone to rusting and corrosion, but Leader Accessories have treated their roof rack with a special black powder coating. Besides keeping the steel free of rust, it also gives the rack a more appealing look.
The cargo basket itself is large and roomy. We were easily able to fit most of our luggage for a cross country trip on the carrier without any problems. The larger surface area also allows you to load up irregularly shaped items.
Now, let’s talk about carrying capacity. The manufacturer rates this rack for around 150 lbs. However, we can report that it will hold a little bit more weight if you just distribute it evenly over the basket. And here, the design works to your advantage as you can easily tie the cargo down using the steel frame.
We were surprised to find out just how aerodynamic this roof rack actually is. Leader Accessories installed a special wind deflector on the front. This forces air to move over and around the rack, thus eliminating drag and wind resistance.
We did not have to put up with annoying wind noise with this roof rack installed. Fuel consumption does take a hit, but not that much. Our testing found only about a 0.3 miles per gallon drop in mileage.
Installation is also pretty straightforward. All of the necessary hardware is included in the package and you can easily install it yourself. Universal U-Bolts are extremely convenient and make installing the rack as easy as 1,2,3!
To sum up, we really liked this roof rack from Leader Accessories and it has our highest recommendation.
Pros
- Alloy steel design
- Black powder coat
- Corrosion resistant
- Larger cargo area
- Integrated wind deflector
- No wind resistance or noise in the cabin
- Easy to install
- 150 lbs load capacity
- U-Bolts for easier mounting
Cons
- Slight drop in mileage
