We installed Thule’s Motion 3 L rooftop cargo carrier on our Subaru Crosstrek and subjected it to over 1,300 miles of testing—including 500 miles of muddy, potholed rally roads in British Columbia. Here’s how this sleek, aerodynamic box performed in real-world conditions.
Rooftop cargo carriers are a versatile way to securely carry a variety of gear (not just skis or snowboards). They offer protection from the elements and prying eyes, too.
Swedish brand, Thule, is one of the best-known companies when it comes to roof racks and rooftop boxes. We recently installed their Motion 3 L (large) cargo carrier and put it through its paces.
Easy Installation and Usable Size
The base of the install was a set of Thule WingBar Edge crossbars mounted on our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The installation instructions are pictographs and super easy. Once the crossbars were on and torqued to spec (thanks to the included wrench with torque indicator), it was time to install the Motion 3 L.
The Motion 3 L is 76.5” L x 34.2” W x16.5” H and weighs 43.6 lbs., almost half the weight of our former fiberglass box. The interior volume is 16 cu.-ft. and it can hold up to 165 lbs.
FYI, if you’re using it for skis or snowboards, Motion 3 L can take 5–7 pair of skis, or 3–5 snowboards, both can be up to 180cm long. But we weren’t going to use it for winter sports; we were it for other gear. FYI, the “large” is the smallest version. Other sizes include XL, XL Low, XXL, and XXL low.
Being lightweight, the box is easy to put onto the crossbars. It attaches using four adjustable PowerClick claws. You’ll install these once the box is on the roof’s crossbars. They’re a press-fit affair—no wrenches or screws needed.
The PowerClick setup can move forward and aft in the box depending on how far apart your crossbars are. Once positioned, you use an oversized plastic knob at each claw to clamp onto the bars—simple and effective.
We also installed Thule’s rubberized box liner (sold separately). This would keep cargo from rattling and potentially shifting as well as protecting the box’s interior from scratches.
Thule includes three nylon straps with tensioners for use with the box’s three sets of tie-down loops, too. Thule also includes two keys for the external locks.
Sleek Shape
Unlike some other rooftop cargo boxes, the Motion 3 L has a sleek, low-profile shape. The glossy black finish looks great, although we’re curious to see how it stands up to long-term use. We’ve already seen a few light scratches on the surface during testing.
It sits low on the car, adding to the svelte style. In fact, the front sits lower than the rest, adding to the aero aesthetic.
Easy Opener
The Motion 3 L can open from either side, making loading easier. To open, insert the key into the lock, twist, and you can then squeeze the opening mechanism. This will pop the top on the corresponding side.
When it’s time to close the box, simply grab the lid’s pull strap, and pull down. You can then press the lid down into place until it clicks, then lock it.
The box’s size is ideal for a smaller SUV, crossover, or in our case, a Subaru Crosstrek. And yes, the rear hatchback opens without touching the box.
Cargo Carrying Ability
There’s plenty of room for cargo, so long as it’s not overly tall. The first things we carried? A set of four MAXTRAX, a shovel, and a tool bag. All three items fit with plenty of space to spare. The included tie-down straps didn’t secure the load as well as I’d like.
However, the cargo anchoring points were suitable. I used two Stratchits from Front Runner Outfitters to secure the load using four of the six tie downs.
This worked perfectly. Next stop? Merritt, British Columbiato compete in the 2026 Thunderbird Rally.
Putting The Motion 3 In Motion
The drive to Merritt was 415 miles. The box and WingBar Edge setup is fairly quiet under 60 MPH. Above that, you can hear some wind noise, but it’s not obnoxious. FYI, Thule states the box is good up until 130 km/h or 81 MPH.
Over the next two days, we competed in the Thunderbird TSD rally, tackling over 500 miles of muddy, potholed dirt roads in the pouring rain, and paved byways through southern BC.
The Crosstrek did great, and the Thule Motion 3 L was a champ. It didn’t move one bit, despite the rough roads. I checked it multiple times and it remained secure throughout the event, and on the return trip home. We traveled over 1,300 miles and our cargo was held securely without issue.
Like any roof-mounted accessory, this carrier will reduce your fuel economy to some point. However, Thule designed the Motion 3 L to be aerodynamic, which helps with fuel-efficiency and reduces wind noise.
A World-Class Cargo Carrier
In a world of bland boxes, the Motion 3 stands out with a sleek design, good ergonomics, easy setup/install, and usable interior space. It’s not just a black plastic roof box; it’s a well-engineered, well-designed piece of kit. (FYI, it’s also available in silver.)
The Thule Motion 3 L has a retail price of $1,099.95. (Crossbars sold separately.) And while Thule is a Swedish company, the company lists the country of origin as the USA.
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