Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrying Option for 2020 Mazda CX-5

Question:

I have a 2020 Mazda CX-5, I'd like a roof rack to carry my kayak, but some of the prices are frightening. My Mazda has nothing currently on the roof no rails or tracks. Is there something that is decent but isn't horribly expensive?

asked by: Filepe

Expert Reply:

Inno offers a couple different options that would work well with your CX-5. Inno might not have the brand-name recognition of Thule or Yakima, but they make an excellent product that's usually less expensive than products from the more well-known companies.

For a rack that uses more aerodynamic oval profiled crossbars, you can assemble a roof rack out of the following parts:

Black Aero-style crossbars, part # INXB138-145
Roof Rack Feet, part # INXS250
Vehicle Specific Clamp Kit, part # INK497

A less expensive option uses square profiled crossbars. Although the square bar roof rack would be considerably less expensive, it's less aerodynamic crossbars will be more noisy. Use the following parts for this roof rack:

54 Inch long square crossbars, part # INB137
Roof Rack Feet, part # INSUT
Clamp Kit # INK497

A fairing like part # INA262 will direct the air up and over the roof rack, and help quiet some of the wind noise.

The etrailer brand kayak carrier, part # e98878 would be an inexpensive yet convenient way to transport your kayak. The carrier would work perfectly with either roof rack option mentioned above, and would include the carriers, straps for securing the kayaks to the roof rack, a bow and stern tie down and anchor straps that can be closed in the hood and the trunk lid to provide a simple attachment point for the tie-downs.

I've linked you to some help articles and a product description video for the kayak carrier I recommended.