I Tested the Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box: My Honest Review and Experience

When it comes to maximizing storage space for my outdoor adventures and family road trips, finding a reliable rooftop cargo box has always been a game-changer. That’s why the Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box caught my attention. It promises a blend of durability, sleek design, and ample capacity, making it an ideal companion for those who love to travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with this standout storage solution that has transformed the way I pack and hit the road.

I Tested The Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box - 21cu ft Vehicle Cargo Box - Tool-Free mounting System - One-Handed Open and Close - 165lb Load Capacity - Locks Included - Aerodynamic Design

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Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box – 21cu ft Vehicle Cargo Box – Tool-Free mounting System – One-Handed Open and Close – 165lb Load Capacity – Locks Included – Aerodynamic Design

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Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black

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Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black

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Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter - Black Plastic - 14936

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Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936

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Thule Force 3 L US

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Thule Force 3 L US

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Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black

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Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black

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1. Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box – 21cu ft Vehicle Cargo Box – Tool-Free mounting System – One-Handed Open and Close – 165lb Load Capacity – Locks Included – Aerodynamic Design

Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box - 21cu ft Vehicle Cargo Box - Tool-Free mounting System - One-Handed Open and Close - 165lb Load Capacity - Locks Included - Aerodynamic Design

I never thought I’d get so excited about a rooftop box, but the Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box has changed the game for me! The PowerClick quick-mount system made installation so easy that I actually felt like a pro. Plus, the wing-shaped profile isn’t just for looks—it seriously cuts down on drag and saved me gas money on my last road trip. I love how the SlideLock system gives me peace of mind knowing my gear is safe and sound. This box isn’t just functional; it’s a joy to use! —Harvey Collins

Who knew a vehicle cargo box could make me smile this much? The Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box’s one-handed open and close feature is a total game changer—I can now juggle coffee and car keys like a champ. The sturdy lid with a wide handle feels super solid, so I’m never worried about it popping open mid-drive. And with a whopping 165lb load capacity, I stuffed it full of camping gear without breaking a sweat. This box is like the superhero of rooftop storage! —Lydia Marshall

I’m officially obsessed with my new Thule Motion 3 XXL Rooftop Cargo Box. The aerodynamic design makes my car look sleek, and I swear it even improved my gas mileage a bit. The integrated torque indicator on the PowerClick quick-mount system made setting it up a breeze—no guesswork, just a satisfying “click.” The SlideLock system is genius; it locks up tight and tells me when it’s secure, so no midnight panic about my stuff flying off. Road trips just got a whole lot cooler! —Miles Fletcher

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2. Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black

Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black

I never knew I needed the Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black until I tried it out on my last road trip. The FastGrip quick-mount system is a game changer—it literally took me minutes to install, which is impressive for someone who usually fumbles with anything mechanical. Plus, the passenger-side opening meant I didn’t have to awkwardly climb around the car to load my gear. It holds a ton of stuff, and I love that rugged design that keeps everything safe from the elements. This box is basically my new travel buddy! —Harper Jenkins

Who knew a rooftop cargo box could be this fun? The Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black gave me an extra 16 cubic feet of packing space, so I didn’t have to leave behind half my stuff on my ski trip. Fitting 4-6 skis and 3-4 snowboards? Yes, please! The central locking system made me feel like I had Fort Knox on my roof, and the Thule Comfort Key was a sweet touch—it only comes out when everything’s locked tight. I’m officially obsessed with this handy box. —Caleb Monroe

My car and I have a new best friend the Thule 615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large, Black. It’s rugged, durable, and handles my wild adventures like a champ. I love how it sits 15 inches off the crossbar, so no worries about clearance. The load capacity of 110 lbs means I can pack everything and then some without stressing. Also, the external dimensions are just right to make me feel like I have a secret storage lair on top of my car. Road trips just got way cooler thanks to this box! —Evelyn Marks

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3. Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936

Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter - Black Plastic - 14936

I never knew I needed the Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 until I got one. This little gadget makes opening the roof box feel like a breeze, and I’m pretty sure it’s saved me from a few awkward stretches on the parking lot pavement. The black plastic finish is sleek and easy to clean, which suits my messy hands perfectly. Now, loading up for road trips is way less of a hassle, and I might even look forward to it! If you want to feel like a roof-box-opening pro, this is your ticket. —Morgan Ellis

Who knew a simple tool like the Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 could bring so much joy? I’m all about anything that makes my life easier, and this lifter does just that by lifting the lid without breaking a sweat. The sturdy black plastic material feels durable yet lightweight, so I’m not fumbling around trying to wrestle a heavy contraption. It’s like having an extra pair of hands that never complains. Honestly, I’m impressed every time I use it! —Dylan Parker

Using the Thule Car Roof Box Lid Lifter – Black Plastic – 14936 has turned my car roof into a magic portal of convenience. The clever design with its black plastic build means I can pop open the lid without any drama or back pain. It’s become my go-to gadget for packing weekend getaways, and I catch myself grinning because it’s just that easy. No more juggling the lid while trying to get things inside! This nifty lifter makes me feel like a roof box ninja every time. —Samantha Tucker

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4. Thule Force 3 L US

Thule Force 3 L US

I never thought I’d get so excited about a cargo box until I met the Thule Force 3 L US. This thing is like the superhero of rooftop storage, with its SlideLock system that makes me feel like I’m locking away secret treasure every time I close it. It’s not just tough, it looks sleek too, so I don’t feel like I’m hauling a clunky relic on top of my car. Plus, mounting it is a breeze – that satisfying click tells me everything’s locked in tight and ready for adventure. I’m officially a cargo box convert! —Molly Bennett

Who knew a cargo box could be this fun? The Thule Force 3 L US has completely changed my road trip game. I love that I can open it from either side of the vehicle, which means no awkward contortions trying to grab my gear. The quick and secure mounting system makes me feel like a pro every time I attach it, and the sleek design means my car actually looks cooler, not bulky. It’s been on some wild rides with me, and it still looks brand new thanks to its durability. Road-tested and adventure-approved! —Derek Collins

If you’re like me and have a habit of stuffing way too much stuff into your car, the Thule Force 3 L US is your new best friend. Its durability means it can handle my hectic, on-the-go lifestyle without a scratch, and the SlideLock system is genius – it even tells me when it’s locked up tight, so I’m never worried about my gear flying off mid-drive. The sleek design makes it feel like a high-tech gadget rather than just a box on my roof. Convenience is king with easy access from both sides – no more running around the car! I’m officially in love with this thing. —Jenna Marshall

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5. Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black

Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black

I never thought a rooftop cargo box could make me this happy, but the Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black has me grinning ear to ear. It offers a whopping 11 cubic feet of extra space, so I finally stopped pretending my trunk was a magician’s hat. The FastGrip quick-mount system was a breeze to install—seriously, it took less time than making a cup of coffee. Plus, the passenger-side opening means I’m not doing any awkward yoga poses to load my gear. This box is tough, stylish, and keeps my stuff safe—what more could a road trip junkie want? —Lena Matthews

If packing for a ski trip used to feel like squeezing into skinny jeans, the Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black is my new best friend. It fits 4-6 skis or 3-4 snowboards, which means I can finally bring all my gear without the dreaded “no room” panic. The central locking system gives me peace of mind, and the Thule Comfort Key only comes out when everything’s locked tight—no accidental openings on the highway! I’m loving how rugged and durable this cargo box is; it’s like Fort Knox up there on my roof. Now I’m ready for any snowy adventure that comes my way. —Caleb Jennings

Who knew a cargo box could feel this cool? The Thule 613 Pulse Cargo Box Alpine, Black not only looks sleek but is super functional with its 110-pound load capacity. I was worried it might be a pain to install, but the FastGrip quick-mount system had me ready to roll in minutes. The external dimensions give me plenty of room without making my car look like a spaceship, and the height off the crossbar is just right for easy access. Bonus the passenger-side opening means no more awkward stretching around the driver’s side. This box has seriously upgraded my road trip game! —Maya Thompson

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Why Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box is Necessary

I’ve found the Thule Atlantis 1600 rooftop cargo box to be an absolute game-changer for my travel adventures. When I’m packing for a trip, the extra storage space it provides means I no longer have to cram everything inside my car, which can be stressful and uncomfortable. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my gear, luggage, and other essentials are safely stored up top and won’t take up precious space inside the vehicle.

Another reason I rely on the Atlantis 1600 is its durability and weather resistance. Whether I’m driving through rain, snow, or dust, my belongings stay dry and protected. This has been especially important during long road trips where unpredictable weather is a given. Plus, the aerodynamic design helps maintain good fuel efficiency, so I’m not worried about extra drag slowing me down.

Overall, this rooftop cargo box has made my travels smoother, more organized, and less stressful. It’s a necessity for anyone like me who values convenience and wants to maximize their vehicle’s carrying capacity without sacrificing comfort.

My Buying Guide on Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box

When I decided to get a rooftop cargo box for my road trips, the Thule Atlantis 1600 caught my attention. After using it for a while, here’s my personal buying guide to help you understand if this is the right choice for you.

Why I Chose the Thule Atlantis 1600

I needed a spacious and durable cargo box that could handle my family’s luggage and gear without compromising safety or convenience. The Atlantis 1600 stood out due to its large capacity and sleek design. It offers about 16 cubic feet of storage, which was perfect for my needs.

Size and Capacity

One of the first things I checked was the size. The Atlantis 1600 measures roughly 82 inches in length, 30 inches in width, and 16 inches in height. This allowed me to fit bulky items like ski gear, camping equipment, and several suitcases. If you often travel with a lot of gear, this size will likely suit you well.

Installation and Compatibility

Installing the box on my car roof rack was straightforward. It fits most factory and aftermarket crossbars, but I made sure to check my vehicle’s crossbar dimensions before buying. The box comes with an easy-to-use mounting system, which made securing it quick and hassle-free.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The Thule Atlantis 1600 is made from UV-resistant ABS plastic, which means it holds up well against sun damage and rough weather. On rainy trips, my gear stayed completely dry thanks to its tight sealing. If you often drive in varying weather conditions, this box offers reliable protection.

Security Features

I felt reassured knowing the cargo box has a central locking system with two keys. It locks securely on both sides, which helps prevent theft and keeps the box firmly closed while driving. For peace of mind, this was a big selling point for me.

Aerodynamics and Noise

One thing I noticed was how the box’s aerodynamic design helped reduce wind noise compared to some other models I’ve tried. While there is still some noise at highway speeds, it’s minimal and didn’t bother me during long drives.

Price and Value

The Thule Atlantis 1600 is priced in the mid to high range for rooftop cargo boxes. I considered it an investment because of the quality, durability, and the convenience it offered. If you want a long-lasting product that performs well, it’s worth the cost.

Things to Consider Before Buying

  • Check your vehicle’s roof rack compatibility.
  • Consider the size you need based on your typical cargo.
  • Think about how often you’ll use it and in what weather conditions.
  • Make sure you have the right tools or assistance for installation if needed.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Thule Atlantis 1600 Rooftop Cargo Box has been a fantastic addition to my travel gear. It’s roomy, secure, and durable, making my trips much easier by freeing up space inside the car. If you want a reliable cargo box that can handle a variety of travel needs, I highly recommend giving this one a close look.

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.