The Toyota Highlander is one of the most versatile midsize SUVs on the market, offering a smooth ride, three-row seating, and plenty of cargo space. But what if you need even more room—say, for bikes, kayaks, camping gear, or a rooftop cargo box? That’s where a roof rack comes in. If you’re wondering, “Can you add a roof rack to a Toyota Highlander?” the short answer is: yes, absolutely. The longer answer involves knowing which type fits your Highlander, how to install it, and what to watch out for so you get a safe, durable setup.
Why Add a Roof Rack to Your Highlander?
Even though the Highlander has decent cargo space, certain items are too bulky, dirty, or awkward to fit inside. A roof rack can solve this by giving you extra storage space without taking away from passenger comfort. Common uses include:
- Rooftop cargo boxes for luggage
- Bicycle mounts for road or mountain bikes
- Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard carriers
- Ski and snowboard racks
- Roof baskets for camping gear or firewood
By moving gear to the roof, you keep the cabin free for people and essentials, and you avoid damaging your interior with muddy or wet items.
Does the Toyota Highlander Come with a Roof Rack?
Depending on the trim and package, many Highlanders come with factory-installed roof rails. These are the raised or flush bars running from front to back along the roof edges. With rails, adding crossbars is quick and straightforward. However, base trims or certain configurations may come without rails at all. In that case, you’ll need to add either factory rails or an aftermarket rack designed for a bare roof.
Main Types of Roof Rack Systems for the Highlander
Your Highlander’s roof setup will determine what kind of rack you can add. Here are the main options:
1. Factory Rails with Crossbars
If your Highlander already has side rails, you can simply attach crossbars that run left-to-right. Toyota sells OEM crossbars made to fit perfectly, or you can use aftermarket brands like Thule, Yakima, or Rhino-Rack. This is the easiest option since the rails are already installed.
2. Adding Rails to a Bare Roof
If your Highlander has no rails, you can install Toyota’s factory rails (requires drilling and professional installation) or use clamp-style racks that grip the roof at the door frame. Clamp-style racks are removable and won’t require permanent modifications, making them a good choice for lease vehicles.
3. Flush-Mount or Raised Rail Systems
Some Highlanders have low-profile flush rails, which need specific crossbars that attach using hidden mounting points. Raised rails (with space between rail and roof) allow for easier universal crossbar attachment and often more accessory options.
Top Roof Rack Brands for Toyota Highlander
Whether you go OEM or aftermarket, stick with reputable brands to ensure a safe, stable fit:
- Toyota OEM – Perfect fit, factory look, but often pricier.
- Thule – Premium build quality, aerodynamic designs, huge accessory lineup.
- Yakima – Durable, versatile, and easy to install; great range of mounts.
- Rhino-Rack – Heavy-duty construction, good value for rugged use.
- Malone – More budget-friendly but still solid for occasional use.
Weight Limits: What Your Highlander Can Handle
One of the most important things to know before adding a roof rack is your vehicle’s dynamic roof load limit—the maximum weight your roof can carry while driving. For most Toyota Highlanders, this is around 165 pounds (75 kg), including the weight of the rack itself. That means if your crossbars weigh 15 pounds, you have about 150 pounds left for gear and accessories.
Exceeding this limit can affect handling, increase rollover risk, and even damage the roof structure. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact rating for your model year.
Installation Basics
Installation will vary depending on your starting point:
If You Have Factory Rails:
- Purchase crossbars designed for Highlander rails (OEM or compatible aftermarket).
- Position the crossbars evenly along the rails for balance and stability.
- Tighten all clamps or bolts per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test for movement by gently shaking—there should be no wobble.
If You Have a Bare Roof:
- Choose a clamp-on rack system matched to your Highlander’s roof width and shape.
- Assemble the towers and crossbars according to the instructions.
- Open the doors and position the towers at the recommended distances from the windshield.
- Secure the clamps to the door frame, making sure the rubber feet are seated correctly.
- Double-check alignment and torque settings before loading gear.
Accessories to Expand Functionality
Once your rack is installed, you can add specialized mounts for your favorite activities:
- Cargo boxes for secure, weatherproof storage
- Roof baskets for open, versatile hauling
- Bike carriers (fork-mount, frame-mount, or wheel-mount)
- Kayak cradles and canoe carriers
- Ski and snowboard racks
Many accessories are tool-free to attach and remove, so you can swap setups depending on the trip.
Noise and Fuel Economy
Any roof rack will create some additional wind resistance, which can lead to extra noise at highway speeds and a slight drop in fuel economy—usually 1–3 mpg. Aerodynamic crossbars and fairings help reduce both. If you don’t use the rack often, consider removing crossbars when not in use to minimize the impact.
Protecting Your Highlander’s Roof
A well-fitted rack won’t damage your roof, but it’s smart to take precautions:
- Clean roof and contact points before installation to avoid trapped dirt scratching the paint.
- Check clamps and bolts periodically, especially after long drives or heavy loads.
- Use clear paint protection film under contact areas for extra security.
Estimated Costs
Adding a roof rack to your Highlander can range widely in price:
- OEM crossbars (with existing rails): $200–$350
- Aftermarket crossbar systems: $150–$400
- Full OEM rail + crossbar kit (for bare roof): $500–$800 installed
- Clamp-style aftermarket system (bare roof): $250–$500
Accessories like cargo boxes or kayak carriers can add $150–$700 depending on quality and features.
When a Roof Rack Might Not Be Ideal
If you rarely need extra cargo capacity, a roof rack may not be worth the cost, extra wind noise, and slight fuel penalty. For occasional big loads, alternatives include hitch-mounted cargo carriers or rear-mounted bike racks, which can be easier to load and unload.
Final Thoughts
Yes—you can absolutely add a roof rack to a Toyota Highlander, and it can transform your SUV into an even more capable adventure vehicle. Whether you already have factory rails or are starting with a bare roof, there’s a solution that will fit securely, carry what you need, and look great doing it. Just be sure to follow weight limits, choose quality components, and install them carefully.
With the right roof rack system, your Highlander can handle everything from weekend camping trips to family ski vacations—without sacrificing comfort inside the cabin.