Thule Motion 3 Cargo Box Review
Thule Motion 3 Cargo Box Review – Form Meets Functionality
The Thule Motion 3 family is the latest evolution of Thule’s popular Motion series, and it’s a great fit for Edmonton drivers who need extra cargo space without sacrificing style or convenience. In this review, we’ll walk through what’s new, who it’s for, and why it’s quickly becoming a go-to roof box for all-season use.
Updated Lineup & Sizes
Thule has refined the original Motion design and expanded the size range. The Motion 3 lineup now includes:
- Motion 3 L, XL, XXL – standard-height all-rounders for families and road trips
- Motion 3 XL Low & XXL Low – new low-profile options ideal for parkades and low garages
The “Low” models offer the same smart features as the standard boxes, but in a slimmer profile that’s perfect if you primarily carry skis, boards, and soft luggage and want to keep overall vehicle height in check.
Low-Profile Design for Edmonton Parking Realities
Edmonton drivers know the pain of tight parkades and garage doors. The Motion 3 Low series tackles this by trimming height without making the box feel cramped. You still get plenty of length for skis and snowboards, plus room for duffels, boot bags, and travel gear.
A lower profile also helps reduce wind noise and drag on the highway, which is a big plus on longer drives to the mountains or on winter road trips across Alberta.
Modern Aerodynamics & Vehicle Fit
Thule has reshaped the Motion 3 with both looks and performance in mind:
- Contoured front end – sits closer to the windshield to smooth airflow and help with fuel efficiency.
- Shortened, cutaway rear – better clearance for rear hatches and roof antennas (“shark fins”) so a larger box can work on more vehicles.
The end result is a sleek, modern cargo box that looks at home on everything from compact SUVs to larger crossovers, while still playing nicely with tailgate and hatch access on many setups.
Thule Motion 3 Cargo Box Review
Colours to Match Your Vehicle
The Motion 3 lineup is available in two clean, easy-to-pair finishes:
- All Black – classic, understated, and suits most vehicles
- Titan Grey – a lighter, modern look that pairs well with silver, grey, and white vehicles
Everyday Ease of Use
One of the biggest wins with the Motion 3 is how simple it is to live with day-to-day:
- Dual-side opening – load or unload from either side of the vehicle, handy in parking lots or when parked tight against a wall.
- SlideLock system – separates opening/closing from locking and gives a clear visual cue when the lid is properly latched.
- Lower sidewalls – make it easier to reach in and organize gear compared with some tall, boxy designs.
Mounting & Compatibility
Thule’s PowerClick mounting system makes installation straightforward. The clamps drop into the box, rotate onto your crossbars, and give an audible “click” when tightened to the correct torque. Two people are still recommended for lifting the box on and off the vehicle, but once it’s on the bars, fine-tuning the position is quick.
The Motion 3 is designed to work with most modern crossbar styles within Thule’s recommended bar spread:
- Aero/wing-style bars
- Square and round bars
- Many factory/OEM roof rack systems
Always confirm fit for your specific vehicle and rack combo, and follow the lowest load rating between the box, bars, and vehicle roof.
Key Specs at a Glance (Motion 3 XL Low Example)
- Profile: Low-height, garage-friendly design
- Opening: Dual-side lid access with SlideLock security
- Mounting: PowerClick quick-mount with built-in torque indicator
- Max Load: Up to 165 lb (subject to vehicle & rack limits)
- Best For: Skis/boards, winter kits, and travel gear where extra height is a concern
Who the Thule Motion 3 Is For
The Thule Motion 3 series is a great fit if you:
- Regularly use underground or parkade parking around Edmonton
- Drive a wagon, crossover, or SUV and want extra roof storage
- Carry skis, snowboards, or bulky luggage in winter
- Want a quiet, aerodynamic box that looks clean on modern vehicles
Shopping Thule Motion 3 in Edmonton
If you’re unsure which Motion 3 size or profile is right for your vehicle, the team at Roof Racks Edmonton can help you compare options, check fitment, and match the right box to your vehicle, rack system, and typical gear load.
Whether you’re planning ski trips, family road adventures, or simply want to keep wet and bulky gear out of the cabin, the Thule Motion 3 cargo box lineup offers a smart balance of style, space, and everyday usability for Edmonton drivers.
