Roofbox or Backbox: Which is the Best Choice for You?
When considering an investment to enhance your car's storage capacity you face the choice between a roofbox or a backbox, such as the IXTAbox.
We believe the choice is simple.
Here’s why IXTAbox is the smarter choice:
Access

A Roofbox Has Difficult Access
- Hard-to-reach / unreachable luggage.
- Some need to open the door and stand on the frame of the car to reach.

IXTAbox Has Easy Access
- Everyone has easy access, plus keeps access to the trunk of the car.
Mounting

A Roofbox Is Difficult to Mount
- Takes 10-30 minutes to mount with 2 people.
- More steps, such as mounting rails.
- Total weight of 20-35kg, including rails

IXTAbox Is EASY to Mount
- Mount and dismount in seconds with 1-2 people.
- Weight of 20-35kg
Aerodynamics

30 to 40% Increased Drag
- Higher fuel consumption, limiting range.
- Higher costs.
-5* to 15% Increased Drag
- <5% increase in fuel consumption.
- Little to no impact on range.
*Under certain conditions, IXTAbox can be positioned so that it improves the car’s performance.
Aerodynamics & Safety
Aerodynamics & Fuel Efficiency
Traditional roofboxes create significant drag. Their bulky, high-mounted design increases a car’s air resistance by 30–40%, especially at high speeds. This leads to higher fuel consumption, more CO₂ emissions, and greater long-term driving costs.
Backboxes are much more aerodynamic. With air resistance typically in the -5% to +15% range, a backbox offers a smarter alternative for fuel economy. In fact, under the right conditions— when the backbox is narrower than the car and positioned above the underbody— it can actually reduce drag. By smoothing airflow and improving how the car releases turbulence, a backbox can lower fuel consumption and improve efficiency.
IXTAbox takes this advantage further. Designed with aerodynamics in mind, they are available in several sizes, allowing you to match the perfect storage solution to your vehicle.
Safety
Roofboxes can compromise both safety and stability. Their high placement raises the car’s centre of gravity, which negatively affects handling. In an accident, roofboxes are at risk of detaching from their mounts, or worse, the contents can burst out, creating a hazard for oncoming traffic and increasing the chance of serious damage.
IXTAbox is designed with safety in mind. Mounted low and securely behind the car, it reduces the risk of detachment and protects both the box and its contents during a collision. This safer positioning not only minimises potential damage but also enhances driving stability,
Safety

Driving Risks of Roofboxes
- Driving performance worsens as side and front winds reduce manoeuvrability.
- In crashes, even at 50 km/h, roofboxes risk bursting and ejecting contents.

IXTAbox: Tested for Maximum Safety
- Crash-tested at the Swedish Road Technical Institute (VTI) in Linköping to the same standards as child car seats.
- Withstands over 33g forces, proving unmatched strength and safety. Until proven otherwise, IXTAbox is the safest Backbox on the market.

Upgrade. Accessorise. Personalise.
Unlike roofboxes, IXTAbox is fully customisable. Start with a Classic and upgrade it to a Pro with LED lights and side handles, choose accessories like the rail fixation kit, reflectors, rubber mat, and more.
Every IXTAbox adapts to your needs and not the other way around.
LED Lights

A Roofbox is Dark and Difficult to Access
- No internal or external lighting, combined with the placement of the roofbox, makes it difficult to get an overview or find what you are looking for.

IXTAbox Lights Up Your Gear
- External LED lights provide position, brake and direction indicator lights for increased safety.
- Internal LED lights around the entire inner edge of the IXTAbox make it easy to get an overview and see everything even when it's dark.
Customizable Position

Limited Customizability
- Roofbox solutions are limited by the type of rail your car has.
- You have to buy different types of rails to fit different types of cars, which, in turn, limits your options.

IXTAbox Fits the Majority of Cars
-The height of IXTAbox can be adjusted by changing the position of the towing hook fixation device allowing most car trunk doors to be opened while using it.
-This can also position IXTAbox so that the registration sign holder can be seen. In case it is covered, an extra registration sign holder can be added to IXTAbox.
Clean

A Roofbox May Get You Dirty
- Gets you dirty when reaching up for your luggage and equipment.

IXTAbox Keeps Your Clothes Clean
- IXTAbox can be cleaned with a water hose or a pressure washer.
- Dirty and wet things can go into the IXTAbox, keeping you and your vehicle clean.
Why choose IXTAbox?
Cleaniness
Roofboxes can be difficult to clean and can make both you and the car dirty when accessing your luggage. IXTAbox is easy to clean with a hose or pressure washer and keeps both you and your car clean, even when packing dirty or wet items.
Multifunctional Design
A roofbox has limited use and takes up space when not in use. IXTAbox is designed for multiple purposes, from transporting bikes, skis and camping gear to serving as storage at home. You can even mount packages with longer skis or bike racks on top of the IXTAbox.
Multipurpose Design

Roofboxes Have a Single Purpose
- Designed only to add storage to your car. The rest of the time it will only sit in storage.

IXTAbox is VERSATILE
- Designed for multiple types of gear: bike rack, skis, golf, kite surfing, camping, etc.
- Bike racks can be mounted on top of the box.
- IXTAbox doubles as storage at home. Your gear can always be packed and ready.
Multipurpose Design

In IXTAbox
- IXTAbox is designed for multiple types of gear. Anything from skis, strollers, golf gear, suitcases, supermarket bags, tools, camping gear, you name it!

On IXTAbox
- Bike racks can be mounted on top of IXTAbox.
- Most things that do not fit inside IXTAbox can be mounted and secured on top.

Storage
- IXTAbox doubles as storage at home. Your gear can always be packed and ready.
- Perfect for pillows, fire wood, tools, suitcases, pool toys, etc.
Quiet and comfortable driving
Roofbox vs Backbox: Noise Level
Roofboxes create increased air resistance, leading to higher noise levels inside the car. This increased airflow around the roofbox generates significant wind noise, especially at higher speeds, which can be disturbing and reduce driving comfort.
IXTAbox is designed to minimize this issue. Mounted behind the car, IXTAbox is less affected by direct airflow, greatly reducing turbulence and wind noise. As a result, IXTAbox does not increase the noise level inside the car, even at higher speeds. This allows you to enjoy a more quiet and comfortable ride without annoying background noise. For a better driving experience and increased comfort, IXTAbox is a superior alternative to a roofbox.
Noise

Roofboxes Increase the Noise Inside the Cabin

IXTAbox is SILENT
- IXTAbox will not make any noise while driving at higher speeds.
Sustainability
Materials and Manufacturing
IXTAbox is made of high-quality, recyclable materials in Sweden, ensuring long durability and lifespan. Roofboxes are often manufactured in low-cost countries with materials that do not always meet the same standards.
Materials

Made Out of Plastics
- Plastic, Fiberglass and Aluminium.

HIGH QUALITY & Reusable
- Salt water resistant-auminum Body.
- Acid Resistant Stainless steel components.
Roofbox vs Backbox: Summary
When comparing a roofbox with a backbox, it becomes clear that IXTAbox offers superior advantages in terms of accessibility, mounting, adjustability, aerodynamics, safety, cleanliness, versatility, noise level and material quality. For a simpler, safer and more cost-effective solution, choose IXTAbox.

Made in Sweden
IXTAbox is DESIGNED & BUILT in Sweden.
Roofboxes are commonly produced in low cost countries.

The All New 2025 IXTAbox
The latest and most enhanced IXTAbox. Further improved aerodynamic properties, new streamlined design, interior LED and increased volume.