What is the best roof box for an Infiniti QX80?

There’s a unique kind of satisfaction that comes from packing up the family for a long road trip, opening up the massive cargo area of your Infiniti QX80, and realizing you still have room for just a little bit more luggage.

But sometimes, even the QX80’s generous interior isn’t enough. Maybe you’re heading to the mountains with skis or snowboards. Perhaps you’re moving a college kid across the country. Or maybe you just want to keep the cabin clutter-free while the whole family travels in comfort. That’s where a roof box comes in. It’s the ultimate solution for expanding your cargo space without compromising passenger comfort.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing a roof cargo box for your Infiniti QX80. We’ll cover the best options available, what to look for, and how to install it properly.

Table of Contents

TL;DR

For your Infiniti QX80, a roof box is a smart upgrade when you need extra cargo space for trips and adventures. The Yakima SkyBox 16 is a top-tier, official Infiniti-affiliated option offering dual-sided access and a 16-cubic-foot capacity for about $719. The INNO Shadow Series 16 provides a massive 13-cubic-foot capacity and sleek aerodynamics for under $630. For a more affordable solution, the INNO Ridge Series has an 8-cubic-foot capacity for about $400. Always use roof rail crossbars for proper installation. A soft-sided cargo bag is a cheaper, removable alternative but may be less durable.

Key Takeaways

OEM Support: The Yakima SkyBox 16 is officially affiliated with Infiniti and fits the QX80 directly .
Hard Shell Durability: Hard shell boxes from Yakima and INNO provide secure, weatherproof, and theft-resistant storage.
Budget Options: The INNO Ridge Series is a quality, budget-friendly hardshell option with an 8-cubic-foot capacity and 3-layer ABS construction .
Soft Bag Alternative: The RoofPax XXL is a large, waterproof, and removable cargo bag; a great choice for occasional trips, costing about $70-$100 .
Always Check Capacity: Ensure your roof and crossbars can handle the weight of both the box and your cargo. The roof load limit for your QX80 is important to find and respect.

Infiniti QX80 Roof Box Options Comparison

Yakima SkyBox 16 – Official Infiniti Option

The Yakima SkyBox 16 is an official Infiniti-affiliated accessory, which means it’s designed to integrate perfectly with your QX80 . It comes with a sleek, aerodynamic Carbonite textured lid that reduces wind noise and improves fuel efficiency. It has dual-sided opening, so you can access your gear from either side of the vehicle. That’s a convenience feature that’s hard to overstate when you’re parked in a tight spot.

The SkyBox 16 holds gear for up to three travelers and fits snowboards and skis up to 185 cm . It uses locking systems to keep your cargo safe, and locks are included. The price is around $719 MSRP, though you can often find it for less.

The Yakima SkyBox 16 is compatible with genuine INFINITI accessory roof rail crossbars. That’s the “official” way to install it, and it ensures a perfect fit .

INNO Shadow Series 16 – The Capacity King

The INNO Shadow Series 16 is the larger sibling in the INNO lineup. It has a massive 13-cubic-foot capacity, which is a lot of extra luggage . It’s designed with an aerodynamic shape to cut through the wind and produce better MPG. The Shadow Series also features dual-sided opening and the Quick Mount System for easy installation.

This box is built using a unique SPM Injection base construction that’s strong and lighter than conventional boxes . It’s priced around $629.99, making it a great value for the extra capacity .

INNO Ridge Series – Compact and Affordable

For those who need a more compact and budget-friendly option, the INNO Ridge Series is an excellent choice. Its capacity is 8 cubic feet . It has an aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise and a classic, elegant appearance. This box features passenger-side opening only and uses a U-bolt mounting system.

The Ridge Series is built with 3-layer ABS construction, which is durable and looks great . It’s priced at just $399.99, making it an accessible entry point for roof box ownership .

The INNO Ridge Series is an ideal solution for keeping your cargo safe and secure, and is built to serve you for years .

RoofPax XXL Cargo Bag – The Flexible Alternative

If you’re not ready to commit to a hard shell roof box, a soft-sided cargo bag is a great alternative. The RoofPax XXL offers a massive 28 cubic feet of storage for a fraction of the price . It’s a waterproof bag designed to sit on your roof and strap down.

User reviews of the RoofPax on Amazon are largely positive. One customer mentioned using it on their 2014 Infiniti QX80, and it held everything perfectly during a road trip with no shifting and no water intrusion during rain . It includes 10 heavy-duty tie-down straps and hooks, and some users have used them successfully without a roof rack .

However, some users reported issues with the zipper ripping, so it’s not as durable as a hard shell box . But for a temporary, removable solution at about $70-$100, it’s a tough value to beat.

Cargo Basket Alternative: Yakima OffGrid and LoadWarrior

Instead of a roof box, some owners prefer a cargo basket. The Yakima OffGrid is an official Infiniti-affiliated accessory offering a burly, open-air storage basket. It has an integrated fairing to reduce wind noise and is made from strong, durable steel .

The Yakima LoadWarrior is another popular basket option. It’s a rugged, galvanized steel powder-coated basket that measures 44″L x 39″W x 6.5″H . It has a 140-pound capacity and attaches to crossbars with a universal mounting system. You can secure gear in the basket using straps or a cargo net.

Unlike a roof box, a basket doesn’t provide weather protection. However, it’s more versatile for carrying odd-shaped items like gas cans or off-road accessories .

Comparison Table: Top Infiniti QX80 Roof Storage Options

Product	Type	Capacity	Key Feature	Price Range
Yakima SkyBox 16	Hard Box	Hauls gear for 3 travelers	Official Infiniti Affiliate; Dual-sided access; Fits skis up to 185 cm	~$719
INNO Shadow Series 16	Hard Box	13 cu ft	Large capacity; Aerodynamic design; Dual-sided access	~$630
INNO Ridge Series	Hard Box	8 cu ft	Compact; Affordable; 3-layer ABS construction	~$400
RoofPax XXL	Soft Bag	28 cu ft	Huge capacity; Waterproof; Removable; Inexpensive	~$70-$100
Yakima OffGrid	Steel Basket	Open air	Burly steel; Integrated fairing; Durable	~$629
Yakima LoadWarrior	Steel Basket	140 lb capacity	Rugged galvanized steel; 44″ L x 39″ W x 6.5″ H; Universal mount	~$400

Installation Guide

Installing a roof box on your QX80 is straightforward. First, you need crossbars. The official INFINITI Roof Rail Crossbars (Part Number: G3805-1LA0B) are designed to integrate into existing roof rails and have a wind-tunnel-tested design .

Once crossbars are in place, the installation of the roof box itself is usually a matter of aligning the box on the crossbars, opening the clamps, and tightening them down. Most systems come with the necessary hardware. Installation instructions vary by brand, so always check the manual.

FAQ

The “best” depends on your needs. The Yakima SkyBox 16 is the top pick for its official Infiniti affiliation, dual-sided access, and quality . The INNO Shadow Series 16 offers the most capacity for its price range . For a budget option, the INNO Ridge Series is a great choice .

Can I put a roof box on my QX80 without roof rails?

No. A roof box cannot be attached directly to the bare metal roof. It requires crossbars, and crossbars require roof rails. The QX80 comes with roof rails from the factory, so you’ll need to buy crossbars that fit those rails.

Does a roof box affect fuel economy?

Yes. A roof box, especially a larger one, will increase wind resistance and lower your fuel economy. The drop depends on the box’s size, shape, and your driving speed. Some models, like the INNO Shadow Series, have aerodynamic features to mitigate this .

Is it better to have a roof box or a cargo basket?

A roof box is better for protecting cargo from weather and theft. It’s ideal for luggage, skis, and other gear that needs to stay dry. A cargo basket is better for odd-shaped, dirty, or bulky items like gas cans, camping gear, and off-road accessories . The choice depends on what you typically carry.

Always secure heavy cargo in the roof box to prevent shifting during sudden braking or sharp cornering. And always check your roof’s weight limit before loading up.

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What’s your go-to solution for extra cargo space on long trips—a roof box, a cargo bag, or something else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Infiniti QX80 Roof Box Buying Guide: Expand Your Cargo Space in Style