What is the Roof Weight Capacity of a 2012 Toyota Highlander with Factory Roof Rack

Updated 02/19/2026 | Published 12/14/2013

Question:

I have a 2012 Toyota Highlander with factory crossbars and have noticed a decent amount of flex in the bars when our sky box is loaded down. The lowest rating I can find out there is 99 lbs for these bars, which is fairly low given that the box is 37+/- lbs. Would it help to put a thule areoblade? Could I get the 65 additonal lbs that these systems offer with less flex?

asked by: Nathan M

Expert Reply:

I spoke with a tech at my local Toyota dealer and he told me that the roof weight capacity for the 2012 Toyota Highlander is 100 lbs. This weight capacity applies to factory or aftermarket crossbars.

I'd still recommend going with aftermarket crossbars like the Thule WingBar, # TH62VA, because they will not flex as much as the OEM crossbars. You will still be limited to the 100 lbs weight capacity of the vehicle roof, but the crossbars included with these systems have been rated for 165 lbs and would not flex as much.

expert reply by: John H