Toyota Sienna LE Quick review (from a MZ5 owner anyway)

[antlind]

I would really really like to hear from some owners that use a cargo bin on the roof for road trips in the 5. How bad does it hurt mileage, and how convenient is it?

I use a 18 cf cargo box with the OE roof rack. My last trip with this cargo box included 5 passngers and 4 bikes strung off the back of the car. I drove from Calgary, AB through the Rockies to Invermere, BC so you can bet that my mileage was not anything to write home about.
At the end of the trip I estimated 24mpg; which wasn't too bad when you factor in the weight and the type of driving.
As you've noted, there is no other alternative if you plan to use the '5' for long hauls. As for convenience, it's just like any other cargo box. And since the '5' is lower than a traditional minivan it's easier to access the cargo box.

 

[maple_leaf]

I use a 18 cf cargo box with the OE roof rack. My last trip with this cargo box included 5 passngers and 4 bikes strung off the back of the car. I drove from Calgary, AB through the Rockies to Invermere, BC so you can bet that my mileage was not anything to write home about.
At the end of the trip I estimated 24mpg; which wasn't too bad when you factor in the weight and the type of driving.
As you've noted, there is no other alternative if you plan to use the '5' for long hauls. As for convenience, it's just like any other cargo box. And since the '5' is lower than a traditional minivan it's easier to access the cargo box.

Hey Anthony, what cargo box did you get? Did you buy one directly from your Mazda dealership? And, how easy is it to remove and re-install?

 

[antlind]

Hi,
I bought one of the Explorer boxes from Canadian-Tire. I would not recommend this box since the bars of the roof rack on the Mazda5 are fixed in place and do not line up with the slots on the box. I had to drill holes to get it to work.
The best solution is to measure the spacing of the roof rack bars and buy a cargo box that will work.....Most of the Thule boxes will work, but they are expensive.
I now use the Explorer box on the MPV since the roof rack is adjustable and can work with the original holes on the box.
Removal/installation is easy....There are some U-bolts that allow you to bolt the box directly onto the roof rack.

 

[raspykart]

cool, thx for the feedback... wonder if I could get a factory Canadian rack for my US MZ5?