We didn't get them on our last 08 Highlander and regretted it. We still don't use them much but I'm glad we got them this time so we have the option to mount stuff up there. Our 21 Highlander has the full length moonroof so I do worry a little about anything scratching or damaging it...

 

I do not have them because my garage is too low. Other people complained about excessive noise caused by cross bars

 

Haven't noticed any noise from the crossbars themselves, but I do get a whistle with my canoe carriers attached. Otherwise, no complaints. They are well positioned with regards to the panoramic roof; they seem to fall in the same sightlines as the breaks in the roof, so you don't really lose any view by having them.

 

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A canoe, good for you. My inventory of usage is using roof rack for the last 20 plus years to bring home a Christmas tree. LOL

 

No noise or mileage hit that I can notice. Looks great and completes the look imo.

 

What's to regret! Aerodynamic, mounted in dedicated positions for noise reduction.

Four bolts and 5 minutes and it's off; 4 bolts and 5 minutes and it's on. When you need 'em; you really need 'em

 

Glad we got them. No wind noise to speak of, and Yes MPG goes down a bit when putting a carry on, but that what the cross bars are all about. Glad we did it, and would do it again

 

Ordered mine

 

Does anyone have an oem Toyota discount site to get accessories? The shipping almost makes buying cost prohibitive.

 

I've purchased my cross bars, cargo cover, and OEM cargo liner from bamwholesaleparts.com. It was cheaper than getting them directly from the dealership. I'm not sure about the cost comparison to other websites though.

 

See if your local dealer participates on parts.toyota.com. If they do and if they offer some amount of discount when buying online through that site, then you can get the discounted price and simply pick up the parts when they're ready. It's nice to get some savings off MSRP that aren't completely absorbed by shipping costs.

 

I have after market crossbars and they are working fine. I only need them a couple times a year but yeah, vacations would be bare bones without the roof top carrier...

 

Coworker got a twin of mine but has cross bars. I may get some soon as it kind of finishes the look.

 

Is there any wind noise? Where did you buy them? Brand? I see some on Amazon but not many ratings on those.

 

Had mine on since purchase. No noticeable noise or mileage issues. Go OEM.

 

i just took a first road trip with the bars and a cargo box. Good news is noise is less than most cars when the bars are installed. I couldn't even tell they were on the highlander. With the box installed there was a little noise but less than on other cars.
The bad news is mileage took a rather sizable hit with the roof box installed, about 20%. More so than on other cars. It's possible that I was unlucky with heavy winds and rain but regardless, I was surprised.

 

i just took a first road trip with the bars and a cargo box. Good news is noise is less than most cars when the bars are installed. I couldn't even tell they were on the highlander. With the box installed there was a little noise but less than on other cars.
The bad news is mileage took a rather sizable hit with the roof box installed, about 20%. More so than on other cars. It's possible that I was unlucky with heavy winds and rain but regardless, I was surprised.

What is this Box you mention? thanks in advance.

 

I don't believe I have ever seen a Highlander going down the road using the roof racks. I wouldn't bother myself.

 

Haha, you must not pay close attention then...every time I travel to the beach or on long trips, I see several.....granted, this summer will be the first time for mine since it is new to me but I have seen many on the highways....
Week long family beach vacations with all the fixin's, plus fishing gear, a roof top carrier is a must. I have a hitch hauler too. I think I was popping a wheelie the whole way to the beach every summer in our MDX!

 

If you need to carry stuff on the roof, then you need the cross bars.

If you don't need to use the cross bars, unbolt them and save some mpg's.

 

Crossbars are quiet, however my Thule basket is loud.

 

Recently took our Highlander on vacation and we never noticed any issues with noise from the crossbars (driving long distance up to 85 or so mph). Also recently used the cross bars to carry our 4 kayaks (2 adult and 2 kids) and had no issues. Way easier to load than with our previous Sienna!