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
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
- 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
- Extra Long Length
- High Profile
- Extra 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
- Extra Long Length
- High Profile
- Extra Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack for Raised Rails - Aluminum - Silver - Qty 2
- Shop: Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - 21 cu ft - Black Glossy
- Shop: Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Glossy
- 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: Thule Force XT XL Rooftop Cargo Box - 18 cu ft - Black AeroSkin
- Shop: Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Titan Glossy
- Search Results: thule force xt xl
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Cargo Box
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack For A 2023 Audi Q7
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Search Results: thule motion 3
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Differences Between the Thule Force XT and the Thule Motion XT
- Video: Rhino-Rack ROC25 Naked Roof Roof Rack Review
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: rm~98146~7
- Search Results: thule replacement hinge
- Video: Choosing the Right Roof Box
- Search Results: thule evo flush rail
- Search Results: thule evo wingbar
- Search Results: 710601
- Q&A: Recommended Thule Roof Rack for a 2023 Volvo XC40 w/ Flush Rails
- Q&A: Can Two Thule Hullavators be Used on 2020 BMW X5 With Thule Roof Rack
- Article: Which Roof Rack Fits Your Vehicle? Depends on Your Roof
- Q&A: Sun Roof Hits Thule WingBar Edge Crossbar System on 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Q&A: Thule Roof Rack Differences For 2023 Kia Telluride
- Q&A: Difference Between Yakima CoreBar and JetStream Roof Rack Crossbars