The Best Bike Rack For Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV that can accommodate a roof, trunk, or hitch bike rack. In order to select a bike rack for Toyota Highlander, you will have to consider a few important factors such as your biking requirements, space requirements, and also the money you are willing to spend. We have picked the best bike racks that can be installed on the Toyota Highlander and also laid out a step-by-step process that should support you make the best choice of bike racks for the Toyota Highlander. If you are in a haste, we have shortlisted the best bike racks for Toyota Highlander right below
| Style | Bike Rack | |
| Premium Hitch for 2 bikes | Platform | Kuat Sherp 2.0 |
| Budget Hitch for 2 bikes | Hanging | Allen Sports |
| Premium Hitch for 4 bikes | Hanging | Thule Apex |
| Budget Hitch for 4 bikes | Hanging | Allen Sports 4 |
| Most Bikes Hitch 6 bikes | Vertical | Yakima Hangover |
| Best Trunk for 3 Bikes | Hanging | Yakima FullBack |
| Budget Trunk for 1 bike | Hanging | Allen Ultra Compact |
| Premium Roof for 1 bike | Platform | UpRide |
Step-by-step guide for selecting the best bike rack for your Highlander
Step 1: Research vehicle specifications relevant to bike racks for Toyota Highlander. Default hitch? Roof rails?
Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV that can accommodate a roof, trunk, and hitch rack. In order to select a bike rack for the Toyota highlander, you will have to consider a few important factors such as your biking requirements, space requirements, and also the money you are willing to spend. We have shortlisted the best bike racks compatible with the Toyota Highlander and also laid out a step-by-step process that should support you in making the best choice of bike racks for the Toyota highlander.
The first step is to know your vehicle type. What type of vehicle is the Toyota highlander and what are its default features related to bike racks? For instance, if the vehicle comes with a default hitch receiver attached or not? What is the size and class of the hitch? Roof rails etc.
To help you choose the finest rack for the Toyota Highlander, we have looked at the latest models and listed the below relevant factors
- Roof rails: 2022 XLE and Hybrid XLE both come with silver painter roof rails
- Towing capacity: The basic 2022 models come with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds while the XLE model comes with an increased capacity of 5,000 pounds.
- Hitch receiver: Currently (2022) the tow hitch receiver is not included in the limited and platinum grades.
Step 2: Know the type of bike racks that exists out there.
Before selecting a rack for a particular vehicle, it is better to consider all the different types that are available in the market. These different bike racks are unique from each other based on their mounting positions. For example, on the roof or trunk of the car. Based on this distribution, the major types are
- Roof bike rack
- Trunk bike rack
- Hitch bike rack
- Truck bed bike rack
Step 3: How many bikes do you want to carry on the Toyota Highlander?
Once you have selected the type of rack to go with, you should check whether the bike rack for Toyota Highlander meets your biking requirements. This includes the number of bikes you own or want to carry on the rack, based on your conditions, you would be searching for single bike racks, 4-bike racks, or 5-bike racks.
Other than that, the types of bikes you own are also important in forming the buying decision of a rack for Highlander. Some bikes require specific types of racks so you should check the bike’s compatibility with the rack. Examples include e-bike hitch racks and fat tire bike racks.
Step 4: Check bike rack compatibility with Toyota Highlanders.
With the knowledge of bike rack types, you can keep the considerations from Step 3 in view and decide on the rack type that you want to go for. To make it easy, we have provided a checklist for the selection of rack types for the Toyota Highlander.
- Roof bike rack – Compatible with Toyota highlander
- Hitch bike rack – Compatible with Toyota highlander
- Trunk bike rack – Compatible with Toyota highlander
- Truck bed bike rack – Not compatible
Trunk bike racks don’t require a hitch receiver or roof rails, the rack is pretty much what you need to transport your bike. The problem is, these racks for SUVs are hard to find. You will need to double-check with the manufacturer’s website to make sure your model year and vehicle are compatible.
Hitch-mount bike racks are great for daily use and overall safety (bike and rack). The rack requires a hitch receiver on Toyota Highlander. On the official website, we see a Class III hitch available for USD 336.30. As far as older models are concerned certain models come with factory-fitted hitches. You can consider the best Toyota Highlander Hitches.
So if a hitch mount rack is the best bike rack for Toyota Highlander in your case, we advise you to be careful about the hitches and research what came with your vehicle. Is the hitch factory fitted? Was an after-market hitch installed? Does it interfere with any other features of the vehicle?
Step 5: Pick from the shortlisted best bike racks for the Toyota highlander
You can see the individuals reviews below along with some comparisons for the best bike racks for the Toyota highlander to help you make a decision
Best Hitch Mount Bike Racks for Toyota Highlander
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Overall & Best Hitch bike rack for Toyota Highlander
- 2 Bike
- Hitch
- Features
- Price
- CSat
- Brand
- Looks
- Security
- Capacity
- 9.0
- 8.2
- 9.5
- 9.0
- 8.2
- 9.0
- 8.0
- Most secure bike rack
- Best customer feedback
- Lightweight at 32 pounds
- Economical for a premium rack
- Minimalist design
- Top quality and sturdy rack
- 2 and 1 1 4 hitch rack
- Holds only two bikes
In our comparison of Kuat Sherp 2.0 versus Easy fold, Sherpa earns higher R scores for customer satisfaction, aesthetics, and value for money. Although both Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Thule Easyfold have a 2-bike capacity, Sherpa has a slightly higher value for money. It is still quite expensive compared to some other bike racks.
Still, we believe that it is the best bike rack for Toyota Highlander and there is no better option if you want to travel with two bikes. It is our best bike rack for rav4, the best 1 1/4 bike rack, and multiple other SUVs as well.
In only a very rare reported case we have found the exhaust of a Toyota Highlander (hybrid) to melt the arm of the bike rack. Apart from that, the rack is well placed in its premium hitch mount carrier category.
Thule EasyFold
- 2 Bike
- Hitch
- Features
- Price
- CSat
- Brand
- Looks
- Security
- Capacity
- 9.0
- 8.0
- 8.9
- 9.0
- 9.0
- 10
- 8.0
- Secure, Aesthetics, and Brand
- Locking system
- Economical for a premium rack
- Minimalist design
- Fast and tool-less installation
- 130-pound load capacity
- Tilting bike rack
- Slightly overpriced from rival rack
Designed for zero frame contact, the bike rack can carry 2 bikes of up to 60 pounds each with up to 5-inch tires, ensuring compatibility with almost any type of bike out there. We highly recommend this rack for valuable bikes so you don’t have to take the risk of their protection.
It is the best option to carry carbon frames with a tilting function and bike and rack security. This rack has all the premium features one could ask for in a bike rack but you would have to spend a lot more than other bike racks.
We cannot confirm the compatibility of this bike rack with the Toyota Highlander hybrid, please confirm with the retailer if your particular model would fit it.
Complete comparison: Sherpa 2.0 vs EasyFold XT
Thule Apex XT | Premium Hanging
Designed to carry up to 4 bikes, this hanging-style hitch mount rack can manage a weight of up to 150 pounds. Comes with the ability to fold and appear compact when not in use. Premium bike rack by the Swedish brand Thule
- Pros: 4 Bikes, Anti Sway, Swing feature
- Cons: Capacity of only 2 bikes, price
Looking for the 4-bike rack for Toyota Highlander? Apex is one of the best quality hanging-style racks for your bikes. Like EasyFold it is a premium rack at a high price but the difference is higher bike capacity and bike carrying style.
Allen Sports 2- Budget Hitch Hanging
Designed to carry up to 2 bikes, this hanging-style rack is the most economical bike rack which offers all the basic features of a hitch mount racks
- Pros: Price
- Cons: Capacity of only 2 bikes, Security
Another great option for Toyota Highlander. If the above-mentioned hitch racks are not affordable, you can go for this rack from Allen Sports with the most features that allow it to serve its purpose. This rack is available for both 1 ¼” and 2” receivers because of an additional hitch adapter. We like this product because it offers adjustability with a number of add-on options.
Toyota Highlander Compatibility Yes
Maxxhaul Hitch Mount 2 Bike | Amazon’s Choice
Designed to carry up to 2 bikes, this hanging-style rack is another economical bike rack that offers all the basic features of a hitch bike rack
- Pros: Price, Saves Space
- Cons: Default Adapter
It is the best bike rack for Toyota Highlander if you are worried about rear visibility. It would be consistent with both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch receivers. You can also access the back of your Highlander with this rack installed thanks to the swing-down feature. So if you own 2 bikes and want an economical way to carry them in safe cradles, we recommend this Maxxhaul bike rack.
Swagman XC2 Hitch – Popular Choice / Best Discount Platform
If you are looking for a popular bike rack tested by lots of people and at a good price, the Swagman XC2 hitch mount bike rack is one of the most popular racks selling on Amazon currently at a 35% discount. The rack is compatible with a 1-1/4 inch and 2-inch receiver. The one drawback we see is that you have to buy a locking hitch pin security cable separately.
- Pros: Price
- Cons: Separate Security System
Thule Velocompact | Tow ball Mount Rack
The Thule Velocompact is an easy-to-use bike rack for carrying two bikes. You can also increase the bike carrying capacity by up to 4 bikes by adding adapters. This rack requires a tow ball for installation and is lockable on the vehicle. You can also lock bikes on the rack and ensure their safety.
Velocompact is among the best Toyota Highlander racks because of its advanced features and adjustability. It has a foot-operated tilting mechanism and extendable wheel holders for larger bikes this way you can carry bikes of different geometries on this rack. It also allows easy mounting of bikes.
Best Trunk Bike Racks for Toyota Highlander
Yakima Fullback | Overall Best SUV Bike Rack No Hitch 2022
- 3 Bike
- Trunk
- Features
- Price
- CSat
- Brand
- Looks
- Security
- Capacity
- 8.0
- 8.0
- 8.8
- 10
- 8.0
- 10
- 9.0
- Brand and Security
- Compatibility with SUV
- FULL SKS Locking package
- Fits over spoilers as well
- Strongest injection-molded arms
- Rubber ends to protect the vehicle
- Slightly heavy
FullBack by Yakima is a premium trunk mount bike rack with a FULL SKS locking package, ensuring that the frame locks to the vehicle and the bike to the rack. The rack comes in a ruggedly modern style with a limited lifetime warranty by Yakima. This trunk-mounted rack is the most suitable for Toyota Highlander and also has security features.
While we feel it’s slightly over-priced compared to other trunk bike racks but given the additional features, it seems like a fair ask. Having security features included with a trunk mount rack is rare. Overall, the rack scores very high on aesthetics, security, quality, brand, and convenience of use.
This car mount for bikes gets an R score of 8.8 with top scores in capacity and compatibility, security, and brand as well. We also recommend this SUV bike rack with no hitch for several different SUVs. It’s our top recommendation for the Toyota RAV4 bike rack as well.
Saris Bones EX
Does not require a hitch or a roof rail, unlike hitch and roof bike carriers.
With an option of 2 or 3 bikes, this rack is one of the most popular and best-rated no-hitch racks on Amazon. It comes in a minimalist design with ratchet-style straps which simply look pro!
- Overall Rack Score 8.1
- Pros: Design, Customer Satisfaction
- Cons: Locking system
- 3 Bikes
- Trunk
We believe Saris Bones is a good option for Toyota Highlander and other SUVs. It is compatible with Highlander 5 Door 2014 -2019 and comes in options for 2 or 3 bikes. It is one of the most popular and best-rated no-hitch bike racks on Amazon. It comes in a minimalist design with ratchet-style straps which simply look pro!
The Saris Bones 2 and Saris Bones 3 have different bike capacities. They have earned total R scores of 7.85 and 8.1 respectively. So if you want to carry 3 bikes you can go for Saris Bones 3 at almost the same price as Saris Bones 2. These racks do not have a locking mechanism but you can devise your own security system.
… Read the complete review on Saris Bones…
Allen Ultra Compact Trunk Budget Choice Hanging
Does not require a hitch or a roof rail, unlike hitch and roof mount bike racks.
Designed for minivans, SUVs, hatchbacks,s, and sedans the rack can carry up to 2 bikes in hanging style. The minimalist-designed trunk bike rack offers a decent rack option for occasional travel with bikes.
- Pros: Price, Minimalist design
- Cons: Minimal Features
Want the most economical trunk mount carrier for 1 or 2 bikes? Allen Sports is a popular brand that has manufactured multiple racks that are available at a very price. And that too, while maintaining high quality. This rack is compatible with many different vehicles and comes at around 50 USD. But keep in mind that we recommend it only for lightweight bikes.
Thule Gateway Pro
Thule Gateway Pro is one of the best bike racks for Toyota Highlander. This rack has the capacity for 2 or 3 bikes and is very similar to Saris Bones in appearance. This hanging-style trunk mount rack can be secured on your Highlander with the help of 6 straps.
The best part is that it comes with an integrated cable lock. Your bikes would not scratch because the cradles are spaced 7” apart. Moreover, these cradles are versatile and can fit different geometries. When not being used you can fold down the arms on this rack and save space.
Allen Sports Premier
This bike rack is by far the most inexpensive option for carrying 2 to 4 bikes. Allen Sports Premier is compatible with most vehicles including SUVs and it is among the best bike rack for Toyota Highlander. It sets up quickly and has long carry arms that can hold each bike up to 35 pounds.
This trunk-mount rack has lateral stability thanks to the two side straps. It is easy to install and makes loading the bikes easier with its dual compound cradles. Also, the rack feet are wide which helps distribute the weight in a better way and these feet are padded to protect your vehicle.
Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top trunk rack
If you are finding an adjustable bike carrier, Over-The-Top can be the best bike rack for Toyota Highlander. This product from Hollywood Racks adjusts for hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs and would even work with cars that have spoilers. It rests stably on the vehicle with the help of straps.
Bike cradles are made of rubber and do not let the bikes sway. You can carry your bikes that do not weigh more than 35 pounds each. Now it can include any type, from kids’ bikes to mountain bikes just make sure their weight is under the limit. Moreover, the installation is easy and does not require assembly.
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B
This trunk bike rack is compact and has a simple design. It has a one-bike version as well but you can buy the 2 or 3 bike version if you own more bikes. This bike rack for Toyota Highlander is fully assembled but we do not suggest it for vehicles with a spoiler.
The lower padded feet protect the vehicle and keep bikes away from it. You will be able to install it easily and when not in use, you can fold it to save space. This rack is protected from rust due to E-coating but it might block the rearview.
Best Roof Bike Racks for Toyota Highlander
ProRide XT | Amazon’s Choice
If your car lacks a hitch receiver, this Amazon’s choice roof rack can be a good option. The rack is quite simple to attach, prevents damage to the bike because of soft claw pads, and automatically adjusts the bike once it is secured. Like all roof racks, it makes loading the bike a bit difficult and two security locks have to be bought separately.
- Pros: Quality, Design
- Cons: Capacity
UpRide Thule Roof Mount Rack
This strap-style roof rack works for a range of bike types such as carbon frame bikes, bikes with bottle cages, and rear suspension. The rack prevents any frame contact and keeps the bike safe and secure in a position. But the bikes rock around a little in this rack and it is expensive.
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- Pros: Quality
- Cons: Price
FastRide Thule Roof Bike Rack
This bike rack makes the mounting of the bike super easy for the user. The fork-style roof bike rack is carbon frame and disc brake compatible. The only downside is that the user has to remove the front wheel of the bike and the rack is a bit expensive.
- Pros: Quality, CSat
- Cons: Price
FastRide Thule Roof Bike Rack
This bike rack makes the mounting of the bike super easy for the user. The fork-style roof bike rack is carbon frame and disc brake compatible. The only downside is that the user has to remove the front wheel of the bike and the rack is a bit expensive.
- Pros: Quality, CSat
- Cons: Price
Roof mount racks can be the best bike-carrying option if your Highlander does not have a hitch and you do not want to buy one separately and get it installed.
We have compared four Thule roof bike racks in our article and have rated them based on R (rack) score values.
And if you still want to explore more racks for Toyota Highlander, we recommend that you do a little research on all the available bike rack types. We have put a detailed article on our website about these different types with pictorial explanations as well.
Bike rack which can be fixed inside Toyota Highlander?
Bike racks that can be fixed inside SUVs are gaining popularity because of obvious reasons such as the security and protection of bikes. Find out other benefits of these racks along with demerits and see if they are suitable for Highlander and biking requirements.
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