You walk up to your Tesla Model 3 rental from Frontier Tesla, parked right in the heart of downtown Bakersfield. You’ve got your keys, your sunglasses, and a full day of shopping planned at the Valley Plaza Mall. But as you approach the sleek, white hood, you realize something is different. There is no engine humming underneath. Instead, there’s a hidden gem that most traditional car renters never get to experience: the "frunk."
The front trunk, or frunk, is one of the most misunderstood features of the Tesla Model 3. Is it just a gimmick? Or is it a legitimate storage solution for a busy day in the Central Valley? We’ve spent years helping drivers navigate the nuances of EV rentals, and we’ve found that the frunk is often the MVP of a successful road trip or shopping spree.
The Front Trunk Revolution: More Than Just a Conversation Starter
For over a century, the space between the front wheels of a car was reserved for oily gaskets, heavy pistons, and a radiator. Tesla flipped the script. By placing the electric motors on the axles and the battery pack in the floor, they reclaimed the "nose" of the car for the passenger.
In the Tesla Model 3, this space offers approximately 3.1 cubic feet (88 liters) of storage. While that might sound small compared to the massive 15-cubic-foot rear trunk, it serves a very specific, strategic purpose. It’s isolated. It’s secure. And quite frankly, it’s the perfect place to put things you don’t want rolling around in the back.
Capacity Breakdown: What Can You Actually Fit in a Tesla Model 3 Frunk?
This is the number one question we get at Frontier Tesla. People see the compartment and assume it’s only deep enough for a charging cable. That’s a mistake.
What can you fit? Quite a bit, actually.
In our testing, we’ve successfully stowed:
- An FAA-approved carry-on suitcase (though it’s a tight squeeze depending on the brand).
- A full set of Tesla mobile charging equipment and a heavy-duty extension cord.
- Two pairs of hiking boots and a gallon of water for a trip out to Kern River Canyon.
- A standard-sized gym bag packed with a change of clothes and a towel.
The shape is somewhat irregular—deeper at the back and shallower toward the front bumper. Because of this, soft-sided bags are your best friend. They conform to the plastic lining of the frunk, allowing you to maximize every square inch of that 3.1 cubic foot volume.
The Daily Commute: Is the Frunk Big Enough for Laptops and Groceries?
If you’re heading into a meeting in downtown Bakersfield or stopping by Trader Joe’s on your way home, the frunk is your secret weapon.
Laptop Bags and Tech Security
Yes, the Tesla Model 3 frunk is more than large enough for a standard laptop bag or backpack. In fact, most 15-inch and even some 17-inch laptop sleeves fit perfectly when laid flat or angled slightly.
Here’s why we recommend using the frunk for your tech: Security. In a traditional car, a backpack on the passenger seat is a "smash and grab" waiting to happen. Even in the rear trunk, items can sometimes be visible through the glass if the parcel shelf is missing. The frunk is a steel-vaulted compartment with no windows. When you lock your Tesla, the frunk is integrated into the security system. If someone tries to pry it open, Sentry Mode triggers, recording the event and sounding the alarm.
The "Small Grocery" Test
Can it handle groceries? Absolutely. You can comfortably fit two standard reusable grocery bags in the Model 3 frunk.
We’ve found this particularly useful for "fragrant" items. If you’re picking up take-out from a local spot like Moo Creamery or a pungent bag of garlic fries, put them in the frunk. Because the frunk is physically isolated from the cabin’s HVAC system, those delicious (but lingering) smells won't permeate the vegan leather seats of your rental.
Safety and Temperature: Protecting Your Cargo in the Heat
Bakersfield isn't exactly known for its mild summers. When the mercury hits 105°F on the 99 freeway, you have to think about where you’re putting your belongings.
Is it safe to put fragile items in the frunk?
Generally, yes. The frunk is a stable environment. However, you must consider the "thump" factor. Unlike the rear trunk, which has carpeted sides, the frunk is lined with a durable, hard plastic. If you put a glass bottle of olive oil in there alone, it’s going to slide.
Pro Tip: Use a small cargo net or even a folded towel to wedge fragile items in place. The suspension on the Model 3 is firm—designed for performance—so you will feel the bumps on some of Bakersfield’s older roads.
The Heat Factor: Why the Frunk Isn't a Refrigerator
Here is a common misconception: because there’s no engine, people think the frunk stays cool.
It doesn't.
While it’s true there isn't a combustion engine radiating 200 degrees of heat, the frunk is still a sealed metal box sitting under the California sun. Furthermore, the electronics and the AC condenser are located nearby. According to data from various EV enthusiast tests, the internal temperature of a frunk can rise significantly during a long drive or while parked in direct sunlight.
Don't put chocolate, electronics with sensitive batteries (for long periods), or frozen ice cream in the frunk during a Bakersfield July. Keep those in the cabin where the Tesla’s "Cabin Overheat Protection" can keep things manageable.
Maximizing Your Bakersfield Shopping Day with Frontier Tesla
Imagine this. You’ve spent the morning at the Outlets at Tejon. Your rear trunk is already half-full with shoe boxes and new clothes. You decide to stop at a local park for a quick walk before heading back.
This is where the frunk shines.
Instead of piling your most valuable purchases—like that new designer handbag or your iPad—on top of the pile in the back, you tuck them into the frunk. It keeps your main storage area organized and your high-value items out of sight.
At Frontier Tesla, we believe the "Tesla lifestyle" is about removing friction from your day. Having a dedicated, clean, and isolated space for your "active" items (the things you need to grab quickly) makes the rental experience feel premium.
Key Takeaways for Frunk Storage
- Volume: 3.1 cubic feet. Think "carry-on bag," not "full-sized suitcase."
- Best For: Laptops, gym bags, take-out food, and charging cables.
- Security: Superior to the cabin; invisible to passersby and protected by Sentry Mode.
- Climate: It gets hot. Avoid perishables in the summer.
- Organization: Use soft-sided bags to fit the irregular shape.
Common Objections: Is it Hard to Close?
We see it all the time. A renter tries to slam the frunk shut like they’re closing the hood of a 1995 Chevy Tahoe.
Stop!
The Tesla Model 3 hood is made of lightweight aluminum to save weight and improve range. If you slam it, you risk creasing the metal.
The correct way to close it is a two-hand technique. Lower the hood until the latch touches the striker. Place both hands on the hood, one on either side of the Tesla "T" logo. Press down firmly until you hear the click. It’s a gentle process for a high-tech machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I fit in the Tesla Model 3 frunk?
You can fit a standard carry-on bag, a backpack, two grocery bags, or your charging equipment. It is ideal for items that are roughly 18" x 14" x 10".
Is the frunk big enough for a laptop bag?
Yes. Almost all standard laptop bags and backpacks fit easily. It is actually the recommended place to store tech for better security.
Is it safe to put fragile items in the frunk while driving?
Yes, provided they are secured. The hard plastic lining can cause items to slide, so use a bag or a small divider to prevent movement during cornering.
Does the frunk have an emergency release?
Yes. Per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), there is an interior glow-in-the-dark release button inside the frunk, just in case a very small child (or a very confused pet) ends up inside.
The Frontier Tesla Difference
When you rent from us, we don't just hand you the keys and point you toward the car. We want you to master the vehicle. Whether you're navigating the traffic on Ming Avenue or taking a scenic drive out toward the Tehachapi Mountains, understanding features like the frunk storage makes your trip smoother.
The Tesla Model 3 is a masterclass in efficiency. Every "empty" space has been reclaimed for the user. By utilizing the frunk for your shopping day in Bakersfield, you’re not just driving an electric car—you’re utilizing a smarter way to travel.
Ready to experience the extra storage and self-driving capabilities for yourself? Book your next Bakersfield adventure with Frontier Tesla today. Your shopping bags will thank you.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual - Official specifications on front trunk usage and closing procedures.
- EPA Fuel Economy Guide - Data on EV storage efficiency and interior volume ratings.
- Tesla Tap: Frunk Temperatures - Independent research on internal compartment temperatures in various weather conditions.
- NHTSA Safety Standards - Information regarding emergency release requirements for front-compartment vehicles.