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Many Subaru owners eventually face a choice: keep their OEM crossbars or upgrade to an aftermarket setup. For some, factory crossbars work perfectly well. For others, larger cargo boxes, kayaks, and multiple accessories make aftermarket options worth considering. The right choice depends on how you use your vehicle — in real-world Subaru ownership, fitment and everyday usability usually matter more than weight capacity alone.
What’s the Difference?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) crossbars are designed specifically for Subaru vehicles and sold through Subaru dealerships or parts suppliers. Their biggest advantages are simplicity, straightforward fitment, and guaranteed compatibility with the vehicle. Aftermarket crossbars come from third-party brands like Thule and Yakima, offering more bar spread, adjustment range, and accessory compatibility — at the cost of an added purchase and installation step.
Where OEM Crossbars Work Best
For many owners carrying bikes, skis, or smaller cargo boxes, OEM crossbars provide enough functionality without added cost or complexity. If you use roof storage occasionally and your current setup handles your gear without problems, there’s often little reason to upgrade — simplicity, easy installation, and minimal setup complexity outweigh the extra flexibility aftermarket systems offer.
Where Aftermarket Crossbars Work Best
Aftermarket crossbars become worthwhile once larger cargo boxes enter the picture — many systems offer greater bar spread and positioning flexibility, making it easier to maintain rear hatch clearance as boxes get longer and larger. Hatch clearance is one of the most common reasons owners upgrade at all: more adjustment range makes it easier to position a box without the hatch catching. Kayaks, canoes, skis, and multiple simultaneous accessories also push owners toward aftermarket systems, since OEM bars run out of usable spread quickly once more than one accessory is mounted.
Cargo Boxes That Often Push Owners Beyond OEM
- Best Overall: Yakima SkyBox NX 16
- Best Family Cargo Box: Thule Force 3 L
- Best Premium Cargo Box: Thule Motion 3
- Best Budget Cargo Box: SportRack Vista XL
OEM vs Aftermarket at a Glance
| Feature | OEM Crossbars | Aftermarket Crossbars |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Box Fitment | Good | Better |
| Hatch Clearance | Limited Adjustment | More Flexible |
| Accessory Compatibility | Good | Better |
| Wind Noise | Good | Good to Excellent |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Daily Practicality | Excellent | Very Good |
OEM crossbars are designed specifically for the vehicle and generally perform well for everyday driving and occasional use. Aftermarket aerodynamic crossbars can be even quieter, particularly when left installed year-round, with the biggest differences showing up on highway drives and longer road trips. On daily convenience, OEM keeps the edge — less setup, fewer compatibility concerns — while aftermarket trades that convenience for more flexibility when you actually need it.
Which One Makes Sense for You?
Keep OEM if you use roof storage occasionally and your current setup already handles your gear without problems — smaller cargo boxes, bikes, skis, and occasional road trips are all well within OEM’s range. Upgrade if roof storage becomes a regular part of how you use your vehicle: larger cargo boxes, kayaks, multiple accessories, or recurring fitment and hatch-clearance issues are the clearest signs aftermarket crossbars will pay off.
Popular Aftermarket Crossbar Upgrades
- Best Overall Upgrade: Thule WingBar Evo
- Best Premium Upgrade: Yakima JetStream
- Best Budget Upgrade: Yakima CoreBar
FAQs
Are OEM Subaru crossbars good enough?
For most everyday roof storage, yes — limitations mainly show up with larger cargo boxes or multiple accessories.
Do aftermarket crossbars hold more weight?
Some do, but for most cargo boxes, OEM crossbars already work well — fitment and positioning matter more than raw capacity.
Which works better with cargo boxes?
For smaller boxes, OEM crossbars often work well. For larger boxes, aftermarket crossbars typically provide better fitment and positioning flexibility.
Do aftermarket crossbars improve hatch clearance?
Often yes — additional adjustment options make it easier to position a cargo box without interfering with the rear hatch.
Are OEM crossbars easier to install?
Usually — they’re designed specifically for the vehicle with fewer fitment and compatibility concerns.
Are aftermarket crossbars worth the extra cost?
They can be if you frequently use cargo boxes, kayaks, or multiple roof accessories. For occasional use, OEM crossbars are often enough.
When should you upgrade from OEM crossbars?
When you start experiencing cargo box fitment issues, hatch clearance problems, accessory limitations, or more demanding roof storage needs.
Final Thoughts
The choice between OEM and aftermarket crossbars comes down to your storage needs. For occasional use, OEM crossbars are usually enough — for frequent, heavier, or multi-accessory roof storage, an aftermarket upgrade pays for itself in fitment and flexibility.
Related Guides
• Why Integrated Crossbars Are Easier (But Limited)
• Best Cargo Box for Subaru Crosstrek
• Best Crossbars for Crosstrek
• When Should You Upgrade From Factory Crossbars to Aftermarket?
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