Main trade-off
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
It requires five inches more hatch clearance by the same Yakima method.
Head-to-head
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL vs Yakima SkyBox NX XL: Long skis and short hatch clearance can rule out both sizes
The short answer
Choose NX XXL for skis above 195 cm and up to 215 cm, or bulky gear that needs its 22 cu ft volume. Choose NX XL when its shorter hatch requirement and lower weight suit the vehicle. A short hatch measurement combined with 205 cm skis can rule out both, so check those constraints together.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A 205 cm ski is a real reason to choose XXL
A 205 cm ski is 10 cm beyond NX XL’s published limit and 10 cm inside NX XXL’s. This is a meaningful upgrade for that load. Someone with 180 cm skis should instead decide whether the extra four cubic feet is worth the larger shell and its installation demands.
What this is based on
205 - 195 = 10 cm. The larger rating leaves 215 - 205 = 10 cm. Published ski limits still require checking bags and bindings.
Main trade-off
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
It cannot accommodate 205 cm skis within its published limit.
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Choose it for
- You need to enclose 205 cm skis.
- Your light, bulky gear needs 22 cu ft and your hatch measurement exceeds 55 inches.
- Main trade-off
- It requires five inches more hatch clearance by the same Yakima method.
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Choose it for
- Your skis fit 195 cm and your Yakima hatch measurement is between 50 and 55 inches.
- You want to retain more cargo allowance under the same total roof limit.
- Main trade-off
- It cannot accommodate 205 cm skis within its published limit.
About this comparison
Check whether the larger SkyBox solves long skis or bulky gear without losing hatch access or exceeding the roof weight you have left.
Choose NX XXL for skis above 195 cm and up to 215 cm, or bulky gear that needs its 22 cu ft volume. Choose NX XL when its shorter hatch requirement and lower weight suit the vehicle. A short hatch measurement combined with 205 cm skis can rule out both, so check those constraints together.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Carry 205 cm skis with a compliant rack
XXL allows 215 cm while XL stops at 195 cm.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Not suitable
A 52-inch Yakima-method hatch measurement
XXL requires 55 inches and XL 50 inches.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Better fit
205 cm skis and that 52-inch hatch measurement together
One fails the hatch check and the other fails the ski-length check.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Not suitable
90 lb luggage under the example 165 lb roof limit and 20 lb rack
The calculated cargo allowances are 84.5 and 92 lb before any lower real limit.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A 205 cm ski is a real reason to choose XXL
A 205 cm ski is 10 cm beyond NX XL’s published limit and 10 cm inside NX XXL’s. This is a meaningful upgrade for that load. Someone with 180 cm skis should instead decide whether the extra four cubic feet is worth the larger shell and its installation demands.
How we reached this conclusion
205 - 195 = 10 cm. The larger rating leaves 215 - 205 = 10 cm. Published ski limits still require checking bags and bindings.
A 52-inch hatch measurement can block the bigger box
At 52 inches using Yakima’s open-hatch method, NX XL clears its 50-inch minimum and NX XXL misses 55 inches. If the same trip also requires 205 cm skis, neither model solves both constraints on that unchanged rack. Another approved carrying arrangement is needed.
How we reached this conclusion
52 - 50 = 2 inches above NX XL’s threshold. The XXL requires 55 - 52 = 3 more inches. Separately, a 205 cm ski exceeds NX XL’s 195 cm limit.
A 90 lb luggage load can reverse the volume upgrade
Assuming a 165 lb total roof limit and 20 lb rack, NX XL leaves 92 lb for luggage and XXL 84.5 lb. A 90 lb load fits the smaller box’s illustrative weight budget and exceeds the larger box’s. Choose XXL for extra light volume, not as permission to carry more weight.
How we reached this conclusion
165 - 20 - 53 = 92 lb. With XXL, 165 - 20 - 60.5 = 84.5 lb. A 90 lb load exceeds that example allowance by 5.5 lb.
Choice A
Yakima, 8007371
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
A 22 cu ft, dual-opening box for skis up to 215 cm. Its 60.5 lb shell and longer hatch-clearance requirement need checking before packing.
- Best matched use
- You need to enclose 205 cm skis.
Checked facts
- Cargo volume: 22 cu ft
- Maximum ski length: 215 cm
- Empty box weight: 60.5 lb
- Yakima hatch minimum: 55 in to the open hatch
Choice B
Yakima, SkyBox NX 18 XL
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
The box holds 18 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 195 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- Your skis fit 195 cm and your Yakima hatch measurement is between 50 and 55 inches.
Checked facts
- Cargo volume: 18 cu ft
- Maximum ski length: 195 cm
- Empty box weight: 53 lb in the fit chart
- Yakima hatch minimum: 50 in to the open hatch
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Yakima SkyBox NX XXL | Yakima SkyBox NX XL | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 22 cu ft | 18 cu ft | XXL adds space for bulky family gear. |
| Maximum ski length | 215 cm | 195 cm | The larger model serves a genuinely longer ski load. |
| Empty box weight | 60.5 lb | 53 lb in the fit chart | The larger shell consumes 7.5 lb more roof allowance. |
| Yakima hatch minimum | 55 in to the open hatch | 50 in to the open hatch | This same-brand clearance comparison uses the same measurement. |
| External length | 90.5 in | 84 in | XXL needs more storage and roof-length planning. |
| External body height | 19 in | 16.5 in | Verify installed garage height after choosing either model. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
- Its heavier shell reduces the remaining cargo allowance.
If you choose Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Its 18 cu ft volume is smaller for genuinely bulky light gear.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
My skis are 205 cm and my hatch measurement clears 55 inches
Choose Yakima SkyBox NX XXL. XXL is the model that meets the ski-length requirement.
My skis fit 195 cm and my hatch measurement is 52 inches
Choose Yakima SkyBox NX XL. XL meets the stated 50-inch minimum without the XXL clearance demand.
I need 205 cm skis and cannot change my 52-inch hatch measurement
Choose neither. Neither model meets both constraints together.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Decide what the extra size is fixing
XXL earns its place when the existing ski length or 18 cu ft volume is inadequate. It is not automatically the safer family choice merely because it is larger. Measure the awkward items first, then confirm that their weight and shape make sense in roof storage.
Combine the hatch and ski checks
A model can pass each shopper’s favorite specification while failing the vehicle. Put the hatch measurement and longest ski on the same checklist. If 205 cm skis need XXL but the hatch only allows XL, changing the box alone will not solve the trip. Check other approved carrying options.
Plan removal and garage access
Both require a helper for installation and removal. XXL is heavier and has a longer, taller shell, so allow storage space before ordering. Measure actual installed height for garages and remove the box for automatic car washes as the manual directs. Neither outer dimension is a universal vehicle-clearance result.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- NX XL has slightly different weight statements across current documents. This page uses 53 lb from the fit chart.
- No exact bag count or wind-noise difference 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima SkyBox NX XXL |
|
| |
| Yakima SkyBox NX XL |
|
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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.
Yakima SkyBox NX XXL
You need to enclose 205 cm skis.
See price & reviews on AmazonYakima SkyBox NX XL
Your skis fit 195 cm and your Yakima hatch measurement is between 50 and 55 inches.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.