Yakima MegaWarrior Review: Is This The Best Cargo Basket?

Some of the links on this page may link to our affiliates. Learn more about our affiliate policies.

Last Updated: December 29, 2023

Pros and Cons of Yakima MegaWarrior Roof Basket

Importance of Roof Baskets for Vehicle Storage Solutions

Roof racks or roof baskets, like the Yakima MegaWarrior, play a crucial role in expanding the storage capabilities of vehicles, especially for drivers who are often on the move or engage in outdoor activities. Here are some key reasons why roof racks are important for vehicle storage solutions:

1. Increased Storage Space: Roof racks provide additional space to carry items that may not fit inside the vehicle. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing to transport bulky or large items.
2. Versatility: A roof basket like the MegaWarrior can carry various items, making it a versatile solution for different needs. Whether it's luggage, camping gear, sports equipment, or oversized items, a roof rack can handle it all.
3. Preserving Interior Comfort: Moving extra cargo to the roof makes the vehicle's interior uncluttered and comfortable for passengers. This is especially valuable on long road trips where interior space is at a premium.
4. Safety and Security: Properly secured cargo on a roof rack is safer than overloading the interior of a vehicle. It ensures clear visibility for the driver and keeps the vehicle's center of gravity low, enhancing overall road safety. It also serves as a protective step in preserving your vehicle interior from unnecessary wear or damage.
5. Enhanced Vehicle Functionality: A roof rack is almost necessary for adventure-seekers and off-road enthusiasts. It allows for transporting outdoor equipment that would otherwise be challenging to carry, such as kayaks, bicycles, or fishing gear.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: A roof rack like the Yakima MegaWarrior also adds a rugged and adventurous aesthetic to vehicles, aligning with the lifestyle of many outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. Who doesn't like how cool it looks?

In summary, the Yakima MegaWarrior Roof Basket is more than just a storage accessory; it is a versatile, durable solution that enhances the functionality and capacity of a vehicle. Its importance in providing additional storage space, ensuring safety, and maintaining interior comfort makes it an invaluable addition for anyone who regularly transports gear and equipment.

Key Features of Yakima MegaWarrior Roof Rack

The Yakima MegaWarrior is a durable, weather-resistant cargo basket made from heavy-duty steel, designed primarily for larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and off-roaders. It features a quick installation process with minimal assembly required, making it user-friendly and accessible for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities. This basket is compatible with most Yakima gear mounts, enhancing its versatility for various uses.

With dimensions of 52 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 6.5 inches in height, and weighing 35 lbs, the MegaWarrior offers substantial storage space. It can be expanded by 22 inches, increasing the cargo capacity by 40% with the optional MegaWarrior Extension. The universal mounting hardware of the basket is designed to fit all Yakima StreamLine™ crossbars and factory or aerodynamic crossbars, ensuring a wide range of vehicle compatibility.

The MegaWarrior has a custom wind fairing for added noise reduction, enhancing the driving experience. For increased security, an SKS Locking Bracket is available but sold separately. Additionally, the product comes with a limited lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind and reliability.

Yakima MegaWarrior Performance During a Road Trip

I took the 4Runner Venture on a road trip from Michigan to Pennsylvania during very windy days. The total trip spanned around 1000 miles out of which 75% were driving on the freeway. The rest were mostly driving through mountainous regions. During the Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack evaluation, several critical factors were assessed to determine its impact on the overall performance of the Toyota 4Runner Venture vehicle on which it was tested: stability, noise levels, and impact on fuel efficiency.

Stability and Performance at Various Speeds

One of the primary concerns when adding a roof rack to a vehicle is its potential to reduce stability, especially at higher speeds. Fortunately, the Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack passed this test with flying colors. It did not noticeably decrease the stability of the Toyota 4Runner Venture, even when driven at various speeds. The vehicle maintained its handling and maneuverability, crucial for safe and enjoyable driving experiences.

Noise Level and Aerodynamics

Noise levels and aerodynamics were another area of scrutiny during our testing. Surprisingly, the Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack had a minimal impact on noise levels. There was no noticeable increase in cabin noise compared to other 4Runners without roof racks that I have driven. In reality, tire noise proved to substantially contribute to overall noise levels more than this roof rack. The wind fairing that comes with the rack effectively served its purpose by reducing wind noise and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. This feature significantly enhanced the overall driving experience.

Impact on Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a significant concern for many vehicle owners when considering the addition of a roof rack. To assess this, we conducted a 1000-mile road trip through the challenging terrain of Pennsylvania mountains, involving city and highway driving, with speeds averaging between 70-80 mph. The results were encouraging, as the fuel efficiency of the Toyota 4Runner Venture equipped with the Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack did not detrimentally decrease.

Throughout the trip, the vehicle consistently achieved around 18.8 miles per gallon (mpg), slightly below the manufacturer-reported figure of 19 mpg. This minor difference can be attributed to the added aerodynamic resistance from the roof rack. Overall, the roof rack's impact on fuel efficiency remained within an acceptable range, making it a practical choice for those who require extra cargo space without compromising their vehicle's efficiency.

The Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack passed our performance and road testing with flying colors. It exhibited stability and performance at various speeds, maintained reasonable noise levels, and moderately impacted fuel efficiency. For those needing additional cargo capacity without sacrificing their vehicle's overall performance and comfort, the Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack proves to be a reliable and practical solution.

Yakima MegaWarrior Roof Rack Bottom Line

In conclusion, Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack or roof basket is a great choice for owners of large vehicle that are looking to extend their cargo carrying capabilities. The roof basket is very sturdy and very capable for anything that you might think of throwing at it. However, before pulling the trigger on getting one of these cargo baskets, please ensure that your vehicle is big enough to be able to support it. It is not a small roof rack, so you need to realistically assess if your vehicle can handle it.