Thule Roof Racks for the Toyota Hilux (NZ Guide)

The Toyota Hilux is the sort of ute that suits a practical roof rack setup. A lot of Hilux owners want something tidy for bikes, boards, skis, ladders, or general gear, so the best setup usually comes down to getting the right fit for the roof and choosing a bar style that does not look out of place on the vehicle.

This guide runs through the main roof rack options for the Toyota Hilux, the mounting styles you may come across, and which setup tends to suit this vehicle best.

Fitment notes for the Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux roof rack fitment varies depending on the year and cab style, so it is worth checking your exact setup before ordering. They all require a bare roof clamp mount, but pre-2015 models use a different kit, so the vehicle year is what matters most.

What roof racks are commonly used for on the Toyota Hilux

For the Hilux, roof racks often end up doing double duty - ladders and timber during the week, then bikes, skis, boards, and kayaks on the weekend. WingBar Evo is usually the better pick if you want extra carrying space without the setup feeling too bulky on the roof.

Top Thule Roof Racks for the Toyota Hilux

Thule WingBar Evo

Image displaying a Silver Thule WingBar Evo system, demonstrating the overhang which is typical with this style of roof rack, and the end cap proudly featuring the Thule logo.

The Thule WingBar Evo is usually the more practical option if you want a bit more flexibility across the top of the vehicle. It is a popular choice for carrying bikes, ski racks, kayak carriers, and roof boxes, and it tends to suit owners who want a setup that is easy to adapt over time.

  • Quiet aerodynamic bar shape with Thule WindDiffuser technology
  • Upper T-track for easy accessory fitment
  • Good all-round option for everyday use

Shop Thule WingBar Evo roof racks for Toyota Hilux

Thule WingBar Edge

Image displaying a Thule WingBar Edge system in black, fitted to a vehicle parked in a ski resort carpark, giving an indication of the sleek streamlined look that this Thule roof rack system is known for.

The Thule WingBar Edge is the tidier, lower-profile option. It is a good fit if you want something that blends into the roofline a bit better and still works well for common accessories like bike racks, ski carriers, and smaller to medium roof boxes.

  • Low-profile look with a more integrated appearance
  • Aerodynamic shape to help reduce wind noise
  • Strong option for a clean everyday setup

Shop Thule WingBar Edge roof racks for Toyota Hilux

Which option usually makes more sense?

For a Toyota Hilux, WingBar Evo is usually the more practical all-round option if you want flexibility for accessories and general carrying duties. WingBar Edge can suit the right setup visually, but Evo will usually make more sense for most Hilux owners.

Mounting options for roof racks on the Toyota Hilux

Depending on the model year and roof type, the Toyota Hilux may use one of the following mounting styles:

Bare Roof

For vehicles without any mounting points, utilizing a pad and clamp mount. Advantages: Peace of mind with Thule's vehicle-specific fitment.

What it comes down to

Thule roof racks are a solid choice for the Toyota Hilux if you want a reliable, well-supported setup that is easy to live with long term. The key is getting the right kit for the vehicle's year and roof type first, then choosing the bar style that best suits what the vehicle is actually going to be used for.

Shop all Toyota Hilux roof racks

Common Toyota Hilux roof rack setup questions

Should I choose Thule WingBar Evo or WingBar Edge for my Toyota Hilux?

For most Toyota Hilux owners, the choice comes down to looks versus loading space. Thule WingBar Edge gives a lower-profile, more factory-style finish, with the bars sitting neatly inside the width of the roof.

Thule WingBar Evo is the more practical choice if you want extra bar width. Because the bars extend past the feet slightly, they give you more room for wider accessory setups like bike racks, kayak carriers, small roof boxes, or mixed accessory loads.

Read our full Thule WingBar Evo vs Edge comparison

What roof type does the Toyota Hilux use?

All Toyota Hilux models we list have Bare roof on the roof.

Making sure you get the correct rack matters - bare roof, raised rail, flush rail and fixed point vehicles all mount differently and use different parts.

What roof box works best on a Toyota Hilux?

The best roof box for a Toyota Hilux depends on how much gear you need to carry, the vehicle’s roof load rating, and rear hatch clearance. Longer boxes are useful for skis and snowboards, while shorter or wider boxes can work better for general luggage and family trips.

For regular use, Thule Force 3 is a strong choice if you want a hard wearing all-season roof box. Thule's Motion 3 is a premium option if you want a sleeker and quieter roof box.

Read our roof box guide for snow trips

Compare Thule Motion 3 vs Force 3

Can I fit a ski carrier on a Toyota Hilux?

Yes, in most cases a Toyota Hilux can run a ski or snowboard carrier once the correct roof rack kit is fitted. The main things to check are bar style, usable bar width, and how many pairs of skis or boards you need to carry.

Read our Thule SnowPack guide

Can I carry bikes on the roof of a Toyota Hilux?

Roof-mounted bike racks can work well on a Toyota Hilux, especially if you want to keep the towbar free. For taller SUVs and utes, a towbar-mounted bike rack is often easier to load and unload.

If you’re planning to carry bikes regularly, it’s worth thinking about vehicle height, bike weight, and whether you’ll also want to carry a roof box or other gear.

Are genuine Toyota roof racks better than Thule?

Genuine Toyota roof racks can be a tidy option if you want an OEM accessory, but Thule is often the better choice if you care about accessory compatibility, replacement parts, and choosing between different bar styles.

For a Hilux, Thule WingBar Edge gives a clean, factory-style look, while WingBar Evo gives you a more versatile setup with extra loading width. Thule also makes it easy to match the bars with bike racks, roof boxes, kayak carriers, SUP carriers, ski carriers and other accessories later.

Accessories for your Toyota Hilux Roof Racks:

1 4

About Stoke Equipment Co.

We’re a dedicated roof rack store based in Nelson, New Zealand, specialising in vehicle-specific roof rack systems. We stock Thule roof rack options for the Hilux, with setups to suit different roof types and carrying needs.
Fast NZ Shipping | Trusted Brands | Easy Installation