If you drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you already know the roof is prime real estate. The problem is this: a weak rack turns that “extra space” into wind noise, wobbles, leaks, and scratched paint.
A solid roof rack fixes all of that. It lets you carry bulky gear (recovery boards, fuel, a shovel, camping bins, kayaks), and it keeps your interior clean and roomy. But only if you match the rack to your Grand Cherokee’s roof style and how you actually travel.
This guide covers top overland-ready roof rack setups that land in the $2,000+ range once you include the correct mounts and the add-ons most owners buy anyway (rails, fairing, brackets, tie-downs, and security parts). Let’s get you the right setup the first time.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall:
Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack Kit (Grand Cherokee WK2)
Low-profile, modular, and built for real trail use. A great “buy it once” platform when you want a clean look with serious carrying ability. - Best “Budget” (Still Premium):
Thule Evo Foot Pack + WingBar Evo + Thule Motion/Force Cargo Box Setup
If your goal is quiet highway miles and locked weatherproof storage, this style of setup gives you big value without going full platform rack. - Best Premium:
ARB BASE Rack (61″ x 51″) Build-Out
A high-end overland base that shines once you add the matching mounts, wind deflector, and accessory brackets. Clean, strong, and feature-rich.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Roof Rack for a Grand Cherokee
Before you click “buy,” take five minutes to check these points. It saves you money and a lot of headache.
- Know your Grand Cherokee generation (and roof type).WK2 (2011–2021) and WL/WL74 (2022+) can use totally different mounting hardware. Also note if you have raised rails, flush rails, fixed points, or a “naked” roof.
- Dynamic vs. static load limits.Dynamic load is what your roof can handle while driving. Static load is what it can hold while parked. Always follow your Jeep owner’s manual and the rack maker’s rules.
- What are you carrying most?Boxes and skis do great on crossbars. Overland gear (boards, fuel/water, awnings, shovels) is easier on a platform rack with T-slots and tie-down points.
- Wind noise and height.Low-profile racks usually sound better and fit garages more easily. Add a fairing/deflector if you drive highway miles.
- Accessory system matters.A good rack isn’t just the tray. It’s the add-ons: awning mounts, light mounts, tie-down rings, board mounts, and lock parts.
- Install comfort level.Some racks bolt on fast. Others take careful measuring and longer install time. If you’re not comfortable, plan for a shop install.
Detailed Product Reviews (6 Premium Roof Rack Setups)
Note on pricing: Each setup below is written as a realistic “ready to run” build. That means rack + the correct mounts + common add-ons. That’s why these land in the $2,000+ range for most buyers.
1) Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack Kit (WK2) + Overland Add-On Pack
Check the Front Runner Slimline II WK2 kit on Amazon
Who it’s for: WK2 owners who want a true platform rack that stays sleek, works with many accessories, and looks “factory clean.”
Key benefits:
- Low-profile platform look (great for daily driving)
- Strong aluminum build with lots of accessory support
- Easy tie-down and mounting with slats/T-slot style design
- Perfect base for awnings, boards, lights, and camping bins
Pros:
- One of the most proven platform systems in the overland space
- Huge accessory lineup, so you can build it your way
- Looks right on the Grand Cherokee roofline
Cons:
- To get the “full setup,” you’ll likely add mounts, tie-downs, and a wind deflector
- Platform racks can add some wind sound if you skip a deflector
Final verdict: If you want one rack that can handle road trips, weekend trails, and full camping duty, this is the easy pick.
Get the Front Runner Slimline II WK2 kit here
2) Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform + Backbone (WK2) + Trail Utility Pack
Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform (60″ x 56″) on Amazon
Rhino-Rack Backbone (Grand Cherokee) on Amazon
Who it’s for: Owners who want a platform rack with a rugged accessory system and a reputation for tough use.
Key benefits:
- Platform rack with lots of attachment points and accessory support
- Backbone-style internal support (great for serious loads when used correctly)
- Solid base for light bars, recovery boards, and awnings
Pros:
- Strong system once installed correctly
- Large ecosystem of mounts and add-ons
- Good balance of strength and clean look
Cons:
- Install can take time (measure twice, tighten once)
- Final cost climbs fast once you add the mounts you really want
Final verdict: A top choice if you want a platform that can grow with your setup over time.
See Rhino-Rack Pioneer + Backbone parts on Amazon
3) YAKIMA LockNLoad Platform System + Towers/Rails (Adventure-Ready Build)
YAKIMA LockNLoad 3-Bar Platform System on Amazon
YAKIMA SkyLine Towers (4-pack) on Amazon
LockNLoad Raised Rail Kit (perimeter rails) on Amazon
Who it’s for: Grand Cherokee owners who want a platform rack feel with strong brand support, and who like a modular “build it up” system.
Key benefits:
- Platform-style carrying area that works with many gear mounts
- Pairs well with towers/crossbars depending on roof setup
- Perimeter rails help with tie-down points and gear security
Pros:
- Great for mixed gear: boxes, boards, and awkward items
- Strong accessory support (brackets, mounts, and add-on pieces)
- Easy to keep organized with rails and tie-downs
Cons:
- Fit depends on your exact roof and tower setup
- You’ll want to budget for rails, mounts, and security parts
Final verdict: A smart pick when you want a flexible platform system and a clean way to mount gear without constant DIY drilling.
Check LockNLoad platform pricing on Amazon
4) Thule Caprock Platform + Rail System + Cargo Box Add-On (Road Trip + Trail Mix)
Thule Caprock Platform on Amazon
Thule Caprock Crossbar Kit on Amazon
Thule Caprock Rail System Accessory on Amazon
Thule Caprock Cargo Box Kit on Amazon
Who it’s for: Drivers who do more highway than rock crawling, but still want a strong platform for weekend escapes.
Key benefits:
- Platform rack style that works with lights, jacks, and trail gear
- Rail add-ons create more tie-down points and structure
- Cargo box add-on gives locked, weatherproof storage for trips
Pros:
- Great “do everything” mix of platform + locked storage
- Clean look, strong build, trusted brand support
- Nice pick for families who still camp and explore
Cons:
- The best version of this setup needs multiple pieces
- Platform + box adds height (watch garage clearance)
Final verdict: If you want an overland vibe without giving up road-trip comfort, this is a very practical premium setup.
Build your Caprock setup on Amazon
5) ARB BASE Rack (61″ x 51″) + Mount Kit + Deflector (Serious Overland Base)
ARB BASE Rack 61″ x 51″ on Amazon
ARB BASE Rack Gutter 4-Leg Kit on Amazon
ARB BASE Rack Deflector on Amazon
Who it’s for: You want a premium, clean-looking overland base with smart mounting and a system designed around accessories.
Key benefits:
- Strong platform design that stays sleek and low
- Deflector helps with wind sound on daily drives
- Excellent base for awning mounts, boards, and lighting
Pros:
- High-end fit and finish
- Great once you add mounts that match your gear
- Deflector is a big comfort win for highway driving
Cons:
- Not the cheapest way to get a full platform setup
- Mounting pieces vary by roof style, so plan carefully
Final verdict: A premium “base layer” for a Grand Cherokee build that looks sharp and performs when the road gets rough.
See the ARB BASE Rack on Amazon
6) Thule Evo + WingBar Evo + Thule Motion XT/Force Cargo Box (Quiet, Locked, Road-Trip Focused)
Thule Evo Raised Rail Foot Pack on Amazon
Thule WingBar Evo 135 (53″) search on Amazon
Thule Motion XT Cargo Box on Amazon
Thule Force 3 (XL) search on Amazon
Who it’s for: You want a strong, quiet setup for highway miles, and you want your gear locked up and out of the cabin.
Key benefits:
- Excellent for luggage, strollers, camping bags, and winter gear
- Usually quieter than big platform racks (great for daily driving)
- Locked cargo box keeps gear dry and secure
Pros:
- One of the best “use it every day” setups
- Fast on/off feel once installed
- Perfect for families who travel often
Cons:
- Not as easy for odd-shaped recovery gear as a full platform rack
- Requires correct feet/fit parts for your exact roof rails
Final verdict: If your Grand Cherokee is a road-trip machine first (and a trail rig second), this is a premium setup you’ll enjoy every week.
Build your Thule Evo + box setup on Amazon
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Runner Slimline II (WK2) + Add-Ons | Low-profile platform, huge accessory system | Overland-ready platform style | Check price |
| Rhino-Rack Pioneer + Backbone (WK2) + Pack | Platform + internal support + mount ecosystem | Platform system (size varies by build) | Check price |
| YAKIMA LockNLoad Platform + Towers/Rails | Modular platform, perimeter rail support | Platform system (various sizes) | Check price |
| Thule Caprock + Rails + Box Add-On | Platform + rails + locked storage path | Platform + cargo box (varies) | Check price |
| ARB BASE Rack + Mount Kit + Deflector | Premium platform base, clean look, deflector comfort | 61″ x 51″ base platform | Check price |
| Thule Evo + WingBar + Motion/Force Box | Quiet bars, locked weatherproof storage | Crossbars + cargo box | Check price |
FAQ
Do roof racks fit every Jeep Grand Cherokee?
No. Fit depends on the generation (WK2 vs WL), and the roof style (raised rails, flush rails, fixed points, panoramic roof). Always confirm fit before buying.
Will a platform rack hurt gas mileage?
It can. Any rack adds drag, but a low-profile rack with a deflector typically helps. Keeping the rack empty also reduces wind noise and drag.
Can I run a rooftop tent on a Grand Cherokee?
Sometimes, yes, but you must follow the rack maker’s rules and Jeep’s roof limits. Check both dynamic and static ratings, and don’t guess.
What’s better: crossbars or a platform rack?
Crossbars are great for cargo boxes, bikes, and kayaks. Platform racks shine for overland gear, awkward loads, and flexible mounting points.
How do I keep my rack from getting stolen?
Use locking covers/cores where available, lock your accessories, and avoid leaving expensive mounts on the rack when you don’t need them.
Conclusion: Pick the Rack That Matches How You Drive
The “best” roof rack for a Jeep Grand Cherokee is the one that matches your roof type, your load, and your weekly life. If you carry overland gear and want a rack you can build on, go with a premium platform system like Front Runner, Rhino-Rack, YAKIMA, Thule Caprock, or ARB. If your Grand Cherokee is more road-trip than rock trail, a Thule Evo + WingBar + cargo box setup is hard to beat for
quiet comfort and locked storage.
Once you pick the right base, the rest is easy: add only the mounts you need, keep your loads within the limits, and enjoy having your cabin back.
Ready to upgrade? Start with the quick picks above and grab the setup that fits your Grand Cherokee and your kind of travel.
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