Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carriers for 2020 Mazda CX-5

Updated 06/08/2023 | Published 06/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(142)

$179.95

Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS200, XS250, and INSUT Roof Rack Feet

(10)

$125.99

Inno Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 51" Long and 54" Long - Qty 2

(332)

$269.98

Inno Through Feet for Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4

(211)

$225.14

Telos XL Load Assist for Malone Kayak Carriers - Side Loading

(24)

$404.95

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(602)

$269.95

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(886)

$71.95

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(886)

$71.95

Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 4)

(464)

$69.95

BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4

(88)

$274.95

Question:

I have a 2020 CX five naked roof. I’m looking for the easiest install while maintaining a quality product. I do want to remove ifairly east when not in use. I have 2 50lb kayaks pound kayaks I’d like to carry. I read something about removing the rubber piece on each side of the roof in the gully? Will that be necessary? Also, I would like an idea of which complete kits would make this work. Also, I will need kayak carriers.

asked by: Alan P

Expert Reply:

The JetStream Rack from Yakima I previously recommended will be easy to remove and won't require pulling that rubber piece out of the roof gully. Once you assembly the feet and crossbars all you have to do is sit it on the roof, attach the hooks and tighten them down. You only have to do the assembly once so putting the rack on and taking it off after is just a matter of positioning it correctly and installing the DropHook system again. You need the following for this rack:

-Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00425

-BaseLine Towers # Y28TR

-BaseClip Fit Kit # Y06130

-BaseClip Fit Kit # Y06154

-Yakima Same Key System (SKS) lock cores # Y07204 (optional if you want to keep the rack secure)

If you're looking for something at a lower price point, check out the Inno Aero which has a similar installation. You would need the following:

-Inno Aero Crossbars # INXB130-138

-Inno Through Feet # INXS250

-Custom Fit Kit # INK497

For a kayak carrier I still recommend the Malone DownLoader # MPG114MD. This J-style carrier gives you the option of adding a load assist like the # MPG351XL. After a long day of kayaking the assist is nice to have since those kayaks start to feel like more than 50 lbs. The carriers will allow you to fit two kayaks on the roof and they fold down when not in use.

I have attached some installation videos for your reference so you can see what the process is like.