Introduction
The Subaru Crosstrek has always been known for its versatility, adventure-ready features, and compact SUV design. The 2024 model continues this tradition by offering rugged styling, strong safety technology, and impressive ground clearance. But one common question among drivers, filmmakers, and outdoor enthusiasts is whether the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek cameras on top 7ft 7in total height setup is possible.
In other words, if you attach cameras, racks, or additional gear on top of your Crosstrek, can the vehicle’s overall height actually reach 7 feet 7 inches (91 inches)? To answer this, we need to carefully look at the stock dimensions of the Crosstrek, consider the height of roof racks, and calculate how much additional gear would be required.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from baseline vehicle height to the practicality of mounting cameras or rooftop equipment that makes the Crosstrek taller than average.
Stock Dimensions of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Before we add anything to the roof, let’s examine the factory height of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.
- The standard Crosstrek trim stands at about 62.8 inches (5 feet 2.8 inches) tall.
- The Wilderness trim, which is designed for off-road performance, is slightly taller at 63.6 inches (5 feet 3.6 inches).
- In metric terms, most versions measure close to 1600 mm in height.
These numbers include the built-in roof rails that come standard with most trims. This means that, without any added equipment, the Crosstrek is just a little over 5 feet tall—leaving a significant gap to reach 7 ft 7 in (91 inches).
Understanding the Height Gap to 7ft 7in
If the base height is about 63 inches, then reaching 91 inches requires:
- 91 – 63 = 28 inches of extra height.
That means you would need to add over two feet of rooftop accessories or equipment to hit the target height of 7 ft 7 in.
This is not impossible, but it does mean the gear mounted on top would have to be significantly large—more than just slim crossbars or a low-profile roof rack.
Roof-Mounted Add-Ons & Camera Equipment
So, what types of equipment can add this much height to a Crosstrek? Let’s break it down.
- Roof Racks and Crossbars
- Low-profile racks may only add 2–4 inches above the roof rails.
- Aerodynamic crossbars, like those from Thule or Yakima, usually sit between 3–5 inches higher.
- Roof Platforms and Cargo Carriers
- Platform racks or large rooftop cargo boxes can add between 10–16 inches.
- These are popular with campers, travelers, and people who need storage for long trips.
- Roof-Mounted Camera Rigs
- Professional camera pods, filming rigs, or drone launch stations may add 12–24 inches, depending on their design.
- These setups are bulkier than everyday roof racks and are often custom-built for filming projects.
- Rooftop Tents
- Some rooftop tents, when mounted, can add 18–24 inches of extra height.
Calculation: Can the Crosstrek Reach 7ft 7in?
If we combine these components, here’s how the height builds up:
| Setup | Added Height | Final Vehicle Height |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Crosstrek | 62.8 in | 62.8 in (5 ft 2.8 in) |
| + Crossbars (avg) | +4 in | ~66.8 in (5 ft 6.8 in) |
| + Large Cargo Box / Camera Pod (~16 in) | +16 in | ~82.8 in (6 ft 10.8 in) |
| + Oversized Rig (~24 in) | +24 in | ~90.8 in (7 ft 6.8 in) |
As you can see, if you combine crossbars + a tall rooftop camera rig or tent, the Crosstrek can indeed reach close to 91 inches (7 ft 7 in). This means that the setup of 2024 Subaru Crosstrek cameras on top 7ft 7in total height is possible, but only with particularly tall equipment.
Practical Considerations & Risks
Reaching such a height does not come without challenges. Some important factors to think about include:
- Clearance Risks: With a vehicle that tall, you must be extra careful in parking garages, drive-thrus, and underpasses. Many garage entrances are between 7–8 feet, which means your Crosstrek might not fit.
- Safety and Stability: Adding tall equipment increases wind resistance, affects aerodynamics, and raises the vehicle’s center of gravity. This can impact handling, especially on highways or in windy conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: The more drag you create, the more fuel your Crosstrek will consume. Tall rooftop setups can reduce miles per gallon (MPG).
- Roof Load Limits: Subaru specifies a dynamic roof load limit (while driving), usually around 150 lbs, and a static load limit (while parked) which is higher. Exceeding these can damage the vehicle or create safety hazards.
Alternatives to Reaching 7ft 7in
If you don’t want to make your Crosstrek as tall as 7 ft 7 in but still need camera functionality, there are some alternatives:
- Use low-profile roof-mounted cameras or suction-mounted rigs.
- Install cameras inside the cabin facing outward through windows for filming.
- Choose removable rooftop gear that can be detached when entering low-clearance spaces.
- Explore aftermarket pods designed to keep equipment streamlined and compact.
Conclusion
The question of whether the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek cameras on top 7ft 7in total height setup is achievable comes down to the type of gear you install. By default, the Crosstrek stands just over 5 feet tall, but with crossbars and bulky rooftop accessories such as large camera rigs, cargo boxes, or tents, it can indeed approach or even reach 7 ft 7 in (91 inches).
While this setup is possible, it requires careful planning to ensure safety, stability, and compliance with roof load limits. If you’re considering such a configuration, always measure your equipment precisely, keep clearance risks in mind, and think about how often you’ll need to remove or adjust the setup.
The Crosstrek remains an excellent balance of adventure, practicality, and adaptability—and with the right accessories, it can even reach new heights, literally.
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