Hatch and Antenna Clearance of Thule Roof Mounted Cargo Boxes on 2016 Acura MDX w/ Factory Crossbars

Question:

What is the total height for clearance-purposes for a 2016 Acura MDX with the Thule Sonic M on the Factory Roof Rack Cross Bars? And for fit purposes, what is the most optimal installation for minimizing resistance on the roof without contacting the antenna or rear hatch?

asked by: Thomas L

Expert Reply:

The tallest point of the Thule Sonic cargo box would be 16 inches above the top of the crossbar.

Thule doesn't list an 'optimal' installation information, they consider it a 'fit or no fit' proposition. Thule considers the Pulse to be a bit too long to mount to the roof of a 2016 Acura MDX without interfering with the rear hatch. You can confirm this by measuring from the center of the front crossbar (move bar all the way forward if possible) back to the seam between the roof and the hatch. If this measurement is greater than 43-7/8 inches, the Sonic M will fit.

The Pulse M, part # TH614 is the same height as the Sonic M, has 1 more cubic foot of storage space, is less expensive, and would provide rear hatch clearance according to Thule.

When determining roof rack fit, Thule doesn't take the rear antenna into account. This being said, the cargo box will be elevated above roof level on the crossbars, the rear of the cargo box is angled upward to provide antenna and hatch clearance, and the point of the roof where the antenna is located is lower than the high point of the roof. The cargo box will have no trouble clearing that antenna.

expert reply by: Mike L