How to Add Platform Rack to 2020 Toyota Highlander With Naked Roof

Question:

Hello, I would like to buy a roof platform for my 2020 Toyota Highlander. Ideally I would like to have the platform mount directly to the mounting points on the Toyota not have crossbar rails, to reduce overall height. The rear antenna thing needs about 2-1/2” of vertical clearance under the platform. It looks like a 48” x 60” platform would work well. I will mostly carry a cargo bag, and occasionally lumber and ladder for work. It would be nice to have strapping points or rails along the sides. May I please have help with figuring out what parts I need to buy? Thank you

asked by: Brian E

Expert Reply:

While you can add a platform rack to your 2020 Toyota Highlander, I checked with our manufacturers and there isn't a direct-mount option for your vehicle. So the only option for your Highlander, assuming it does have a naked roof without flush rails, is to add a roof rack which you can then add the platform rack to.

There is one option for this from Yakima, and I verified with them the correct parts for the rack, as well as the correct size of platform needed. The exact parts that will work for your 2020 Highlander are the following:

- Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00426
- BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y28TR
- BaseClip Fit Kit # Y06132
- BaseClip Fit Kit # Y06153

This will give you a roof rack - which you can lock to your Highlander with Lock Cores # Y07204 - that will allow you to mount Yakima's platform. The correct size for this rack is the 55" Long x 49" Wide Yakima LockNLoad Platform Roof Tray # Y05044.

To mount it to the roof rack crossbars what you will need are a quantity of two (one set for each crossbar) of the Crossbar Clamps for Yakima LockNLoad Platform Rack # Y05039.

Using this platform will allow you to carry your cargo, and there are also rails available with the Perimeter Rail Kit for Yakima LockNLoad Platform Racks # Y05055, along with Eye Bolts # Y01162 and Yakima HD Hook Straps # Y01165 for more ways to carry cargo.

This is the only option for a platform for your 2020 Highlander, but is going to serve your needs perfectly. I have added a number of links below for you to check out of video reviews and instructions if you'd like to take a look.