The Toyota Highlander is an incredibly spacious sports utility vehicle with a lot of cool performance features. But what if you need more space than this SUV offers?
To have the storage space you need, consider researching and finding roof cargo boxes for a Toyota Highlander. These items provide more storage space, preventing you from overfilling the interior of your vehicle. Plus, they look cool sitting on top of your automobile.
So, how do you know which roof cargo box is the best? Fortunately, I'm here to help you find the perfect Toyota Highlander roof cargo box.
the Best Roof Cargo Box for a Toyota Highlander Comparison
the Best Roof Cargo Box for a Toyota Highlander Reviews
What’s the Best Roof Cargo Box for a Toyota Highlander? (2018-2022 Models)
Now that you know more about roof cargo boxes, it’s time to look at the best Toyota Highlander car top carriers. You’ll also hear these items referred to as roof cargo boxes.
To find the best roof cargo boxes for Toyota Highlander, I took a look at the best-reviewed roof boxes. After determining which of these roof cargo boxes could safely fit on a Toyota Highlander, I were all set. I'm now proud to show you an in-depth look at each of these roof cargo boxes.
1. Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box - Our #1 Toyota Highlander Car Top Carrier:
If you're looking for a new roof cargo box for a Toyota Highlander, check out the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box. This roof cargo box features a tool-free mounting system that emits a clicking noise when this item is properly installed.
This roof box also comes with a dual-side opening, letting you and your passengers easily access your items. You'll find that this feature comes in handy while riding with people that need access to anything inside of a roof cargo box.
Another cool feature of this roof cargo box is that it has a narrow design, allowing this item to pair well with a Toyota Highlander ski rack.
What's great about the Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box is that it's compatible with Toyota Highlander models from the past. This is a great choice as a 2018 Toyota Highlander roof cargo box. But it's also capable of fitting on 2018-2022 models.
The Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box comes in four sizes: Sport, L, XL, and XXL. Each of these roof boxes features a 165 lb load capacity.
Dimensions:
The smallest Thule Force XT is the Sport model that offers 11 cubic feet of volume. This roof box is 74.75 inches long, 24.75 inches wide, and 16.75 inches tall. The roof box itself weighs 32 lbs. It’s capable of holding 3-5 pairs of skis and 3-4 snowboards. This item’s smaller size is great if you need a smaller 2021 Toyota Highlander roof cargo box.
Moving up in size, there’s also the Thule Force XT - L. This roof box offers 16 cubic feet of volume. The dimensions of this roof box are 74.75 inches long, 33 inches wide, and 18 inches tall. It weighs a total of 41 lbs. This roof box can hold 5-7 pairs of skis and 3-5 snowboards.
Next, there’s the Thule Force XT - XL. This roof box features measurements of 82.75 inches long, 33.75 inches wide, and 17.25 inches tall. It’s a little heavier than the previously mentioned boxes, weighing in at 47 lbs. It can also hold 5-7 pairs of skis and 3-5 snowboards.
Finally, we have the Thule Force XT - XXL. This item is the heaviest roof cargo box, weighing in at 52 lbs. The dimensions of this roof box are 90.5 inches long, 35.5 inches wide, and 18.5 inches tall.
Video: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Video Credit: Rack Outfitters – Click Here to watch directly on YouTube
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box Comparison Table
2.SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box:
Another popular option to consider is the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box. This roof cargo box can fit most vehicles, including the Toyota Highlander. Because of that, this is a great 2022 Toyota Highlander roof cargo box. But it should also work well for other, older models.
Like many of Thule's roof boxes, the SportRack Vista XL also features tool-mounting hardware. This means you won't have to visit a hardware store or get your toolbox to install this roof box. The SportRack Vista XL is great if you want a 2021 Toyota Highlander roof cargo box that’s easy to install.
Unlike other roof boxes that might open from the sides, this item features a rear opening. This feature could be a drawback if you prefer dual-side openings on your roof box. With that said, the rear opening works well to keep your precious items away from the view of people.
Made with ABS plastic, this roof box from SportRack offers superior durability. This type of plastic is also UV resistant, meaning you shouldn't have to worry about the sun fading its color. What's also great about this strong plastic coating is that it's a breeze to clean. All you need is a little soap and water to clean this item. Just make sure to take your items out of it before sloshing around soap and water.
Dimensions:
The SportRack Vista XL weighs a total of 28 pounds. It is 62.5 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 19 inches tall.
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box Comparison Table
3. JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier - A Great 2021 Toyota Highlander Roof Cargo Box:
We can't talk about the best 2022 Toyota Highland roof cargo box without mentioning a newer item from JEGS. The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier Car Top Luggage Box is a great way to store items on top of your Highlander.
This roof cargo box is made from strong HDPE plastic. Plus, it's also waterproof! With its four corner locking system, you'll never have to worry about your items getting rained or snowed on. Like many other roof cargo boxes in this list, the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier features dual-side openings for easy access to all of your items. If you want a 2020 Toyota Highlander roof cargo box with dual-side openings, the JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier might be perfect.
JEGS is a company that's also following the understandably popular trend of making its roof boxes easier to install. This roof cargo box also offers an easy, tool-free installation process. Plus, the instructions were super easy to follow. You should have this roof cargo box on top of your Toyota Highlander in no time.
If it's an important factor for you, this roof cargo box is also made in the United States.
Dimensions:
The JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier weighs a total of 35 pounds. The dimensions of this roof box are 61.35 inches long, 39 inches wide, and 12 inches tall.
Video: JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Video Credit: JEGS Performance – Click Here to watch directly on YouTube
JEGS Rooftop Cargo Carrier Comparison Table
4. Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier:
As you might have noticed, a roof box from Thule is making another appearance in this list. This isn't because we have any kind of bias for Thule. Instead, they're simply a company that manufactures high-quality roof boxes for Toyota Highlanders and other vehicles.
With that said, the Thule Motion XT does have distinct differences between other products from this company. Let's take a closer look at the Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier.
One of the similarities that this roof box shares with other boxes from Thule is its signature quick-lock installation system. Yes, if you install the Thule Motion XT properly, you should hear that familiar click. I can't tell you how comforting that click is to hear. This is a feature I hope other roof cargo manufacturers consider adding to their vehicles in the future.
With Thule, you can tell that this company implements features that might be small. But they're also incredibly useful. For instance, this roof box features grip-friendly handles that make it easier than normal to open and close this item.
Each Thule Motion XT roof cargo box is capable of holding up to 165 lbs of weight.
Dimensions:
The Thule Motion XT is available in three sizes: L, XL, and XXL. The Thule Motion L provides 16 cubic feet of total volume. This roof cargo box is 77 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 17 inches tall. The L model weighs 42 lbs.
If you need something a little larger, check out the Thule Motion XT - XL. This roof box features 18 cubic feet of storage volume. It’s also a little larger than the L model. Instead, the XL cargo box is 84.5 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 17 inches tall. The XL model is a bit heavier, weighing in at 46 lbs.
Lastly, we have the Thule Motion XT - XXL. This roof box is perfect if you need the most amount of storage space possible. The XXL features 22 cubic feet of storage space. This cargo box is 91.5 inches long, 37.5 inches wide, and 18 inches tall.
Video: Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Video Credit: Rack Outfitters – Click Here to watch directly on YouTube
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier Comparison Table
5. Yakima RocketBox Pro - Best Option for Smaller Toyota Highlanders:
As you know, the 2021 Toyota Highlander underwent upgrades to make it larger. If you own a Highlander made before 2021, it's going to be smaller than newer models. Considering that, we recommend the Yakima RocketBox Pro as a great 20021 Toyota Highlander roof box.
While the RocketBox Pro is a smaller roof box, that doesn't mean it's lacking in available storage volume or neat features. With quick-dial mounting hardware, you shouldn't be spending lots of time setting this item up.
Something else you'll notice while driving with this roof box on your vehicle is how quiet it is. This lack of roof box-related noise comes from the RocketBox Pro's sleek, aerodynamic design. The design of this roof box helps to reduce drag, meaning you won't be hearing your items rolling around or wind whipping against anything.
What makes this a great 2019 Toyota Highlander roof box is that it still offers 12 cubic feet of storage. If you're not ready to commit to the price or size of an extremely large roof cargo box, consider the Yakima RocketBox Pro.
Dimensions:
The Yakima RocketBox Pro weighs a total of 45 lbs. This item is 58 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 16 inches tall.
Yakima RocketBox Pro Comparison Table
How Do You Install a Roof Rack on a Toyota Highlander?
Now that you know about the best Toyota Highlander roof boxes, it’s time to learn how to install them. Don’t worry; most modern roof boxes are incredibly easy to install. Here’s a closer look at how to install a roof rack on a Toyota Highlander.
Step 1: Gather all of your roof box materials. This includes any tools or mounting items that come with your roof box. Fortunately, every roof box in this list doesn’t require the use of any special tools.
Step 2: It’s now time to secure your roof box’s mount to your crossbars. The mount is an item that provides a secure base for your roof box. Fortunately, this step is easier than it might sound. All you need to do is attach the crossbars to your mount, using screws to make a tight connection if need be.
Note: If you need crossbars for your Toyota Highlander, we recommend the Autekcomma Roof Rack Crossbars.
Step 3: Now, you’ll want to start attaching your roof box to the mount. With certain roof boxes, you’ll hear an audible click after properly securing this item to its mount. If your roof box isn’t one that offers a click feature, check to make sure your cargo box isn’t wobbling. At this point, you might need to screw your roof box to its mount.
Here’s a video generalized installation guideline:
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed this look at the best Toyota Highlander roof cargo boxes. These items can provide you with more storage space and they look great on top of a vehicle. If you would like to learn more about roof cargo boxes, we encourage you to visit theroofboxes.com. At this website, we help our readers find the perfect roof box with our reviews, guides, tips, and much more!
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API