Comparing the Thule Motion XT and Sonic Roof Cargo Boxes

Updated 03/17/2017 | Published 03/16/2017

Question:

Is the Motion XT a really new model, havent seen any reviews? How would you rate it, especially compared to the Sonic? Ther than price what are the differences? I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport no sun roof and Im looking for a good box. I am ordering OEM crossbars and Im getting conflicting information on whether Yakima will work on those bars so I dont know if Yakima is even an option. Would love your recommendations, no skis just luggage. Thank You

asked by: Dennis R

Expert Reply:

The Thule Motion cargo boxes are the newest Thule cargo boxes. The Motion boxes are more angular to match the design of newer vehicles while the Sonic cargo boxes have a more traditional cargo box shape. The Sonic was actually a revamped version of earlier Thule boxes whereas the Motion is a completely new design.

On the Sonic the lock was in the handle but in the Motion, # TH629707, the lock is separate from the handle and the handle slides parallel to the box rather than being a knob type of handle that older boxes used. The mounting hardware is similar between the 2 boxes but the Motion has an upgraded version compared to the Sonic.

The comparable Sonic box is the XL, TH635S. And in terms of price they are only a couple dollars apart. So you can get a completely new box, new design, better features, for the same price as a box that is going to be phased out (the Motion is replacing the Sonic). Don't get me wrong, the Sonic series are great boxes. But the changes Thule made and that are included on the Motion make it the superior box in my opinion.

I checked with Yakima and they do not list any cargo boxes as a fit for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with a factory roof rack. But it could be that they just haven't tested it yet because the bar spread on those vehicles is 29 inches which is within the range acceptable by Yakima boxes so unless the bars are a weird shape the Yakima boxes should also fit.

expert reply by: Michael H