Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 M
The 155 cm ski limit excludes many adult skis.
Head-to-head
Thule Force 3 M vs Yakima SkyBox NX 16: SkyBox fits 170 cm skis that rule out the smaller Force M
The short answer
Choose the Force 3 M for shorter gear and a smaller, lighter box that is easier to accommodate on a compact roof. Choose the SkyBox NX 16 when 170 cm skis or bulky family bags rule out the Thule. Check hatch clearance and roof payload before treating either volume rating as usable luggage capacity.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A 170 cm ski settles this choice
A 170 cm ski is within Yakima’s 175 cm limit and exceeds the Force 3 M limit by 15 cm. Spare cargo width cannot compensate for that length restriction.
What this is based on
Compare the actual longest ski including any protective bag with the published maximums. This is a fit screen, not a promise about every binding arrangement.
Main trade-off
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
The box uses about 10 to 11 lb more roof allowance.
Thule Force 3 M
- Choose it for
- Your longest skis are no more than 155 cm.
- You value the 37 lb box and shorter body on a compact vehicle.
- Main trade-off
- The 155 cm ski limit excludes many adult skis.
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Choose it for
- You need to carry skis between 156 and 175 cm.
- Your rack and hatch accommodate the larger 16 cu ft body.
- Main trade-off
- The box uses about 10 to 11 lb more roof allowance.
About this comparison
Compare Force 3 M and SkyBox NX 16 for short-roof hatch access, 170 cm skis, roof-load allowance and the bags you actually need to carry.
Choose the Force 3 M for shorter gear and a smaller, lighter box that is easier to accommodate on a compact roof. Choose the SkyBox NX 16 when 170 cm skis or bulky family bags rule out the Thule. Check hatch clearance and roof payload before treating either volume rating as usable luggage capacity.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A 170 cm ski trip
170 cm exceeds the Force M ski limit and is within the NX 16 limit.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Better fit
Short gear on a weight-limited roof
The 37 lb Thule leaves more cargo allowance under an otherwise identical system limit.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Caution
Opening from either curbside
Both have dual-sided access.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Good
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Good
A compact hatchback with fixed bars
Apply each brand’s hatch measurement and the rack’s approved bar positions before buying.
- Thule Force 3 M
- Depends
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A 170 cm ski settles this choice
A 170 cm ski is within Yakima’s 175 cm limit and exceeds the Force 3 M limit by 15 cm. Spare cargo width cannot compensate for that length restriction.
How we reached this conclusion
Compare the actual longest ski including any protective bag with the published maximums. This is a fit screen, not a promise about every binding arrangement.
Light cargo can use the smaller roof allowance
With an illustrative 165 lb system limit and 20 lb rack, the Force 3 M leaves 108 lb for cargo. Using Yakima’s conservative 48 lb figure leaves 97 lb. The bigger box offers more space but less weight allowance in this example.
How we reached this conclusion
165 - 20 - 37 = 108. 165 - 20 - 48 = 97. Actual vehicle and rack limits may be lower, and all accessory weight must be included.
Test the hatch before buying more volume
The Force 3 M is 6.5 inches shorter overall, yet hatch clearance still depends on where its clamps can sit. A small hatchback owner should test both manufacturers’ diagrams before choosing Yakima for two extra cubic feet.
How we reached this conclusion
75.5 - 69 = 6.5 inches. Thule’s roof-to-hatch reference and Yakima’s open-door reference are distinct measurements, so no universal 1.75-inch hatch advantage is claimed.
Choice A
Thule, Force 3 M
Thule Force 3 M
The box holds 14 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- Your longest skis are no more than 155 cm.
Checked facts
- Published gear capacity: 14 cu ft, skis up to 155 cm
- Empty weight: 37 lb
- Exterior footprint: 69 x 32 in
- Hatch check: Greater than 45.25 in using Thule’s diagram
Choice B
Yakima, SkyBox NX 16 LG
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
The box holds 16 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- You need to carry skis between 156 and 175 cm.
Checked facts
- Published gear capacity: 16 cu ft, skis up to 175 cm
- Empty weight: 47 lb on product page, 48 lb on fit chart
- Exterior footprint: 75.5 x 35 in
- Hatch check: 47 in using Yakima’s open-hatch diagram
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Thule Force 3 M | Yakima SkyBox NX LG | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published gear capacity | 14 cu ft, skis up to 155 cm | 16 cu ft, skis up to 175 cm | A longer ski can eliminate the smaller box even when the rest of the luggage is light. |
| Empty weight | 37 lb | 47 lb on product page, 48 lb on fit chart | Allow for the box before allocating the vehicle’s remaining roof payload. |
| Exterior footprint | 69 x 32 in | 75.5 x 35 in | Check front overhang and usable crossbar width, not only luggage volume. |
| Hatch check | Greater than 45.25 in using Thule’s diagram | 47 in using Yakima’s open-hatch diagram | The measuring references differ, so measure each diagram rather than subtracting the two thresholds. |
| Loading access | Dual-sided opening with PowerClick | Dual-sided opening with removable torque knob | Either can be opened from the accessible side of the parked vehicle. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Thule Force 3 M
- The 14 cu ft interior is smaller for bulky soft luggage.
If you choose Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Its 75.5-inch body still needs a vehicle-specific hatch check.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
My skis are 170 cm long
Choose Yakima SkyBox NX LG. The NX 16 permits skis up to 175 cm.
All my gear fits within the 155 cm limit and roof weight is tight
Choose Thule Force 3 M. The 37 lb Force M consumes less of the roof-load allowance.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Pack the longest item first
Lay out the longest skis and the largest rigid bag before choosing a volume. The SkyBox can accommodate the 170 cm example while the Force M cannot. If everything is soft and short, the Thule’s smaller exterior and lower weight can be more useful than unused internal space.
Weigh what goes above the roof
Add crossbars, feet, the empty box and cargo together. A 165 lb box label does not grant the vehicle a 165 lb luggage allowance. The example load calculation deliberately uses Yakima’s heavier chart weight to avoid spending an uncertain pound of margin.
Keep daily access practical
Both open from either side, which helps when a parking space blocks one side of the car. The important installation check is still full hatch movement with the final crossbar positions. Do not move bars outside vehicle or rack instructions to make a preferred box fit.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- These are manufacturer fit limits and planning examples, not a vehicle-specific installation approval.
- Yakima documents differ by about 1 lb on empty weight. Use the heavier published figure until the supplied box is confirmed. No wind-noise or fuel-economy winner is established.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current roof cargo boxes comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Force 3 M |
|
| |
| Yakima SkyBox NX LG |
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Force 3 M
Your longest skis are no more than 155 cm.
See price & reviews on AmazonYakima SkyBox NX LG
You need to carry skis between 156 and 175 cm.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.