Thule Motion XT cargo box Review
Usually when reviewing products, they are all pretty much the same. It is rare that one particular model stands out head and shoulders above its competitors. The Thule Motion XT cargo box is one of those products though. If you are looking for a rooftop cargo box, the Motion XT will probably tick all your boxes.
The Motion XT cargo box from Swedish manufacturer Thule is a premium roof mounted cargo box. It rounds off Thule's extensive range of cargo boxes. And it does a great job. There's not much we would change, if anything. Well, maybe the price!
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What we like
- Very easy to install
- Decent load capacity
- Durability
What we don't like
- It's expensive, but you are paying for quality
- Glossy finish can scratch easily
If you want the best cargo box, look no further than the Thule Motion XT
For the purpose of this article, we are looking at the XL version of the Motion XT. This is a big box that can carry loads of gear. It is also very easy to use.
The Motion XT comes in four sizes:
| Thule Motion XT - Alpine | Thule Motion XT - L | Thule Motion XT - XL | Thule Motion XT - XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | 16 cu ft | 16 cu ft | 18 cu ft | 22 cu ft |
| External Dimensions | 90.25" x 37.5" x 13.25" | 77" x 36" x 17" | 84.5" x 36" x 17" | 91.5" x 37.5" x 18" |
| Load Capacity | 165 lbs | 165 lbs | 165 lbs | 165 lbs |
| Product Weight | 55 lbs | 42 lbs | 46 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Load Capacity Skis (Pairs) | 5-7 | 5-7 | 5-7 | 5-7 |
| Load Capacity Snowboards | 3-5 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 3-5 |
| Max Length of Skis | 215 cm | 175 cm | 200 cm | 215 cm |
| Locks Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| One Key System Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Available Colors | Black Glossy, White | Black Glossy, Titan Glossy | Black Glossy, Titan Glossy | Black Glossy, Titan Glossy |
With the ability to carry a lot of stuff comes the chance of abuse. Luckily this is one tough box. The lid is sturdy and it has a durable construction.
To give you an idea of size, the XL derivative can comfortably carry camping gear, baby carriers, 4-5 pieces luggage, 5-7 pairs skis up to 200 cm or 3-5 snowboards.
What’s included and what's not
All the basics are included here. This is a roof rack mounted cargo carrier though and therefore the actual roof racks are not included.
All the features you need, whether you know it or not
Dual Sided Opening
Being able to access your gear from either sie of the vehicle is one of the features you might think you don't need, but the practicality of it is fantastic. Thule has this feature on several of it's cargo boxes. It uses dual articulating lid hinges to allow the lid to be opened from either side so gear can be loaded no matter what side of the vehicle you are on.
Big handle and SlideLock
This is probably the best feature of the Motion XT. If you have used any other roof top cargo box you would know that closing the container securely is not the easiest thing. The big handle and Thule's SlideLock makes closing and securing the lid easy. The SlideLock also has a locking indicator and makes a loud click when locked. No more fiddleing with keys while guessing if the lid is securely closed or not.
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Basic installation
With the box resting on the load bars, move it all the way forward. This allows for maximum clearance for the car's boot lid to open.
Securing it is a simple matter of tightening the clamps until you hear a loud click. This tactile feedback confirms that the box is secured to the roof rack.
Alternatives
If the cost of the Motion XT is too much of a hurdle, you could always consider one of the Yakima Skybox range. As long as you are aware that you would be getting less.
Conclusion.
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