Rooftop Cargo Box to Fit on and Clear Open Rear Hatch of a 2017 Acura MDX

Question:

In a response you say that Yakima confirms the skybox 16 will fit on this model. There might be more to the story in that it fits if you use their bars. Yesterday I was at a local retailer testing the skybox 16 with OEM crossbars installed and it did not fit and allow the rear hatch to open. It was close but the last inch or two caused the hatch to get wedged under the rear skybox lip. Any tested boxes youd recommend for a MDX with OEM crossbars?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

I have an option that'll probably work for you since you tested the Yakima SkyBox 16 and it was just a few inches too long on your 2017 Acura MDX. I would be interested to know which version of the SkyBox 16 you tested.
The older versions required at least 52 inches of clearance from the center of the front crossbar to the seam between the roof and the rear hatch in order for the hatch to fully open. However, the new SkyBox NX 16 only needs 47 inches to fully clear. You should take that measurement on your MDX.

If you measure and find the new SkyBox NX 16 will not work, or just want a different recommendation using the new information, let me know and I'll be happy to find something.

expert reply by: Charles S