Kuat Varial XL vs Thule Motion 3 XL vs Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Cargo Boxes

Updated 10/17/2026 | Published 10/13/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Varial XL Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Bronze Metallic

$1398.00

Kuat Varial XL Rooftop Cargo Box - 18.5 cu ft - Black - Preorder

$1289.00

Kuat EVA Floor Kit for Varial XL Rooftop Cargo Box - Black

$98.00

Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black Glossy

(16)

$1185.53

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black Nano-Texture

(51)

$936.79

Question:

I'm shopping for an 18 cubic foot rooftop cargo box for family vacations and ski trips. I've been looking at the Thule Motion 3 XL and Yakima SkyBox NX 18, but I recently came across the Kuat Varial XL. Is there a reason to choose the Kuat over the other two?

asked by: Daniel F

Expert Reply:

Hey Daniel! I'd recommend the Kuat Varial XL # KU27HR (Bronze Metallic) or # KU48CR (Black) if easier access to your gear is a priority. All three give you 18 cubic feet of storage, but the Kuat lets you load and unload from either side or the rear, while the Thule and Yakima only open from the sides. Its mounts also retain their settings, which is handy if you'll be taking the box off between trips.

The Thule Motion 3 XL # TH87PN is worth considering if you have longer skis since it fits skis up to 200 cm, compared to 195 cm for the Kuat and Yakima. The Yakima SkyBox NX 18 # Y45AV is the lower-priced option and has a flat interior floor that makes packing easier.

For the Kuat, I'd also add the EVA Floor Kit # KU59HR. It adds cushioning to help protect your gear and the inside of the box from rubbing and scratches. You'll still use the included straps to secure your cargo.

Where is your favorite place to go skiing?

expert reply by: Robin H

Kuat Varial XL
(click to enlarge)

Daniel

10/17/2026

We usually head out to Colorado, mostly Breckenridge and Keystone. Being able to open the box from the rear sounds pretty convenient when we're unloading everything at the condo.

Robin H.

10/17/2026

@Daniel that's where the Varial XL really stands out! Being able to open it from the rear makes unloading skis and luggage a lot easier, especially when you're parked next to other vehicles and don't have much room along the sides. Enjoy Colorado!