Which Bike Rack for 2012 Highlander (no hitch)?

[exapkib]

This car has been great for all of our family needs except one--the bike rack. The silly "spoiler" on the back prevents one from using the kinds of racks one would usually put on the back of a vehicle like this.

Is a roof rack my best bet? Several members of our family are short enough that interfacing with the roof of this car.

Anything other options I'm overlooking?

(Hesitant to use Seasucker-type racks as we often take the bikes on long-distance drives (500+ miles on the interstate). Too cautious?)

[Mikej]

Just bet the hitch - if you don’t want oe call uhaul

[Ralph]

Put a 2" receiver hitch on it....then get a hitch mounted rack. Lots of places will install it for you. You won't need the trailer tow wiring kit.

[MilanoTom]

The Saris Bones EX (not the standard Bones) is supposed to fit, with a few qualifications. It's still less money than getting a receiver and good hitch rack.

https://www.saris.com/MobileFitGuide/14c7d5c1-2230-42f6-a899-d9f97cc93cf6#&region=1&make=264&model=5869&year=24698&sort=2&filter-10=on

[nublar]

1upusa with 2" hitch

[joosttx]

Get a hitch.

[peanutgallery]

Considering how much you've spent on your bikes and vehicle, consider nothing less than a 2" hitch and a platform rack. If you like butchering your stuff, get a saris bones. I can't believe that anyone buys those things

[bjf]

I put a hitch on my 2008 Highlander a few years ago. Somewhat surprisingly, the best price I found was at UHaul for the hitch and installation. Having the hitch is a really good thing, though my bike usually travels inside the car itself.

[C40_guy]

My bikes have always gone on top of my wagons and SUVs. Early on I trained my kids to yell toys on top when we got home from a trip...

I always felt that bikes are safest there, if they can't go inside...

[Black Dog]

Put a 2" receiver hitch on it....then get a hitch mounted rack. Lots of places will install it for you. You won't need the trailer tow wiring kit.

This and this.

[exapkib]

Thanks to all for the recommendations and input!

In sum, it seems that the opinion of the group is as follows:

--Hitch mounted rack > roof rack

Looking around, I was pleasantly surprised at how many barely-used second-hand hitch racks seem to be available locally.

The last thing I'll need to check is the loss of clearance in the back. Sounds like a silly question for a vehicle that lives most of its life on road, but we've got some serious dips and ditches in our neck of the woods, and I'd hate to scrape every time we drive (like so many cars around here do).

Thanks again, folks!