Main trade-off
Thule Motion 3 XXL
It is one of the longest and widest boxes here, so hatch and roof length deserve an exact check.
Head-to-head
Thule Motion 3 XXL vs Force 3 XXL: Same volume and ski limit, taller cases and wider cargo fit differently
The short answer
Choose Motion 3 XXL when its slightly taller interior suits your luggage. Choose Force 3 XXL when longer or wider cargo benefits from its interior dimensions. Both list 215 cm skis and 21 cubic feet.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Equal volume hides different usable shapes
Force offers 1.2 inches more published internal length, while Motion offers 0.4 inches more internal height.
What this is based on
88.2 - 87 = 1.2 inches longer in Force. 16 - 15.6 = 0.4 inches taller in Motion.
Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 XXL
A 91.4-inch shell requires a careful hatch and roof-length check.
Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Choose it for
- A taller case needs every fraction of an inch
- You prefer the glossy Motion finish
- Main trade-off
- It is one of the longest and widest boxes here, so hatch and roof length deserve an exact check.
Thule Force 3 XXL
- Choose it for
- Your rigid gear needs a longer interior
- You need a slightly narrower exterior shell
- Main trade-off
- A 91.4-inch shell requires a careful hatch and roof-length check.
About this comparison
Compare the two 21-cubic-foot Thule XXL boxes by internal dimensions, exterior width, weight and the luggage that must fit under each lid.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Your case needs the taller published interior
Motion lists 0.4 inch more internal height. Opening shape and actual case dimensions still need checking.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Depends
Your rigid gear needs the longer published interior
Force lists 1.2 inches more internal length. Do not substitute the exterior length for usable cargo length.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Depends
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Better fit
You prefer the glossy Motion finish
Motion provides the glossy finish. The two empty box weights differ by only 0.2 pound.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Good
The planned load requires more than 21 cubic feet
Both compared boxes list 21 cubic feet. A larger model would also need to satisfy roof load, bar fit and hatch clearance.
- Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 XXL
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Equal volume hides different usable shapes
Force offers 1.2 inches more published internal length, while Motion offers 0.4 inches more internal height.
How we reached this conclusion
88.2 - 87 = 1.2 inches longer in Force. 16 - 15.6 = 0.4 inches taller in Motion.
Force uses less exterior roof width
The Force shell is one inch narrower, although its published interior is half an inch wider.
How we reached this conclusion
36.2 - 35.2 = 1 inch outside. 30.5 - 30 = 0.5 inch inside.
Weight is effectively a tie for planning
The published empty weights differ by just 0.2 pounds.
How we reached this conclusion
57.2 - 57 = 0.2 pounds, or about 0.35% of the Force weight.
Choice A
Thule, Motion 3 XXL Black Glossy
Thule Motion 3 XXL
The box holds 21 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 215 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- carry skis without folding the seats and pack for a family of four
Checked facts
- The box holds 21 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 215 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is About 91.3 x 36.2 x 18.1 inches.
Choice B
Thule, 645950
Force 3 XXL
The largest Force 3 trades a long, heavy shell for 21 cubic feet and a 215 cm ski allowance.
- Best matched use
- Long skis and bulky family luggage on a vehicle that passes the fit guide
Checked facts
- 21 cubic feet of advertised volume
- 215 cm published maximum ski length
- 91.4 by 35.2 by 17.9 inches outside
- 57 pounds empty
- 15.6 inches of published internal height
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Thule Motion 3 XXL | Thule Force 3 XXL | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior length | 91.3 in | 91.4 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Exterior width | 36.2 in | 35.2 in | This consumes crossbar room that might otherwise hold a bike carrier. |
| Exterior height | 18.1 in | 17.9 in | Overall shell height helps compare bulk but cannot establish installed garage clearance. |
| Empty box weight | 57.2 lb | 57 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
| Internal height | 16 in | 15.6 in | The tallest suitcase or boots must fit beneath the curved lid without forcing it closed. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Thule Motion 3 XXL
- Its empty weight consumes a meaningful share of a low vehicle roof rating.
If you choose Thule Force 3 XXL
- The official installed-height field conflicts with overall dimensions, so garage clearance needs a direct measurement.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Both compared boxes miss your overhead clearance requirement
Choose neither. The published height above the bars is 13 inches, with 215 cm ski capacity and 18 cubic feet.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Equal volume hides different usable shapes
Use a cardboard outline of your largest rigid bag when the dimensions are close. Published maximum dimensions do not describe every point under the curved lid, and a few tenths of an inch leave little margin for wheels or handles.
Force uses less exterior roof width
The exterior width matters if another accessory will share the bars. The interior width matters if two bags need to sit next to each other. Treat those as separate measurements because shell shape and wall layout prevent one from reliably predicting the other.
Weight is effectively a tie for planning
This small rated difference should not drive a lifting or payload decision. Both are large objects weighing about 57 pounds. Choose on cargo shape and vehicle fit, then use the exact supplied unit weight and rack instructions for the final load check.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict wind noise, fuel use or how a particular bag packs around mounting hardware.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current roof cargo boxes comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
18 of 26 models checked match every need here: “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”.
18 matching models from 26 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion 3 XXL |
|
| |
| Thule Force 3 XXL |
|
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Motion 3 XXL
A taller case needs every fraction of an inch
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 XXL
Your rigid gear needs a longer interior
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.