Product Review · Rooftop Cargo Boxes · #2 Ranked
Thule Pulse 2 M
Medium 14 cu ft dual-side hard-shell cargo box · Reviewed by Drew · amazon.com live, Sept 24 2026
Why it scored a 84
The Thule Pulse 2 M is the cheapest way into a current Thule hard-shell box, and at $699.95 it ranks second. Warranty scores 95 on Thule's limited lifetime coverage, quality 88 and features 84: 400 liters, a 75 kg (165 lb) load rating, dual-side opening and a torque indicator that clicks when the mounts are tight. Value is the lowest factor at 76 because 14 cu ft is small for the money, and satisfaction sits at 86 because only 40 ratings back the 4.5 stars. Like every hard box here, it needs crossbars, sold separately.
What you're getting
- Hard-shell roof box, 400 liters (14 cu ft)
- 75 kg (165 lb) load capacity
- Dual-side opening
- Tool-free mount with torque indicator that clicks when secure
- ASA-ABS plastic resists sun, scratches and weather
- Sits forward on the roof for full trunk access
- Item weight 45.9 lb; Thule limited lifetime warranty
- Needs crossbars (sold separately); only 40 Amazon ratings so far
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- 14 cu ft hard-shell box
- Dual-side opening
- Crossbars required
- Price$699.95
- TierMedium 14 cu ft dual-side hard-shell cargo box
- Category rank#2 of 10
Should you buy the Thule Pulse 2 M?
The Thule Pulse 2 M suits a commuter or weekend family that wants a dual-opening Thule hard shell without paying Thule Motion 3 money. At $699.95 it ranks #2 of 10 in our Rooftop Cargo Boxes category. You will need crossbars, sold separately. If you need more room, the Thule Force 3 L adds 50 liters for $879.95. If budget rules, the SportRack Vista XL holds 18 cu ft for $399.99.
Where it earns its score
- Thule mounting for less. The tool-free system has a torque indicator that clicks when the box is properly attached, similar in idea to PowerClick on the pricier Thule Force 3 L.
- Opens from both sides. Dual-side access lets you load from the curb on either side of the street.
- Tough shell. ASA-ABS plastic is built to resist sun, scratches and weather.
- Trunk-friendly position. The box sits forward on the roof, so a hatch or liftgate can open fully with minimal risk of hitting it.
What to know first
- Value is the lowest factor at 76. At $699.95 for 14 cu ft you pay about $50 per cubic foot, more than double the SportRack Vista XL.
- Crossbars are extra. It clamps to crossbars, sold separately, so budget for a rack if your roof is bare.
- Thin review base. Only 40 ratings back the 4.5 stars, and stock was down to 16 units when we checked on Sept 24, 2026.
Our verdict
The Thule Pulse 2 M scores 84, a Good Buy, on Warranty (95), Quality (88) and Features (84). Buy it if you want Thule build quality, dual-side access and a clicking torque indicator in a medium box. If you need more space, the Thule Force 3 L (83) holds 450 liters; if cost matters most, the SportRack Vista XL (83) is $300 cheaper.
Thule Force 3 L
Questions buyers ask
Does the Thule Pulse 2 M need crossbars?
Yes. It mounts to crossbars, sold separately; it does not attach to a bare roof.
How much does the Thule Pulse 2 M hold?
400 liters, about 14 cu ft, with a 75 kg (165 lb) load capacity. The box itself weighs 45.9 lb, so check your vehicle's roof load limit.
Does the Thule Pulse 2 M open from both sides?
Yes. Dual-side opening lets you reach your gear from either side of the vehicle.
Ready to check it out?
Thule Pulse 2 M · ViperScore 84 · Good Buy · $699.95
How the other 9 rooftop cargo boxes scored
86RoofPax XXL 28 Cu Ft Roof Bag
84INNO Wedge 660
84Thule Motion 3
83SportRack Vista XL
83Thule Force 3 L
82Yakima SkyBox NX 16
80Rightline Gear Sport Jr 10 Cu Ft
75FIVKLEMNZ 21 Cu Ft Roof Bag
74INNO Ridge BRA240 8 Cu Ft
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