Purchased my 24 CX-5 in December, a Carbon Edition that had a roof rack and crossbars on it. I just discovered that these crossbars are not adjustable, but are fixed at whatever the distance between them is. I find this unacceptable...or at least stupid. I have had roof racks with crossbars on prior vehicles and those crossbars were always adjustable. Someone tell me that I am wrong? I'm glad I checked before buying a cargo carrier that required the crossbars to be at a certain distance apart...which mine are not compatible with that item. I am just really surprised.
OEM Roof Rack 2024 CX-5
- Thread starter garbs65
- Start date
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- CX-5 Sport 16.5 6M
Unfortunate, but most cargo carriers can be installed on crossbars with a different spread between them by drilling new holes. I don't know if the quick-mount type carriers can adjust.
I don't know why Mazda changed the roof rails. Mine (2016.5 MY) are adjustable (but only a limited amount). I think the optimum location for the bars in relationship to the roof structure might have something to do with why they are fixed in a specific location.
I don't know why Mazda changed the roof rails. Mine (2016.5 MY) are adjustable (but only a limited amount). I think the optimum location for the bars in relationship to the roof structure might have something to do with why they are fixed in a specific location.
I agree. I'm sure the engineers had a reason. I keep going out and looking at my crossbars making sure I am not missing something.
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- W WA
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- 2024 CX-5 Premium
Many cargo boxes will adjust to fit a range of spans between bars. Thule, for example, like Mazda sells as an accessory for CX5s.
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- 2022 CX-5 Turbo
Since '17, the cross bars are at fixed locations. Not adjustable.
They look exactly the same for my '22.
Automakers tend to be more cautious to avoid lawsuits from their OE accessories.
Aftermarket? Not so much.
Go aftermarket ones if you have needs to adjust crossbars locations.
They look exactly the same for my '22.
Automakers tend to be more cautious to avoid lawsuits from their OE accessories.
Aftermarket? Not so much.
Go aftermarket ones if you have needs to adjust crossbars locations.
I think mostly it was just the surprise that the crossbars were fixed. I was about to purchase a rooftop cargo box with the attachment hardware in a fixed spot and I just assumed I could adjust the crossbars to fit. Luckily the seller asked the question...so now i will look to purchase new or go a different route.
I was about to purchase a used cargo carrier. When I realized that my crossbars couldn't adjust, I figured I could drill new holes in the carrier, but decided I would just buy new and not worry about potential water issues, etc.
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- CX-5 Sport 16.5 6M
When you are shopping for carriers it can be confusing to try and determine exactly how a particular carrier will fit and look when it's mounted on your CX5. Most all of them give the dimensions and then let you try to figure out what will work.
I think the most important consideration is the overall length. If it's too long you could have problems either opening the hatch because of interference or extending over the windshield.
Eventually you might find you need to drill new holes. It's easy to do and you can seal the unused holes with either tape or sealant. I didn't bother--water rarely goes uphill anyway.
After I found a carrier and mounted it to my satisfaction I discovered I can't drive under the garage door with it. Since then I've gotten a box to mount on my hitch mounted cargo carrier and I prefer it for various reasons.
I think the most important consideration is the overall length. If it's too long you could have problems either opening the hatch because of interference or extending over the windshield.
Eventually you might find you need to drill new holes. It's easy to do and you can seal the unused holes with either tape or sealant. I didn't bother--water rarely goes uphill anyway.
After I found a carrier and mounted it to my satisfaction I discovered I can't drive under the garage door with it. Since then I've gotten a box to mount on my hitch mounted cargo carrier and I prefer it for various reasons.
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- CX-5 Sport 16.5 6M
I think most smaller kayaks could be tied to the crossbars (with straps to the bumpers) but I have found that the roof rack affects the aerodynamics of the car enough that I decided to remove it when I don't need it. It only takes me 10-15 mins to remove or install.
