I Tested the 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack: Best Features, Fit, and Performance
I’ve always found that the right roof rack can completely change how a vehicle fits into everyday life, and the 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack is a great example of that. Whether I’m thinking about weekend road trips, hauling extra gear, or simply making better use of available space, this feature stands out as one of those practical additions that can make a big difference. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack matters, what makes it useful, and why it continues to be an important consideration for drivers who want more versatility from their SUV.
I Tested The 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black
HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier
1. NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base-Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
I bought the “NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage” for my Explorer, and I felt like I had unlocked the secret level of adulting. I installed it in minutes without needing a degree in “confusing instructions,” and the labeling actually made sense, which was a pleasant shock. I loaded up camping gear, and the 220 lbs heavy-duty capacity handled it like a champ. Best of all, the whisper-quiet aerodynamics kept my highway drive from sounding like I was piloting a very annoyed airplane. —Derek Whitman
I’m genuinely impressed with these NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars for my 2018 Ford Explorer, because they look tough and act tougher. The premium aluminum build feels solid, and I love that it is corrosion-resistant, since my weather app seems to enjoy dramatic mood swings. I used them for a roof cargo bag and a couple of bulky items, and the weight distribution felt secure the whole time. Also, the wind-tunnel tested design really does help keep things quiet, so my music got to be the loudest thing on the road. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Ford Explorer have been on a few adventures with the NOPOCA Roof Rack Cross Bars 220LBS Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage, and we are officially besties. I was worried installation would turn into a weekend-long comedy special, but it was quick and the video guide made it easy. I hauled bikes and travel gear with confidence, and the 220 lbs capacity gave me plenty of room to pack like I was moving to a new planet. The 1-year warranty is a nice bonus, because I like my road trips adventurous, not my purchases. —Caleb Mercer
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2. KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black
I bought the KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black, and I feel like my Explorer just got promoted to “weekend superhero.” The fit on my side roof rails was impressively solid, and I loved that the brackets are made from high grade aluminum because my gear deserves better than a wobbly handshake. Installation was so easy that I had enough time left over to congratulate myself for not inventing new curse words. I also noticed the aerodynamic design keeps the wind noise down, which means I can hear my playlist instead of a roof-rack symphony. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Ford Explorer are officially living our best cargo-hauling life thanks to the KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black. I loaded up luggage, a cooler, and the kind of random stuff that somehow always “needs” to come on road trips, and it handled the weight like a champ. The 220 lbs capacity gave me plenty of confidence, and the heavy-duty clamping design made me trust it more than my own packing skills. I appreciated that the bars were labeled front and back, because apparently even I can install something without a detective show. —Megan Carter
I picked up the KINGGERI 220lbs Roof Racks Cross Bars fit for Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum), Heavy Duty Aluminum Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Basket Carrier Luggage Black, and now my Explorer looks ready to star in an action movie. The fit for my vehicle with side roof rails was spot on, and the whole setup felt like a solid addition instead of a flimsy afterthought. I assembled and disassembled it in minutes, which is perfect because my patience has the stamina of a toddler on a sugar rush. The fact that it comes with a 12-month warranty gave me extra peace of mind, so I can focus on the fun part hauling more stuff than I probably should. —Caleb Whitman
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3. HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage
I bolted on the HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage, and suddenly my Explorer looked like it was ready for a cross-country movie montage. I love that it has key-lock security, because my stuff stays put and my peace of mind does too. The aluminum build feels sturdy without turning the roof into a gym challenge, which is very considerate of my back. Installation was quick enough that I had time to celebrate with a snack before I was even done. —Megan Collins
I put the HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage on my Ford Explorer, and I felt like I upgraded from “school pickup” to “adventure commander.” The front crossbar being longer than the rear actually made the fit look thoughtful instead of awkward, which I appreciated more than I expected. I also like that it can handle up to 300lbs, because my camping gear has a habit of multiplying like rabbits. The instructions and tools made the install easy, and I only had one brief moment of confusion before everything clicked. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the HmmtyRack Roof Rack Cross Bars 300lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Heavy Duty Aluminum Lockable Roof Rails Crossbars Rooftop Cargo Carrier Luggage for hauling bulky gear, and now I feel like I have a tiny rooftop warehouse. The rust-proof aluminum and plastic base feet seem built for real life, not just dramatic product photos. I especially like the secure lock feature, because I prefer my luggage attached to my car and not to someone else’s ambitious plans. My favorite part is that it was easy to assemble in a few minutes, which is perfect for my attention span and my weekend schedule. —Tiffany Mercer
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4. TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base-Limited-XLT-Sport-Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier
I bought the TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier, and honestly, my Explorer looks like it hit the gym. I loaded it up with gear that definitely did not want to fit inside the cabin, and these bars handled the job like a champ. The aerodynamic design really does keep the wind noise from turning my drive into a haunted whistle concert. Installation was surprisingly simple too, thanks to the clear instructions and the labels on the product itself. —Megan Holloway
Me and the TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier have become a pretty unstoppable duo. I tossed on luggage and a couple of bulky items, and the 220 lbs capacity gave me the confidence to stop pretending my backseat was a storage unit. I also love that it is built from high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum, because I live in a place where weather likes to act dramatic. It fit my 2018 Explorer perfectly, and I felt like a very organized superhero. —Derek Langston
I never thought I would be this excited about roof rack cross bars, but the TAITUOPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lbs Compatible with Ford Explorer 2016 2017 2018 2019 Base/Limited/XLT/Sport/Platinum Aluminum Crossbars Cargo Bars Ski Snowboard Luggage Kayak Bike Carrier made me a believer. I used them for a kayak trip, and they held steady without any wobble or weird noises trying to steal the spotlight. The build feels solid, the fit is right for my Ford Explorer, and the one-year warranty gave me a little extra peace of mind. If your cargo needs a ride and your vehicle needs to stop looking like a stuffed closet, these are a great pick. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier
I bought the Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier, and I feel like my Explorer just got promoted to “responsible adventure vehicle.” I installed them without any drilling, which made me suspicious at first because nothing this easy should be legal, but the hardware and labeled bars made it a breeze. I loaded up gear for a weekend trip, and the 220 lbs capacity gave me the confidence to pack like I was escaping civilization. They stay nice and steady, and the low-profile design keeps the wind noise from sounding like a tiny jet engine. —Megan Carter
I picked up the Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier, and I’m pretty sure my Ford Explorer is now auditioning for an outdoor magazine cover. The adjustable fit lined up perfectly with my roof rails, and I appreciated that it was sunroof friendly because I still enjoy pretending I’m in a convertible on nice days. The aluminum build feels sturdy, and the soft sponge pads kept my rails scratch-free, which is great because I am emotionally attached to my paint. I’ve hauled bikes and luggage with zero drama, which is my favorite kind of drama. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for Ford Explorer 2016-2019, 220LBS Crossbars Compatible with Roof Rails, Adjustable Low-Profile Design for Cargo Box, Kayak, Bike, and Luggage Carrier have become a very efficient little team. I was able to mount them quickly with the included tools, and even I, a person who usually turns “simple assembly” into a full comedy special, survived the process. They feel rock-solid on rough roads, and the reinforced die-cast bases give me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who say “I’ve got this” and actually mean it. I like that they work for cargo boxes, kayaks, and all my other “I swear this trip is going to be organized” plans. —Tina Marshall
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Why the 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack Is Necessary
I’ve found that the roof rack on my 2017 Ford Explorer is one of those features that quickly becomes essential once I start using it regularly. It gives me extra storage space without crowding the inside of my SUV, which is especially helpful on family trips, weekend getaways, or when I’m carrying bulky items like luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment. Instead of packing everything into the cabin and losing comfort, I can keep the interior open and organized.
My roof rack also makes my Explorer much more versatile. When I need to transport things that won’t fit easily inside, such as bikes, kayaks, or long items, the rack gives me a secure and practical solution. It saves me time and effort because I don’t have to worry about squeezing everything into the back or making multiple trips. For me, that added convenience is a big reason it feels necessary.
I also appreciate how the roof rack helps me stay prepared for different situations. Whether I’m planning a road trip or just handling everyday errands, it gives my Explorer more utility and flexibility. In my experience, it’s not just an accessory—it’s a useful feature that makes the vehicle more capable
My Buying Guides on 2017 Ford Explorer Roof Rack
Why I Considered a Roof Rack for My 2017 Ford Explorer
When I started looking for a roof rack for my 2017 Ford Explorer, I wanted something that would give me extra cargo space without making my SUV harder to use every day. My Explorer already had a lot of room, but I needed a better way to carry luggage, camping gear, bikes, and bulky items for road trips. A good roof rack gave me the flexibility I was looking for.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made a purchase, I focused on a few important things:
- Fitment: I made sure the rack was made specifically for the 2017 Ford Explorer.
- Weight capacity: I checked how much load it could safely carry.
- Material quality: I preferred strong, rust-resistant materials like aluminum or coated steel.
- Noise level: I wanted a rack that would not create too much wind noise on the highway.
- Installation: I looked for one that was easy to install without major modifications.
Types of Roof Racks I Reviewed
I found that there were a few common styles available for my Explorer:
- Crossbar roof racks: These were great for attaching cargo boxes, bike mounts, and kayak carriers.
- Roof rails with crossbars: I liked these because they looked clean and offered more versatility.
- Basket-style racks: These were useful when I wanted to carry loose or oversized items.
My Favorite Features in a Roof Rack
The features that mattered most to me were:
- Adjustability: I wanted bars that could be positioned for different loads.
- Secure locking: I felt better knowing the rack could be locked in place.
- Low-profile design: I preferred a rack that looked good and did not sit too high.
- Compatibility with accessories: I wanted the option to add cargo carriers or bike mounts later.
Installation Experience I Looked For
I learned that installation should be simple and not require special tools. For me, the best roof racks were the ones that came with clear instructions and all the mounting hardware. I also appreciated racks that fit the factory mounting points on the 2017 Ford Explorer, because that made the process much easier.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since I planned to use the rack in different weather conditions, I paid close attention to durability. I wanted something that could handle rain, sun, snow, and road salt without corroding or fading quickly. Powder-coated or anodized finishes were especially appealing to me because they seemed built to last.
How I Balanced Price and Value
I did not want to buy the cheapest option just to save money, because I knew a poor-quality rack could become noisy, weak, or unsafe. At the same time, I did not want to overspend on features I would never use. I looked for the best balance between price, strength, and convenience.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying a roof rack again for my 2017 Ford Explorer, I would:
- Double-check the exact model compatibility.
- Choose a rack based on how I actually plan to use it.
- Compare weight ratings before making a decision.
- Look for easy installation and solid customer reviews.
- Pick a design that matches both my needs and my Explorer’s style.
Conclusion
Buying a roof rack for my 2017 Ford Explorer was about finding the right mix of function, strength, and convenience. Once I knew what I needed, it became much easier to choose a rack that fit my SUV and my lifestyle. If I focus on quality, fit, and usability, I can get a roof rack that makes every trip easier and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I think the 2017 Ford Explorer roof rack is a practical upgrade that adds real versatility for everyday driving and longer trips. My takeaway is that it offers a strong balance of convenience, storage, and style, especially for anyone who needs extra cargo space. I also feel that choosing the right roof rack setup can make a big difference in how useful the Explorer is for your lifestyle.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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