The catch
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
Skis of 180 to 200 cm will not go in.
Side by side
Yakima SkyBox NX 16 LG vs Thule Motion 3 L compared: Motion handles 180 cm skis, while Yakima documents a 24–36-inch bar spread
Quick verdict
SkyBox NX 16 is the one for its documented 24 to 36 inch bar-spread range. Motion 3 L is the one if 180 cm skis and SlideLock matter to you.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Where these two really part ways
Yakima SkyBox NX LG is the better match for “Work with widely spaced bars” and “Your crossbars are close together”. Thule Motion 3 L is the better match for “A low roof profile matters”.
Where this comes from
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
The catch
Thule Motion 3 L
Skis of 200 cm do not fit.
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Why pick it
- Work with widely spaced bars
- Your crossbars are close together
- The catch
- Skis of 180 to 200 cm will not go in.
Thule Motion 3 L
- Why pick it
- A low roof profile matters
- The catch
- Skis of 200 cm do not fit.
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What this page compares
A comparison of Yakima SkyBox NX 16 LG and Thule Motion 3 L on volume, gear length, vehicle measurements, loading and hardware.
This one comes down to volume and gear length and vehicle measurements first, then to the limits of your own setup.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Work with widely spaced bars
Both models list “Opens from either side” for loading and hardware. Both models show the same result for “Loading and hardware”, so this row won't decide between them.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Better fit
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Depends
Your crossbars are close together
The entered spread falls within the manufacturer's documented minimum and maximum range.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Better fit
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Depends
A low roof profile matters
Either the height above the crossbar or the external height is 15.2 inches or less.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Depends
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Better fit
Volume and gear length is non-negotiable
Yakima SkyBox NX LG lists “16 cu ft. Gear up to 175 cm” for volume and gear length, while Thule Motion 3 L lists “16 cu ft. Gear up to 180 cm”. Treat this as a hard cap on the size or amount that fits in one run. Shape can matter as much as the headline number.
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Depends
- Thule Motion 3 L
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Where these two really part ways
Yakima SkyBox NX LG is the better match for “Work with widely spaced bars” and “Your crossbars are close together”. Thule Motion 3 L is the better match for “A low roof profile matters”.
How we worked this out
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
These needs do not split the pair
Both meet the same 2 of the 2 needs this comparison is built around, so the choice comes down to “volume and gear length” and “vehicle measurements”.
How we worked this out
Both products are checked against the same needs. The first verified differences still standing are named here.
Models that handle “Skis ride along with the seats up” and “Rear hatch stays clear”
7 of the 26 roof cargo boxes checked handle both “Skis ride along with the seats up” and “Rear hatch stays clear”. Both make the cut.
How we worked this out
You can reproduce the count by filtering the current category for models with a strong or useful fit on both needs.
Option A
Yakima, SkyBox NX 16 LG
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
Volume is 16 cubic feet, and it takes gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- Best for
- carry skis while the seats stay up, and keep clear of the rear hatch
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 16 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 175 centimeters long fits.
- The documented crossbar spread runs from 24 to 36 inches.
- The box uses dual-sided access.
Option B
Thule, Motion 3 L Titan Glossy
Thule Motion 3 L
Its 16 cubic feet can take gear up to 180 centimeters long.
- Best for
- move skis with the seats left up while keeping the rear hatch clear
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 16 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 180 centimeters long fits inside.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Its published exterior size is 76.5 x 34.2 x 16.5 inches.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Yakima SkyBox NX LG | Thule Motion 3 L | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume and gear length | 16 cu ft. Gear up to 175 cm | 16 cu ft. Gear up to 180 cm | Consider this a firm ceiling on the size or amount that fits in a single run. Shape can count as much as the headline number does. |
| Vehicle measurements | 24 to 36 in bar spread. 47 in hatch clearance | Check the maker vehicle-fit guide for crossbar spacing. 51.3125 in hatch clearance | Fit can be a hard limit, so measure your space and mounting points before anything else. |
| Loading and hardware | Opens from either side | Opens from either side | Both models show the same result for “Loading and hardware”, so this row won't decide between them. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Lifting the 47-pound shell on or off by yourself can be awkward.
With Thule Motion 3 L
- For a trip with four people, 16 cubic feet leaves less slack than the XL or XXL does.
Decision guide
How to decide
Where they differ
Each box has 16 cubic feet.
Why the numbers matter
Motion 3 L needs about 4.3 inches more hatch clearance than the 47 inches Yakima publishes.
What this page can’t tell you
- Vehicle compatibility cannot be certified by this screen.
- A published volume figure cannot promise that a given suitcase layout will fit.
- Roof limits depend on the vehicle configuration.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the roof cargo boxes we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 7 of the 26 models checked meet every need here: “Skis ride along with the seats up” and “Rear hatch stays clear”.
7 models fit, out of 26 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Skis ride along with the seats up” and “Rear hatch stays clear”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima SkyBox NX LG |
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| Thule Motion 3 L |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
Work with widely spaced bars
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Motion 3 L
A low roof profile matters
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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