Thule’s latest cargo box, the Vector, incorporates plenty of new tech and handy features. But is it worth the premium price? We tested it to find out.
Thule’s newest cargo box, aptly named the Vector, is something of an artistic wonder. Its swooping lines mimic the designs of expensive sports cars. But it’s also a premium (read: expensive) roof box filled with Thule’s latest innovations.
I was able to take the new Thule Vector on a dozen road trips in Sweden, Canada, and the U.S. And I visited Thule’s factory, where the Vector was designed, to understand exactly why it’s the cream of Thule’s crop.
In short: The Vector sports many clever features for the gear-savvy traveler: a white interior along the clamshell roof to better see, a key that works independently of the open/close mechanism, an interior light, and a removable, washable padded lining.
Attractive aesthetic, more user-friendly design (the two-part locking mechanism is a savior for ski bums), and easy installation make this a recommended buy — even though the Vector is nearly twice as expensive as other roof box options.
Veteran Roof-Boxer
In terms of cred, I’m a big user of cargo boxes. I’ve logged an estimated 8,000 driving days with a roof box on my car and crisscrossed the U.S. and Canada more than a dozen times — with an equal number of rooftop carriers.
In that span, I’ve lost three cargo boxes to high winds, with one particularly memorable, catastrophic failure on a hot, windy day in West Texas.
I’ve also cracked several, broken the lid-lifters on others, and launched another off my car when the garage door didn’t open as planned. When I was given the chance to test the new Thule Vector, the most premium rack available, I couldn’t say no.
Thule Vector Roof Box Review
Thule makes three categories of roof boxes, following the good, better, and best principles. A luxury model, the Vector adds to the Swedish brand’s “best” category.
In the U.S., it will come in two styles: the 310L M version and the larger, 360L Alpine. Practically speaking, the M will hold three to five snowboards or pairs of skis. Meanwhile, the beefier Alpine will accommodate four to six pairs of skis (but the same number of snowboards as the M).
One thing about Thule: Design is definitely the silent ambassador for the brand. And the Vector’s accentuated, fast-looking, sporty lines up the ante.
The cargo box itself looks like an extension of a sleek sportscar. In fact, Thule told me it works with dozens of car brands — Audi, BMW, and others — to make sure new rack and cargo box designs stay in tune with the latest in automobiles.