Best Roof Racks for 2019–2024 Subaru Forester: 4 Raised-Rail Crossbars and Wilderness Notes
Every 2019–2024 Forester we cover has raised roof rails, so the crossbar choice is simpler than on most SUVs, until you get to the 2022–2024 Wilderness, which uses a stronger ladder-type rail. Here are four raised-rail crossbars, the Forester's real load limits, and what changes for the Wilderness.
- Raised rails are standard on SK Foresters. Clamp-on crossbars listed for the Forester's raised rails fit without drilling.
- Know the two limits. The standard Forester roof is rated at 176 lb while driving and 700 lb parked; the driving number includes the bars.
- The Wilderness is different. 2022–2024 Wilderness ladder rails are rated at 220 lb driving and 800 lb parked, and the standard-rail bars here exclude it.
- 2025 is a new generation. The 6th-gen Forester went on sale in spring 2024 as a 2025 model; check a listing that spans past 2024 for the new car separately.
- Locks are cheap insurance. Two of the four sets here are lockable; the other two titles don't mention locks.
Which Forester bed do you have?
| Roof type | Trims / years | Load limits (dynamic / static) | What to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised side rails | Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, 2019–2024 | 176 lb / 700 lb | Bars titled for Forester raised rails, "not Wilderness" |
| Wilderness ladder-type rails | Wilderness, 2022–2024 | 220 lb / 800 lb | Bars or brand kits listed specifically for the Forester Wilderness |
| Bare roof (no rails) | Listed by etrailer for some non-Wilderness cars | See owner's manual | Clamp-style Thule or Yakima system; none of the bars here |
| Flush rails / fixed points | Not a factory option on this generation | n/a | Ignore flush-rail kits |
| 6th-gen rails | 2025+ (new generation) | See the 2025 manual | Parts listed for 2025+; this page doesn't apply |
What to look for in a Forester roof racks & crossbar
Raised rail or Wilderness ladder rail
The SK Forester is easy for most buyers: raised side rails with a gap underneath, which is the style almost every clamp-on crossbar is built for. The exception is the 2022–2024 Wilderness. Launch coverage describes a new ladder-type roof rail design with built-in tie-down points and higher load ratings, and etrailer treats it as a separate configuration. Three of the four bars here spell out their exclusion ("except Wilderness," "not Wilderness"), and the fourth asks you to confirm trim. If your Forester has the Wilderness badges, shop for Wilderness-specific parts.
Dynamic load comes first
The standard Forester's rails are rated at 176 lb while driving, and that has to cover the crossbars, the accessory and the cargo. A 300 lb bar rating on a listing is the bar's own strength and does not change the car's limit. If your bars weigh around 15 lb and your cargo box about 40 lb, what's left for gear is far below the headline. Weigh what you plan to carry, add the listed weights, and stay under 176 lb (220 lb on a Wilderness). The 700 lb and 800 lb static figures apply only when parked.
Crossbar spread and the liftgate
Because these bars clamp to the raised rails, you choose the spread. Set it to your accessory's range: boxes and tents list a minimum and maximum, and kayaks ride steadier on wider-set bars. The rear limit is the liftgate. Keep the rear bar forward of where the rail starts curving down, and with a box mounted, open the liftgate slowly the first time to check clearance. If you swap between accessories, mark the rail with tape so you can find the spread again.
Wind noise
The Forester is tall and upright, so bars catch wind. Aero or teardrop bars are the quieter shape; The Rack Shop says Yakima's teardrop JetStream bars cut wind noise better than its steel CoreBar. etrailer lists Thule's WingBar Evo aero bar in a 50 in length for this Forester at $544.90, and the flush-mount WingBar Edge at $649.85. Among the Amazon sets, aluminum aero bars are the norm. Trim overhang, keep the end caps in place, and if you only use the rack a few times a year, take the bars off in between.
Rooftop tent plans
With a 700 lb static rating on standard trims and 800 lb on the Wilderness, the SK Forester's roof can hold a tent and its occupants while parked. The tent still has to be carried on the road within the 176 lb (or 220 lb) dynamic limit, bars included. SubaruForester.org owners ask which crossbars to use for Wilderness tents, and the answer is usually a name-brand system with a published rating. If a tent is the goal, the Wilderness gives you the most margin.
| Feature | Look for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fitment | Title naming the Forester, the years and "raised rails" | "Universal" bars or listings that don't mention Wilderness either way |
| Wilderness | Wilderness-specific listing or fit-guide entry | Standard-rail bars on the 2022–2024 Wilderness |
| Load | Stated bar rating, and your load kept under 176 lb (220 lb Wilderness) while driving | Loading to a 300 lb bar rating |
| Security | Lock cores on the clamps | Hex-key-only clamps if you park on the street |
| Profile | Aero aluminum bars, minimal overhang | Long square steel bars on a daily driver |
| Moonroof | Keep it closed with a rack on | Opening the glass roof under a loaded bar |
Roof Racks & Crossbars types compared
| Option | Price guide | Rail type | Bar rating (per maker/listing) | Noise | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget clamp-on aluminum bars | About $80–$130 | Raised rails, not Wilderness | Varies; see listing | Low to medium | Cargo bags, skis, occasional bikes |
| Lockable 300 lb aluminum bars | About $90–$140 | Raised rails | 300 lb | Low to medium | Street parking, heavier accessories |
| Thule SquareBar Evo system | $444.90 (etrailer) | Raised rails | Vehicle limit | Higher (square steel) | Budget name-brand setup |
| Thule WingBar Evo / Yakima TimberLine | $454.85–$623.85 (etrailer) | Raised rails | Vehicle limit | Low (aero) | Daily use, T-slot accessories |
| Flush WingBar Edge / TimberLine FX | $599.90–$649.85 (etrailer) | Raised rails | Vehicle limit | Lowest | Factory look, least overhang |
#1: Tuyoung 300 lb Lockable Cross Bars — Best overall ($100–$140)
Tuyoung 300 lb Lockable Cross Bars, 2014-2026 Forester with raised rails (not Wilderness)
Confirm fit on listingNot Wilderness; confirm 2025+ separately.- 300 lb bar rating
- Lockable
- Title names raised rails and excludes the Wilderness, so the fit is clear
- Aluminum construction
- One set covers several Forester generations with raised rails
- Title runs to 2026, which includes the new-generation Forester; confirm 2025+ fit separately
- Specs and warranty come from the listing only
- Not for the Wilderness ladder rails
Tuyoung's lockable set is the pick for most SK Forester owners because the title answers the two questions that matter: it's built for Foresters with raised rails, and it is not for the Wilderness. It is rated at 300 lb, which gives a stiff bar with plenty of margin over the Forester's 176 lb driving limit, and lock cores keep the bars on the car at trailheads and on the street. The bars are aluminum and clamp around the rail, so installation is a matter of setting the spread and tightening evenly.
The title spans 2014–2026, which is broader than one generation. It covers the SK Forester this page is about, but the 2025 and 2026 Forester is a new generation, so if you're shopping for one of those, confirm fit with the seller. As with the other Amazon sets here, the rating and warranty come from the listing rather than a maker spec sheet. Remember the 300 lb figure is the bar's: the car's 176 lb driving limit is what you load to.
Who it's for: Standard-rail SK Forester owners who want lockable, stiff bars at a budget price.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Lockable clamp-on aluminum crossbars |
| Fits | Forester with raised rails, 2014–2026 per title |
| Not for | Wilderness |
| Bar rating | 300 lb (per title) |
| Vehicle limit | 176 lb dynamic / 700 lb static |
| Lock | Yes |
| Drilling | None |
#2: 300 lb Adjustable Lockable Cross Bars — Best adjustable ($90–$130)
300 lb Adjustable Lockable Cross Bars, 2019-2025 Forester
Confirm fit on listingConfirm trim (Wilderness) on listing.- 300 lb bar rating
- Lockable
- Adjustable design
- Title matches the 2019–2025 Forester span
- Aluminum construction
- Title doesn't say whether it fits the Wilderness; confirm trim with the seller
- Unbranded listing with no fit guide
- Adjustable joints need rechecking
This lockable, adjustable set is titled for the 2019–2025 Forester, which lines up with the SK generation more closely than the multi-generation listings. It is rated at 300 lb, like the Tuyoung, and the adjustable design lets the bar suit the rail width. If you want locks and a close model-year match, this is the alternative to the Tuyoung, usually at a similar price.
The gap is trim coverage. The title doesn't mention the Wilderness in either direction, and the 2025 end year belongs to the new generation. Confirm both with the seller before ordering, especially if you have a 2022–2024 Wilderness or a 2025. Once it's on, check the adjustment hardware and clamps after the first drive and before long trips. An adjustable bar that shifts is the most common cause of a rack that starts whistling or creeping on the rail.
Who it's for: SK Forester owners who want a lockable bar sold for their model years and will confirm the trim first.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Adjustable lockable aluminum crossbars |
| Fits | 2019–2025 Forester per title (confirm trim) |
| Bar rating | 300 lb (per title) |
| Lock | Yes |
| Vehicle limit | 176 lb dynamic (standard rails) |
| Adjustment | Adjustable width |
| Drilling | None |
#3: Snailfly Cross Bars — Best budget ($90–$130)
Snailfly Cross Bars, 2014-2024 Forester (except Wilderness)
Listed for this truckNot Wilderness.- Title names 2014–2024 Forester and excludes the Wilderness
- Covers the full SK run
- Clamp-on, no drilling
- Aluminum bars
- Carries over if you trade a 2014–2018 for an SK
- No locks mentioned in the title
- Load rating not in the title
- Not for the Wilderness
Snailfly's set is the simple option: titled for the 2014–2024 Forester, except Wilderness. That span covers every year of the SK generation, and it also covers the previous Forester, which is useful if you're moving bars from an older car or buying used. The bars clamp around the raised rails and need no drilling. It is a basic clamp-on crossbar set without the lock cores of the Tuyoung.
The title doesn't give a bar rating or mention locks. Read the listing for both, and keep your load under the Forester's 176 lb driving limit regardless. For a roof cargo bag, a pair of ski carriers or a single bike tray, a basic clamp-on bar does the job. For a tent, a heavy box or street parking, spend a little more on a lockable, rated bar or a Thule or Yakima system.
Who it's for: Owners who want the cheapest Forester-titled bars for light, occasional loads.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Clamp-on aluminum crossbars |
| Fits | 2014–2024 Forester with raised rails |
| Not for | Wilderness |
| Lock | Not listed in title |
| Bar rating | See listing |
| Vehicle limit | 176 lb dynamic / 700 lb static |
| Drilling | None |
#4: EZREXPM Cross Bars — Best multi-Subaru set ($80–$120)
EZREXPM Cross Bars, 2014-2024 Forester / Crosstrek with raised side rails
Confirm fit on listingMulti-fit Subaru bars; confirm Wilderness with seller.- Titled for Forester and Crosstrek raised side rails
- Covers the 2014–2024 Forester
- Useful in households with two Subarus
- Clamp-on, no drilling
- Lowest price band on this page
- Multi-vehicle listing; confirm the exact Forester trim and year
- No locks mentioned
- Load rating not in the title
EZREXPM sells these bars for Subarus with raised side rails, with the Forester and Crosstrek named in the title and 2014–2024 given for the Forester. That makes it a practical buy for households with two Subarus that share a bike or cargo carrier: one style of bar across both cars, and accessories that move between them. The bars clamp to the rails without drilling and sit in the lowest price band on this page.
Multi-vehicle listings need a little more care. Confirm with the seller that the bar length suits your Forester's rail spacing, and check whether the Wilderness is covered before buying for a 2022–2024 Wilderness; we list it for standard rails only. The title doesn't state locks or a bar rating. For light loads under the 176 lb driving limit, it is a reasonable budget bar. For heavier loads, choose the rated Tuyoung.
Who it's for: Two-Subaru households and budget buyers carrying light loads.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Clamp-on crossbars |
| Fits | 2014–2024 Forester / Crosstrek with raised side rails |
| Wilderness | Confirm with seller |
| Lock | Not listed in title |
| Bar rating | See listing |
| Vehicle limit | 176 lb dynamic |
| Drilling | None |
How to install a roof racks & crossbar on the Forester
- Confirm your roof: raised side rails with a gap underneath (standard trims), ladder-type rails (Wilderness), or no rails at all.
- Clean the rails where the clamps will sit, and remove any stickers or debris that could let a clamp slip.
- Set both bars loosely on the rails and space them to your accessory's spread range, keeping the rear bar ahead of the rail's downward curve at the liftgate.
- Center the bars so the overhang is equal on both sides, then tighten the clamps evenly, alternating sides.
- Open the liftgate fully to check clearance, and keep the moonroof closed with the rack installed, as etrailer advises for Thule systems.
- Lock the clamps, drive a short loop, re-tighten, and check again before every long trip.
What to avoid
Standard-rail bars on a Wilderness. The 2022–2024 Wilderness has ladder-type rails with higher ratings. Bars titled "except Wilderness" or "not Wilderness" mean exactly that.
Loading to the bar rating. A 300 lb bar on a 176 lb roof is still a 176 lb roof while driving, and that includes the bars and the accessory.
Buying for the 2025 Forester from this page. The 2025 Forester is a new generation. Listings that run to 2025 or 2026 may cover it, but confirm with the seller rather than assuming.
Opening the moonroof under a rack. etrailer's note on Thule systems for this Forester says don't open, vent or retract the glass roof with the rack installed.
Bed, roof, hitch and interior, filtered to the 2019–2024 Subaru Forester.
Open the Forester fit hub →Frequently asked questions
What is the roof load limit on a 2019–2024 Forester?
Press coverage of the Wilderness launch gives the standard Forester's rails a 176 lb dynamic (driving) limit and a 700 lb static (parked) limit. The 2022–2024 Wilderness raised those to 220 lb dynamic and 800 lb static with its ladder-type rails. The dynamic figure covers the crossbars and everything on them while moving. Check the owner's manual for your exact car, and plan around the lower figure if the two ever disagree.
Do standard Forester crossbars fit the Forester Wilderness?
Not the ones on this page. The Snailfly and Tuyoung titles say "except Wilderness" and "not Wilderness," because the 2022–2024 Wilderness uses a different ladder-type rail. etrailer's fit guide treats the Wilderness as its own roof configuration. For a Wilderness, buy a Thule or Yakima raised-rail system entered in the fit guide as "Wilderness," or an Amazon set whose title names the Forester Wilderness.
Can I put a rooftop tent on a Forester?
The numbers allow it with care. The standard SK Forester's roof is rated at 700 lb parked, and the Wilderness at 800 lb. The limit that decides which tent you can carry is the driving one: 176 lb on standard trims and 220 lb on the Wilderness, and that includes the bars. SubaruForester.org has owner threads asking which crossbars to use for tents on the Wilderness. Choose a tent the maker approves for the Forester, and stronger bars than the cheapest set.
Do 2014–2018 Forester crossbars fit a 2019–2024?
Some Amazon sets are sold as one part for both: the Snailfly and EZREXPM bars are titled 2014–2024, and the Tuyoung 2014–2026. That works because they clamp around raised rails rather than bolting to fixed points. Name-brand systems usually use vehicle-specific pads or clamps, so check the fit guide for your model year rather than reusing old parts. The 2025 Forester is a new generation, so treat it separately.
Does the Forester have bare-roof versions?
Most SK Foresters have raised side rails, and our vehicle data lists them as standard. etrailer's 2022 fit guide also lists a non-Wilderness configuration "with no existing rails or crossbars." If your roof has no rails, none of the raised-rail bars here will work; you'd need a clamp-to-door-jamb system from Thule or Yakima. Look before you order: raised rails stand clear of the roof with a gap underneath.
Do I need locking crossbars?
Lockable bars keep a thief from unclamping the bars, and whatever is mounted to them, with a hex key. The Tuyoung and the 300 lb adjustable set are lockable according to their titles. The Snailfly and EZREXPM titles don't mention locks. If your Forester sits at trailheads or on the street, the lock cores are worth the small price difference. Lock the accessories too; a locked bar doesn't stop someone taking a bike off it.
How far apart should the crossbars be on a Forester?
Clamp-on bars slide along the raised rail, so you set the spread. Cargo boxes and tents publish a minimum and maximum spread; bike and kayak mounts are more stable with more. Keep the rear bar clear of the point where the rail curves down toward the liftgate, and check that the open liftgate clears any box. Tighten evenly, then recheck the clamps after the first drive.
Which crossbars are quietest on the Forester?
Aero or teardrop aluminum bars are quieter than square or round steel bars. The Rack Shop says Yakima's teardrop JetStream bars cut wind noise better than its steel CoreBar, and etrailer offers Thule's WingBar Evo aero bar for the Forester at $544.90. The flush Thule WingBar Edge and Yakima TimberLine FX sit within the rails and look cleaner. Whatever you buy, avoid long overhang and keep the end caps on. Bars off between trips is quietest.
Can I open the moonroof with crossbars installed?
etrailer attaches a note to the Thule systems it fits to the Forester: it is not recommended to open, vent or retract the sun, moon or glass roof while the product is installed. A loaded bar or accessory can sit close to the glass panel's path. If your Forester has a moonroof, treat that as the rule for any rack, not just Thule's.
Are cheap Amazon crossbars safe on a Forester?
The ones here are titled for the Forester's raised rails and state a bar rating, which is the minimum you should accept. What they lack compared with Thule or Yakima is a published fit guide, a warranty you can read in advance and a large accessory range. For a cargo bag, skis or a bike tray kept under the 176 lb driving limit, they're a reasonable buy. For a tent or daily use, the name-brand systems etrailer lists are the safer choice.
For a standard-rail SK Forester, buy the lockable 300 lb Tuyoung; for a Wilderness, buy a Wilderness-specific Thule or Yakima system and use the higher 220 lb and 800 lb ratings it was built for.
The SK Forester's raised rails make crossbars easy. The Tuyoung is the best all-round set, the adjustable 300 lb bars are the closer model-year match, and the Snailfly and EZREXPM sets cover light loads for less. None of them is sold for the Wilderness, whose stronger ladder rails deserve a Wilderness-listed system, especially if a tent is the plan. Whatever you buy, load to the car's 176 lb driving limit, not to the bar.
Once the bars are on, a cargo box is the usual next step for road trips, and a trailer hitch with a bike carrier keeps bikes off the roof entirely. The vehicle hub lists every fit-checked accessory for the 2019–2024 Forester.
How we chose
We did not install these crossbars ourselves. We matched each set to the Forester rail named in its Amazon listing title and checked the vehicle facts against Subaru-sourced launch coverage of the Wilderness, Wikipedia and the etrailer fit guide. Where the only spec source is the Amazon listing, we say so. Owner questions come from SubaruForester.org threads. Retailer prices were checked in September 2026; Amazon prices move daily, so the button shows the live price.
Sources- 2022 Forester roof rack systems by rail type (etrailer)
- 2022 Forester Wilderness first look: roof ratings (Our Auto Expert)
- 2022 Forester Wilderness review: roof and towing (HeraldNet)
- Subaru Forester generations (Wikipedia)
- Yakima crossbar kit notes on teardrop vs steel bars (The Rack Shop)
- Wilderness roof rail capacity thread (SubaruForester.org)
- Wilderness rooftop tent crossbars thread (SubaruForester.org)
Related guides
All roof racks & crossbars guides by vehicle → · Everything that fits the 2019–2024 Subaru Forester →