Best Roof Rack System for a 2016 Mazda CX-5 with Naked Roof for Skis and Fishing Poles  

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Expert Reply:

The best option for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is the Yakima BaseLine kit. This kit has the ability to adjust the pitch and angle of its foot packs and bars to create a more level platform than other setups. This kit consists of:

Yakima JetStream Crossbars, 60 inches, part # Y00426
Yakima BaseLine Towers, part # Y28TR
Yakima BaseClip 130, part # Y06130
Yakima BaseClip 132, part # Y06132

Be sure to order both BaseClip kits, as one is for the front of the vehicle and one for the rear of the vehicle.

For a box, the Yakima SkyBox NX 16, part # Y95AV is a medium profile box that will fit your vehicle. This box adds 16 cubic feet of storage space to your vehicle's roof and at 16 inches tall keeps the overall profile lower than other solutions. The box has dual side opening and features SuperLatch locks that prevent the box from closing unless it is properly locked. (The latches click shut when this is done and allow the key to be removed.)

If you'd rather skip the box, or don't have any cargo needs, a ski carrier like the Yakima FatCat EVO 4, part # Y03095 can also be used to carry fishing poles. This locking carrier can install with a bias to put it closer to the side of the vehicle for easy loading, and includes a lift kit for accommodating taller bindings. At 5-1/4 inches tall, its an extremely slim option.

The FatCat can even be mounted directly to the JetStream's channels with the SmarT kit, part # Y03098, giving you an overall lower, slimmer profile than its regular mounting method.

I've included a video of the JetStream kit being installed onto a somewhat similar 2016 Honda CR-V so you can get an idea of how the parts fit together to mount to the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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