Yakima Skybox NX XL Roof Box Review
The Yakima SkyBox NX XL ($849) is the roof box we most often recommend to friends and family. It’s well built, user-friendly, and sized right for hauling skis and bulky gear without looking excessively large on most vehicles. The flat interior floor is a standout feature that makes packing easier than many competing designs, although Yakima’s separate torque tool—used to tighten the mounting clamps—is a minor downside for those prone to misplacing items. We’d also prefer a handle that requires a little less effort to open. But with a durable build and reasonable price in an expensive category, the SkyBox NX XL is easily one of the best all-around cargo boxes.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
Capacity
18 cu. ft.
Dimensions
84 x 36 x 16.5 in.
Access
Dual side
Opening height
12 in.
Max ski length
195 cm
Weight
50 lb. 8 oz.
Other Capacities
12, 16, 22 cu. ft.
Pros
Cons
Yakima Skybox NX XL
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Roof Boxes.
The Yakima SkyBox NX XL strikes a sweet spot for families or group trips, offering ample storage without looking excessively large or bulky on a medium-sized vehicle. Its 18 cubic feet of capacity proved ideal for everything from multi-day camping trips to ski outings and road trips, and the flat interior floor—made possible by Yakima’s low-profile mounting system—makes packing straightforward and efficient. Interior space is particularly well executed: a blunt nose and a floor that dips slightly at the front and rear create useful additional vertical clearance. I frequently found this extra volume helpful for squeezing in softer items like sleeping bags or blankets at the end of packing.
Ski storage is another highlight and one of the main reasons I prefer the XL over the next-size-down SkyBox NX LG. The XL accommodates skis up to 195 centimeters (the LG has a 175cm max), which easily fits my quiver in the high 170s to low 180s. In practice, I was able to carry three pairs of adult skis with poles alongside two pairs of kids’ skis without issue. Some longer Nordic skis might not work, but for most alpine and Nordic setups, the length is ideal. If you’re carrying only skis and poles, it’s worth securing them with straps threaded through the clamp openings at the base of the box to prevent them from shifting during travel. Straps aren’t included with the Yakima SkyBox NX XL, but they’re a worthwhile add-on to keep your gear in place.
Finally, Yakima’s mounting hardware is impressively unobtrusive and a nice upgrade over competitors like the Thule Force 3. Because the SkyBox’s clamps sit low and don’t use large interior knobs like the Force, they barely protrude into the cargo area—just a couple of inches off the floor with rounded edges that don’t snag gear. The result is a smoother packing experience, particularly when sliding in rolling luggage, skis and snowboards, or bulky camping gear. Roof box design can start to blur together—there’s only so much that differs between similarly priced models—but this is one area where Yakima clearly differentiates itself.
Like most mid- and high-end roof cargo boxes, the SkyBox NX XL offers dual-side access, which makes it easy to reach your gear from either side of the vehicle. This setup is especially helpful when items are packed deep inside the box, since the long opening allows you to grab gear without having to unload everything else first. Each side uses a keyed-entry system: insert the key, then press firmly on the metal handle to release the latch. The mechanism feels sturdy and more reliable than the old SkyBox Carbonite design, whose handle could be sticky and required even more force, but it still demands a bit more effort than the smoother sliding latches found on Thule’s Force 3 and Motion 3.
Once open, the SkyBox provides a usable but somewhat modest opening height. The lid measures about 12 inches tall through the center and tapers slightly toward the ends to roughly 11 inches due to its scalloped shape. That’s manageable for most gear but a bit tighter than the roughly 14-inch openings that I measured on Thule’s comparable models, which feel slightly more cavernous when loading bulky items.
In practice, the SkyBox still handles most camping and snowsports gear without much trouble. I was able to load large items like a six-person tent, bulky duffels, snowboards with bindings attached, and even a large camping mattress like the Exped MegaMat Double with a bit of maneuvering. Taller or stiffer items—like rolling suitcases—can require some careful positioning. But overall, access and usability remain quite good for most real-world packing scenarios.
It’s immediately apparent that the Yakima SkyBox NX XL is a sturdy and well-built roof box. Its thick plastic shell has held up well with no signs of cracking or unusual wear, and other editors on our team have used different sizes of the SkyBox NX for years without issue. The mounting clamps grip roof bars securely, and the lid overlaps the lower half of the box to create a tight seal against the elements. Unlike some budget models, there are no exposed holes in the base of the box, which further helps keep moisture out. I’ve driven through heavy rain and snowstorms—including times when feet of snow accumulated on top overnight—and the interior has stayed largely dry. On rare occasions, a small amount of moisture has snuck through the seam, but overall I’ve felt comfortable storing even sensitive items like a laptop inside a travel bag.
Visually, the SkyBox’s dimpled plastic finish isn’t as sleek as the automotive-style paint found on premium boxes like the Thule Motion or Yakima’s own CBX. That said, the matte texture hides scratches and everyday wear much better, which should help it age gracefully over time. Other hardware is similarly solid: the metal handle operates smoothly, and the thick plastic mounting components feel durable during repeated tasks like opening, closing, loading, and installation. At $849 for the XL size I tested, the SkyBox NX also undercuts its closest competitor, the Thule Force 3 XL ($930) without a noticeable drop in overall quality. You can spend more for a flashier finish—Yakima’s CBX offers a shiny paint job—but the SkyBox NX remains a strong value in the category.
Structural stiffness is another highlight. A large front stiffener bar and additional metal supports running lengthwise through the lower half help the box maintain its shape and reduce flex at speed. Even when empty, I noticed very little movement while driving at highway speeds. Wind noise is present—particularly when driving into a headwind—but it’s consistent with what I’d expect from a roof box of this size and never felt excessive.
Installing the SkyBox NX XL is refreshingly straightforward thanks to its adjustable mounting hardware and easy-to-use clamps. The system accommodates a very wide crossbar spread—between 24 and 40 inches—which meant I had no trouble fitting it on our test vehicles with spreads of 30 and 27 inches. Sliding the clamps into position is smooth and low effort, a noticeable upgrade from Yakima’s older RocketBox design that requires loosening a separate bolt and can feel sticky when repositioning the hardware.
Compatibility is also broad. I mounted the Yakima SkyBox NX XL on Thule Aero bars, the stock bars on a Subaru Ascent, and a budget BrightLines set without any issues. At over 50 pounds and roughly seven feet long, lifting the box onto the roof is definitely a two-person task, but with one person at each end, it’s easy to maneuver as long as your vehicle’s roofline isn’t especially tall.
Yakima’s mounting system does have one distinctive quirk. Rather than using integrated tightening knobs inside the box, the SkyBox relies on a separate torque tool to secure the four clamps around your bars—tighten until you hear three clicks and you’re good to go. The advantage is a much flatter interior floor, since the clamps don’t protrude as much into the cargo space. The downside is that you need to keep track of the tool. Yakima includes a square storage slot inside the box for it, although I preferred keeping it in my glove box alongside the keys to avoid losing it. By comparison, Thule’s Force 3 and Motion 3 models use integrated dials that tighten a bit faster and with less effort, but Yakima’s design clearly prioritizes maximizing interior space and a flatter floor.
The SkyBox NX XL keeps things simple but practical—after all, we’re talking about a large plastic cargo box rather than a feature-heavy piece of gear. Still, Yakima gets the essentials right. The sturdy metal latch feels built to last and provides a solid point of contact when opening and closing the lid. As with most mid- to premium-priced roof cargo boxes, the key won’t release until the box is fully latched, which is a helpful safeguard against accidentally driving off with the lid partially open. Occasionally, I needed to wiggle the handle slightly to get the key to slide out smoothly, but that’s fairly typical. And since roof box keys are quite thin across brands, it’s best not to force them if the lock feels tight.
Compared with Thule’s systems, the SkyBox latch requires a bit more effort to press down. Thule’s sliding mechanism has less resistance overall. That said, I actually found the Yakima easier to fully secure once the box was loaded: the lid tended to align and lock without the extra fiddling sometimes required on Thule models, where we occasionally had to press down on the front or rear corners to get the latches to engage.
The rest of the feature set is straightforward but effective. The box includes two locks and is set up to accommodate tie-down straps, with openings in the four interior clamps that make it easy to thread straps through and secure loose gear. Straps aren’t included—unlike with Thule’s Force—but they’re an inexpensive add-on. Yakima also includes pull-down straps on each side of the lid, which are a thoughtful touch if the box sits high on your vehicle or you’d rather not climb onto a step to close it.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Replacement Parts
Replacement parts help extend a product’s lifespan by allowing consumers to repair damaged components—like ski goggle lenses or trekking pole clips—rather than purchasing a new one. A green check indicates a brand offers a robust selection of replacement parts, a yellow check indicates a more limited offering, and a red X indicates no replacement parts are available for this product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
As mentioned above, the Yakima SkyBox NX XL has a generous mounting range, with clamps that slide to accommodate crossbar spreads from 24 to 40 inches. The hardware also fits securely around a wide range of bar styles, including aero, round, and square designs. If your vehicle has a rear hatch, it’s important to confirm that you’ll have enough clearance when the hatch is opened. Yakima provides a helpful “hatch clearance” tool on its website: measure the distance from your front crossbar to the back edge of the raised hatch and compare it to the requirement for your box. For the SkyBox NX XL, Yakima recommends at least 50 inches.
In testing, the smallest vehicle I mounted the box on—a Volkswagen Golf Alltrack—measured 54 inches and cleared the hatch without issue. That said, the box’s sheer size made it look fairly bulky on the compact wagon. It felt much better matched to a medium or larger vehicle, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L that I also tested it on, where the proportions and overall look were far more balanced.
Thule Force 3 XL ($930): More $, Little to Show
The SkyBox and Force 3 are about as close as competitors get in the roof box market. In their XL sizes, they offer nearly identical capacities, similarly textured exteriors, and comparable durability and core features, including dual-sided access and sturdy materials. The differences come down to the details: the SkyBox has a flatter interior floor, while we prefer the Force’s easier-to-use sliding latch over the SkyBox’s stiffer handle. The Force is also slightly longer and can fit skis up to 200 centimeters (the SkyBox maxes out at 195cm), while the SkyBox tends to fit small- to medium-sized vehicles a bit better. It’s a close call overall, but price may be the deciding factor for many—and that’s where the more affordable SkyBox pulls ahead. For more, read our Force 3 XL review.
Yakima CBX XXL ($1,149): Stretching that Budget
Roof boxes are getting eye-wateringly expensive, and Yakima’s current top-of-the-line design pushes past the $1,000 mark. Stepping up to the CBX primarily gets you a premium automotive-quality paint finish. You’ll also need to choose between distinctly different sizes, as the CBX is currently offered only in a 16-cubic-foot LG or a 21.5-cubic-foot XXL. The larger option offers serious gear- and ski-hauling capability, but you’ll want to be sure your vehicle is large enough to handle its size. Other differences are relatively minor: the CBX uses a separate handle and lock rather than the integrated system found on the SkyBox NX, and it features a more angular shape. Unless the glossy paint finish is a must-have, we think the SkyBox NX is the better buy.
A true all-rounder, the SkyBox NX XL hits the mark with its quality, durable construction, versatile capacity, and ease of use. It can be hard to call such an expensive product a good value, but the SkyBox is just that, undercutting the price of its main competition.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
An impressive roof box that barely missed out on our top overall spot, the Force 3 features an easy-to-use sliding latch system and a wide opening for easy access to your gear. Its drawbacks include a high price and a bulky mounting system, which slightly pinches interior space.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
With an aerodynamic shape and a glossy paint job, the sleek Thule Motion 3 is a premium roof box through and through. Its cost is hard to swallow, but the polished design is quite functional, with user-friendly features and generous interior space for ski, camp, and travel gear.
Gear Capacity
Ease of Access
Durability & Quality
Installation
Features
Sustainability
Is the SkyBox NX XL for You?
If you regularly max out your vehicle’s cargo area on ski trips, camping weekends, or family road trips, the Yakima SkyBox NX XL is a very compelling solution. The long interior easily accommodates most alpine skis while the spacious cargo area handles everything from duffels to bulky camping gear without much fuss, and the dual-sided opening simplifies loading no matter how your car is parked. It’s not the most refined box on the market—the latch takes a firm push and the separate tightening tool requires a little organization—but the design is practical, dependable, and thoughtfully executed. For many buyers looking for one roof box to handle a wide range of gear, the SkyBox NX XL hits a particularly useful middle ground.
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