Review: Yakima CBX Roof Box

For those who want the best of the best, Yakima’s CBX Roof Box sits comfortably at the top. As the company’s premium cargo option, the CBX delivers all the functionality you’d expect while adding a level of design that actually enhances the look of your vehicle. If you care about form almost as much as function, this might be the roof box for you. It comes in two sizes: the large, at 16 cubic feet, for $1,000; and the XXL, at 21.5 cubic feet, for $1,150.

Let’s be honest—looks aren’t something everyone worries about with rooftop boxes. “Tools not jewels” is a phrase often tossed around in the outdoors, and for plenty of folks that rings true. Most people bolt a box to their roof, slap on a few stickers, and never think about it again beyond its ability to haul bulky gear. But when I first saw the CBX, I had a different thought: why can’t my box be both practical and attractive?

Still, after upgrading from my 25-year-old truck to a newer vehicle I was proud of, the idea of strapping a cargo box on top felt less appealing. The CBX changed that. Its glossy finish and angular lines give it a more refined presence, making it feel like a deliberate extension of your vehicle rather than just a big plastic container strapped to the roof.

Of course, Yakima didn’t sacrifice function. The CBX comes loaded with the features you’d expect from the brand’s top-tier boxes: dual-sided openings for easy access from either side of the car, intuitive latch handles that close securely, and a smooth locking system that eliminates the frustration of stuck keys. The box itself is tough and durable, built to withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with loading and unloading gear.

There’s plenty more to appreciate here, but the real difference is simple—the CBX looks better than anything else on the market while still performing like the workhorses Yakima is known for. So the question becomes: do you want just a box, or do you want the best one on the road?

Available at yakima.com.