Best Roof Box For Volvo XC90 | Family Road Trip

If you’re looking for the best roof box for your Volvo XC90, you’ve come to the right place.

A cargo box is not only used for maximizing your vehicle’s storage capacity but also makes for a stylish accessory on your XC90.

This blog post will look at the best roof boxes on the market. We’ve put in the research to make your decision easier.

We’ve read many reviews, manuals, and manufacturers’ notes to ensure you’re getting the best cargo space solution for your needs.

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In A Hurry? Here’s The Best Roof Box For Volvo XC90

Our favorite choice is the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier (see on Amazon) for its impressive safety features, ease of installation, durability, aerodynamics, and sleek design.

5 Volvo XC90 Roof Boxes Reviewed

What are the best roof boxes for the Volvo XC90? We take a look at 5 of the best models on the market.

Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier – Best Premium Cargo Box

Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier, XL, Black

Buy it on Amazon

Capacity: 18 cu ft
Opening: Dual-Side Opening
Weight Limit: 165 lbs
Dimensions: 84.5 x 36 x 17 inches
Item Weight: 46 lbs

This Motion XT roof box from Thule is the best storage solution for your Volvo XC90. It has many bells and whistles features, particularly the security system, ensuring all your belongings are safe along the journey.

It features a slide lock system that automatically locks the lid with a loud click, so you know it’s shut before the key comes out.

This durable cargo box is made of high-quality, long-lasting materials that will last for years. It can hold any heavy items up to a maximum of 165 lbs (please factor in the weight of crossbars).

The Motion XT is the only Thule cargo box model with two color options – black and titan glossy.

The glossy color of this cargo box will make your XC90 look even better and more distinctive. But unfortunately, this glossy finish can be vulnerable to scuffs and scratches on the flip side.

Click here to read more about this product!

Pros

Sleek and aerodynamic design
Nice locking system
Perfect for everyday use
It’s easy to set up

Cons

A bit pricey
Glossy color can easily get scratched

Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, XX-Large – Biggest Cargo Box Option

Buy it on Amazon

Capacity: 22 cu ft
Opening: Dual-Side Opening
Weight Limit: 165 lbs
Dimensions: 90.5 x 35.5 x 18.5 inches
Item Weight: 52 lbs

This oversized cargo box will accommodate just about any size of your family’s stuff for coming road trips. It fits seamlessly with your factory Volvo crossbars.

Please take note that it is crucial to measure the distance from your open hatchback door to the middle of the front crossbar on the Volvo XC90. Make sure it’s about 55 inches.

This Thule Force XT looks beautiful in glossy black. In addition, it has an aerodynamic design to reduce noise and wind drag.

It has a locking feature like many cargo carriers have, keeping your belongings safe when parked for extended periods.

This cargo box measures 90.5 inches long, which means you can carry any size of skis up to a maximum length of 215 cm.

The advantage of this vehicle’s oversized cargo box is that you can carry a lot. The downside? You may need extra hands to lift and install it onto the roof rack.

Pros

Plenty of storage
Reasonably priced compared to its size
It’s made from high-quality materials
Great design and looks sleek

Cons

Lifting it onto the roof rack can be tricky due to its size
It can be not easy to store when not in use

Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box, Alpine – Best For Skis And Snowboards

Buy it on Amazon

Capacity: 11 cu ft
Opening: Passenger-side opening
Weight Limit: 110 lbs
External Dimensions: 88.5 x 25.5 x 12.5 inches
Item Weight: 30 lbs

This Thule Pulse Cargo Box Alpine version is perfect if you’re looking for a way to protect your skis and snowboards during winter trips.

The low-profile ski carrier can hold up to 9 pairs of skis, with a maximum length of 210 cm. Also, you can carry up to 3 snowboards.

It is made from the same ABS plastic materials used in other Thule cargo box lineups. This will protect your winter gear from damage caused by winter elements and road grime.

This cargo box is narrow in size, measuring only 25.5 inches wide, and won’t take much space on the Volvo XC90 rooftop. One of its advantages is that there will be less wind noise and drag.

The cargo box is perfect for carrying your skis and snowboard, but it might not work well if you need to carry other items regularly.

If you want to read more about this cargo box, click here!

Pros

Can carry many pairs of skis
Lightweight and easy to install
Wind noise was very minimal

Cons

Lack of space for big items like luggage
Fairly expensive considering what it can carry

SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box – Best Budget Option

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Capacity: 18 cu ft
Opening: Rear Side Opening
Weight Limit: 100 lbs
Dimensions: 63 x 38 x 19 inches
Item Weight: 28 lbs

This SportRack Vista is the perfect storage solution if you’re on a budget. This product has been reviewed positively by many customers who were happy with its large size without paying an arm and a leg price tag.

It’s surprisingly lightweight and can easily hold up big items like your duffels, suitcase, or camping gear. Installation of this box is relatively easy by attaching the U-bolts to the crossbars.

While it is made from durable plastic, it is not as rigid as the Thule Motion XT. In addition, it can only carry a maximum weight of 100 lbs. So, keep in mind when packing your stuff, don’t overload.

This SportRack Vista roof box opens from the rear side. Some people don’t like it because reaching the items in the back can be challenging. But, on a positive note, the rear opening provides easy access away from traffic.

Check out this product on Amazon!

Pros

Very roomy
Inexpensive
Very lightweight
Easy to install

Cons

The hinges are slightly weak
The locking system could be better

Thule SideKick Rooftop Cargo Box – Best Value

Buy it on Amazon

Capacity: 8 cu ft
Opening: Passenger side opening
Weight Limit: 75 lbs
Dimensions: 54 x 25 x 15.5 inches
Item Weight: 19.85 lbs

The Thule Sidekick cargo box has been a popular choice for years. This latest version has minor updates, making it more appealing and still selling strong today.

If you don’t fancy all the bells and whistles like other cargo boxes, this cargo box is perfect for you. It is very compact but handy when you need extra room for small items.

This box is ideal for small loads like camping gear, backpacks, or golf clubs. Unfortunately, you can’t carry skis and snowboards with this box. The locking system is very basic, but it gets the job done.

Overall, the Thule SIdekick is very well-made, simple to install, and a perfect choice for an SUV vehicle like the Volvo XC90.

Click here to read more about this product!

Pros

Keeps everything dry
Durable
Very lightweight for better MPG

Cons

Very small
Fairly expensive considering its size

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Volvo XC90 Cargo Boxes

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the cargo box for Volvo XC90.

Is The Thule Motion XT XL Too Long On My 2021 Volvo XC90?

Before buying any roof box, you should get the measurement from the open hatch to the middle of the front crossbar. The Thule Motion XT XL measures 79 inches long, but it should not interfere with the rear antenna of your car.

Please check out our article about the best position for roof boxes on the car.

How Tall Is XC90 With A Roof Box?

The height of the Volvo XC90 from the ground to the roof rails is about 30.5 inches (1773mm). Then, depending on how your roof rack is set up, add another 18 to 22 inches for the crossbar and the cargo box.

So, the overall for the XC90 with a roof box is estimated to be roughly around 50 to 54 inches from the ground.

What Is The Volvo XC90 Roof Rack Weight Limit?

According to the Volvo website, the roof rack weight limit for the XC90 is 220 lbs (100 kg), including the weight of the rack and accessories.

Many cargo boxes have a maximum load of 165 lbs. The accessories like crossbars and towers weigh around 10 to 20 lbs.

What Are The Best Roof Bars For Volvo XC90?

Remember, you will need to install roof rails before your roof box goes on top of your car.

The spread between the roof rails of the XC90 is about 46 inches (1192mm). So, most aftermarket universal crossbars should fit this dimension.

If you’re looking for roof bars for your Volvo cargo box, here are some recommendations for you to check out:

Final Thoughts: Best Cargo Box for XC90

So, what’s the verdict? We believe that the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the best option for those looking for a safe and reliable rooftop cargo carrier.

It’s easy to install, features impressive safety technology, and is made from high-quality materials that will withstand wear and tear. Plus, it looks great on your Volvo XC90!

If you’re in the market for a rooftop cargo carrier, we highly recommend giving the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier a try.

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