Roof Rack for a 2014 Mazda CX-9 with Naked Roof to Carry a Cargo Box

Question:

I recently purchased the above vehicle with a naked roof and fixed mounting points. I already own a Yakima Skybox 21. What Yakima rack set up will fit my CX-9 and provide me the strength necessary to carry the Skybox 21?

asked by: Ken S

Expert Reply:

The crossbar spread of all fixed mounting points on the 2014 Mazda CX-9 is about a half inch too wide for the Skybox 21, part # Y07337, at its widest settings, rendering the box unable to mount to the bars. In order to mount the SkyBox you need a roof rack that doesn't use the fixed mounting points like the Rhino-Rack system. You need:

49 inch Vortex bars # RRVA126B-2
Legs # RRRLKVA
Fit Kit # DK220

This is a clamp on kit that will not use the fixed mounting points on your vehicle. I've linked a video with the rack on a 2013 CX-9. The parts are the same as your 2014.

You want to check your rear clearance, which is the distance from the center of the front crossbar to the line where your roof meets the top of the hatch.

On the 2014 Mazda CX-9, the front bar sits 16 inches away from the front windshield, so to get the measurement prior to purchasing the bars, measure from where your windshield meets your roof to where the hatch meets the roof, and subtract 16 inches to find your clearance.

For the Skybox 21, you'll need at least 57 inches of clearance to install without impacting the performance of your rear hatch. If you have less than this, you either won't be able to open the rear hatch or not be able to open it all the way.