Best Roof Boxes for Your Volkswagen Atlas: Buying Guide | Haul More, Stress Less
You’ve packed the coolers, the camping chairs, the duffel bags, and the kids. Then your teenager asks, “Where do I put my feet?” and you realize—there’s literally no space left inside.
Welcome to the reality of family adventures in your Volkswagen Atlas. Even with 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, there are times when you need more room. Maybe it’s ski season and those boards are 170cm long. Maybe it’s a cross-country move and you need every inch. A roof box is the answer. It frees up cabin space, keeps messy gear outside, and turns your Atlas into the ultimate hauling machine. We’ve researched the best options, from premium Thule boxes to budget-friendly picks, so you can find the perfect match for your adventures.
TL;DR;
Your Atlas can handle up to 165 lbs on the roof , so choose a box that fits your gear without exceeding that limit. Top picks include the Thule Motion 3 XL for max capacity (18 cu ft, 51 lbs) , the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 for best value (14 cu ft, 40 lbs) , the INNO Wedge 660 for sleek aerodynamics (11 cu ft, 45 lbs) , and the Genuine VW 340L box for factory-perfect fit ($TBD, 12 cu ft) . For skiers, check maximum ski length specs carefully—some boxes only fit boards up to 140cm .
Key Takeaways
- Know Your Limit: The Atlas roof weight limit is 165 lbs—add the box weight plus gear and stay under .
- Measure First: Measure between your crossbars and from the front bar to the hatch before buying .
- Skiers Pay Attention: If you haul skis, look for boxes with 200cm+ internal length—the Thule Motion 3 XL fits 200cm boards .
- Dual-Side Opening is Gold: Accessing gear from either side of the car is a game-changer at crowded trailheads .
- Fuel Economy Hit: Expect to lose 3-5 mpg at highway speeds with a box installed .
Why Your Atlas Needs a Roof Box
Let’s be honest: the Atlas is already huge. But there are things you just don’t want inside. Muddy ski boots. Camping gear that smells like campfire. Wet wetsuits. That’s where a roof box shines.
The Space Solution
A roof box adds 11 to 18 cubic feet of secure, weatherproof storage . That’s like adding a small trunk on your roof. Suddenly, the kids have legroom again, and you’re not playing luggage Tetris every time you stop.
The Protection Factor
Hard-shell boxes keep your gear dry, clean, and locked up . Unlike soft bags, they won’t flap in the wind or let rain seep through zippers. Premium boxes from Thule and Yakima feature triple locking systems and are secured from inside the vehicle .
Safety Reminder: Never exceed your Atlas’s 165 lb roof load limit. Overloading affects handling, braking, and stability .
The Best Roof Boxes for Your Volkswagen Atlas
We’ve analyzed expert reviews from OutdoorGearLab , Car and Driver , and CAA-Québec to bring you the top contenders. Prices are estimates and may vary by retailer.
1. Best Overall: INNO Wedge 660
If you want a sleek, stylish box that’s easy to live with, the INNO Wedge 660 is our top recommendation .
- Volume: 312L (11 cu ft)
- Weight: 45.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 80″ x 33″ x 11″
- Opening: Dual-side
- Max Ski Length: 182 cm
Why It’s Great: The Wedge arrives nearly fully assembled. Installation is swift with intuitive clamps that lock into place with a lever. Taking it off is just as easy—lift the lever and unclamp. Its low-profile, aerodynamic shape looks sharp and minimizes wind noise .
The Trade-Off: The slender design means it’s not great for bulky luggage or tall items. The shiny exterior also scuffs more easily than matte finishes .
Best For: Daily drivers who want style and ease of use without breaking the bank.
2. Best Large Capacity: Thule Motion 3 XL
When you need to haul everything including the kitchen sink, the Thule Motion 3 XL is the king of space .
- Volume: 510L (18 cu ft)
- Weight: 51.0 lbs
- Dimensions: 80″ x 29″ x 15″
- Opening: Dual-side
- Max Ski Length: 200 cm
Why It’s Great: This thing is cavernous. We’re talking folded strollers, camping gear for a family of five, or skis up to 200cm. The PowerClick quick-mount system clicks into place securely in minutes, no tools required. The reinforced lid and SlideLock system enable one-handed opening .
The Trade-Off: It’s heavy (51 lbs) and expensive. You’ll definitely want a second person to help lift it onto the roof .
Best For: Large families, serious skiers, and anyone who needs maximum capacity.
3. Best Value: Yakima RocketBox Pro 14
Want quality without the premium price tag? The Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 delivers .
- Volume: 396L (14 cu ft)
- Weight: 40.0 lbs
- Dimensions: 74″ x 33″ x 16″
- Opening: Dual-side
- Max Ski Length: 170 cm
Why It’s Great: It’s easy to install, feels solid and secure, and the matte finish with dimpled texture hides scrapes and scuffs beautifully. The dual-side opening is a must-have feature at this price point .
The Trade-Off: It’s slightly smaller than premium models, and the 170cm max ski length will limit many adult skiers. It also looks a bit stubbier and less sleek .
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who still want quality and convenience.
4. The Factory Choice: Genuine Volkswagen 340L Box
For the ultimate peace of mind, consider the Genuine Volkswagen Roof Cargo Box .
- Volume: 340L (12 cu ft)
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Max Load: 160 lbs
- Color: Titanium Metallic Black
- Fitment: Officially fits 2018-2020 Atlas
Why It’s Great: It’s a genuine VW accessory, so you know it’s designed to work with your Atlas. The titanium metallic black finish matches modern VW styling perfectly.
The Trade-Off: It’s only officially confirmed for 2018-2020 models, though it may fit newer ones. Check your owner’s manual first .
Best For: Owners who want a factory-matched accessory and dealer-level compatibility.
5. Honorable Mention: Goplus Rooftop Carrier
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t haul skis, the Goplus Rooftop Carrier is worth a look .
- Volume: 396L (14 cu ft)
- Weight: 25.0 lbs (super lightweight!)
- Dimensions: 63″ x 31″ x 15″
- Opening: Dual-side
- Max Ski Length: 140 cm
Why It’s Great: At just 25 pounds, it’s the lightest box in our lineup—easy for one person to handle. It has many of the same convenience features as premium boxes for a fraction of the cost .
The Trade-Off: The 140cm max ski length means most adult skis won’t fit. The quick clamps also lack an indicator to confirm they’re tight enough .
Best For: Occasional users, smaller vehicles, or anyone who prioritizes light weight.
Comparison Table: Top Roof Boxes for Volkswagen Atlas
| Model | Volume | Weight | Max Ski Length | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INNO Wedge 660 | 11 cu ft | 45 lbs | 182 cm | Daily drivers, style | Mid-range |
| Thule Motion 3 XL | 18 cu ft | 51 lbs | 200 cm | Families, serious skiers | Premium |
| Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 | 14 cu ft | 40 lbs | 170 cm | Value seekers | Budget-friendly |
| Genuine VW 340L | 12 cu ft | 40 lbs | Check specs | Factory-match fans | Varies |
| Goplus Rooftop | 14 cu ft | 25 lbs | 140 cm | Ultra-light, occasional use | Budget |
Price and Feature Comparison
This chart compares the top-rated roof boxes across key metrics: volume, weight, and ski length capacity. As you can see, the Thule Motion 3 XL dominates in capacity, while the Goplus is the lightweight champion.
How to Choose the Right Roof Box for Your Atlas
Step 1: Check Your Roof Setup
Your Atlas likely came with factory side rails, but you need crossbars to mount a roof box. If you don’t have them yet, check out our guide on the Best Volkswagen Atlas Roof Rack Systems .
The Thule WingBar Edge system is a top recommendation for Atlas owners—it attaches to factory side rails, has a 165 lb capacity, and the low-profile design minimizes wind noise .
Step 2: Take Accurate Measurements
Before buying any box, grab a tape measure :
- Fully open your rear hatch.
- Measure the distance from the front edge of your roof rack to the point where the roof meets the hatch. Stay centered.
- Measure the spacing between your crossbars. If they’re adjustable, move them forward for more mounting options.
Compare these measurements to the box specifications. You need enough clearance for the hatch to open fully.
Step 3: Consider Your Gear
- Skiers and Snowboarders: Look for boxes with 200cm+ internal length like the Thule Motion 3 XL .
- Campers and Families: Prioritize volume and tall profiles for bulky gear.
- City Dwellers: Consider low-profile boxes that fit in parking garages.
Step 4: Understand the Fuel Economy Hit
Here’s the honest truth: a roof box will cost you at the pump. Expect a 3-5 mpg reduction at highway speeds due to wind resistance . Sleeker aerodynamic shapes help, but you’ll still notice a difference. Remove the box when not in use to win back your mileage.
Expert Insight: “L’ajout d’un coffre de toit peut augmenter votre consommation de carburant de 5 à 15%, en raison de la résistance au vent. Les coffres avec une forme aérodynamique permettent de diminuer cet impact.” — Sylvain Légaré, CAA-Québec
Installation Tips
Mounting Your Box
- Center it: Position the box centrally between the crossbars for stability and aerodynamics .
- Check clearance: Make sure the tailgate opens fully without hitting the box.
- Secure it: Tighten all clamps evenly. Premium boxes like Thule have quick-mount systems that click when secure .
- Test before driving: Give the box a firm shake. If it moves, re-tighten.
Loading Tips
- Distribute weight evenly—don’t put all heavy items on one side.
- Heavier items go in the cabin; light, bulky items go up top .
- If the box won’t close properly, reorganize. Don’t force it .
Roof Box vs. Soft Bag vs. Cargo Basket
Not sure if a hard shell box is right for you? Here’s the breakdown :
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Shell Box | Weatherproof, lockable, aerodynamic | Expensive, heavy, needs storage space | Frequent travelers, skiers, valuables |
| Soft Cargo Bag | Cheap, lightweight, folds away | Less weatherproof, less secure, wind noise | Occasional use, budget shoppers |
| Cargo Basket | Hauls odd shapes, easy access | No weather protection, needs straps | Coolers, firewood, oversized gear |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the roof weight limit for a Volkswagen Atlas?
The Atlas has a dynamic roof load limit of 165 lbs . This includes the weight of the roof box plus everything inside it. Check your owner’s manual for your specific year and model.
2. Do I need crossbars to install a roof box on my Atlas?
Yes, most hard-shell boxes require crossbars. Your Atlas likely has factory side rails, but you’ll need to add crossbars that span the width of the roof . The Thule WingBar Edge system is a popular choice.
3. Will a roof box fit my Atlas with the factory roof rails?
Yes, but you need to check compatibility. The Genuine VW 340L box fits 2018-2020 Atlas models with factory rails . For newer models, measure your crossbar spacing and compare to box specifications .
4. How much does a roof box affect gas mileage?
Expect a 3-5 mpg reduction at highway speeds . Aerodynamic boxes like the Thule Motion 3 XL minimize the impact, but you’ll still notice a difference. Remove the box when not in use for best efficiency.
5. Can I put skis in a roof box?
Yes, but check the maximum ski length specification. The Thule Motion 3 XL fits skis up to 200cm , while budget boxes like the Goplus only fit up to 140cm—too short for most adult skis .
6. Are roof boxes secure from theft?
Quality boxes feature integrated locking systems and attach to crossbars from the inside, making theft difficult . Premium brands like Thule and Yakima have excellent security features.
7. How do I clean and store my roof box?
Most boxes can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Store them flat in a cool, dry place to prevent warping . Remove the box when not in use for extended periods.
8. What’s the difference between the Yakima RocketBox Pro and SkyBox?
The RocketBox Pro is Yakima’s value-oriented line with a matte finish that hides scuffs . The SkyBox is their premium line with sleeker design and more features. Both are excellent, but the RocketBox offers better bang for the buck.
9. Can I use a roof basket instead of a box?
Absolutely! The Thule Canyon XT Roof Basket is a VW Genuine accessory that fits the Atlas . It has a 150 lb capacity and low-profile design. Baskets are great for odd-shaped items but don’t offer weather protection.
10. How fast can I drive with a roof box?
Most manufacturers recommend staying at or below 120 km/h (75 mph) . Always follow the speed recommendations in your box’s manual and adjust for weather conditions.
References:
- OutdoorGearLab: The Best Cargo Boxes (2025)
- Car and Driver: Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers of 2026
- CAA-Québec: Roof cargo box – Purchase and installation advice
- RealTruck: Volkswagen Atlas Roof Cargo Carriers
- Pelican Parts: Genuine VW Roof Cargo Box
- Etrailer: Yakima SkyBox NX 16 on 2021 Atlas (Video)
Ready to free up space in your Atlas? Which roof box are you leaning toward, and what adventures do you have planned? Drop a comment below and share your road trip dreams with the community!
