10 Best Roof Racks for Cars Without Rails: Expert-Approved Picks

1. Universal Soft Roof Rack for Kayaks and Surfboards with Heavy-Duty Straps for Cars Without Rails

This soft roof rack is a game-changer for anyone with a bare-roof car. It straps directly to your car’s frame through the doors, creating instant load bars. It’s the most versatile and complete soft rack kit we tested.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Ultimate fit for most SUVs and sedans, with or without rails.
✓ Strong 175 lbs load capacity for serious gear.
✓ Includes 8 premium 15-foot tie-down straps with zinc alloy buckles.
✓ Heavy-duty padding protects your car’s roof and your equipment.
✓ Simple setup that takes just minutes.

Why We Recommend It

It earned the top spot for its incredible versatility and robust kit. You get everything you need for a secure haul in one box. It feels solid and reliable on the road, with straps that show no signs of slipping.

Best For

This is best for adventurers who need a no-fuss, universal roof rack solution for kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards, and lumber.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fits almost any vehicle instantly.
• Comes with a massive set of high-quality straps.
• Excellent roof and gear protection with thick padding.
• Very high load capacity for a soft rack.

Cons:

• The many straps can seem confusing at first glance.
• Leaves temporary indentations on door seals (common for all strap types).

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “The universal fit is no joke. It worked perfectly on my sedan for a weekend kayak trip. Straps felt industrial and held tight even on the highway.”

Customer Review: “A bit more involved to set up than I thought, but once it’s on, it’s rock solid. Peace of mind for my expensive surfboard.”

2. Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag and Cargo Net for SUVs and Trucks

This is a complete cargo-hauling system for your roof. It’s a rugged steel basket that mounts to crossbars, and it comes with a waterproof bag and net. It turns your car into a gear-muling beast.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Heavy-duty tubular steel construction with powder coating.
✓ Spacious 51″ x 36″ basket design.
✓ Includes a 15 cubic foot waterproof rooftop bag.
✓ Comes with a cargo net for securing loose items.
✓ Frees up crucial interior space on long trips.

Why We Recommend It

We picked this as our Editor’s Choice because it offers incredible value. You get three products in one: the basket, bag, and net. The quality of the steel and welds is impressive for the price.

Best For

This is best for families going camping, road trippers, or anyone who needs to carry lots of bulky, weather-sensitive gear outside the vehicle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely sturdy and well-built basket.
• The included waterproof bag is a huge bonus.
• Great capacity for the price.
• Easy to bolt onto most crossbar systems.

Cons:

• Assembly is required and can be time-consuming.
• The mounting hardware for the crossbars could be better.
• Adds significant wind noise and drag.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “Works Great! Took it to a camping trip and it works absolutely amazing and fit on top of my 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. The storage space was really good too we added about 3 tent and like 5 duffel bags. Assembly took a little too long but really easy to use.”

Customer Review: “Went together easily but the hardware to attach basket to crossbars is horrible. Do yourself a favor and buy some heavyweight zip ties instead.”

3. Foldable Car Door Step with Glass Breaker and Roof Rack Access for Most Vehicles

This isn’t a rack, but it’s a critical accessory for anyone using a roof rack on a taller vehicle. It’s a clever, foldable step that hooks onto your door frame, giving you the boost you need to safely reach your roof.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Provides effortless, safe access to your roof rack.
✓ Holds up to 400 lbs with a non-slip textured surface.
✓ Folds down to a compact size for easy storage.
✓ Made from sturdy, lightweight aluminum alloy.
✓ Includes a built-in emergency glass breaker.

Why We Recommend It

We chose this as the Best Budget pick because it solves a major, often overlooked problem for a very low cost. Loading a roof rack is so much safer and easier with this simple tool. The added glass breaker is a smart safety feature.

Best For

This is best for owners of SUVs, trucks, or tall crossovers who struggle to safely load and unload their roof racks, cargo boxes, or baskets.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely affordable and practical.
• Sturdy construction inspires confidence.
• Folds flat to store almost anywhere.
• The glass breaker adds emergency utility.

Cons:

• Only works on vehicles with strong door frames.
• Can potentially scratch the door paint if not placed carefully.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “I have an Excursion, and reaching the top has always been a challenge. This car door step makes it so much easier to access the roof rack for loading or cleaning. It’s sturdy, well-designed, and folds up compactly…”

Customer Review: “Very handy! This is great. I can finally reach the center top of my truck to clean it without having to reach it from the bed. Also super handy for roof rack on the suv…”

4. VEVOR Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars for Roofs Without Side Rails with 155 lbs Load Capacity

These are permanent crossbars that mount directly to a vehicle’s bare roof via fixed mounting points or a gutter-clamp system. They provide a solid, low-profile foundation for all kinds of roof accessories.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Specifically designed for cars without side rails.
✓ 155 lbs dynamic load capacity.
✓ Made from lightweight, corrosion-resistant 6063-T6 aluminum.
✓ Aerodynamic shape helps reduce wind noise.
✓ Compatible with a wide range of T-slot accessories.

Why We Recommend It

If you want a semi-permanent, sleek solution, these VEVOR crossbars are excellent. They offer a great balance of strength, quiet operation, and value. Installation is straightforward for a fixed system.

Best For

This is best for car owners who want a clean, installed look and plan to use various accessories like bike racks, cargo boxes, or kayak carriers regularly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong and reliable for the price.
• Quieter than many other aftermarket bars.
• Lightweight but durable aluminum build.
• Provides a versatile mounting platform.

Cons:

• Vehicle fitment is specific; must match your roof’s measurements exactly.
• Installation is more involved than a soft rack.
• Not a universal “one-size-fits-all” product.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “Great say enough good things about Vevor products! Great quality was very easy to install.”

Customer Review: “I admit my expectations were quite low for the price, but these are actually quite good… I put these on before taking a 2.5 hour trip on the highway and they were perfectly quiet and solid.”

5. Universal Soft Roof Rack Pads for Kayaks, Surfboards, and Canoes with 15FT Tie-Down Straps

This is a simpler, more streamlined version of a soft roof rack. It consists of two padded bars and the necessary straps. It’s a minimalist and effective solution for carrying long, bulky items.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Universal fit for cars with or without factory rails.
✓ Padded bars protect your car roof and your gear.
✓ Includes 15ft tie-down straps and separate bow/stern lines.
✓ Built-in non-slip mat reduces movement and noise.
✓ Much more affordable than fixed rack systems.

Why We Recommend It

For the kayak or surfboard owner who only hauls those items, this is a perfect fit. It’s less complex than our top pick but just as effective for its intended use. The setup is incredibly quick.

Best For

This is best for paddleboard, kayak, surfboard, or canoe owners who need an occasional, easy-to-store transport solution.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely quick and easy to install and remove.
• Pads offer great protection for both car and gear.
• Straps are high quality and plenty long.
• Compact storage when not in use.

Cons:

• Primarily designed for long water sports gear, not general cargo.
• Requires careful strap routing to avoid damaging door seals.
• Less versatile than a full soft rack kit with more straps.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “Works great! on Subaru Outback. Easy to install and easy to strap your SUPs on! Very sturdy, has both a strong velcro and plastic buckles… It is super long but easy enough to tie down the extra at the end.”

Customer Review: “So easy to use and worked amazing! Ok me and my husband 10 minutes to put them on, load the kayaks and strap them down. They never moved and we got to take them off when we were done. Love it!!!”

6. VEVOR Lockable Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars for Roofs Without Rails with 165 lbs Capacity

These are an upgraded version of fixed crossbars, featuring an integrated locking mechanism. This adds security, preventing someone from easily unscrewing and stealing your bars or the accessories mounted to them.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Integrated lock with keys for added security.
✓ High 165 lbs load capacity.
✓ Aerodynamic aluminum tube design reduces noise.
✓ Fits most bare-roof vehicles (check specific measurements).
✓ Provides a locked foundation for expensive gear.

Why We Recommend It

If you live in an area where theft is a concern or you plan to leave racks on your car full-time, this lockable feature is worth it. It offers peace of mind along with all the benefits of sturdy crossbars.

Best For

This is best for urban dwellers or anyone who parks in public areas and wants to deter theft of their roof rack system and the equipment on it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The locking feature provides real security.
• Even higher load capacity than similar models.
• Reports of being very quiet on the highway.
• Sturdy and professional-looking installation.

Cons:

• Fitment is very specific; an incorrect purchase leads to returns.
• Locks can sometimes be stiff or finicky.
• Higher price point than non-locking bars.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “Perfect fit, good stability, very low noise level when driving, they are easy to install, secured and very strong. Love the way they look and I have gotten a lot of comments.”

Customer Review: “The product seems fine. However, their description sounded like it would fit my truck•• it didn’t. They accepted the return, but made me pay for the shipping!!”

7. BRIGHTLINES Anti-Theft Aluminum Roof Rack Crossbars for Honda Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline Without Side Rails

This is a vehicle-specific solution that mounts directly to the pre-set mounting points hidden under the roof molding on certain Honda models. It offers a sleek, OEM+ look and feel.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Designed specifically for Honda Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline without rails.
✓ Mounts directly to factory roof points for a clean install.
✓ Anti-theft locking mechanism.
✓ Stylish aero wing shape minimizes wind noise.
✓ Made from premium aluminum.

Why We Recommend It

For Honda owners, this is often the best possible aftermarket solution. It looks like it came from the factory, installs securely to dedicated points, and performs flawlessly. The fit is perfect.

Best For

This is exclusively best for owners of specific Honda SUV and truck models (Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline) who want a professional, integrated roof rack system.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Perfect, seamless fit for target vehicles.
• OEM-quality look and installation.
• Includes anti-theft protection.
• Very quiet and aerodynamic.

Cons:

• Only fits a narrow range of vehicle models.
• Installation requires removing roof moldings, which can be intimidating.
• Higher price point due to vehicle-specific engineering.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “Installed on the 2018 Pilot in about 1 hour. I’d recommend getting the plastic trim tools to help… Instructions are not too detailed.Having done it now, I can say it is best to start the process of removing the roof molding carefully.”

Customer Review: “My application was for a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The installation was straight forward once I got the nerve up to remove the first roof molding. The instructions were clear and easy to follow…”

8. Amazon Basics 56-Inch Cross Rail Roof Rack Pack of 2 for Raised Side Rails

Important Note: This product is for vehicles with raised side rails. We include it here because it’s a common search, and it’s crucial to know the difference. It will NOT work on a car without any side rails.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ 56-inch crossbars that clamp onto existing raised side rails.
✓ Rubber seals minimize wind noise.
✓ Durable aluminum alloy construction.
✓ Supports up to 165 lbs.
✓ Excellent value from a trusted brand.

Why We Mention It

We mention this to clarify a major point of confusion. If your car has raised side rails (the bars that run front to back along the edge of the roof), you need crossbars like these. If your roof is completely bare, you need the other solutions in this list.

Best For

This is only for vehicles that already have factory-installed raised side rails and need crossbars to complete the system.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great value for money.
• Easy to install on compatible vehicles.
• Quiet and sturdy performance.
• Backed by the Amazon Basics reputation.

Cons:

• Will not work on cars without side rails.
• Instructions can be minimal or unclear.
• Fitment must be checked carefully against your vehicle’s rail width.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “I originally tried another brand… but they sent the wrong size, so I returned it and got these Amazon Basics racks instead. They were $20 cheaper and honestly look like they could’ve come from the same factory – quality is just as good.”

Customer Review: “These Amazon Basics Cross Rails are impressive. They appear to be well made of quality materials. Installing was easy, straightforward… But as is often the case… the instructions were not helpful.”

9. Heavy-Duty Roof Rack Basket with Waterproof Bag and Cargo Net, 18 Cubic Feet Capacity

This is another basket-and-bag combo, boasting a massive 18 cubic foot capacity. It’s a beast of a carrier, built with a focus on heavy-duty welding and security features to keep your cargo locked down.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Huge 18 cubic foot capacity.
✓ Heavy-duty full-welding-point steel construction.
✓ Includes an adjustable-height guardrail and waterproof bag.
✓ Security design with threaded, embedded screws.
✓ Durable black powder coating.

Why We Recommend It

If sheer volume is your top priority, this basket delivers. The build quality emphasizes strength at every weld point. It’s a good option for those who need to carry irregularly shaped, bulky items that won’t fit in a box.

Best For

This is best for overlanding, extended camping trips, or anyone who needs to maximize every inch of external cargo space on their SUV or truck.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely large carrying capacity.
• Feels very robust and over-built.
• Waterproof bag is high-quality and roomy.
• Adjustable features allow for a custom fit.

Cons:

• Some users report rust issues with the powder coating.
• The included hand-fasteners may feel less secure than lock nuts.
• Its large size creates significant drag and fuel economy impact.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “This basket is just OK. I replaced the small hand fasteners with lock nuts when I installed it on my Bronco Sport. Just seemed safer.The basket actually rusted the first time we used it in the rain.The waterproof bag is really nice. Inside was dry when we came home through storms.”

10. Ski and Snowboard Rack for Car Roof with Lock and Padding, Fits Various Cross Bars

This is a specialized accessory that mounts to existing crossbars. It’s designed to securely carry skis or snowboards. It highlights that once you have crossbars (from any of the solutions above), you can add purpose-built carriers.

Key Features That Stand Out

✓ Securely carries skis and snowboards.
✓ Integrated locking mechanism to deter theft.
✓ Protective padding prevents damage to equipment.
✓ Made from TPV rubber and anodized aluminum.
✓ Tool-free installation onto most crossbars.

Why We Recommend It

For winter sports enthusiasts, this is a must-have add-on. It keeps your gear safe, organized, and out of the wet, salty interior of your car. The lock is a key feature for leaving gear unattended at the lodge.

Best For

This is best for skiers and snowboarders who already have a roof rack crossbar system and need a secure, dedicated way to transport their gear.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy, tool-free installation.
• Locking feature works well for security.
• Lightweight yet feels sturdy.
• Pads protect expensive skis and boards.

Cons:

• Requires you to already have crossbars installed.
• Only useful for a specific type of gear.
• Can be bulky to store in the off-season.

Customer Reviews

Customer Review: “These worked perfect on my Kia telluride 2025 for snowboards. Now we’re able to take my family vehicle to the mountains rather than my husband’s truck. We are very pleased and they were easy to install. I installed them myself.”

Customer Review: “The locking feature works well and I haven’t had any issues with that aspect of it. It’s built very light weight, yet still feels sturdy enough to get the job done. It’s easy to install and put up thanks to the thumbscrews.”