Thule Roof Racks for the Subaru Forester (NZ Guide)

The Subaru Forester is one of those vehicles that suits roof racks really well without needing anything too overcomplicated. A lot of Forester owners want something practical for bikes, skis, kayaks, or a roof box for trips away, so the best setup usually comes down to getting the right fit for the roof and choosing a bar style that has enough space.

This guide runs through the main roof rack options for the Subaru Forester, the mounting styles you may come across, and which setup tends to suit this vehicle best.

Fitment notes for the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester roof rack fitment can vary depending on the year and roof style, so it is worth checking the exact setup before ordering. Some models use raised rails, while others may use fixed points or flush rails, which is why matching the right kit to the right vehicle matters.

What roof racks are commonly used for on the Subaru Forester

For the Forester, the most common roof rack setups we see are for bike racks, ski carriers, kayaks, and SUPs. It is also a vehicle that suits an everyday roof rack setup well if you need extra carrying space without the whole setup feeling too bulky.

Top Thule Roof Racks for the Subaru Forester

Thule WingBar Evo

Image displaying a Silver Thule WingBar Evo system, demonstrating the overhang which is typical with this style of roof rack, and the end cap proudly featuring the Thule logo.

The Thule WingBar Evo is usually the more practical option if you want a bit more flexibility across the top of the vehicle. It is a popular choice for carrying bikes, ski racks, kayak carriers, and roof boxes, and it tends to suit owners who want a setup that is easy to adapt over time.

  • Quiet aerodynamic bar shape with Thule WindDiffuser technology
  • Upper T-track for easy accessory fitment
  • Good all-round option for everyday use

Shop Thule WingBar Evo roof racks for Subaru Forester

Thule WingBar Edge

Image displaying a Thule WingBar Edge system in black, fitted to a vehicle parked in a ski resort carpark, giving an indication of the sleek streamlined look that this Thule roof rack system is known for.

The Thule WingBar Edge is the tidier, lower-profile option. It is a good fit if you want something that blends into the roofline a bit better and still works well for common accessories like bike racks, ski carriers, and smaller to medium roof boxes.

  • Low-profile look with a more integrated appearance
  • Aerodynamic shape to help reduce wind noise
  • Strong option for a clean everyday setup

Shop Thule WingBar Edge roof racks for Subaru Forester

Which option usually makes more sense?

If you're looking for a tidier, more integrated look, WingBar Edge can suit the Subaru Forester really well. If you need a bit more room for multiple accessories and general carrying duties, WingBar Evo is often the better all-round pick.

Mounting options for roof racks on the Subaru Forester

Depending on the model year and roof type, the Subaru Forester may use one of the following mounting styles:

Fixed Points

Mounted to factory threaded inserts in the roof. Advantages: Secure and stable, with a clean, integrated look.

Flush Rails

Attaches to flush rails that have no gap underneath. Advantages: Sleek, low profile appearance and added adjustability.

Raised Rails

Clamps onto traditional roof rails with a gap underneath. Advantages: Easy to install and adjust, offering flexibility in rack positioning.

What it comes down to

Thule roof racks are a solid choice for the Subaru Forester if you want a reliable, well-supported setup that is easy to live with long term. The key is getting the right kit for the vehicle's year and roof type first, then choosing the bar style that best suits what the vehicle is actually going to be used for.

Shop all Subaru Forester roof racks

Common Subaru Forester roof rack setup questions

Should I choose Thule WingBar Evo or WingBar Edge for my Subaru Forester?

For most Subaru Forester owners, the choice comes down to looks versus loading space. Thule WingBar Edge gives a lower-profile, more factory-style finish, with the bars sitting neatly inside the width of the roof.

Thule WingBar Evo is the more practical choice if you want extra bar width. Because the bars extend past the feet slightly, they give you more room for wider accessory setups like bike racks, kayak carriers, small roof boxes, or mixed accessory loads.

Read our full Thule WingBar Evo vs Edge comparison

What roof type does the Subaru Forester use?

Depending on the year and model variant, Subaru Forester models have either Raised rails, Flush rails or Fixed points.

Different roof types use completely different parts, so it’s important to check your vehicle carefully before ordering.

What roof box works best on a Subaru Forester?

The best roof box for a Subaru Forester depends on how much gear you need to carry, the vehicle’s roof load rating, and rear hatch clearance. Longer boxes are useful for skis and snowboards, while shorter or wider boxes can work better for general luggage and family trips.

For regular use, Thule Force 3 is a strong choice if you want a hard wearing all-season roof box. Thule's Motion 3 is a premium option if you want a sleeker and quieter roof box.

Read our roof box guide for snow trips

Compare Thule Motion 3 vs Force 3

Will a roof box block the hatch on a Subaru Forester?

It can happen, especially with longer roof boxes or vehicles with a steep-opening rear hatch. The safest approach is to check the roof box length, the front bar position, and how far the hatch opens before choosing a box.

Read our hatch clearance guide

Can I fit a ski carrier on a Subaru Forester?

Yes, in most cases a Subaru Forester can run a ski or snowboard carrier once the correct roof rack kit is fitted. The main things to check are bar style, usable bar width, and how many pairs of skis or boards you need to carry.

Read our Thule SnowPack guide

Can I carry bikes on the roof of a Subaru Forester?

Roof-mounted bike racks can work well on a Subaru Forester, especially if you want to keep the towbar free. For taller SUVs and utes, a towbar-mounted bike rack is often easier to load and unload.

If you’re planning to carry bikes regularly, it’s worth thinking about vehicle height, bike weight, and whether you’ll also want to carry a roof box or other gear.

Are genuine Subaru roof racks better than Thule?

Genuine Subaru roof racks can be a tidy option if you want an OEM accessory, but Thule is often the better choice if you care about accessory compatibility, replacement parts, and choosing between different bar styles.

For a Forester, Thule WingBar Edge gives a clean, factory-style look, while WingBar Evo gives you a more versatile setup with extra loading width. Thule also makes it easy to match the bars with bike racks, roof boxes, kayak carriers, SUP carriers, ski carriers and other accessories later.

Accessories for your Subaru Forester Roof Racks:

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About Stoke Equipment Co.

We’re a dedicated roof rack store based in Nelson, New Zealand, specialising in vehicle-specific roof rack systems. We stock Thule roof rack options for the Forester, with setups to suit different roof types and carrying needs.
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