The catch
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
200 cm Nordic skis are a little longer than its 195 cm ski limit.
Side by side
Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XL vs Thule Force 3 XL compared: Thule takes 200 cm skis, while Yakima eases the hatch and wide-bar constraints
Quick verdict
For 200 cm skis, go with Force 3 XL. SkyBox NX 18 is the one if you want its published 24 to 40 inch spread and slightly better hatch clearance.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Where these two really part ways
Yakima SkyBox NX XL is the better match for “Work with widely spaced bars” and “Your crossbars are close together”. Thule Force 3 XL is the better match for “Rear hatch stays clear” and “Long Nordic skis ride along”.
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 Force 3 XL
This version comes in black matte. If you want a glossy shell, go with Motion instead.
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Why pick it
- Your crossbar spread is narrow
- Your bars are set far apart
- The catch
- 200 cm Nordic skis are a little longer than its 195 cm ski limit.
Thule Force 3 XL
- Why pick it
- Rear hatch stays clear
- Long Nordic skis ride along
- The catch
- This version comes in black matte. If you want a glossy shell, go with Motion instead.
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What this page compares
Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XL set against Thule Force 3 XL 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
Your crossbars are close together
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 XL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Depends
Rear hatch stays clear
It passes only if the measured front-crossbar-to-hatch distance is greater than the manufacturer's published clearance requirement.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Better fit
Long Nordic skis ride along
The published maximum ski length is 200 cm or more.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Better fit
Work with widely spaced bars
At least 36 inches is the verified maximum center-to-center crossbar spread. A separate fit check is still needed for bar width and profile.
- Yakima SkyBox NX XL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Depends
Luggage for a family of four
Yakima SkyBox NX XL lists “18 cu ft. Gear up to 195 cm” for volume and gear length, while Thule Force 3 XL lists “18 cu ft. Gear up to 200 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 XL
- Similar
- Thule Force 3 XL
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
Where these two really part ways
Yakima SkyBox NX XL is the better match for “Work with widely spaced bars” and “Your crossbars are close together”. Thule Force 3 XL is the better match for “Rear hatch stays clear” and “Long Nordic skis ride along”.
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 “Luggage for a family of four”
12 of the 26 roof cargo boxes checked handle both “Skis ride along with the seats up” and “Luggage for a family of four”. 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 18 XL
Yakima SkyBox NX XL
You can fit gear up to 195 centimeters long in its 18 cubic feet.
- Best for
- keep the seats up while carrying skis, and pack for a family of four
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 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.
Option B
Thule, Force 3 XL
Thule Force 3 XL
This box has 18 cubic feet of space and takes gear up to 200 centimeters long.
- Best for
- bring skis without folding down the seats, and pack for a family of four
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 18 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 200 centimeters long fits.
- Documented crossbar spread is 21.875 to 36.625 inches.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Yakima SkyBox NX XL | Thule Force 3 XL | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume and gear length | 18 cu ft. Gear up to 195 cm | 18 cu ft. Gear up to 200 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 40 in bar spread. 50 in hatch clearance | 21.875 to 36.625 in bar spread. 53.0625 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 XL
- Empty, it weighs 53 pounds, so watch low-rated roofs and removing it solo.
With Thule Force 3 XL
- Per the US fit chart, front bar to hatch must measure more than 53 1/16 inches.
Decision guide
How to decide
Where they differ
Each box has 18 cubic feet.
Why the numbers matter
The Yakima needs three inches less front clearance, though it weighs four pounds more.
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
12 of the 26 models checked meet every need here: “Skis ride along with the seats up” and “Luggage for a family of four”.
12 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 “Luggage for a family of four”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima SkyBox NX XL |
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| Thule Force 3 XL |
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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 XL
Your crossbar spread is narrow
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 XL
Rear hatch stays clear
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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