The automotive industry is gigantic, which explains the extensive range of cargo box choices available on the market. Undoubtedly, if you’re looking for an additional storage unit, Thule makes a typical appearance.
However, a brand less likely is Volvo, and they look incredible. Therefore, should you purchase a Thule or Volvo cargo box?
It can be challenging to decide between Thule and Volvo cargo boxes because they share similar build quality. I’d recommend Thule for anyone looking for variety and expert storage units to split these apart. In contrast, the Volvo option is for those attaching the box to a Volvo vehicle.
Without question, both cargo box solutions are excellent. However, automotive manufacturing brands like Volvo (and its competitors) release these as accessories.
Therefore, their cargo box attachments target Volvo owners, not particularly anyone outside of this circle.
Volvo Cargo Box vs Thule Cargo Boxes? The Face-off
The above provides a brief breakdown of Thule and Volvo roof cargo boxes, but it doesn’t go in-depth about why someone should purchase one over the other. Because of this, I wanted to break this down even further. Below, I compare Thule and Volvo cargo boxes to determine the best option for you. Here’s what you need to know:
Company overview
Undeniably, when comparing Volvo and Thule as a brand, Volvo is the winner. However, that’s because Volvo doesn’t specialize in cargo boxes. Instead, they’re a car developer, manufacturer, and distributor.
From this alone, they turnover billions every year, which isn’t likely to be achieved by Thule. However, this doesn’t suggest Thule is a lousy company whatsoever. In their sector, they’re market leaders, the number of consumers for their products is only less.
Both Thule and Volvo were founded in Sweden. Thule themselves was founded over 75 years ago and has grown exceptionally. By holding onto their company culture of creating eco-friendly, safe, smart, and high-quality products, they’ve globalized their brand, generating hundreds of millions every year.
Despite Thule being around for 75 years, Volvo is much older. The automotive company was first founded in 1927 and has produced vehicles ever since. Surprisingly, Volvo didn’t become established through daily drivers. Instead, their primary sellers are trucks, buses, and machined construction equipment.
After reviewing both companies, you can quickly determine the differences. Because of this, you can suggest that a Volvo cargo box is less advantageous than Thule’s options. The only reasons for this are because it isn’t their primary seller. Thule makes most of its revenue from cargo boxes. Therefore, more industry knowledge and consumer demands are built into their products.
Product Range
Again, Volvo’s focus is on the automotive industry. As for this, it showcases in their product ranges of cargo boxes. However, this does make sense. Why would an automotive manufacturer offer abundant options of additional storage units? It doesn’t seem like the correct business move for them, which showcases in their product range.
As for Thule, the story is entirely different. Thule is full of cargo box options, far more than Volvo and perhaps most players within the industry. Some of the product options that you can purchase from this company consist of the following:
Product Range Name | Loading Capacity (Litres) |
Thule Vector | 360L – 430 L |
Thule Motion XT | 300L – 610 L |
Thule Force XT | 300L - 500L |
Thule Ranger | 260L – 280L |
The product ranges offered by Thule are excellent. Additionally, there are between two to five options in these product ranges, allowing for optimal variety. Undoubtedly, this is far beyond the options available for a Volvo roof cargo box:
Product Range Name | Loading Capacity (Litres) |
Volvo Travel Premier 430 | 430L only |
Volvo Travel 400 | 400L only |
Volvo Space Design | 420L – 520L |
Volvo Sport Time 2003 | 400L only |
Although Volvo shares the same amount of product ranges, there isn’t much variety. Practically, all ranges only have a singular product within them. Without question, Volvo has done their research, though, as these are the most popular sizes on the market.
Product Quality
When comparing Thule and Volvo cargo boxes with product quality, you can’t go wrong with either. Both offer cargo boxes with high-end features and materials, which I’d recommend to anyone. However, because of the market research and expertise side of things, Thule could be the winner.
Think about it, Thule focuses heavily on the cargo carrier market. Because of this, they have access to data that’ll suggest what consumers want. Afterward, they can implement this into their designs and manufacture better products repeatedly.
That isn’t to say Volvo cargo boxes aren’t adequate. All Volvo products and even services are excellent. However, we’d much rather purchase from an industry specialist than a company using cargo boxes as an upsell.
Availability
After reading the above, you should be able to get a rough idea of who wins the battle between Thule and Volvo roof cargo boxes. But how available are these? Are you able to purchase these from wherever in the world?
Purchasing Options for Thule | Purchasing Options for Volvo |
Online retailers | |
Many third-party retail sellers online/offline (Global) | Volvo dealership or partner |
Online marketplaces (Amazon) |
|
Pros and Cons of Volvo and Thule
To finally determine the winner of this Thule vs. Volvo cargo box post, we thought mentioning the pros and cons could benefit readers.
Volvo cargo boxes
Pros | Cons |
Volvo is a major player within the automotive industry, so they have excellent customer service and products | The options available are the bare minimal |
Because of their globalized brand, their cargo boxes can get purchased wherever in the world | With Volvo cargo boxes, you pay a premium price for the name |
Thule cargo boxes
Pros | Cons |
Largest roof rack brand in the world | Are considered an expensive option for cargo carrier |
It comes with various options ranging from 260L to 610L | |
Can be purchased from practically anywhere worldwide from themselves or a third-party seller |