Thule Motion 3 XL Low Review

If you're in the market for travel and storage accessories for your vehicle, you've probably come across Thule's vast collection. From bags and racks to platforms and cargo boxes, the brand has something to offer for practically any kind of rig. The Motion 3 (the updated version of the older Motion XT) is on the more premium end of Thule's cargo boxes and comes in three sizes—two of which are also offered in a new low-profile design. After close to a year using the XL Low in every kind of weather, we've come to truly appreciate and depend on this well-designed storage solution. The secure closure system imparts confidence, and even the smaller low-profile version can swallow four to six pairs of skis or three to five snowboards. Installation is fast and easy if you need to remove the box or swap it to another vehicle, and the glossy finish and sleek shape are both attractive and functional. Below we break down our experience with the Motion 3 XL Low. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our article on the best rooftop cargo boxes.
 

Table of Contents

• Gear Capacity and Interior Space
• Box Dimensions and Weight
• Cargo Box Access and Security
• Weather Resistance
• Road Noise and Aerodynamics
• Build Quality and Durability
• Installation and Removal
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Gear Capacity and Interior Space

Thule's Motion 3 collection has options ranging from 14 cubic feet (for the XL Low featured here) all the way up to 21 cubic feet (for the XXL). Despite being the smallest box in the line, the XL Low can still swallow quite a lot of gear. The interior measures 80 x 29 x 12 inches with a load capacity of 165 pounds. If your belongings aren't taller than a typical large duffel bag, you should have no issues. We tested the box along with the Thule GoPack Duffel Set, which features four 75-liter bags, each with uniquely colored handles on the ends, backpack straps, and a handy storage roll for when they're not in use. The interior of the box also offers built-in tie-down straps, allowing you to secure your gear and cut down on noise from shifting cargo while on the move. 
 

The Motion 3 XL Low has ample space for stowing snowboards and skis during the winter months. While I haven't had the need to transport more than four pairs at a time, Thule claims you can carry up to six in the XL Low with a max length of 200 centimeters—but depending on the skis, it's very likely more. We've put this box through the wringer, tossing everything in it from dog beds and kayak paddles to all the necessities for several weeks away from home. No matter how much rain or snow fell from the sky, nothing inside was ever compromised. The one thing to keep in mind with this, though, is that because the box is so well sealed, it also will hold on to any water you get inside of it from wet gear or melted snow. Thankfully, it's easy to wipe out with a rag or fully remove from your roof if and when needed.
 

Box Dimensions and Weight

As mentioned above, the Thule Motion 3 XL Low measures 80 x 29 x 12 inches internally and 84.8 x 35 x 14 inches on the exterior. It sits just 12 inches off crossbars, and the XL size can accommodate skis up to 200 centimeters in length (the L caps at 180cm, and the XXL can fit up to 215cm). The 6.7-foot length of my XL Low can easily swallow four pairs of skis and poles, with room left over for at least two more pairs. I have found the 12-inch height sufficient for most trips with multiple people, though a couple of times, some strategic rearranging was required when objects got piled too high. Thankfully, the locking system of the box lets you know if it can't be properly closed (more on this below in the "Access and Security" section), so you are in no danger of it flying open while driving. Finally, while the 29-inch width (35 in. externally) feels plenty wide, it's slim enough to still allow adding an additional rack for a bike or kayak on larger vehicles and rack systems. 
 

The XL Low has a load capacity of 165 pounds and weighs 52.9 pounds, leaving about 112 pounds available for your belongings. It's important to also consider the weight limit of your rack or crossbars, as well as the roof load capacity of your particular vehicle. Thule's WingBar Evo Load Bars (pictured above) have a generous capacity of 220 pounds and are a great option if they are compatible with your vehicle. When it comes time to remove the Motion 3 or move it to another vehicle, it's possible for one tall and strong individual to move it alone, though the job is much easier with two people. 
 

Cargo Box Access and Security

Loading items in and out of the Thule Motion 3 XL Low is straightforward and easy. The handle is a long and large rail that's much easier to grab than the smaller handles on other cargo boxes, providing a sturdy and dedicated area to hold onto when opening or closing the lid. To open the box, you have to turn the key and squeeze the SlideLock system while lifting the lid, exposing an area of red on the mechanism that denotes the box is no longer locked. When it's cold and icy, this can require more hand strength, but I've always been able to open the box after a couple of tries. When closing the lid, you will not be able to turn and remove your key if any red color is exposed. To lock, the lid must be properly seated (this won't work if the box is too full or something is blocking one of the hinges); you'll hear a click with a quick push down on the handle, and the red area will disappear, allowing you to turn and remove your key. I love this system because it ensures that a closed box is always locked—if it's not, you can't remove and retrieve your keys.
 

Another great feature of the Motion 3 is that it can be opened from either the driver or passenger side of your vehicle. The handle and locking system are identical on both sides, and the interior hinges work smoothly as you switch from side to side. This can be invaluable if you like to have other racks installed on your roof or when you're in a tight parking area and one side isn't as easily accessible. Both sides also have a long strap on the interior that hangs down to help you close the lid if you can't reach the top of the box. And while the lid of the Motion 3 has a decent amount of flex and sometimes requires a little shifting to get it to click into place (we only experienced this when the box was verging on too full), it's overall much stiffer than what you get on many cheaper rooftop cargo boxes. This makes properly closing the box and getting it locked and ready to go much easier. 
 

Weather Resistance

My Motion 3 has been through huge Lake Tahoe snowstorms, torrential rains with dive-bombing pinecones, extreme crosswinds on highways across the Eastern Sierra and Utah's Great Salt Lake, and plenty of scorching sun. Thanks to the excellent design with an overhanging lip around the edge, I haven't had a single even mildly compromising issue. The glossy exterior helps facilitate snow shed, and the finish still looks top-notch despite all the box has been through. That said, the black exterior will soak up more sun, so it's important not to store heat-sensitive items in the box for an extended period. I once left a pair of skis with climbing skins on in the box for a full day before skiing and, when it came time to remove my skins, they were partially melted to the bottom of my skis, requiring two people and a lot of agonizing pulling to remove them. The Motion 3 also comes in a grey version (called "Titan"), which may not get quite as hot under direct sun, but we still recommend taking precautions to protect your gear.
 

Road Noise and Aerodynamics

Rooftop cargo boxes are not small, and many designs can be noisy and negatively affect gas mileage. However, we tested the low-profile version of the Motion 3, and the regular XXL version is still only 16 inches high. More importantly, every box in the Motion line is designed with a down-turned nose and what Thule calls a "wing-shaped profile." Even at high speeds and with aggressive crosswinds, we've never noticed the box making any noise, and the gas mileage on my primary testing vehicle (a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek XV) has remained the same as driving without a box—or so close that there hasn't been a substantial impact at the gas pump. If you'd prefer an even lower profile than the 12-inch XL Low, there are shorter designs such as the Inno Wedge 660 (11 in.) or Yakima GrandTour Lo (10 in.).
 

Build Quality and Durability

The Thule Motion 3 XL Low is an investment for sure, but I can vouch for the durable, high-quality build. As discussed above, my box has weathered all manner of weather and temperatures, even getting pummeled with immature pinecones semi-regularly, which have been known to break windows. Despite all of this, it still looks practically brand-new other than some minor scuffing. The box has also been stored under a cabin and along a fence under a tarp when it wasn't in use. The interior has fared just as well, as have the SlideLock mechanisms (no rust or jams) and the PowerClick mounting system (more on this below). 
 

Installation and Removal

The Motion 3 is incredibly easy to install, even on higher-profile vehicles. At just a smidge under 53 pounds, it's easy for two people to carry, and there are many good spots to grab when lifting it overhead. The PowerClick mounts slide to accommodate different crossbar placements—if you do have to move your crossbars, that will be the hardest part of the process. Once your bars are correctly positioned and you have the box properly centered (this is important for aerodynamics at speed), all you have to do is tighten the PowerClick brackets until they make a loud "click", indicating you've reached the proper torque. A "claw" on the underside will tighten and grab around your crossbars (for more details, see Thule’s instruction manual here). The Motion 3 is the easiest roof box I've personally used, and transferring it between vehicles takes hardly any time at all, especially with two people.
 

Crossbar Compatibility

Modern roof boxes have gotten progressively easier to match with a crossbar or rack system. The Thule Motion 3 is compatible with Thule's WingBar Evo, AeroBlade, SquareBar Evo, and ProBar Evo bars. Other Thule systems for trucks and RVs are compatible with the addition of an adaptor. But even if you already have bars from a different company (my Subaru has crossbars from Yakima), the wide adjustability range of the clamps on the Thule Motion 3 may very likely work. No matter what vehicle and rack system you have, it's always a good idea to check all measurements to ensure your roof box will fit (this includes accounting for opening a hatch, though the Motion 3 is designed to sit farther forward than other boxes to help with this issue). For more information, Thule has a really helpful how-to article.
 

Other Versions of the Thule Motion 3

I was nervous at first that the Low version of the Motion 3 might cramp my style, but outside of a couple instances of bad packing (which just required some rearranging between the interior of the car and the box to remedy), the 14 cubic feet of the XL Low has been a great size for trips with two to three adults and a large dog. The length is more than sufficient for my skis, which are all in the 170- to 180-centimeter range, but the box can accommodate skis up to 200 centimeters. If you need more length, both the XXL (21 cu. ft.; 87 x 30 x 16 in. internally) and XXL Low (18 cu. ft.; 87 x 30 x 13 in. internally) versions, which sell for $1,150, can carry five to seven pairs of skis as long as 215 centimeters. Conversely, if you need less length but a bit more height than the Low versions provide, the L size ($1,000; 16 cu. ft.) measures 72 x 28 x 15 inches internally and can still swallow 180-centimeter-long skis (the L box is not available in a Low version).

If all those specs ran together, just consider that the non-Low versions of the XL and XXL will give you three extra inches of interior height over the Low versions and 3 to 4 more cubic feet of space. Importantly, all of the Motion roof boxes share the same easy-to-use PowerClick mounting system, 165-pound maximum load capacity, and high-end features and finishes.
 

What We Like

• Motion line has lots of sizes to help you dial in the best option for your vehicle and carrying needs.
• PowerClick mounting system is intuitive, fast, and compatible with many crossbar systems.
• SlideLock system ensures that the box is locked before you drive away, as the key can't be removed otherwise.
• Rail handle is secure and easy to grab, and internal cords give an assist if the lid is higher than your reach.
• Built-in tie-down straps effectively keep gear in place, even on rough roads.
• Aerodynamic design results in little-to-no road noise or impact on gas mileage.
• Excellent weather resistance and build quality, including a high-end, glossy sheen and durable materials throughout.

What We Don’t

• Very expensive.
• The Low version may be constricting for some users, and even the tallest box is a bit shorter than the previous version, the Motion XT. 
• Interior can get very hot, so caution should be taken as to what you store inside for long periods.
• When hauling wet gear, you’ll need to be mindful of moisture pooling at the bottom, as there are no drainage ports.
• Operating the SlideLock system and getting the lid closed properly on both ends can be harder when the box is cold and icy. 
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

Thule’s Motion 3 is our favorite all-around rooftop cargo box, but the Yakima SkyBox NX XL is a popular alternative for a reason. Similar to the Motion 3, the SkyBox offers easy, tool-free installation, a dual-sided opening, and a decently aerodynamic shape—though it's noticeably more boxy-looking than the Motion 3. The dimensions and weight are very comparable to the Motion 3 XL Low, but the SkyBox NX XL will give you 4 more cubic feet of space thanks to its added height (that said, you could get the regular Motion 3 XL for the same price as the XL Low, which has the same interior space as the SkyBox NX 18). The SkyBox will also save you a substantial $250, though the drop in price does come with some sacrifices: The latch handle isn't as easy to use, the mounting system isn't quite as dialed, and while the Motion 3 comes in both a glossy black and glossy grey, the SkyBox is only available in matte black. Still, if you're OK with a boxier shape and a slightly less refined build, the Yakima is a great option at a more palatable price point.

If the price of the SkyBox NX appeals to you but you'd like to stick with the Thule brand, the Thule Force XT XL is not to be missed. The price and specs are almost identical to to the SkyBox NX 18, but the Force XT XL clocks in 6 pounds lighter than both the SkyBox and the Motion 3 XL Low. The Force also boasts a lot of the same premium features as the Motion 3, such as the user-friendly PowerClick mounts, interior tie-down points, and a stiffer lid. But it's clearly a more budget-oriented offering for the brand, and this is evident in some of the details such as the duller matte finish, boxier look, and LockKnob mechanism that isn't nearly as premium as the SlideLock system on the Motion 3. Users have reported issues with the key and handles over the years, and while some of these problems have been addressed by Thule, we'd recommend sticking with the Yakima SkyBox or upgrading to the Motion 3. 
 

If you'd like to go even more premium within the Thule line, the $2,000 Vector Alpine is about as fancy as it gets. While roof boxes can seem boring and utilitarian, the Vector Alpine steps it up with a removable felt-lined base, integrated LED lighting, and a white interior to increase visibility when loading and unloading at night. The build surrounding these upgrades is just as premium, thanks to design considerations such as the nose of the box dipping below your front crossbar to reduce wind noise. Other excellent elements found on the Motion 3 carry over as well, namely the PowerClick mounting brackets and SlideLock mechanism. However, it's hard to justify paying almost twice the price of the Motion 3 XL Low for some added niceties. Some of the accessories found on the Vector Alpine can also be purchased separately at a later date, so it likely makes more sense to save a whole lot of cash up front and add things only if and when you need them. 

One of the Motion 3 XL Low's closest competitors is the Yakima GrandTour Lo. For $51 less than the Thule, the Lo provides 6 more inches of length and 2 more inches of width, which equates to an extra cubic foot of space and the ability to carry skis up to 215 centimeters long instead of 200. The GrandTour also has a glossy finish and a sleek design that sits low on crossbars. However, the Lo is only 10 inches high and weighs almost 10 pounds more than the Motion 3 XL Low. And while it looks more premium than most Yakima roof boxes, it still can't quite compete with Thule's classy profile. The overall shape isn't as aerodynamic, and while the handles are large and easy to use, the setup on the Motion 3 is still nicer. Gripes aside, the GrandTour is unarguably a high-quality box, and you can remove the internal mounting knob to create a flat base, which is a fantastic feature to help maximize the interior space, especially for a low-profile design.
 

If you need a roof box but money is tight, it's definitely worth taking a look at the Yakima RocketBox Pro 14. This is one of the most popular boxes on the road, and it's no surprise why. For just $599, the 14-cubic-foot box weighs just 40 pounds and provides a generous 16 inches of height. Even at this entry-level price point, you still get tool-free installation, a dual-sided opening, and separate latch and locking mechanisms—something that often can't be found on cheaper boxes. However, some sacrifices will need to be made to save your bucks: The build is noticeably more flimsy, and you'll only be able to carry skis up to 170 centimeters in length. For just $50 more, you can get the Thule Pulse L, which can fit skis up to 181 centimeters, though it only opens on the passenger side. The bottom line: You generally get what you pay for, but the RocketBox is a classic for a reason.