Thule Motion XT XL or XXL For Midsized Hatchback/Wagon

Published 11/03/2021

Question:

Thule Motion XT XXL on 2019 VW Alltrack? I’ve decided on the Thule Motion XT, but I can’t seem to figure out if I should go for the XL or XXL. My front clearance is around 58” so I should have hatch clearance either way. My concern is if the XXL will simply look too oversized and goofy on a midsized/small wagon with factory crossbars. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

For a mid-sized wagon or hatchback like your VW Golf Alltrack or something like a Subaru Outback, the larger Motion XT cargo box won't look oversized or goofy, as there is only 7 inches of difference in length between the 84-1/2 inch Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - XL # TH629806 and 91-1/2 inch Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - XXL # TH629906.

That is especially true for a wagon/hatchback because they have a long roofline similar to an SUV, as opposed to the short roof of a coupe or sedan, so both cargo boxes will look streamlined. With that in mind, I recommend going with the larger box in order to give you the most possible room for your gear:

- Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - XXL # TH629906

Despite it being just 7 inches longer, the XXL gives you four more cubic feet of space for your cargo, and allows longer skis/snowboards of you are using it to carry those items. Overall, the larger box is just going to give you more utility than the smaller one, while looking nearly identical.

expert reply by: Kyle S