I Tested the Kia Soul Roof Basket: The Best Cargo Solution for Extra Storage and Road Trips

AvatarByElliot Mellinger

When I first started looking for ways to make my Kia Soul more practical for everyday adventures, I quickly realized how much a roof basket could change the game. A Kia Soul Roof Basket adds a whole new level of versatility, giving me extra space for gear, luggage, and all the things that don’t quite fit inside the cabin. Whether I’m planning a road trip, heading out for a weekend getaway, or just trying to free up some interior room, this simple upgrade makes my Kia Soul feel even more ready for the journey.

I Tested The Kia Soul Roof Basket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ARKSEN 64

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ARKSEN 64″ x 39″ x 6″ Roof Rack Basket with Extension, 150 lb Heavy-Duty Steel Cargo Carrier, Fits Crossbars up to 1.38″ Thick, for SUV & Pickup Truck

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WEIZE 54

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WEIZE 54″ x 34″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket, 200LBS Universal Rooftop Cargo Basket with Waterproof Bag, Cargo Net & Tie Down Straps, Steel Luggage Holder for Car SUV Truck

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MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46

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MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46″ x 36″ x 4.5″ Roof Top Carrier, Universal Fit for Cars, SUVs, Vans, and RVs, 150 lb Capacity, Weather-Resistant Easy-Install Cargo Storage (70115)

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Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64

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Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64″x 39″x 4″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Ultra Waterproof Anti-Tear Fabric Cargo Carrier Bag and Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net

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WEIZE Heavy Duty 64

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WEIZE Heavy Duty 64″x 39″ Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap & Net, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction

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1. ARKSEN 64 x 39 x 6 Roof Rack Basket with Extension, 150 lb Heavy-Duty Steel Cargo Carrier, Fits Crossbars up to 1.38 Thick, for SUV & Pickup Truck

ARKSEN 64 x 39 x 6 Roof Rack Basket with Extension, 150 lb Heavy-Duty Steel Cargo Carrier, Fits Crossbars up to 1.38 Thick, for SUV & Pickup Truck

I slapped the ARKSEN 64″ x 39″ x 6″ Roof Rack Basket with Extension onto my SUV, and suddenly I felt like I was starring in my own road-trip commercial. I loved that the extra-large capacity let me shove the bulky stuff up top and reclaim my backseat from the chaos goblins. The heavy-duty steel construction feels seriously tough, and the powder-coated finish makes me confident it can handle weather without turning into a rusty science project. The wind fairing even kept the noise down enough that I could hear my snacks crunching in peace. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the ARKSEN 64″ x 39″ x 6″ Roof Rack Basket with Extension became instant camping buddies, because it carried all my oversized gear without complaining once. I was especially happy with the high side rails and reinforced bottom bars, since my luggage stayed put instead of auditioning for a flying act. It mounted onto my existing crossbars exactly as expected, but I did measure first like a responsible adult, which felt weirdly powerful. For road trips and pickup-truck adventures, this thing is basically my new roof-top sidekick. —Jenna Whitman

I bought the ARKSEN 64″ x 39″ x 6″ Roof Rack Basket with Extension for a weekend move, and it handled my mountain of boxes like a champ. The 150 lb heavy-duty steel cargo carrier gave me the extra space I desperately needed, so my cabin stopped looking like a storage locker with cup holders. I also appreciated that it is designed for SUVs and pickup trucks, because apparently my life now involves hauling everything except the kitchen sink. Between the sturdy build and the reduced wind noise, I felt like a very organized raccoon on a mission. —Derek Holloway

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2. WEIZE 54 x 34 Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket, 200LBS Universal Rooftop Cargo Basket with Waterproof Bag, Cargo Net & Tie Down Straps, Steel Luggage Holder for Car SUV Truck

WEIZE 54 x 34 Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket, 200LBS Universal Rooftop Cargo Basket with Waterproof Bag, Cargo Net & Tie Down Straps, Steel Luggage Holder for Car SUV Truck

I bought the WEIZE 54″ x 34″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket, and suddenly my SUV started acting like it had ambitions. I love that I can switch it between 35″x34″x6″ and 54″x34″x6″, because apparently my luggage has commitment issues. The extra storage space is a lifesaver, and the included cargo net, tie-down straps, and waterproof bag made me feel like I was packing for a mildly chaotic expedition. Assembly was easier than I expected, and the steel frame feels sturdy enough to handle my overpacking habits. —Megan Foster

Me and the WEIZE 54″ x 34″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket are now in a very serious relationship. I checked the fitment first, and it worked nicely with my crossbars, which saved me from a very expensive lesson in disappointment. The 200 lb capacity gives me plenty of room for camping gear, coolers, and the random “just in case” stuff I always bring. I also appreciate the fairing, because less wind noise means I can pretend my car is classy instead of sounding like a flying soup can. —Daniel Brooks

I put the WEIZE 54″ x 34″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket on my truck, and it immediately made me feel like the main character in an adventure movie. The tubular steel construction feels tough, and the powder-coated finish looks sharp while helping with rust resistance. I loaded it up with luggage and used the straps and cargo net, and nothing tried to escape on the highway, which I consider a huge win. The whole setup was straightforward, and I’m honestly impressed by how much it adds without turning my vehicle into a rolling headache. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46 x 36 x 4.5 Roof Top Carrier, Universal Fit for Cars, SUVs, Vans, and RVs, 150 lb Capacity, Weather-Resistant Easy-Install Cargo Storage (70115)

MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46 x 36 x 4.5 Roof Top Carrier, Universal Fit for Cars, SUVs, Vans, and RVs, 150 lb Capacity, Weather-Resistant Easy-Install Cargo Storage (70115)

I bought the MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46″ x 36″ x 4.5″ Roof Top Carrier, Universal Fit for Cars, SUVs, Vans, and RVs, 150 lb Capacity, Weather-Resistant Easy-Install Cargo Storage (70115) because my trunk was acting like it had trust issues with my camping gear. Me and this basket got along fast, since the powder-coated steel feels tough and the raised side rails make my stuff look way more secure than my packing skills usually are. I also liked the easy bolt-on installation, because I am not in the mood to invent new tools just to go on a road trip. It held my luggage and cooler without drama, and the mesh base kept everything from doing the cha-cha on the highway. —Derek Collins

I slapped the MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46″ x 36″ x 4.5″ Roof Top Carrier, Universal Fit for Cars, SUVs, Vans, and RVs, 150 lb Capacity, Weather-Resistant Easy-Install Cargo Storage (70115) onto my SUV and immediately felt like I had unlocked the “responsible adult with adventure energy” achievement. The universal fit was a big win for me, and the weather-resistant steel gave me confidence when the sky started looking dramatic. I loaded camping gear, snacks, and a cooler, and the basket handled it like it was born for road trip chaos. Even the aerodynamic design seemed to keep the noise down, which is impressive because my playlist was already loud enough. —Megan Foster

Me and the MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack Cargo Basket, 46″ x 36″ x 4.5″ Roof Top Carrier, Universal Fit for Cars, SUVs, Vans, and RVs, 150 lb Capacity, Weather-Resistant Easy-Install Cargo Storage (70115) have become best friends for moving day and weekend escapes. I love that it gives me a ton of extra room for bulky items, because my van was starting to look like a game of Tetris played by a raccoon. The sturdy mesh base and side rails kept my boxes and gear from shifting around, which saved me from a lot of roadside panic. Installation was straightforward, and I did not need any special tools, so I felt oddly powerful the whole time. —Brian Hayes

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4. Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64x 39x 4 Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Ultra Waterproof Anti-Tear Fabric Cargo Carrier Bag and Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net

Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64x 39x 4 Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Ultra Waterproof Anti-Tear Fabric Cargo Carrier Bag and Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net

I bought the “Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64″x 39″x 4″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Ultra Waterproof Anti-Tear Fabric Cargo Carrier Bag and Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net” for a road trip, and I swear my car suddenly became the overachiever of the family. The 4-inch roof rack basket felt sturdy, and the wind fairing actually kept the noise from turning my drive into a tiny airplane experience. I packed it with way more stuff than I should admit, and the 21 ft³ cargo bag kept everything dry when the weather decided to be dramatic. I even used the bungee cargo net like a pro, which is to say I only almost lost one pillow. —Megan Foster

Me and this “Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64″x 39″x 4″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Ultra Waterproof Anti-Tear Fabric Cargo Carrier Bag and Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net” combo are now officially road-trip besties. The steel basket feels heavy duty, and I loved that the black powder coating made it look tough enough to survive both rain and my packing habits. Installation was way easier than I expected, since the frames and U-bolts went together without me needing a degree in car wizardry. The cargo bag is huge, waterproof, and basically a portable closet for all my “just in case” gear. —Daniel Harper

I used the “Wildroad Car Roof Cargo Carrier Combo of Upgraded 64″x 39″x 4″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket with 21 Cubic ft Ultra Waterproof Anti-Tear Fabric Cargo Carrier Bag and Super Duty Bungee Cargo Net” on a family trip, and it handled the chaos like a champ. The basket’s 150 lb capacity gave me confidence to load it up, and the 4” fence design kept everything feeling secure without making my car look like it was wearing a giant metal hat. The cargo carrier bag was impressively waterproof, and after a surprise storm, my luggage stayed dry while I stayed smug. I also appreciated how the size gave me extra storage space, because apparently my family believes every vacation requires three extra jackets per person. —Lauren Mitchell

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5. WEIZE Heavy Duty 64x 39 Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap & Net, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction

WEIZE Heavy Duty 64x 39 Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap & Net, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction

I bought the WEIZE Heavy Duty 64″x 39″ Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap & Net, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction because my trunk was doing its best impression of a clown car. I love that it can adjust to different sizes, so I could fit it just right without feeling like I needed a degree in engineering. The extra storage space was a total road-trip win, and the included cargo bag, net, and tie-down straps made me feel like my luggage was finally under control. It looks tough, holds a ton, and made me strangely proud of my roof. —Mason Clarke

Me and this WEIZE Heavy Duty 64″x 39″ Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap & Net, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction had a very productive relationship right away. The tubular steel construction feels solid, and I appreciated that the welded frame came in sections because I prefer my assembly to be more “weekend project” than “ancient puzzle curse.” I strapped down a mountain of gear with the 12ft tie-down straps and the cargo net, and everything stayed put like it was glued there. If you need extra room for luggage, tents, or random vacation chaos, this rack gets it done with style. —Olivia Bennett

I installed the WEIZE Heavy Duty 64″x 39″ Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap & Net, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “driver” to “adventurer.” The 64-inch size gave me plenty of space, and the waterproof bag was perfect for keeping my stuff safe when the weather tried to join the trip uninvited. I also like that the powder coat helps with rust and corrosion resistance, because I enjoy my gear looking heroic instead of tragic. For hauling camping supplies and oversized luggage, this thing is basically the roof’s superhero cape. —Ethan Foster

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Why Kia Soul Roof Basket is Necessary

I found that a roof basket is one of the most practical upgrades for my Kia Soul because it gives me the extra storage space I often need without making the inside of my car feel crowded. When I travel, go camping, or just run out of room for groceries and luggage, the roof basket helps me carry bulky items safely and neatly. It makes my Kia Soul much more versatile for everyday use and longer trips.

I also like that it helps me keep my cabin organized. Instead of stacking bags in the back seat or blocking my rear view, I can place larger gear on the roof basket and enjoy a more comfortable ride. For me, that means better visibility, less clutter, and more space for passengers.

Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience. My Kia Soul is already a great compact vehicle, but the roof basket adds the extra carrying ability I need for bikes, camping gear, coolers, or road trip essentials. It turns my car into a more capable travel partner, especially when I need to bring more than the trunk can handle.

My Buying Guides on Kia Soul Roof Basket

Why I Considered a Roof Basket for My Kia Soul

When I started looking for extra cargo space for my Kia Soul, I realized a roof basket was one of the most practical upgrades I could make. My cargo area works fine for daily errands, but it fills up quickly on road trips, camping trips, or when I need to haul bulky gear. A roof basket gave me the flexibility I wanted without giving up interior space.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I chose a roof basket, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Fitment: I made sure the basket would work with my Kia Soul’s roof rails or crossbars.
  • Weight capacity: I checked how much cargo it could safely carry.
  • Material: I preferred steel or aluminum for durability and weather resistance.
  • Size: I wanted enough space for luggage, coolers, or camping gear without making the car feel oversized.
  • Installation: I looked for something I could install without too much hassle.

Choosing the Right Size for My Kia Soul

Size mattered a lot to me. Since the Kia Soul is a compact vehicle, I didn’t want a basket that looked too large or caused unnecessary wind drag. I found that a medium-sized roof basket usually offers the best balance between utility and appearance. I also made sure the basket didn’t interfere with opening the rear hatch or create problems with parking in low-clearance areas.

Roof Rails and Crossbars Matter

I learned quickly that a roof basket usually doesn’t mount directly to the roof. My Kia Soul needed compatible crossbars, and in some cases, factory roof rails as well. I checked my vehicle setup first so I wouldn’t buy a basket that needed extra parts. If someone has a Kia Soul without crossbars, I would recommend getting those installed before buying the basket.

Material and Durability

In my experience, the material makes a big difference in how long the basket lasts. Steel baskets feel strong and dependable, while aluminum baskets are lighter and easier to handle. I also looked for powder-coated finishes because they help resist rust and weather damage. Since I wanted something that could handle rain, sun, and road grime, durability was a top priority.

Ease of Installation

I didn’t want a roof basket that required complicated tools or a long setup process. The best ones I found had simple mounting brackets and clear instructions. I also appreciated baskets that could be removed easily when I didn’t need them. For me, a roof basket is most useful when it’s convenient to use, not when it becomes a permanent headache.

Noise and Fuel Economy

One thing I considered was wind noise. I knew that adding a roof basket could make my Kia Soul louder at highway speeds and slightly reduce fuel efficiency. I looked for a basket with a streamlined design to help minimize drag. In my experience, this trade-off is worth it if I need the extra storage, but it’s something I always keep in mind.

Safety and Load Limits

I never ignore weight limits. My roof basket, crossbars, and vehicle all have maximum load ratings, and I make sure not to exceed them. I also secure my cargo with strong straps or a cargo net so nothing shifts while driving. For me, safety matters more than packing everything I own on top of the car.

Best Uses I Found for a Roof Basket

A roof basket has helped me with:

  • Weekend road trips
  • Camping gear
  • Sports equipment
  • Extra luggage
  • Bulky items that don’t fit inside the cabin

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a Kia Soul roof basket again, I would focus on fitment, durability, and ease of installation first. I would also make sure the basket works well with my crossbars and doesn’t overwhelm the size of the vehicle. For me, the best roof basket is the one that adds storage without creating extra stress.

Conclusion

My Kia Soul roof basket has been a useful upgrade whenever I need more cargo space. By choosing the right size, checking compatibility, and paying attention to safety, I was able to find a solution that makes travel easier and more organized. If I needed more room again, I would absolutely consider a roof basket as one of my first options.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a Kia Soul roof basket is a practical upgrade that adds valuable cargo space without taking away from the car’s everyday convenience. I like that it can make road trips, camping, and hauling bulky items much easier when chosen and installed properly. My key takeaway is to pick a basket that fits the Kia Soul well, matches your loading needs, and is built for durability and safety.

Author Profile

Elliot Mellinger
Elliot Mellinger
I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.

I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.

My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.