Product Review · Rooftop Cargo Boxes · #4 Ranked
Thule Motion 3
Flagship aero hard-shell box with PowerClick mount · Reviewed by Drew · amazon.com live, Sept 24 2026
Why it scored a 84
The Thule Motion 3 is the flagship of this group, and the rubric shows it: features 94 and quality 92, with PowerClick mounting, SlideLock, dual-side one-hand opening and an optional light, liner and cover. Value is the lowest factor at 66 because $1,099.95 is the highest price here. The listing does not name a size; that price matches Thule's US price for the Motion 3 L, a 450-liter (16 cu ft) box rated for 165 lb, so confirm the size before you buy. It needs crossbars, sold separately.
What you're getting
- Hard-shell roof box; $1,099.95 matches the L size, 450 L (16 cu ft)
- L size: 76.5 x 34.2 x 16.5 in, 43.6 lb, 165 lb load
- L size carries 5-7 pairs of skis up to 180 cm
- PowerClick mount with torque indicator that clicks
- SlideLock auto-locks the lid and shows when it is closed
- Dual-side opening; wide handle for one-hand use
- Optional interior light, box liner and storage cover
- Needs crossbars (sold separately); listing does not name the size
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- Flagship Thule hard shell
- PowerClick + SlideLock
- Crossbars required
- Price$1,099.95
- TierFlagship aero hard-shell box with PowerClick mount
- Category rank#4 of 10
Should you buy the Thule Motion 3?
The Thule Motion 3 is for drivers who use a roof box every month and want the smoothest mounting and locking in the category. At $1,099.95 it ranks #4 of 10 in our Rooftop Cargo Boxes category. It needs crossbars, sold separately. The Thule Force 3 L gives you the same PowerClick and SlideLock systems and the same 450 liters for $879.95, and the Thule Pulse 2 M is $699.95 if a medium box will do.
Where it earns its score
- Best features in the group. PowerClick clicks when the mounts are torqued, and SlideLock separates locking from opening and shows when the lid is shut.
- Aero shape. A wing profile and forward-leaning nose are designed to cut drag, and the design won iF and Red Dot awards in 2024.
- Long enough for skis. Thule rates the L for 5-7 pairs of skis up to 180 cm.
- Accessory options. An interior light, protective liner and storage cover are available, which no other box here lists.
What to know first
- Value is the lowest factor at 66. $1,099.95 is the top price in the category, and the Thule Force 3 L offers the same volume and load rating for $220 less.
- Confirm the size. The listing names no size, and its spec table shows 81 x 38 x 18 in and 8 lb, which do not match Thule's L specs. Check the variant before you order.
- Crossbars are extra. Like every hard box here, it mounts to crossbars, sold separately.
Our verdict
The Thule Motion 3 scores 84, a Good Buy, on Warranty (95), Features (94) and Quality (92). Buy it if you load and unload often and want the best mounting and locking hardware in the category. If you want the same systems and volume for less, the Thule Force 3 L (83) costs $879.95.
Thule Force 3 L
Questions buyers ask
What size is the Thule Motion 3 on this listing?
The listing does not say. Its $1,099.95 price matches Thule's US price for the Motion 3 L (450 liters, 16 cu ft), so confirm on the product page.
Does the Thule Motion 3 need crossbars?
Yes. The PowerClick mount clamps to crossbars, which are sold separately.
What is the difference between the Thule Motion 3 and Force 3?
Both use PowerClick and SlideLock with dual-side opening. The Motion 3 adds a wing-shaped aero profile, a gloss finish and optional accessories for a higher price.
Ready to check it out?
Thule Motion 3 · ViperScore 84 · Good Buy · $1,099.95
How the other 9 rooftop cargo boxes scored
86RoofPax XXL 28 Cu Ft Roof Bag
84Thule Pulse 2 M
84INNO Wedge 660
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
Get the ViperScore on this week's Amazon deals
One short email a week: the best-scoring products that are actually on sale, and nothing else. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.