Main trade-off
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
It will not fit 180 to 200 cm skis.
Head-to-head
Yakima SkyBox NX 16 vs 18: NX 18 takes skis above 175 cm, NX 16 parks and stores more compactly
The short answer
Choose NX 18 for skis over 175 cm or the extra luggage floor. Choose NX 16 when compact gear fits and the shorter, lighter shell makes parking and storage easier.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The capacity gain is moderate
NX 18 adds 12.5% nominal volume over NX 16.
What this is based on
(18 - 16) / 16 × 100 = 12.5%.
Main trade-off
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
Its 195 cm ski limit is just short of 200 cm Nordic skis.
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Choose it for
- Your skis are no longer than 175 cm
- You want a shorter box to store between trips
- Main trade-off
- It will not fit 180 to 200 cm skis.
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Choose it for
- Your skis measure from 176 to 195 cm
- You pack a larger lightweight holiday load
- Main trade-off
- Its 195 cm ski limit is just short of 200 cm Nordic skis.
About this comparison
Compare SkyBox NX LG and XL by ski length, shell dimensions, weight and the two extra cubic feet available for a family road trip.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Your skis fit 175 cm and 16 cubic feet is enough
NX 16 meets these requirements with a shorter and lighter shell. NX 18 offers two extra cubic feet.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Good
Your skis are longer than 175 cm and no longer than 195 cm
NX 18 extends the published ski allowance from 175 to 195 cm.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Better fit
You want a shorter box to store between trips
NX 16 is 8.5 inches shorter and six pounds lighter.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Good
Your skis are longer than 195 cm and no longer than 200 cm
Motion 3 XL lists 200 cm. Neither compared SkyBox size meets this ski requirement.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The capacity gain is moderate
NX 18 adds 12.5% nominal volume over NX 16.
How we reached this conclusion
(18 - 16) / 16 × 100 = 12.5%.
The length step is more dramatic
NX 18 grows 8.5 inches outside and adds 20 cm to the ski maximum.
How we reached this conclusion
84 - 75.5 = 8.5 inches. 195 - 175 = 20 cm.
Added shell weight reduces usable payload
NX 18 weighs six pounds more before loading.
How we reached this conclusion
53 - 47 = 6 pounds.
Choice A
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
- carry skis without folding the seats and keep the rear hatch clear
Checked facts
- The box holds 16 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- The documented crossbar spread runs from 24 to 36 inches.
- The box uses dual-sided access.
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
- carry skis without folding the seats and pack for a family of four
Checked facts
- The box holds 18 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 195 centimeters long.
- The documented crossbar spread runs from 24 to 40 inches.
- The box uses dual-sided access.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Yakima SkyBox NX LG | Yakima SkyBox NX XL | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 16 cu ft | 18 cu ft | Compare the space needed by bags after checking their individual dimensions. |
| Maximum ski length | 175 cm | 195 cm | A ski longer than this documented limit needs a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 75.5 in | 84 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Exterior width | 35 in | 36 in | This consumes crossbar room that might otherwise hold a bike carrier. |
| Empty box weight | 47 lb | 53 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- The 47-pound shell can be awkward to lift and remove alone.
If you choose Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- At 53 pounds empty, low-rated roofs and solo removal need attention.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Your skis are between 196 and 200 cm
Choose neither. Motion 3 XL lists a 200 cm maximum and the same 18-cubic-foot nominal capacity as NX 18.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
The capacity gain is moderate
That extra space can help with one more soft bag, but its usefulness depends on the existing layout. Measure the load on the floor before assuming a particular suitcase count. Both use a flat interior floor and dual-side access.
The length step is more dramatic
For 190 cm skis the larger model is the candidate. For shorter skis, the longer shell is a cost paid for luggage space, and the hatch and crossbar placement deserve a fresh fit check.
Added shell weight reduces usable payload
If the same rack and vehicle limit apply, the larger box leaves six fewer pounds available for contents. Families packing light clothing can still benefit from its added volume. Heavy camping hardware should remain within the calculated weight allowance.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict wind noise, fuel use or how a particular bag packs around mounting hardware.
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.
Compared set
18 of 26 models checked match every need here: “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”.
18 matching models from 26 checkedMeasured difference
Yakima SkyBox NX XL lists 18 cu ft for published cargo volume, 13% above Yakima SkyBox NX LG at 16 cu ft.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- 16 cu ft
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- 18 cu ft
- Comparable models
- 20 of 26
See the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”. A need with no documented match does not count.
Calculation noteThis compares published exterior-category volume. Shape, mounting hardware and long gear can reduce practical packing space. 20 of 26 models have comparable published figures for context.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima SkyBox NX LG |
|
| |
| Yakima SkyBox NX XL |
|
|
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 LG
Your skis are no longer than 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonYakima SkyBox NX XL
Your skis measure from 176 to 195 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.