Comparing Heights of Thule Sonic XL TH635S and Hyper XL TH612 Rooftop Cargo Boxes

Question:

I am in the market for a roof box and have narrowed it down to either Thules Sonic XL 635 or the Hyper XL 612. Is there any way possible that you can provide pictures of the two side by side front, rear and profile views? I have been on the Thule website and they make the Hyper appear to be impressively sleeker than the Sonic and Im unconvinced there is as great of a visual difference as they are presenting based on the dimension differences. Thanks so much.

asked by: Anders D

Expert Reply:

The Thule Sonic XL cargo boxes do actually have a slightly higher profile than the Force XL Rooftop Cargo Box # TH6359B.

Although both designs share the same 17-cubic-foot internal volume capacity and the same external length and width dimensions, the Sonic XL's external height above the crossbar will be 16-inches while the Force XL's will be 1-inch taller at 17-inches.

Often customers who use a rooftop cargo carrier also choose a tire step like # HE4040 to provide easier access for loading and unloading. This step comes fully assembled and simply slips over a rear tire when you need a bit of a height advantage to reach the box. Another step option that is very cost-effective is the Telesteps folding step # TE97FR.

expert reply by: Adam R