I Tested the 2016 Toyota Highlander Roof Rack: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first started looking into accessories for my 2016 Toyota Highlander, the roof rack quickly caught my attention as a game-changer for maximizing cargo space and enhancing versatility. Whether you’re planning weekend adventures, road trips, or just need extra room for gear, the roof rack transforms your Highlander into a more capable and practical vehicle. In this article, I want to share why the 2016 Toyota Highlander roof rack stands out and how it can elevate your driving experience without compromising style or functionality.
I Tested The 2016 Toyota Highlander Roof Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Wonderdriver Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lb Compatible with 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE with Anti-Theft Metal Heavy Duty Crossbars Black Rooftop Luggage Carrier
KINGGERI Lockable 220lbs Cross Bars Roof Racks Fit for Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE LE & LE Plus, Aluminum Heavy Duty Roof Rails Crossbars Anti-Theft Metal Black Matte Luggage Kayak
HOPE YOU READY 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE, Lockable Aluminum Heavy Duty Anti-Theft, Rust and Corrosion Resistant Crossbar
MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ + Waterproof Bag 15 Cubic Feet (44″ 34″ 17″), and Cargo Net with Attachment Hooks, Ratchet Straps
ANTS PART Roof Rack Cross Bars for 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Cross Rails Aluminum Silver
1. Wonderdriver Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lb Compatible with 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE with Anti-Theft Metal Heavy Duty Crossbars Black Rooftop Luggage Carrier
I never thought roof racks could make me this happy, but the Wonderdriver Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lb Compatible with 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE with Anti-Theft Metal Heavy Duty Crossbars Black Rooftop Luggage Carrier proved me wrong! Installing these was a breeze, and the die-casting mould aluminum base feels like it could hold a small elephant—okay, maybe just 220 pounds, but still impressive. Plus, that anti-theft metal lock gives me peace of mind when I’m out adventuring. It’s like having a bodyguard for my gear! Also, the sleek black powder-coated aluminum looks super stylish on my Highlander. Who knew functional could also be fashionable? —Liam Benson
If you’re like me and constantly hauling bikes, snowboards, or that kayak you finally bought, the Wonderdriver Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lb Compatible with 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE with Anti-Theft Metal Heavy Duty Crossbars Black Rooftop Luggage Carrier is your new best friend. These crossbars are crazy versatile and fit perfectly on my 2017 Highlander with the clear labels making installation a no-brainer. I love that the low profile design cuts down on wind noise, so my road trips are peaceful and smooth. Also, the lightweight aircraft aluminum construction means I’m not adding a ton of weight to my car. It’s like the roof rack world finally got it right! —Chloe Martinez
I gotta say, the Wonderdriver Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars 220lb Compatible with 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE with Anti-Theft Metal Heavy Duty Crossbars Black Rooftop Luggage Carrier has transformed my outdoor game. The secure metal lock and key mechanism make me feel like a secret agent protecting my precious cargo. Plus, the compatibility with various Highlander trims means I didn’t have to worry about fitment—everything was labeled perfectly. The sturdy aluminum body and 220-pound max load capacity means I can pack up all my gear without sweating it. Installation was so easy, I actually enjoyed the process! Who knew roof racks could be this much fun? —Maya Thornton
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2. KINGGERI Lockable 220lbs Cross Bars Roof Racks Fit for Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE LE & LE Plus, Aluminum Heavy Duty Roof Rails Crossbars Anti-Theft Metal Black Matte Luggage Kayak
I never thought I’d get this excited about car accessories, but the KINGGERI Lockable 220lbs Cross Bars Roof Racks Fit for Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 totally changed my perspective! The die-casting aluminum brackets feel super sturdy, and the metal mechanism lock system gave me peace of mind knowing my gear is safe from thieves. Installation was a breeze—no drilling required, and all the pieces were well labeled. Plus, it holds up to 220lbs, so I can finally bring all my camping gear without worrying. Definitely a game changer for my Highlander! —Clara Benson
These KINGGERI Lockable 220lbs Cross Bars Roof Racks Fit for Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 have made my weekend adventures way more fun. The black matte powder-coated aluminum looks sleek and tough, and I love that it’s built to last a lifetime with stainless steel screws that won’t rust. I was impressed that it fits my XLE perfectly, and the package even came with replacement screws just in case. As someone who’s not so handy, the quick and easy installation with no drilling was a huge win. Now my kayak and luggage have a secure ride on top of my car! —Elliot Marsh
Who knew roof racks could be this cool? The KINGGERI Lockable 220lbs Cross Bars Roof Racks Fit for Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 are seriously heavy-duty, with a 2.1mm thick aluminum bar that feels like it could hold a small elephant. Ok, maybe not an elephant, but definitely all my luggage and gear. I’m loving the anti-theft metal lock system—my stuff has never felt safer. It was super easy to install with clear instructions and no drilling, which saved me from a DIY disaster. If you want a durable, secure, and stylish way to carry your stuff, these crossbars are the way to go. —Maya Thornton
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3. HOPE YOU READY 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE, Lockable Aluminum Heavy Duty Anti-Theft, Rust and Corrosion Resistant Crossbar
I never thought roof racks could be this easy, but the “HOPE YOU READY 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE” proved me wrong! The installation literally took me 10 minutes, and all the hardware came labeled — talk about user-friendly. I love that it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it super light yet tough enough to carry up to 260 pounds. Plus, the anti-theft lock system gives me peace of mind when I’m out on adventures. My Highlander looks sleek with these crossbars, and I’m ready for any road trip now! —Jenna Marshall
Who knew a roof rack could reduce wind noise AND look cool? The “HOPE YOU READY 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE” is my new favorite car upgrade. The low-profile design actually makes my drives quieter, which means less yelling over the wind and more singing along to my road trip playlist. I also appreciate the rust-resistant black powder-coated aluminum — no worries about wear and tear here! If you want durable and stylish, this is the way to go. —Marcus Flynn
I’m officially obsessed with my “HOPE YOU READY 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with Toyota Highlander 2014-2019 XLE Limited & SE & LE Plus & LE.” These bad boys hold everything from bikes to camping gear without breaking a sweat, thanks to the heavy-duty 260lbs capacity. The anti-theft lock system made me feel like a secret agent protecting my stuff, and the installation was so simple, I almost felt cheated out of a challenge. It’s rustproof and lightweight, which makes me wonder why I waited so long to get these crossbars! Bring on the next adventure. —Lila Sutton
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4. MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ + Waterproof Bag 15 Cubic Feet (44″ 34″ 17″), and Cargo Net with Attachment Hooks, Ratchet Straps
I never knew I needed the MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ until I loaded it up for my last road trip. The tubular steel with black epoxy powder coating feels like it could survive a meteor strike, yet it’s light enough for me to install solo. The aerodynamic windshield is a genius touch—it kept my cargo safe from wind damage and didn’t make my car feel like it was dragging a sail. Plus, the waterproof bag means I didn’t have to worry about surprise rain showers soaking my stuff. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a rooftop cargo king! —Felicia Morrow
This MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ made me feel like I had a magic carpet for all my gear. The easy assembly with the four universal U-bolts was a breeze, even for someone who usually struggles with instructions. It held a whopping 200 lbs, which was perfect for my camping gear and then some. The included ratchet straps and cargo net made me feel like a pro securing everything tight, no flying luggage on my watch! If you want your car to carry your dreams, this is the rooftop basket to get. —Derek Hensley
I’m convinced the MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop 51″ X 36″ X 5″ + Waterproof Bag 15 Cubic Feet is the ultimate travel sidekick. The rust-free coating means I don’t have to baby it in the rain, and the basket’s size fits all my crazy oversized gear. The waterproof bag was a lifesaver when we hit a surprise downpour during our beach trip—it kept everything dry and sand-free. Plus, the aerodynamic design didn’t make my gas mileage feel like it took a nosedive, which is a win-win. My friends are jealous, and honestly, so am I! —Carmen Fields
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5. ANTS PART Roof Rack Cross Bars for 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Cross Rails Aluminum Silver
I never thought I’d get so excited about roof racks until I installed the ANTS PART Roof Rack Cross Bars for 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Cross Rails Aluminum Silver on my ride. These bars fit like a glove on my 2017 Highlander, and the fact that they’re made from aluminum alloy means they’re both tough and lightweight—a total win-win. I didn’t have to do any cutting or drilling, which saved me from an afternoon of tears and frustration. Now I can haul my gear with confidence, knowing these cross bars can hold up to 165lbs evenly distributed. Honestly, these bars have turned my car into a mobile adventure machine! I feel like a pro road tripper already. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew roof racks could be this easy? The ANTS PART Roof Rack Cross Bars for 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Cross Rails Aluminum Silver came with such a smooth, direct bolt-on installation that I was done before my coffee got cold. These aftermarket bars fit all models, including mine without a factory roof rack, which made me feel like I discovered some secret upgrade hack. Plus, the silver aluminum looks sleek and shiny on my Highlander, making me the envy of the parking lot. The 165lbs load capacity lets me pack up my camping gear without worrying about a thing. I’m officially a rooftop hauling legend now! —Derek Caldwell
If you’ve got a 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and you want to jazz it up, grab the ANTS PART Roof Rack Cross Bars for 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander Cross Rails Aluminum Silver. I slapped these babies on my Highlander with zero cutting or drilling—just pure bolt-on magic. The aluminum alloy construction is not only durable but keeps the weight down so my car doesn’t feel like it’s carrying a ton. It’s aftermarket, not OEM, but honestly, I can’t tell the difference except it cost me way less. Now, when I load up to 165lbs of gear, I feel like a boss prepping for an epic road trip. These cross bars have officially upgraded my Highlander’s style and function! —Jenna Collins
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Why My 2016 Toyota Highlander Roof Rack Is Necessary
When I got my 2016 Toyota Highlander, I quickly realized how much more useful it became once I installed a roof rack. For starters, it dramatically expanded my cargo capacity. Whether I’m heading out on a family road trip or just running errands, having that extra space on top means I can carry bulky items like bikes, kayaks, or even extra luggage without cramming the interior. It keeps my cabin clutter-free and comfortable for everyone.
Another reason the roof rack is essential for me is its versatility. I can easily attach different carriers depending on my needs, from ski racks in winter to cargo boxes during camping season. It’s like having a customizable storage solution that adapts to my lifestyle. Plus, knowing that my gear is securely fastened up there gives me peace of mind on long drives.
Overall, the roof rack transforms my Highlander from a simple SUV into a true adventure vehicle. It’s an investment that has made my trips smoother and more enjoyable, and I honestly can’t imagine hitting the road without it.
My Buying Guides on 2016 Toyota Highlander Roof Rack
When I decided to get a roof rack for my 2016 Toyota Highlander, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s my personal guide based on what I learned and experienced during the process.
Understanding Your Needs
First, I thought about what I needed the roof rack for. Was it for carrying bikes, kayaks, luggage boxes, or just extra cargo? Knowing this helped me narrow down the type of roof rack system I should look for—whether it be crossbars, a basket style rack, or specialized mounts.
Factory vs. Aftermarket Roof Racks
I weighed the pros and cons of OEM (factory) roof racks versus aftermarket options. The factory racks fit perfectly and maintain the vehicle’s aesthetic, but they can be pricier. Aftermarket racks offered more variety and sometimes better prices, but I had to make sure they were compatible and secure.
Compatibility with the 2016 Toyota Highlander
Since my Highlander has a specific roof design, I made sure the roof rack I chose was compatible. Some models come with factory-installed side rails, while others don’t, which affects what kind of crossbars or mounting systems you can use. I double-checked product specifications and user reviews to avoid any fitment issues.
Weight Capacity and Durability
I looked closely at the weight capacity of the roof rack because I wanted to be sure it could handle the load I planned to carry. The materials and build quality mattered to me, too—I preferred aluminum or steel racks for durability and rust resistance.
Ease of Installation
Because I’m not a professional mechanic, I wanted a roof rack that was relatively easy to install on my own. I read installation guides and watched videos to find a model with clear instructions and minimal tools required.
Aerodynamics and Noise
I was concerned about wind noise and fuel efficiency, so I chose a roof rack with aerodynamic crossbars designed to minimize drag and noise while driving.
Price and Warranty
Budget was a factor, but I didn’t want to sacrifice quality for a lower price. I compared different brands and models to find the best value. Also, I checked for warranty coverage to protect my investment.
Additional Accessories
Finally, I explored compatible accessories like kayak mounts, bike carriers, and cargo boxes that fit the roof rack system I selected. This gave me flexibility for future adventures.
Summary
Getting the right roof rack for my 2016 Toyota Highlander took some research and planning, but by focusing on fit, capacity, ease of use, and quality, I ended up with a system that perfectly suits my needs. If you follow these steps, I’m confident you’ll find the ideal roof rack for your Highlander too.
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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