Difference Between Thule Force XT & Thule Motion XT Cargo Boxes
Question:
I have a Mercedes 2019 GLS450 SUV. Considering buying Thule rooftop carrier but I have 2 questions: 1 Cant decide between the Thule Motion XT vs. Thule Force XT. Which is better? The Motion is more expensive, but why? 2 Which is more fitting for my GLS450: the XL 18 cubic feet or the XXL 22 cubic ft model? Would the XXL model restrict the opening of my SUVs liftgate? Thanks.
asked by: Calvin
Expert Reply:
So there are really only a pair of differences at base between the Thule Motion XT and Thule Force XT rooftop cargo boxes. One is the aesthetic, with the Force XT having a textured, flat black finish, while the Motion XT has a high-gloss black finish. Which one you like more comes down to personal preference as there isn't an advantage to having one over the other.
The other difference is the locking system; the Motion XT has what Thule calls a SlideLock system that automatically locks the lid when you close it. The Force XT has locks as well, but you need to use the key each time you want to lock the box. In regards to the price difference, I don't have the answer to that, but I assume it's just the number Thule decided on based on their research.
As for allowing your rear hatch to open, we haven't test fit them on a 2019 Mercedes GLS450 to know if it will be able to with either box, but it's pretty easy to find out. All you have to do is measure from the center of your front crossbar to the seam where your rear hatch opens. If you measure and get MORE than the numbers listed below, you will be able to open your hatch.
- 51-1/8 Inches: Thule Force XT XL Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft # TH6358B
- 51-1/4 Inches: Thule Motion XT XL Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft # TH629806
- 54-3/4 Inches: Thule Force XT XXL Rooftop Cargo Box - 22 cu ft # TH6359B
- 55 Inches: Thule Motion XT XXL Rooftop Cargo Box - 22 cu ft # TH629906
Products Referenced in This Question
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black Glossy
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Long Length
- High Profile
- Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 22 cu ft - Black Glossy
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Extra Long Length
- High Profile
- Extra Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule Force XT XXL Rooftop Cargo Box - 22 cu ft - Black AeroSkin
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Long Length
- High Profile
- Extra Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Force XT XL Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black AeroSkin
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Long Length
- High Profile
- Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Thule Force XT L Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black AeroSkin
- Shop: Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black Glossy
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Will the Yakima CBX 16 Roof Cargo Box Attach to the Factory Crossbars on a 2023 Toyota RAV4?
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Glossy
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: th629806
- Search Results: thule roof carrier
- Shop: Replacement Key Cover for Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Boxes - Qty 1
- Shop: Yakima CBX Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 Cubic Ft - Black
- Search Results: thule force xt
- Search Results: thule motion xt
- Search Results: cbx 16
- Video: Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box Review
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with Upgraded Circuit Protected ModuLite HD Module - 4-Way Flat
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: roof rails
- Search Results: cargo box
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2022 Honda Odyssey
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2022 Honda Odyssey 118781
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Q&A: Yakima SkyBox NX 16 vs Thule Motion XT L Cargo Boxes for 2016 Audi Q5 and Future SUV
- Video: Review of Stealth Hitches Trailer Hitch - Ball Mount and Wiring Harness - 391CONVA5
- Video: Yakima Roof Rack Installation - 2021 Honda Accord
- Video: Thule Pulse Large Rooftop Cargo Box Review - 2011 Honda Pilot
- Video: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars Review
- Q&A: Comparing The Thule Motion XT Cargo Box Glossy Black To The Thule Force XT L Cargo Box Aeroskin
- Q&A: Difference Between Yakima CoreBar and JetStream Roof Rack Crossbars
- Q&A: How High Above Crossbars Does Thule Motion XT L Cargo Box Sit