How Tall Is MOS UpLift and Largest Thule Roof Box for 2020 Mazda CX-3

Updated 12/01/2025 | Published 11/09/2025

Products Featured in This Question

MOS UpLift Roof Rack Lift Assist w/ Lock - Clamp On

(1)

$1019.95

MOS UpLift J-Extension Bars

$165.00

Yakima Skybox Roof Cargo Box w/ MOS UpLift Lift Assist - 16 cu ft - 75-1/2" Long

$1913.95

Rightline Gear Moki Door Step - 400 lbs

(146)

$35.51

Thule Force 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - XXL - 21 cu ft

(6)

$1044.14

Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2

(164310)

$704.85

Thule Force 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - Large - 16 cu ft

(6)

$903.08

Yakima SkyBox NX XXL Rooftop Cargo Box - 22 cu ft - Black Carbonite

(51)

$1119.67

Yakima SkyBox NX 16 Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Nano-Texture

(51)

$860.33

Question:

2 questions: 1 how high does the MOS Uplift roof rack extend above the cars roof rack? 2 I have a a Mazda CX 3 that i would like to install a Thule Wing bar Evo roof rack. I would like to install the largest Thule roof box i can use. Does the uplift roof rack expand my choices? If so what roof boxes do you recommend? Thanks Chuck

asked by: Chuck I

Expert Reply:

Hey Chuck! The MOS UpLift Roof Rack Lift Assist w/ Lock # MR27RV will stick up pretty high at 25-1/4" tall. It will not allow you to install a larger roof box. All it does is give you the lift assist if you want to be able to move it up and down for easier access. You're limited to a 26" wide cargo box but that can be expanded to 36" if you add the MOS UpLift J-Extension Bars # MR38RV.

If you want the biggest Thule cargo box you can fit up there that will be the Thule Force 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - XXL - 21 cu ft # TH27SA. This has tons of storage space and opens from both sides so it is pretty easy to load/unload with it. It requires a crossbar spread of 23-5/8" - 35-1/2" so you will be able to install it on the Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack for Naked Roofs # TH67AG. It will also fit the MOS with the extension. If you don't need something quite this large you can also use the # TH67SA you looked at which is 16 cu ft instead of 21.

I had a chance to use the Thule Force 3 on vacation back in June and it is definitely a nice cargo box. If you aren't too attached to the Thule brand, the Yakima SkyBox NX # Y43QD or # Y95AV is my absolute favorite to use. I would say the Force 3 is a close second. We have a complete package with the MOS, extension, and 16 cu ft SkyBox # MR98RV. If you decide you just want to put the roof box directly on the roof rack I find the Rightline Gear Moki Door Step # RL100660 comes in pretty handy for loading and unloading.

expert reply by: Robin H

Thule Force 3
(click to enlarge)

Robin H.

12/1/2025

Hey Chuck, how did things go with the Thule WingBar Evo and the cargo box setup on your Mazda CX-3? Did the MOS UpLift and extension bars give you the space you needed for the larger box? Your feedback could really help others trying to maximize roof storage on smaller vehicles.