Note: Thule has revised both its Motion and Force lines of roof-top cargo boxes. The Motion XT is now the Motion 3, featuring an updated aerodynamic design, additional size options, and more. The Force XT is now the Force 3. This review of the Thule Motion vs. Thule Force has been updated to reflect the changes.
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’re debating between the Motion 3 and the top-end Thule Vector, check out our comparison of those two models. And for Thule's budget-friendliest cargo box option, take a look at the no-frills Thule Pulse.
Our Take: Thule Motion vs Force
Thule has long been a leader in vehicle roof racks, boxes, hitch-mount racks and accessories, and both the Thule Motion and Force lines demonstrate the constant evolution of roof-top cargo box features, functionality and aesthetics. We've come a long way from the first couple generations of clunky cargo boxes with janky mounting systems. Today's boxes from Thule, Yakima and others are aerodynamic, stylish, and loaded with user-friendly features and optional accessories (like this set of GoPack duffel bags).
If money isn't a concern and you want a sleek, glossy, full-featured roof-top cargo box that will look good on top of your favorite vehicle without compromising functionality, the Thule Motion 3 is our choice and the better of these two models. With that decision made, you just need to determine how much capacity you want and whether the two low-profile size options (XL Low and XXL Low) meet your needs.
If you're looking to save a couple (hundred) dollars and are perfectly happy with a matte finish and simpler styling (and lack of SlideLock system), then go with the Thule Force.
Side-by-side comparison: Thule Motion 3 vs Force
 thule motion 3 |  thule force xt | |
|---|---|---|
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 | LockKnob |
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 to this question depends on your unique circumstances, of course. If you have a large vehicle with plenty of interior space and typically only transport yourself and perhaps one passenger, you probably have room to stash all your outdoor gears and toys inside.
If that doesn't sound like you, then a cargo box might be 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 the inside of your car, truck or SUV and into the protective, hard-plastic, weatherproof cocoon of your secure cargo box. In the process, you make room for more passengers, pets and other must-bring gear. Win-win.
Having a cargo box could also allow you to forgo a purchase of that ski/snowboard rack you've been eyeing, as well as any other roof-top mounts for gear that otherwise will fit in your box.
Bonus: Long gone are the days of T-bolts, star nuts and steel plates to clumsily - and with much effort (and cursing) - attach your cargo box to your vehicle's crossbars. Thule's latest iterations of rooftop boxes have innovative designs that make installing, uninstalling and moving your cargo box from vehicle to vehicle to vehicle a breeze. Buy a new rooftop box and it'll last years and years - and likely longer than your current set of wheels.
Comparing the sizes and capacities of the Thule Motion, Force, Pulse & Vector cargo boxes
As you can see in the comparison chart from Thule above, there's no shortage of options when it comes to shapes and sizes of cargo boxes. Choose a box that will fit both your vehicle (while allowing the rear hatch to open with the box installed) as well as meet your gear-hauling needs.
In general, we tend to err on the side of larger. After all, you can't make your cargo box any bigger once you've bought it, but you can always find a few extra things to fill up the larger size you purchased to begin with. Besides, a bump in size helps future-proof your changing life -- growing family, new hobbies ... you get it.
One note about Thule's current offerings: the Motion 3 series' "Low" sizes as well as the Thule Pulse Alpine are intentionally lower-profile than other size options and are primarily intended for snowsports use (i.e., skis and snowboards and other long, low-profile gear).
Locking, opening and closing systems
Who cares, right? Wrong.
The Thule Motion 3 features Thule's SlideLock all-in-one security and opening system, while the Thule Force XT features the LockKnob. So which is better?
We much prefer the SlideLock, which offers better security, is more reliable and is much easier to use. Simply insert and turn the key, pull the SlideLock with a finger or two, and the box lid pops free from its latches. It's incredibly easy and intuitive, and you can do it all with one hand, which is sometimes all you have to spare when accessing your roof-top cargo box. One of our other favorite features of SlideLock is that you can't remove the key from the lock until the box lid is securely latched - ensuring that your cargo box and its contents are secured before you hop back into your vehicle and continue your adventure.
Thule's SlideLock makes for easy one-handed operation.
Closing and locking the box is simple and intuitive with SlideLock.
Contrast the SlideLock with the LockKnob mechanism of the Thule Force XT, which combines both the key and lock in a single twist-to-unlock unit. Easy enough to use, but not nearly as convenient and reliable as SlideLock. We also find the LockKnob to be flimsier and thus less confidence-inspiring for long-term use.
Though functional, we find the LockKnob's locking, unlocking and opening mechanism of the Thule Force XT to be inferior to the SlideLock system of models like the Thule Motion 3.
It's important to note that both the Motion 3 and Force XT boxes feature dual-sided opening, which means you can open the box from both the driver and passenger sides of your vehicle. In practice, this makes it significantly easier to mount, unmount, load and unload your cargo box.
Mounting systems
We touched on it before, but it used to be that mounting a cargo box to your vehicle's roof was cumbersome enough that you were unlikely to ever remove it again. As much as we love the extra cargo capacity roof boxes provide for our outdoor adventures and family excursions year-round, there are nevertheless stretches of time when we simply don't want or need the box affixed to our cars 24/7.
Roof-top cargo boxes aren't light, so most owners will need a second person to help lift the box into place.
Thanks to innovations like Thule's PowerClick quick-mount system, installing, removing and re-installing roof boxes is a straightforward and frustration-free affair. Honestly, the most challenging part is lifting the cargo box (most weigh ~50 pounds empty) into or out of place. Fortunately, both the Motion 3 and Force XT feature the PowerClick mounting system. Once the box is in place atop your vehicle's crossbars, simply twist all four PowerClick knobs until the corresponding claws are tightly wrapped around the bars, which you'll know has been achieved when the knobs make a loud "click." Hence the name, PowerClick.
Accessories and other features
Are some of Thule's latest roof-box accessories necessary? Of course not. But if you want a perfectly sized set of travel duffels to load nicely into your new cargo box, then Thule has some GoPack bags with your name on them. Beyond the duffels, Thule makes several accessories for the Motion 3 line, including an interior LED light, a box liner, and a box cover to keep it scratch- and dust-free when not in storage. The existence of these accessories should not sway your purchasing decision, in our opinion.
Appearance
We're fans of the glossy exterior finish of the Thule Motion, available in both black and gray.
We tend to do all sorts of things to our vehicles (even choosing the vehicle itself) because we like the way it looks. And a cargo box is an extension of your vehicle and its appearance, no matter the practicality.
The glossy exterior of the Thule Motion 3 is sleek, as is its updated aerodynamic design that slopes down at both the nose and tail of the box. On the flip side, the Thule Force XT has a duller matte finish that will better hide any scratches and scuffs you accrue over the years of adventuring. But if you're a sticker person, no one will be able to see the marks anyway.
Really, there’s no right or wrong choice here. It’s all a matter of personal preference.
Where to buy: Thule Motion vs Force
The sheer size of roof-top cargo boxes is the No. 1 limiting factor in their availability from retailers (both physical storefronts as well as online shops). Thule does sell direct to consumers, with their cargo boxes shipped via ground transportation. Typical shipping time is 7-10 days once your order has been received by the freight company.
However, we generally prefer buying our Thule (and Yakima, for that matter) products from REI. If you're a member of the Co-op - a lifetime membership costs just $30 - you'll receive an annual dividend equal to 10% of the full-price purchases you made from REI over the course of the preceding year. That means a $1,000 Thule cargo box will yield $100 in REI dollars to spend on new gear.
There's another reason we like buying Thule and Yakima products from REI: at least two times a year, and often more, REI offers 20% off all Thule and Yakima products. That adds up to big savings on your roof-top cargo box, roof rack system, bike rack, etc. Just note that discounted purchases won't count toward your annual REI dividend.
Retailers like REI typically charge a shipping fee for oversized products like a Thule Motion or Thule Force roof box, but at checkout you can choose to ship for free to a REI store close to you. You'll probably even get some help installing it onto your roof rack before leaving the store.
Other online retailers that sell Thule products, and sometimes for a discount, include Backcountry.com, Competitive Cyclist, and EVO.
Our recommendation: Thule Motion vs Force
High-end cargo boxes can cost $1,000 or more. The Thule Motion 3 and Thule Force XT both deliver premium, proven quality. And they aren’t inexpensive.
What you get in return for your investment is an easy to mount, open and close cargo box that provides significant extra space for all your gear, no matter the season.
The Thule Motion 3 will set you back a couple hundred more dollars than the Force XT, and in return you'll get a sleeker aesthetic and the superior SlideLock system. If neither is important to you, save some money and use it on some more gear to fill up your new Force XT. Our ultimate choice: go with the Motion 3 and be happy for years to come.
Check the latest prices on both models from REI
Backcountry.com sells the Thule Force XT and the more wallet-friendly Thule Pulse. Check their prices here.
