Which roof rack crossbars are best for the Mazda CX-50?

Question

Ive been a Mazda guy for a decade now and just traded my old CX-5 for the new CX-50 Turbo. Ive installed plenty of Yakima and Thule systems over the years so Im not a total newbie when it comes to mounting towers and bars. But man, the CX-50 feels a bit different with its wider stance and those chunky rails. Im looking for crossbars that actually sit flush or at least low-profile because I hate that universal fit look where the bars stick out three inches on each side like some kind of antenna.

Im taking the family down to the Blue Ridge Mountains in about three weeks for a camping trip so Im on a bit of a deadline here to get the rooftop tent and some gear bags sorted. My budget is around $450-$500 and I really want to avoid that awful whistling sound at 70mph. I looked at the OEM ones from the dealer but they look kind of flimsy for a heavy RTT setup? Plus they were charging a crazy amount for labor even though I can do it myself in twenty minutes. Are the Thule WingBars actually worth the extra cash or should I just stick with something like the Yakima JetStream? What are you guys running on your 50s that doesnt kill the MPG too bad?

feueznhgei · Accepted Answer

Jumping in, unfortunately I was pretty disappointed with the noise on the JetStreams lately. They werent as quiet as I'd hoped. Quick question tho, how much does your tent actually weigh dry? If you're over 150lbs, you gotta watch that dynamic load rating on those CX-50 rails.

Low profile bars limit bracket space

Standard aero bars flex under heavy tents Maybe try the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Black 840mm because its VGS strip tech is better for wind noise.

iptvztwuqx · Answer

I've handled a lot of racks over the years and honestly, for an RTT setup on the CX-50, you want something that prioritizes structural integrity over just looks. In my experience, the OEM bars are fine for a bike or some skis, but they flex way too much under a heavy tent. Using the Thule WingBar Evo 135cm Aluminum Crossbars paired with the Thule Raised Rail Evo Foot Pack has been the best move for my setup. They are dead silent even at 75mph on the highway tho... A few things to consider for your trip:

Thule uses a thicker internal structure that handles the static weight of a family better

The rubber strip on top stays in place so you dont get that whistling air gap

Black finish matches the CX-50 trim perfectly Its definitely worth the extra few bucks if you are worried about safety. Just make sure you torque everything down to spec before you head to the mountains.