Will Thule Force XT Roof Box Fit on 2015 Mazda CX-5 with OEM Roof Rack

Question:

I am trying to decide between the L and XL sizes of the Thule Force XT, the main concern being fit. Would the XL fit well on a 2015 Mazda CX-5 GT with OEM rails + crossbars without hanging over the windshield too much, and without the back hatch hitting it when fully open? Additionally, is there much difference in noise and fuel economy between the L and XL sizes? Any advice would be much appreciated.

asked by: Carolyn

Expert Reply:

I can confidently say that both the Large (16 cu ft) # TH6357B and the Extra Large (18 cu ft) # TH6358B fit your 2015 Mazda CX-5 as Thule has confirmed this on their end of things.

With that being said, I don't think you're going to have a problem with the cargo box hanging too much over your windshield, but I'm actually not entirely sure about the hatch clearance simply because we haven't had the opportunity to test it out yet.

I can say that large needs 47-1/2" of front clearance while the extra large needs 51-1/8" of front clearance. You can find your front clearance by measuring from the center of your front crossbar to the line in your roof where it meets your hatch. As long as you're at or less than the clearance measurements listed above you're good to go!

If you're able to get the bigger one up there then I say go for it.

expert reply by: Jon G