The catch
Thule Motion 3 XXL
Among the longest and widest boxes listed here, it calls for exact checks of hatch clearance and roof length.
Side by side
Thule Motion 3 XXL vs Force 3 XXL: Volume and ski limit are the same, but taller cases and wider cargo fit differently
Quick verdict
If your luggage suits a slightly taller interior, go with Motion 3 XXL. If longer or wider cargo gains from the interior dimensions, Force 3 XXL is the one. Both list 215 cm skis and 21 cubic feet.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The same volume can hide different usable shapes
Motion has 0.4 inches more internal height, and Force has 1.2 inches more published internal length.
Where this comes from
In Force, 88.2 - 87 = 1.2 inches longer. In Motion, 16 - 15.6 = 0.4 inches taller.
The catch
Thule Force 3 XXL
Hatch clearance and roof length both need careful checking with a 91.4-inch shell.
Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Why pick it
- Every fraction of an inch counts for a tall case
- The glossy Motion finish is your preference
- The catch
- Among the longest and widest boxes listed here, it calls for exact checks of hatch clearance and roof length.
Thule Force 3 XXL
- Why pick it
- Your rigid gear calls for more interior length
- A slightly slimmer outer shell would help you
- The catch
- Hatch clearance and roof length both need careful checking with a 91.4-inch shell.
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What this page compares
Two 21-cubic-foot Thule XXL boxes, compared on internal dimensions, exterior width, weight and the luggage that has to fit under each lid.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Your case calls for the taller published interior
According to its listing, Motion has 0.4 inch more internal height. The opening shape and actual case dimensions still need checking.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Depends
The longer published interior is what your rigid gear needs
Force has 1.2 inches more internal length on its listing. Exterior length is not a stand-in for usable cargo length.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Better fit
The glossy Motion finish is your preference
The glossy finish comes with Motion. The two empty box weights differ by only 0.2 pound.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Good
The load you plan to carry needs more than 21 cubic feet
21 cubic feet is listed for both compared boxes. A larger model would also have to satisfy roof load, bar fit and hatch clearance.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
The same volume can hide different usable shapes
Motion has 0.4 inches more internal height, and Force has 1.2 inches more published internal length.
How we worked this out
In Force, 88.2 - 87 = 1.2 inches longer. In Motion, 16 - 15.6 = 0.4 inches taller.
Force needs less roof width on the outside
Although its published interior is half an inch wider, the Force shell is one inch narrower.
How we worked this out
Outside: 36.2 - 35.2 = 1 inch. Inside: 30.5 - 30 = 0.5 inch.
For planning purposes, weight is a tie
Just 0.2 pounds separate the published empty weights.
How we worked this out
57.2 - 57 = 0.2 pounds, which is about 0.35% of the Force weight.
Option A
Thule, Motion 3 XXL Black Glossy
Thule Motion 3 XXL
You get 21 cubic feet of space, with room for gear up to 215 centimeters long.
- Best for
- transport skis with the seats left up and pack for a family of four
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 21 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 215 centimeters long fits.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Published exterior dimensions are about 91.3 x 36.2 x 18.1 inches.
Option B
Thule, 645950
Force 3 XXL
The biggest Force 3 offers 21 cubic feet and a 215 cm ski allowance, at the cost of a long, heavy shell.
- Best for
- Carrying long skis and bulky family luggage, provided the vehicle passes the fit guide
Facts we checked
- Advertised volume of 21 cubic feet
- Published maximum ski length of 215 cm
- Measures 91.4 by 35.2 by 17.9 inches outside
- Empty: 57 pounds
- Published internal height of 15.6 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Motion 3 XXL | Thule Force 3 XXL | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior length | 91.3 in | 91.4 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 36.2 in | 35.2 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Exterior height | 18.1 in | 17.9 in | Overall shell height is useful for comparing bulk and says nothing certain about installed garage clearance. |
| Empty box weight | 57.2 lb | 57 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Internal height | 16 in | 15.6 in | Your tallest suitcase or boots have to fit under the curved lid with no need to force it closed. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Thule Motion 3 XXL
- With a low roof rating, the empty box alone takes up a sizable share of the load allowance.
With Thule Force 3 XXL
- Because the official installed-height field contradicts the overall dimensions, measure garage clearance directly.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Neither of the compared boxes meets your overhead clearance requirement
Neither model fits. Published height above the bars is 13 inches, alongside a 215 cm ski capacity and 18 cubic feet.
Decision guide
How to decide
The same volume can hide different usable shapes
When the dimensions are close, cut a cardboard outline of your largest rigid bag and try it. Published maximum dimensions do not capture every point under the curved lid, and a few tenths of an inch leave little margin for wheels or handles.
Force needs less roof width on the outside
Exterior width counts when another accessory shares the bars, and interior width counts when two bags have to sit side by side. Keep the two measurements apart, since shell shape and wall layout mean neither reliably predicts the other.
For planning purposes, weight is a tie
The small rated gap should not decide anything about lifting or payload. Each is a large object of about 57 pounds. Base your choice on cargo shape and vehicle fit, then run the final load check with the exact weight of the unit you receive and the rack instructions.
What this page can’t tell you
- Wind noise, fuel use and the way a given bag packs around the mounting hardware are things cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the roof cargo boxes we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
18 of the 26 models checked meet every need here: “Haul camping gear” and “Load from both sides”.
18 models fit, out of 26 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Haul camping gear” and “Load from both sides”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion 3 XXL |
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| Thule Force 3 XXL |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Motion 3 XXL
Every fraction of an inch counts for a tall case
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 XXL
Your rigid gear calls for more interior length
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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