It never ceases to amaze me just how much gear I can fit in my Thule Motion. I have the XL size, and it has handled six pairs of skis, six sets of poles, and two snowboards.
**Updated for 2026:** The Motion XT is now the Motion 3 and the Force XT is now the Force 3. All specs and prices in this article reflect the current lineup.
I suppose I've lived in the Colorado Rockies long enough that the sheer number of roof-top cargo boxes on cars, trucks and SUVs is as normal here as May snowstorms. But why are cargo boxes so popular? Simple: Because nothing keeps your expensive and oversized outdoor gear clean, dry and secure while simultaneously freeing up your vehicle's interior quite like a roof box.
Two names dominate the roof-top cargo box industry: Thule and Yakima. In this review we compare two of Thule's top models: the Thule Motion 3 and Thule Force 3. Both models from Sweden-based Thule are solid performers, and like most roof boxes, they can put a dent in your wallet. But what you get is years (and potentially decades - seriously) of reliable use from your cargo box, which can easily move from vehicle to vehicle.
If you love the looks of the top-end Thule Vector, well, you're out of luck. Thule stopped making it a year ago. But they do still produce their budget-friendliest cargo box option - the no-frills Thule Pulse.
Quick Verdict
- Best Overall: Thule Motion 3 — Sleeker design, better aerodynamics, award-winning looks.
- Best Value: Thule Force 3 — Same SlideLock security and PowerClick mounting, matte finish, lower price.
Both are available at REI, where Co-op members earn 10% back on full-price purchases
Be sure to also check out our in-depth look at everything you need to know about hitch bike racks, including our top picks.
Our Take: Thule Motion 3 vs Force 3
Thule has long been a leader in vehicle roof racks, boxes, hitch-mount racks and accessories, and both the Motion 3 and Force 3 lines represent the latest evolution of rooftop cargo box design. The biggest news for 2026: Thule has upgraded the Force 3 with the same SlideLock system that was previously exclusive to the Motion line. That change closes the most significant functional gap between these two boxes.
So what actually separates them now? Primarily two things: aesthetics and price. The Motion 3 carries a sleek, glossy design (it took home both the Red Dot Design Award and iF Design Award in 2024) and a more aggressively aerodynamic wing-shaped profile. The Force 3 wears a matte AeroSkin finish, has a slightly more upright shape, and costs meaningfully less.
If you want the most polished, fuel-efficient roof box on the market and don't mind paying a premium for it, the Thule Motion 3 is our pick. If you want a rock-solid, full-featured cargo box with the same SlideLock convenience and PowerClick mounting at a lower price — and you'd rather not worry about scuffing a glossy finish — go with the Thule Force 3.
Side-by-side comparison: Thule Motion 3 vs Force 3
 Thule Motion 3 |  Thule Force 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Sizes | Large, XL, XL Low, XXL, XXL Low | Sport, Large, XL, XXL |
Volume | L: 16 cu ft | Sport: 11 cu ft |
Colors | Black Glossy, Titan (Gray) Glossy | Matte Black |
Mounting system | PowerClick quick-mount | PowerClick quick-mount |
Lock/security | SlideLock system | SlideLock system |
Available accessories | Interior box light; protective box liner; storage cover | N/A |
Dual-sided opening | Yes | Yes |
Cost |
Do you need a Thule roof-top cargo box?
The answer depends on your circumstances. If you have a large vehicle with plenty of interior space and typically only transport yourself and perhaps one passenger, you may have enough room to stash all your gear inside.
If that doesn't sound like you, a cargo box is a wise investment. Whether spring, summer, fall or winter, a rooftop box like those from Thule helps get your bulky, long, oddly-shaped or excess gear out of your vehicle's interior and into the protective, hard-plastic, weatherproof cocoon of a secure cargo box. In the process, you make room for more passengers, pets and other must-bring items — plus you may be able to forgo that ski or snowboard rack you've been eyeing.
Bonus: Long gone are the days of T-bolts, star nuts and steel plates to clumsily attach your cargo box to your crossbars. Today's Thule boxes have mounting systems so intuitive that the main effort is simply lifting the box into place.
Sizes and Capacities
Both the Motion 3 and Force 3 come in multiple sizes, though they target slightly different ends of the range. The Motion 3 emphasizes its low-profile options — the XL Low and XXL Low — which are intentionally lower to the roof and primarily intended for snowsports use (skis, snowboards, and other long, flat gear). These are a great choice if you want to minimize height when not carrying tall items.
The Force 3 goes the other direction, offering a Medium and an L Sport size that give smaller-vehicle owners more entry points. If you drive a compact crossover or sedan, the Force 3 lineup gives you better starter options.
In general, we tend to err on the side of larger. You can't make your cargo box bigger once you've bought it, but you can always find gear to fill a larger box. A bump in capacity also helps future-proof your changing life — growing family, new hobbies, and so on.
Locking, opening and closing systems
This used to be the biggest differentiator between these two boxes. The Motion XT had SlideLock; the Force XT had the older LockKnob. That gap is gone. Both the Motion 3 and the Force 3 now feature Thule's SlideLock system, and it's excellent on both.
]SlideLock is an all-in-one security and opening mechanism that keeps locking and opening functions separate. Insert and turn the key, pull the SlideLock handle, and the lid pops free. Close the lid and it auto-latches — the key physically cannot be removed until the lid is confirmed shut. This means you'll never accidentally drive away with an unlatched cargo box. The operation is fully one-handed, which is often all you have available when loading or unloading gear roadside.
Both the Motion 3 and Force 3 also feature dual-sided opening, so you can access the box from the driver or passenger side of your vehicle. In practice, this makes loading and unloading significantly easier, especially in tight parking situations.
The Motion 3's lid does have a slight ergonomic edge: it features a wider, purpose-built handle that makes opening and closing feel especially smooth and confident. The Force 3 relies on the natural shape of the box itself as the handle, which works well but isn't quite as refined. It's a minor difference — both boxes are easy to operate — but noticeable if you use your cargo box frequently.
Thule's SlideLock makes for easy one-handed operation.
Closing and locking the box is simple and intuitive with SlideLock.
Mounting: PowerClick on both
Both the Motion 3 and Force 3 use Thule's PowerClick quick-mount system, and it makes a world of difference over the old mounting approaches. Once the box is lifted into place atop your vehicle's crossbars, twist all four PowerClick knobs until the claws wrap tightly around the bars. An audible click confirms secure attachment. That's it.
The most challenging part of the whole process remains simply lifting the box into position — most models weigh between 40–55 pounds empty. Most owners will want a second pair of hands for that step.
Roof-top cargo boxes aren't light, so most owners will need a second person to help lift the box into place.
Aerodynamics and design
The Motion 3 was engineered from the ground up with aerodynamics as a top priority. Its wing-shaped profile features a dynamic, forward-leaning nose that cuts through wind more efficiently than previous generations. Thule claims this design meaningfully reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency on longer drives. The Motion 3 won the Red Dot Design Award and iF Design Award in 2024, recognizing both its aesthetics and engineering.
The Force 3 isn't exactly a wind brick — it features a streamlined silhouette and Thule's AeroSkin surface material, which is designed to reduce air resistance while remaining highly durable and resistant to scratches, UV damage, and daily wear. The AeroSkin finish is matte, not glossy, which means it hides scuffs more easily. If you're hard on gear, or you frequently remove and reinstall your box, the Force 3's finish will age more gracefully.
Bottom line: the Motion 3 is the more aerodynamic box, and over many miles of highway driving that can add up to real fuel savings. But both boxes are meaningfully more aerodynamic than older cargo box designs.
Accessories and other features
Both the Motion 3 and Force 3 now support a solid range of Thule accessories:
- GoPack Duffel Set ($284.95): Four bags sized to nest perfectly inside your cargo box, making packing more organized and efficient.
- Thule Box Light ($69.95): An interior LED light that makes it easy to find gear in low-light conditions.
- Box Lid Cover ($64.95): Protects your box from dust and scratches during storage.
- Thule MultiLift ($349.95): A mechanical lift assist that makes raising and lowering the box much easier — especially useful for solo installations.
The Motion 3 additionally supports a dedicated Box Liner for its XL and XL Low sizes, which protects the interior and makes cleanup easier.
None of these accessories are necessary, but the GoPack duffels in particular are a genuinely useful upgrade if you find yourself playing Tetris with loose gear at every trailhead.
Appearance
We're fans of the glossy exterior finish of the Thule Motion, available in both black and gray.
The Motion 3 comes in two finishes: Black Glossy and Titan Glossy (a silvery-gray). Both have a premium, eye-catching look that complements modern vehicles well. The glossy finish is striking, but it will show fingerprints and fine scratches more readily over time.
The Force 3 is available only in Matte Black, finished in the AeroSkin material. It's understated, versatile, and — practically speaking — far more forgiving of the inevitable scuffs that come with years of real-world use. If you're a sticker person, the matte surface is also a better canvas.
There's no right answer here. Both boxes look good on a vehicle. It's a matter of whether you want a head-turner or a workhorse.
Where to buy
The sheer size of roof-top cargo boxes limits availability at retail storefronts. Thule sells direct, with cargo boxes shipped via ground transportation (typically 7–10 days). However, we generally prefer buying from REI. REI Co-op members — a lifetime membership costs just $30 — receive an annual 10% dividend on full-price purchases. A $1,000 cargo box purchase yields $100 in REI dollars to put toward your next gear purchase.
REI also runs sales on Thule products at least twice per year, often offering 20% off. Note that discounted purchases don't count toward your annual dividend. REI typically charges a shipping fee for oversized items, but you can choose free ship-to-store and get help with installation before you leave.
Other online retailers that sell Thule products, and sometimes for a discount, include Backcountry.com, Competitive Cyclist, and EVO.
Our recommendation: Thule Motion 3 vs Force 3
Both the Motion 3 and Force 3 are excellent rooftop cargo boxes, and the 2026 versions of each are more closely matched than ever — thanks in large part to the Force 3 now sharing the same SlideLock system.
The decision comes down to this: Do the Motion 3's aerodynamic design, glossy premium finish, and design awards justify the extra $200–$250 over the Force 3?
- If aesthetics and maximum aerodynamic efficiency matter to you — or if you're buying a top-of-the-line box and just want the best — go with the Motion 3.
- If you want a durable, full-featured cargo box that will serve you equally well in every functional respect, looks great, and costs meaningfully less, the Force 3 is a smarter buy for most people.
Our ultimate choice is still the Motion 3 for those who want the best — but the Force 3 is no longer a compromise. It's a genuinely excellent box in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Thule Motion 3 and the Thule Force 3?
The main differences are aesthetics and price. The Motion 3 has a high-gloss finish (black or gray), a more aerodynamic wing-shaped profile, and won the Red Dot Design Award and iF Design Award in 2024. The Force 3 has a matte AeroSkin finish, a slightly more upright shape, and costs roughly $200–$250 less. Both share the same SlideLock security system, PowerClick mounting, dual-sided opening, and 165-lb load capacity.
Does the Thule Force 3 have SlideLock?
Yes. As of the Force 3 generation, Thule upgraded the Force line with the same SlideLock system used on the Motion 3. SlideLock automatically locks the lid when closed and prevents you from removing the key until the box is securely latched. This was previously an exclusive feature of the higher-end Motion line.
Is the Thule Motion 3 worth the extra money over the Force 3?
It depends on what you value. If you care about having the most aerodynamic design, a premium glossy finish, and award-winning aesthetics, the Motion 3 is worth it. If your priority is getting all the core functionality — SlideLock, PowerClick, dual-sided opening, the same load capacity — at a lower price, the Force 3 is a smarter buy and not a compromise.
What size Thule cargo box should I get?
When in doubt, go larger. You can always fill extra space, but you can't add capacity after the fact. For most families or active couples, the L (16 cu ft) handles weekend trips comfortably, while the XL (18 cu ft) or XXL (21–22 cu ft) is better for longer trips or larger gear hauls. If you primarily carry skis or snowboards, consider the Motion 3 XL Low or XXL Low, which are specifically designed for long, flat gear and sit closer to the roofline.
Will a Thule cargo box fit my car?
Thule cargo boxes are compatible with most roof rack crossbar systems, including Thule's own WingBar Evo, AeroBlade, SquareBar Evo, and ProBar Evo. The main fitment concern is hatch clearance — whether the rear of the box will make contact with your hatch when it opens. Thule provides hatch clearance measurements for each model on their website. You can also use Thule's online fit guide to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle and crossbars.
Can I take my car through a car wash with a Thule cargo box installed?
It's not recommended. Most automatic car washes pose a risk of damaging the cargo box or its mounting hardware, and some washes explicitly prohibit roof-mounted accessories. It's best to remove the box or use a touchless car wash if you need to wash the vehicle with the box on.
Does Thule offer a warranty on the Motion 3 and Force 3?
Yes. Both the Motion 3 and Force 3 are covered by Thule's limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Thule also has a strong reputation for customer support and availability of spare parts, which is part of why these boxes can genuinely last decades with proper care.
How long does it take to install a Thule cargo box?
With Thule's PowerClick quick-mount system, installation typically takes 10–15 minutes once you're familiar with the process. The most physically demanding part is lifting the box (40–55 lbs) into position on your crossbars — most people will want a second person for that step. Removal is equally quick, and both the Motion 3 and Force 3 are designed to be moved between vehicles easily.
What happened to the Thule Motion XT and Force XT?
Thule has refreshed both lines. The Motion XT is now the Motion 3, and the Force XT is now the Force 3. Both updates brought improved aerodynamics, expanded size options, and — in the case of the Force — the addition of SlideLock. If you're finding older reviews that compare Motion XT vs. Force XT, note that some of the key differences they describe (particularly around the locking system) no longer apply to the current generation.