So, you are a proud owner of Toyota Highlander and you are also passionate about kayaking as well. That sounds great! But transporting a kayak on the roof of Toyota Highlander is not that easy. You need to purchase a good quality Kayak Roof Rack otherwise; you might have a hard time transporting your kayak on the roof of your Toyota Highlander without getting it damaged in the process. Finding the right kayak rack for your Toyota Highlander should not be complicated. But to make your job easier, here we have listed top 6 racks that you can install on your Toyota Highlander without spending a ton of money.
Mentioned below are some excellent kayak racks which are highly suitable for Toyota Highlander:
Best 5 Kayak Roof Racks for Toyota Highlander
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01. FORWODE Premium Kayak Roof Rack
If you’ve been scratching your head over what kayak rack fits your Toyota Highlander, the FORWODE Premium Kayak Roof Rack might just be the one you gotta look at. Built with heavy-duty steel and coated with anti-rust paint, it don’t shy away from rain, dust, or salty air. Super neat thing is, it’s foldable too, so when you ain’t got no kayak loaded, you can just fold ‘em flat and drive without extra drag. You can haul pretty beefy kayaks with this thing — up to 165 pounds — so even big ol’ fishing kayaks ain’t gonna be no sweat. You even get extra straps and paddle holders, which most brands charge extra for, can you believe that? For a Toyota Highlander owner who’s serious about their weekend kayak runs, it do seems like a smart move.
But don’t be thinking it’s all sunshine with the FORWODE Premium Kayak Rack. It ain’t exactly the lightest rack in the market, so lifting it up for installation can feel kinda annoying if you ain’t got good upper body strength. The instructions ain’t winning no awards either, a bit confusing if you ask me. Still, for its ruggedness and value, most folks say it’s a winner when it comes to kayak racks for Toyota Highlander.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel with anti-rust coating for max durability.
- ✅ Foldable J-bar design fits aerodynamically on Highlander’s roof.
- ✅ Supports kayaks up to 165 lbs – fits fishing kayaks too.
- ✅ Extra straps and paddle holders included in the box.
- ✅ Universal fit for round, square, and aero crossbars.
❌ Cons:
- ❌ A bit on the heavier side, installation might tire ya out.
- ❌ Instruction manual ain’t too clear for first-timers.
- ❌ Foam padding could’ve been a lil’ thicker for kayak protection.
02. PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack
If you’re plannin’ to haul a kayak on yer Toyota Highlander, the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack might just be sittin’ perfect for ya. It’s made heavy-duty but don’t feel like a tank on top, ya know? The adjustable 180° foldable design kinda makes loading a breeze, specially when yer backs already sore from lifting them boats. You can slap two kayaks on there if ya really trying, just gotta be sure you strap ‘em right, otherwise they wobble like a bobblehead doll. People been usin’ it for kayaks, canoes, even some surfboards without much fuss. Plus, that universal mounting system fits sweet on the factory crossbars of the Highlander — no fancy tools or curse words needed, mostly.
But hey, it ain’t all sugar. Some folks noticed the foam padding wears quicker than you’d want if you like road-tripping all summer long. Also, you probably wanna keep an eye on the bolts after a couple trips; couple reviews said they loosen if you don’t double-check. Anyway, here’s the scoop clean and simple:
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Sturdy alloy steel frame handles up to 150 lbs easy.
- ✅ 180° adjustable arms makes loading kayaks way less annoying.
- ✅ Works smooth with most Toyota Highlander crossbars without crazy mods.
- ✅ Comes bundled with extra tie-down straps and mounting accessories.
- ✅ Good for double stacking two smallish kayaks or one big beast.
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Padding might start splitting after heavy long-distance use.
- ❌ Bolts could loosen if you ain’t tightening ’em regular.
- ❌ Instructions ain’t winning no awards for clarity.
- ❌ A bit bulky to fold when you got limited garage height.
03. Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack
When you got yourself a Toyota Highlander, finding the right kayak carrier ain’t just about looks, it’s ‘bout fitting right and holding strong. The Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack comes packed with a smart folding design that make your loading and unloading so much easier, like really, no back-breaking here. Built with heavy-duty steel construction and padded arms, your kayak gets a cushy ride without scratchin’ all over. What’s cool? It folds down flat when you ain’t hauling nothing, so less wind drag and less ugly. Plus, the rack includes straps and mounting hardware already, so you ain’t gotta go buying extras like many cheap racks makes you do. For the Toyota Highlander crossbars, this rack fits sweet if your bars ain’t too round or oddly thick.
Still, not everything about the Leader Accessories kayak rack feels peachy. Some folks find the included straps a little thin when you’re loading heavier fishing kayaks or when driving long distances. And even though they say “universal fit,” it don’t exactly love weird shaped factory bars on some Highlanders, so you gotta double-check before throwing cash. Also, instructions could’ve been wrote better—feels like they was written after three cups of coffee. But honestly, for a folding J-cradle rack that don’t bust your wallet, it gets the job done way better than some pricier brands people swear by.
Pros:
- ✅ Sturdy steel construction perfect for rougher Toyota Highlander trips
- ✅ Folds flat when not in use, reducing wind drag and keeping Highlander sleek
- ✅ Includes straps and mounting hardware right in the box
- ✅ Soft cushions prevent kayak dings and scratches during bumpy rides
Cons:
- ❌ Straps may feel weak for heavy kayaks or long highway drives
- ❌ Instructions are messy, setup might frustrate ya a bit
- ❌ May not fit odd-shaped or aftermarket crossbars perfectly
04. GZDEMYYXGS Kayak Rack J-Bar
If you got a Toyota Highlander sittin’ in your driveway and need a easy way to haul your kayak around, the GZDEMYYXGS Kayak Rack J-Bar kinda feels like one them no-brainer picks. It’s made with heavy-duty steel, not some cheap junk, and the black powder coating really does helps against rain and rust even when you forgot to take it off after paddlin’. The wide mouth J-bar design makes loading a kayak or even a big surfboard super less of a headache, especially if you ain’t exactly tall. This set also comes with some straps that, even tho they ain’t the fanciest, they do their job holding your kayak sturdy when your Highlander hits bumps. Fits right onto your existing crossbars — just gotta check that your bars ain’t crazy thick or weird-shaped.
Now, it ain’t all sunshine either though. First time you use it, setting the GZDEMYYXGS J-Bar Rack might feels a lil tricky, ‘cause instructions are pretty much like a bad Ikea manual. Also if you planning on loading two kayaks side-by-side, on a Toyota Highlander, space gets tight faster than you’d expect. Still, if you wanna keep things budget-friendly and strong at same time, it’s a real good pick for Highlander owners who needs kayak racks, paddleboard racks, or even to haul a snowboard when winter hits.
Pros:
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel frame that resist rust pretty good
- ✅ Wide J-bar design makes loading easier for one person
- ✅ Comes with decent quality straps included
- ✅ Fits most crossbar setups without needing extra tools
- ✅ Works for kayaks, surfboards, SUP boards, and more
Cons:
- ❌ Instructions could make a grown man cry
- ❌ Only fits 1 kayak unless you got serious Tetris skills
- ❌ Bolts might needs tightening after a few trips
- ❌ Foam padding not the thickest if you carrying heavy kayaks
05. Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier
If you planning to strap your kayak on your Toyota Highlander, the Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier gonna help you big time. It’s made from heavy-duty steel, which not only gives it strength but makes it reliable on highways where winds like to push stuff around. You get those adjustable J-style brackets that fit snugly around different size kayaks, which is super helpful if you got more than one type. It even includes all the mounting hardware and ratchet tie-down straps, so no extra runs to the store (those trips suck, right). Plus, its rust-resistant finish adds a good chunk of life to it, especially if you stay somewhere near beaches or rainy towns.
But hang on, every rose got thorns too. Before slapping it on your Toyota Highlander roof rack, you gotta check because it don’t fit every single crossbar type perfectly. Some users said it needs a bit of fiddling. Also, while it can handle most single kayaks, it ain’t ideal for tandem or extra wide kayaks — it’ll feel real cramped. Overall though, for a solo paddler looking for a solid J-style kayak rack, you really gonna like how Reese Explore do the job without costing a fortune.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Strong heavy-duty steel build with rust-resistant finish
- ✅ Fits nicely on most factory or aftermarket roof racks like Highlander’s
- ✅ J-style design makes loading way easier than flat saddles
- ✅ Comes with all straps and mounting stuff included
- ✅ Compact storage when not using
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Might not fit weird-shaped or extra-wide crossbars without tweaking
- ❌ Not really made for very large or tandem kayaks
- ❌ Some users said instructions could’ve been a little more clear
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Toyota Highlander
Getting the right kayak rack for Toyota Highlander ain’t just about slapping something on the roof and hitting the highway. You gotta think smart, or you might end up losing your kayak halfway to the lake. There’s loads of kayak carriers out there, but only a few that’ll really work perfect for your Highlander SUV.
Know Your Toyota Highlander Roof First
You should, before anything else, check if your Highlander got factory-installed roof rails or crossbars. Some Highlanders come with em standard, but some don’t. Without crossbars, a lotta racks ain’t even gonna fit properly, and you’ll end up needing to buy an extra set. Most folks don’t realize: crossbar spread (distance between em) makes a big difference on what type of kayak roof rack fits safe.
Types of Kayak Racks That Actually Fit Highlanders
Different racks work for different folks. Here’s some that matches good with Toyota Highlanders:
- J-cradles: These tilt to the side so you can load kayaks easier. Most Highlander drivers like em cause the SUV’s a bit tall.
- Saddle racks: They cradle the kayak bottom and spread the weight better, but they usually need two people to load up.
- Stackers: Good if you got more than one kayak, cause you can stand em up side by side.
Lots of people just buy cheap kayak holders, and later realize it don’t fit a full-size Highlander roof. Then it’s too late.
What Weight Can Your Highlander Roof Take?
Funny thing is, most Highlander owners never bother checkin the roof load capacity. Toyota says, for a lotta models, you got around 150 pounds max on top. That’s including the rack itself, too. So if you buy a heavy steel roof rack, you ain’t got much left for your kayaks. Aluminum racks be lighter but cost a bit more usually.
A standard touring kayak can weigh between 35 to 70 lbs. Throw two on a heavy rack? You’re pushing it real close to max weight. Not good for your car or your insurance either.
How Often You Hauling That Kayak?
Think about it—are you paddlin every weekend, or just one time every summer? If you’re regular, invest in a tough permanent mount rack. If it’s just a once-in-a-blue-moon kinda thing, go with temporary kayak racks that strap right to the roof. They’re lighter and cheaper but less secure when highway driving.
Also, if you always going solo, racks with load-assist systems help a lot. Trust me, trying to lift a heavy kayak alone onto a tall Highlander roof without it is like wrestling a greased hog.
Weather Resistance is a Big Deal Too
Cheap racks rust faster than you think. If you’re parking your Highlander outside most days, pick racks with stainless steel hardware or powder-coated frames. Corrosion messes up not just the rack but your car paint too, and then you gotta pay for touch-ups.
Also, UV rays crack rubber pads on the cheapies in less than a year sometimes. Better quality racks use UV-resistant materials. You pay a bit more up front, but it pays off real fast.
Watch Out for Wind Noise and Gas Mileage
One thing folks don’t think bout: Some kayak carriers whistle loud once you’re on the highway. And the extra drag can kill your Toyota Highlander’s gas mileage by about 5 to 10% depending on the rack size and shape. Look for aerodynamic racks if you gonna leave it up there year-round.
Popular Brands That Fit Highlanders Real Good
Without getting into top 10 lists or nothin, some brands just work better with Toyota Highlanders. Thule, Yakima, and Malone make racks specifically made for midsize SUVs. They offer models that fit the factory rails perfect without weird modifications.
If your Highlander’s an older one—say a 2014 Toyota Highlander or 2018 Highlander—make double sure you check compatibility, cause dimensions and roof designs changed over the years.
Final Thoughts
Buying a kayak rack for your Toyota Highlander ain’t somethin to rush. Think about your roof setup, how much weight you need to carry, how often you paddling, and how much you wanna spend fixing rust or gas bills later. If you get all that right, you’ll be hauling your kayaks easy and safe for years.
