Thule Motion 3 vs Yakima SkyBox NX
An equal-size comparison of 16- and 18-cu-ft roof boxes, with dimensions, mounting systems, ski limits and SUV fitment checks.
Compare Current OptionsA roof box comparison is easy to get wrong: an 18-cu-ft Thule naturally carries more than a 16-cu-ft Yakima, but that says nothing about which brand is better. The useful questions are whether each box fits your roof rack, whether the hatch opens fully, how much usable roof load remains and whether the locking and mounting hardware match your preferences. Here we compare equal-capacity models and cite the brands’ published specifications.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
01 Four boxes, two fair matchups
The 16-cu-ft pair suits compact packing; the 18-cu-ft pair is for longer or bulkier loads.
Thule PowerClick torque-click clamps, SlideLock lid security, and dual-side access.
Dual-side opening, removable torque-limiting mounting knob, flat interior floor and SKS locking.
Larger 18-cu-ft capacity, PowerClick mounting and SlideLock with dual-side access.
18-cu-ft NX variant with dual-side opening and removable torque-limiting installation knob.
02 Equal-size spec comparison
Manufacturer-published dimensions, weights and ski limits; rack fit varies by vehicle.
| Exact model | Volume and dimensions | Weight and skis | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion 3 L | 16 cu ft · 76.5 × 34.2 × 16.5 in | 43.6 lb · 180 cm skis | Best Thule match for Yakima NX 16 |
| Yakima SkyBox NX 16 | 16 cu ft · 75.5 × 35 × 16 in | 47 lb · 175 cm skis | Best Yakima 16-cu-ft choice |
| Thule Motion 3 XL | 18 cu ft · 84.7 × 35 × 17 in | 51 lb · 200 cm skis | Best Thule larger family option |
| Yakima SkyBox NX 18 | 18 cu ft · 84 × 36 × 16.5 in | 52 lb · 195 cm skis | Best Yakima larger family option |
03 Detailed model differences
These are specification-led buying notes, not first-hand road testing or unverified rankings.
Thule Motion 3 L
Thule PowerClick torque-click clamps, SlideLock lid security, and dual-side access.
Best fit: Owners who prefer Thule controls and want the same nominal 16-cu-ft class as SkyBox NX 16.
Owners who prefer Thule controls and want the same nominal 16-cu-ft class as SkyBox NX 16.
Check hatch clearance and 24–36-inch crossbar spread separately; Thule publishes a vehicle fit guide.
Manufacturer specification: Official model documentation. Measurements are manufacturer-published, not independently tested.
Check PriceYakima SkyBox NX 16
Dual-side opening, removable torque-limiting mounting knob, flat interior floor and SKS locking.
Best fit: Owners who prioritize the Yakima NX mounting design or its slightly shorter published exterior length.
Owners who prioritize the Yakima NX mounting design or its slightly shorter published exterior length.
Yakima manual specifies 24–36 in crossbar spread. Do not infer vehicle fit from capacity alone.
Manufacturer specification: Official model documentation. Measurements are manufacturer-published, not independently tested.
Check PriceThule Motion 3 XL
Larger 18-cu-ft capacity, PowerClick mounting and SlideLock with dual-side access.
Best fit: Drivers carrying longer skis or more bulky gear who can accommodate an approximately 85-inch-long box.
Drivers carrying longer skis or more bulky gear who can accommodate an approximately 85-inch-long box.
Thule states front clearance greater than 52 3/32 in for this model; check actual rack placement and rear hatch.
Manufacturer specification: Official model documentation. Measurements are manufacturer-published, not independently tested.
Check PriceYakima SkyBox NX 18
18-cu-ft NX variant with dual-side opening and removable torque-limiting installation knob.
Best fit: Families needing 18-cu-ft storage and preferring Yakima hardware.
Families needing 18-cu-ft storage and preferring Yakima hardware.
Yakima manual specifies 24–40 in crossbar spread. Check roof rating after accounting for box and rack weight.
Manufacturer specification: Official model documentation. Measurements are manufacturer-published, not independently tested.
Check Price04 Seven checks before buying
Use the vehicle-specific fit guides, not just advertised cubic feet.
- Compare equal-capacity models first: Motion 3 L and SkyBox NX 16 both advertise 16 cu ft; Motion 3 XL and SkyBox NX 18 both advertise 18 cu ft. Comparing XL to NX 16 creates a misleading size advantage.
- Measure crossbar spread: Yakima lists 24–36 inches for NX 16 and 24–40 inches for NX 18. Check Thule fit compatibility through its vehicle guide.
- Measure hatch clearance with the rack installed: The distance from the forward bar to the hatch can rule out a long box even when the roof itself looks spacious.
- Calculate available payload: The roof, crossbars and box each have limits. Subtract rack and box weight from the lowest applicable roof-system rating.
- Consider loaded reach and access: Both product lines offer dual-side opening, but height of the vehicle and where the box sits can affect real-world access.
- Check ski length and usable interior: Thule L states 180 cm, Yakima NX 16 states 175 cm; the 18-cu-ft versions list 200 and 195 cm respectively.
- Choose mounting and lock preferences: Thule uses PowerClick and SlideLock; Yakima NX uses a removable torque-limiting knob and SKS lock. Follow installation instructions and verify closure every trip.
05 The right box for your use
16-cu-ft class: Choose Thule Motion 3 L if PowerClick and SlideLock are priorities; choose Yakima SkyBox NX 16 if its flatter interior floor, removable torque knob and slightly shorter body fit better.
18-cu-ft class: Motion 3 XL lists a 200-cm ski limit versus 195 cm for NX 18. But its front-clearance requirement can make it unsuitable for some short-roof SUVs.
Load capacity: Published 165-lb box load ratings are not permission to put 165 lb on every vehicle roof. The lowest vehicle/rack/box limit governs, with rack and box weight included.
Need other brands or budget choices? Our broader best roof cargo boxes guide compares more styles and capacities.
06 Frequently asked questions
Is Thule Motion 3 better than Yakima SkyBox NX?
Neither is universally better. Both offer dual-side opening and torque-controlled mounting, but the lock controls, exact dimensions, ski capacity and crossbar requirements differ.
Which two boxes are the fairest 16-cu-ft comparison?
Compare Thule Motion 3 L with Yakima SkyBox NX 16. Both claim 16 cu ft, but Thule L is 76.5 inches long and Yakima NX 16 is 75.5 inches long.
What is the closest 18-cu-ft comparison?
Thule Motion 3 XL and Yakima SkyBox NX 18 both advertise 18 cu ft; their published exterior lengths are 84.7 and 84 inches respectively.
Which holds longer skis?
Thule lists 180 cm for Motion 3 L and 200 cm for XL; Yakima lists 175 cm for NX 16 and 195 cm for NX 18. Always check binding placement and usable interior space.
Do both boxes open from either side?
Yes. Thule Motion 3 and Yakima SkyBox NX both specify dual-side opening. Verify the particular model when buying used or from a third-party listing.
Will either cargo box fit my SUV?
Not automatically. Verify vehicle roof capacity, rack and bar type, crossbar spacing, mounting compatibility and rear-hatch clearance before purchase.
07 Compare fit before brand
Thule Motion 3 and Yakima SkyBox NX both offer credible 16- and 18-cu-ft roof boxes. Thule emphasizes PowerClick/SlideLock operation; Yakima NX offers its own removable torque-limiting hardware and flat-floor approach. The deciding factor is the box that fits your vehicle, rack and cargo with adequate hatch and roof-load clearance—not a generic winner.