Mazda CX 5 is a classy and stylish car that needs no introduction but the owners of this signature car know how difficult it is for all the Mazda CX 5 owners to get it fitted with a right kayak rack. You simply can’t add an ordinary looking kayak rack on its roof because that would definitely ruin its aesthetics. You have to find the right kayak rack that can be fitted easily with this car without making the entire structure look outlandish or out of place. Now, finding the right kayak rack is easier said than done. To make your job easier, here we have listed the top Kayak Racks for Mazda CX 5 that money can buy.
Best Kayak Rack For Mazda CX 5
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01. ECOTRIC Kayak Roof Rack
The ECOTRIC Kayak Roof Rack is a J-bar style carrier designed for mounting one kayak securely to your vehicle’s existing crossbars. Built from heavy-duty steel with foam padding, this setup cradles your kayak on its side, saving roof space while keeping the hull protected. It’s compatible with most factory or aftermarket roof racks and includes two tie-down straps to keep the kayak in place while driving.
This carrier is a solid pick for folks who transport their kayak often and want something sturdier than foam blocks. Just be ready for a bit of assembly, and make sure your crossbars fit the bracket style—it won’t work without them.
✅ Pros
- Sturdy steel frame with protective foam padding
- J-bar design saves space and holds kayak securely
- Fits most factory and aftermarket roof rack crossbars
- Includes tie-down straps
❌ Cons
- Requires crossbars—won’t work on bare roofs
- Assembly instructions can be unclear
02. TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier
The TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier is a heavy-duty rooftop solution designed for hauling kayaks, canoes, or even surfboards with confidence. It features steel construction with adjustable padded J-style cradles that support the kayak on its side, minimizing roof space usage. This carrier mounts onto existing crossbars and includes two securing straps, making it a dependable option for regular paddlers.
It’s great for long drives and works with most factory or aftermarket crossbars, but the mounting bolts may need occasional tightening. Also, installation takes a bit of patience the first time, especially with alignment and strap placement.
✅ Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame with thick padding for protection
- J-style design keeps kayak secure and frees up roof space
- Works with round, square, or oval crossbars
- Includes two straps for added tie-down support
❌ Cons
- Won’t fit vehicles without crossbars
- May require frequent bolt checks after highway travel
03. Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack
The Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack is a smart, space-saving solution for transporting your kayak, canoe, or SUP board on your vehicle. Built from heavy-duty steel with thick foam padding, it features a foldable J-bar design that locks upright when in use and folds down when not, reducing wind resistance and garage clearance issues. It fits most round, square, and oval crossbars and comes with 2 sets of racks, allowing you to carry two kayaks at once.
It’s a great pick for frequent paddlers who want a sturdy setup that doesn’t stay bulky all the time. Just note that the folding mechanism can feel stiff at first, and it may take a bit of trial and error to get the installation just right on certain roof rack shapes.
✅ Pros
- Foldable J-bar design reduces height when not in use
- Durable steel construction with thick foam for kayak protection
- Fits most factory and aftermarket crossbars
- Carries 2 kayaks and includes tie-down straps
❌ Cons
- Folding joints may feel tight initially
- Installation can be tricky on non-standard crossbars
04. IKURAM Kayak Roof Rack
The IKURAM Kayak Roof Rack is a dual J-style carrier built for transporting one or two kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes. It features an adjustable, foldable steel frame with extra-thick rubber padding to protect both your gear and your vehicle. The bilateral design allows you to carry two kayaks at once without cramming up roof space, and the rack folds down when not in use for better aerodynamics and low-clearance parking.
It’s a solid choice for active paddlers who need durability and flexibility, though it does require compatible crossbars and a bit of setup time. Once installed properly, it holds firm, even on long highway drives.
✅ Pros
- Carries up to 2 kayaks with strong dual-sided support
- Foldable design reduces wind drag when not in use
- Extra rubber padding protects kayaks from scratches
- Works with most square, round, and oval crossbars
❌ Cons
- Only compatible with vehicles that have crossbars
- Initial setup takes time, especially with adjustments
05. DRSPORTS Universal Foldable J-Bar Kayak Rack
The DRSPORTS Universal Foldable J-Bar Kayak Rack is designed to offer secure kayak transport with added convenience. Made from high-strength steel and equipped with foam padding, this rack features a foldable J-bar design that flips down when not in use—reducing wind resistance and making it garage-friendly. It fits most crossbars (round, square, or oval) and comes with all necessary mounting hardware and tie-down straps.
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned paddlers, it helps free up roof space and adds flexibility for different gear sizes. However, the folding mechanism might feel tight at first, and installation instructions could be clearer for first-timers.
✅ Pros
- Foldable J-bar frame saves space and lowers wind drag
- Heavy-duty steel with foam padding for gear protection
- Compatible with most aftermarket and factory crossbars
- Includes tie-down straps and mounting hardware
❌ Cons
- Folding joints may feel stiff initially
- Instructions are not very detailed for setup
06. Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Roof Rack
The Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Roof Rack is a foldable J-style system designed for safely hauling kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on top of your vehicle. It comes as a set of two racks (for one kayak), built from high-strength steel with thick foam padding to reduce scratches and slippage. The fold-down feature lets you collapse the rack when not in use, helping with parking clearance and fuel efficiency.
It’s compatible with most crossbar shapes and includes tie-down straps and mounting hardware, which makes setup pretty straightforward. While the overall build feels sturdy, the foam padding may wear down over time if exposed to a lot of rain or sun without proper care.
✅ Pros
- Foldable J-bar design makes it low-profile when not in use
- Strong steel construction with thick foam protection
- Works with most round, square, or oval crossbars
- Includes straps and all mounting hardware
❌ Cons
- Padding may wear faster under constant outdoor exposure
- Not suitable for vehicles without roof crossbars
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Mazda CX-5
So you got a Mazda CX-5, huh? Sleek ride. But now you’re staring at your kayak and wondering how the heck you’re gonna haul that thing without scratching your roof or losing it on I-95. You need a kayak rack that fits your CX-5 like a glove—not one that rattles, rusts, or makes your car look like a junkyard project.
Why the Mazda CX-5 Needs a Specific Rack Setup
The Mazda CX-5 has a slightly curved roofline and comes in different trim levels—some with factory-installed side rails, others with a bare roof. That changes everything. You can’t just slap on any old kayak carrier and hope for the best.
- If your CX-5 has flush rails, you’ll need crossbars that clamp onto those rails.
- If it’s a naked roof, you’ll either need a temporary pad system or install aftermarket crossbars.
Ignoring this? You’ll end up with a rack that don’t fit, or worse—one that flies off mid-ride.
Check Roof Type First
Some trims of the Mazda CX-5 come with factory-installed roof rails. Others got a naked roof, no side rails, nothing. If your vehicle got the flush-mounted rails or raised side rails, you’ll have more options with clamp-on crossbars. Meanwhile, a bare-roof model would need custom-fit door clamps like what’s offered in the Thule Fit Kit or Yakima BaseClip setups.
Another thing? Don’t forget to check roof weight rating in the owner’s manual. CX-5 can usually hold about 165 pounds of dynamic load, but always best to confirm that yourself.
What Kind of Kayaks You Haulin’?
A 12-foot touring kayak don’t sit the same as a sit-on-top recreational yak. A big ol’ tandem? You gonna need J-style carriers or maybe even a stacker-style rack if you’re hauling two. Solo yaks under 50 lbs can work with saddle-style carriers or foam blocks.
Some popular kayak types that affect carrier style:
- Sit-in kayaks
- Sit-on-top
- Inflatable kayaks
- Fishing kayaks (those tend to be wide & heavier)
- Whitewater kayaks (shorter, easy to stack)
The width & hull shape of the boat matter when choosing foam cradles, rollers, or J-hooks.
Fixed Vs Folding Carriers
Folding J-cradles like the Thule Hull-a-Port XT let you tilt the arms down when not used. That helps a lot with garage clearance, reducing drag too. If you don’t want to mess with adjusting it every trip, go for fixed style J-cradles. They’re more rigid but louder in wind.
And wind noise? If you’re using aftermarket crossbars, the aerodynamic bars from Yakima JetStream or Thule WingBar Evo cut noise a lot more than square bars. Makes long highway drives way quieter.
Compatibility with Crossbars
Not every kayak rack fit every crossbar. Some kayak mounts like Malone SeaWing work fine on round, square or aero bars. But others got clamps that only grip certain shapes. Always double check:
- Crossbar spread (usually 24″–36″ apart)
- Width & thickness of bar
- Clamp design on your chosen kayak rack
Best combo? Pair OEM Mazda crossbars or Yakima/Tulee crossbars with compatible carriers. Most reliable and keeps wind resistance down.
Durability & Weatherproofing – Especially in U.S. Climates
From salty coastal air in Florida, to dry heat in Arizona, or snow salt in Minnesota, your rack needs to last.
Look for:
- Stainless steel hardware (prevents rust)
- UV-resistant rubber padding
- Powder-coated aluminum or steel frames
- Nylon or polyester tie-down straps (those don’t stretch like cotton)
Cheap plastic knobs will crack under sun in less than a year. Better racks use metal pivots and lockable knobs.
Common Types of Kayak Racks That Work for Mazda CX-5
Below are styles of racks that usually fit well with Mazda CX-5 roof designs:
| Rack Type | Pros | Fits CX-5? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| J-Cradle | Holds kayak on side, saves space | ✅ | Thule Hull-a-Port, Yakima JayLow |
| Saddle Carrier | Cradles kayak flat, stable hold | ✅ | Malone SeaWing, Yakima SweetRoll |
| Stacker | Carries multiple kayaks upright | ✅ (only if 2+) | Thule Stacker, Yakima BigStack |
| Foam Blocks | Cheapest option, portable | ✅ (temp use) | AQUARM Universal Blocks, Malone HandiRack |
| Lift-Assist | Makes loading easier for one person | ✅ | Thule Hullavator Pro, Rhino-Rack Nautic |
Whether you’re strapping down a 10-foot Pelican kayak, or hauling a Hobie fishing yak, the goal is making sure it stays secure, easy to load, and don’t mess up your Mazda’s roof paint. Choosing the right kayak rack for Mazda CX-5 depends more on your lifestyle and kayak type than anything else.
Don’t go for what’s “popular” — go for what makes your trip simpler and don’t give you a sore back. Do that, and your weekends on water just got a lot better.
Last modified: July 9, 2025
