3 Best WRX Roof Rack | Bolts On, Hauls Hard, Looks Mean

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The OEM bar for older WRX/STI sedans and wagons with a 150-lb capacity.

This kit covers the widest model range of any pick on the list — it fits the 2008–2011 Impreza (non-turbo), the 2008–2014 WRX sedan and wagon, and the 2008–2014 STI sedan and wagon. That makes it the go-to for anyone with a hatchback or sedan from that golden-era generation. Owners consistently note that it bolts right up with the included hardware and a Torx T30 bit (the included hand tool works, but a drill bit is faster). The bars are made from aluminum, so they are light enough to lift into place by yourself but strong enough to hold a tandem kayak at highway speeds, as one owner confirmed.

The design is an upgrade over the original bars that came on some of these cars — owners mention a more aerodynamic, one-piece extrusion profile that reduces wind noise noticeably compared to older sets. The integrated rubber feet along the bottom protect the paint at the mounting points, which is a thoughtful detail for cars that have lived through fifteen winters. A few owners do caution that certain batches may have alignment issues with the gaskets and bolts, and one review mentioned that the plastic cover tabs felt brittle. These seem to be fitment anomalies rather than widespread defects — the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, with the “Bolted right up to my 09 Impreza” sentiment being the most common.

The standout stat is the 150-lb total roof load, compared to the 88-lb limit of the newer WRX kit. If you are hauling two bikes, a cargo box with camping gear, or lumber, this bar gives you meaningful extra headroom. The streamlined look is also a frequent point of praise — multiple owners say it looks better than any aftermarket alternative and the rubber protection keeps the roof channels scratch-free.

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The OEM rack for 2018–2021 WRX and STi sedans with the same 150-lb backbone as the older kit.

If you own a VA-chassis WRX or STi (2018–2021 model years), this is the factory bar Subaru designed for it. The load capacity is a sturdy 150 lbs — identical to the earlier-gen kit — which means you can mount a rooftop cargo box, a pair of kayak saddles, or a bike tray without worrying about weight. The bars are aluminum with a silver finish that matches the factory roof rails on cars that came with them, and they mount directly to the fixed roof attachment points with no drilling or permanent modification.

Owners consistently say the fitment is exact, even if the instructions could be clearer. The most common workflow: line up the bars front-to-rear (there is a specific orientation that can be confusing at first), tighten the included Torx hardware, and you are done. The rubber feet at each contact point prevent scratches on the paint, which is a nice touch for a car you want to keep clean. One owner reported that the bars held up perfectly with a heavy load and that the included star-bit screwdriver is adequate, though a drill with a Torx bit is faster.

The catch that pops up in owner feedback is the plastic side caps — they can be stubborn to remove, and the plastic tabs on some units have been known to chip. A few buyers also note that the front bar catches bugs quickly due to its flat leading edge, and they recommend waxing it for easier cleanup. The rack is not applicable to the STI RA Type, so double-check your exact trim before ordering.