Roof Rack and Basket for 2018 Toyota Prius with Naked Roof

Question:

Hello - were in need to increase cargo capacity for our 2018 Prius Prius four - hatchback with naked roof. Since our Prius sits very low to the ground, instead of a lightweight tow/hitch option, were thinking of installing a roof rack and roof basket, for our 1,200-mile trip. Wed love to hear your comment and recommendation on an economical and safe product option for our purpose. Thanks so much.

asked by: Leigh J

Expert Reply:

Hey Leigh, so the best and most economical roof rack option for your 2018 Toyota Prius would be the Inno Square Bar Rack part # IN65SR that you referenced so this would be where you would want to start.

Then for a roof basket the Inno Shaper 80 part # INXA568 would be a great option that measures 46-1/2 inch by 32-1/2 inch.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Leigh J.

9/28/2024

Thanks so much for your reply! Some more questions please: would it still work safely for us to install just the Inno Square Bar Rack without the basket? asking this b/c my husband thinks that since this is the one-way trip we're taking (to move added cargo long distance, just this one time) can we tie down two large sized tough plastic containers directly onto the bars? Will this still be safe? We'll of course purchase the proper accessories to tie down the boxes (if 2 don't fit, we'll go down to one large one, whatever amount of added cargo we can add on is a bonus.) Also, since the original question I read that the Prius's gas mileage will go down with cargo on roof, which we fully expect; however, there's also much wind noise? This causes us to re-consider the hitch option with a light basket now as well..

Jameson C.

9/29/2024

@LeighJ A roof cargo bag might be your best option. Attaching cargo directly to roof rack crossbars is actually not ideal and most likely won't work out. One roof bag that you may be interested in is the Rightline Ace Rooftop Cargo Bag, # RL100A20. This bag is 34 inches wide x 44 inches long x 17 inches tall. This can actually attach to a vehicle roof without a roof rack too so it's pretty ideal for one time use.