Thule Force Vs. Motion: What’s The Difference?
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Thule Force is a rooftop cargo box with a quick-mount system and dual-side opening.- Size Options: Sport, L, XL, XXL
- Dimensions (Size L): 74.75” x 33” x 18”
- Weight (Size L): 41 lbs
- Volume (Size L): 16 cu ft
- Load Capacity: 165 lbs
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box
Thule Motion is a rooftop cargo box with a dual-side opening and a SlideLock system that makes it the most secure box of its kind.- Size Options: Alpine, L, XL, XXL
- Dimensions (Size L): 77” x 36” x 17”
- Weight (Size L): 42 lbs
- Volume (Size L): 16 cu ft
- Load Capacity: 165 lbs
Want to get a Thule cargo box but not sure which to pick? In this post I will compare the two most popular models: Thule Force and Thule Motion.
There are pros and cons to each cargo box, and one of them is certainly the right option for you. Read more about the technical specifications, unique and shared features, and pricing differences to figure out which Thule box is the better fit for you!
Box Shape And Dimensions
Thule Force and Motion look very much alike, with a few notable differences in their design, so let’s start with those.
The Motion box has a slightly lower end, as well as an angled back. The Force, on the other hand, has a slightly bumpier back end. But that’s not a bad thing – it lets you store bulkier gear even in this part of the cargo box, which you can’t do with the Motion. Also, the shape of the back end is actually the opposite of the Force – whereas the end of the Motion kind of tucks inside at a sharp angle, the Force box sticks out towards the end.
Both the Thule Force and the Motion have cutouts in the back for the car antenna, so that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. Also, the angled back of the Motion means slightly better aerodynamics.
In terms of the actual box sizes, the Force is slightly smaller than the Motion. The Motion boxes are longer, wider, and thinner, but the internal volume and load capacity of both remain exactly the same.
However, the external dimensions don’t really impact the internal volume and gear capacity. There aren’t any benefits to buying the more expensive cargo box when it comes to just the amount of stuff you can store inside it.
On the other hand, it’s important to consider the box dimensions and measure them against your car. Make sure that the cargo box will fit nicely on the roof and don’t get anything that’s too big for your car.
Size Variety
Both the Force and the Motion are available in three staple sizes
- L (16 cu ft)
- XL (18 cu ft)
- XXL (22 cu ft)
Also, both boxes come in one extra size that is designed for a specific purpose.
Thule Force Sport Version
The Thule Force is available in a Sport version, which features a narrower high-profile design with an 11 cu ft capacity.
Thule Motion Alpine Version
This box is designed for carrying ski equipment with a low-profile design and a capacity of 16 cu ft.
If you are not interested in the special versions of the boxes, you can go with either the Motion or the Force. The main three sizes have exactly the same gear capacity, so it ultimately comes down to other differences like price and color.