The "Frunk" Factor: Why Tesla Model 3 Storage Changes the Rental Game
You’ve just landed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). The air is crisp, your phone is buzzing with notifications, and you’re ready to grab your Frontier Tesla rental and hit the road. But as you walk toward the sleek, midnight silver Model 3 waiting in the parking structure, a thought crosses your mind: "Where is all my stuff going to go?"
Most drivers are conditioned to think in terms of the traditional trunk. We’ve spent decades Tetris-ing suitcases into the back of sedans, hoping the lid will latch. With a Tesla, the rules of the game have changed. Because there’s no bulky internal combustion engine sitting under the hood, Tesla designers reclaimed that space for you. Enter the "frunk"—the front trunk.
It sounds like a gimmick until you use it. At Frontier Tesla, we’ve seen thousands of travelers react to the frunk for the first time. It’s usually a mix of surprise and immediate utility. But for the uninitiated, the Tesla Model 3 frunk space remains a bit of a mystery. Is it a glorified glovebox, or a legitimate storage solution? We’re going to break down exactly what fits, how to use it for your MKE airport run, and why it might be the safest place for your most expensive gear.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Exactly How Much Space is in a Model 3 Frunk?
Before we get into the "will it fit" scenarios, let’s look at the hard data. The Tesla Model 3 frunk offers approximately 3.1 cubic feet of storage space. In metric terms, that’s about 88 liters.
Now, 3.1 cubic feet might not sound like a lot when compared to the 12.3 cubic feet in the rear trunk, but it’s about how that space is shaped. The frunk is a deep, bucket-like basin. It’s walled in on all sides, making it perfect for items you don’t want sliding around. According to Tesla’s official specifications, the load limit for the front luggage compartment is 55 lbs (25 kg).
Here’s the thing: that 88-liter capacity is surprisingly versatile. While the rear trunk handles the heavy lifting—like full-sized checked bags or golf clubs—the frunk serves as a specialized secondary unit. We’ve found that it’s the ideal spot for "high-frequency" items. These are the things you need to grab quickly without digging through a mountain of luggage in the back.
Liters vs. Cubic Feet: Understanding EV Cargo Metrics
When you’re comparing EVs, manufacturers love to throw around volume numbers. But volume doesn't always equal usability. A shallow, wide space might have a high cubic foot rating but fail to hold a single grocery bag upright. The Model 3 frunk is the opposite. It’s compact but vertical.
In our testing at Frontier Tesla, we’ve compared the Model 3 frunk to the Model Y. While the Y has a larger front compartment (about 4.1 cubic feet), the Model 3 holds its own by being deep enough to secure a standard gallon of milk or a stack of three large pizza boxes. Yes, we’ve tested the pizza.
The Million Dollar Question: Can a Standard Carry-On Fit in the Frunk?
This is the number one question we get at our MKE pickup location. You’ve got your standard roller bag, and you want to know if it can live in the front.
The short answer? Yes, but with a caveat.
A standard "international" carry-on bag (typically 21 x 14 x 9 inches) will fit in the Tesla Model 3 frunk quite comfortably. However, if you have a "domestic" or "max-sized" carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches or larger), it becomes a game of inches.
Testing the "Away" and "Rimowa" Dimensions
We took two of the most popular travel bags to see how they fared in the Model 3 frunk space:
- The Away Carry-On: This bag fits like it was designed for the Tesla. You can lay it flat on its back, and the frunk lid closes with plenty of clearance. You even have room around the edges for a light jacket or a charging cable.
- The Rimowa Original Cabin: Because of its rigid aluminum corners, this bag is a tighter squeeze. It fits, but you have to place it wheels-in first.
If your bag is stuffed to the point of bursting, the "bulge" might interfere with the latch. Tesla’s frunk uses a lightweight aluminum hood, so you should never force it shut. If it doesn't click with a gentle two-handed press, the bag is too big.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling as a couple, put one carry-on in the frunk and the other in the rear sub-trunk (the hidden compartment under the main trunk floor). This leaves the entire main trunk completely empty for shopping bags or larger gear.
Beyond Luggage: What Can You Actually Fit in the Front Trunk?
Luggage is just the beginning. The frunk is actually the most "human-centric" part of the car’s storage. Since it’s physically separated from the cabin, it offers benefits that the rear trunk can’t match.
The Grocery Run: Keeping the "Takeout Smell" Out of the Cabin
We’ve all been there. You pick up a bag of hot wings or a fragrant Thai curry, and three days later, your car still smells like garlic and oil.
In a Tesla, this isn't an issue. Because the frunk is outside the main HVAC loop of the cabin, it’s the perfect "isolation chamber" for food. We tell all our Frontier Tesla renters: "Put the leftovers in the frunk." Your upholstery will thank you.
What else fits?
- Two full bags of groceries: Standard reusable bags fit side-by-side.
- A Mobile Connector Kit: Every Frontier Tesla comes with a charging kit. We store these in the frunk so they’re always accessible, even if the trunk is full of suitcases.
- A standard backpack: A 15-inch laptop bag or a North Face Borealis fits with room to spare.
- Gym gear: Keep your sweaty sneakers and gym bag out of the main cabin to maintain that "new car" smell.
Electronics and Airport Runs: Is the Frunk Safe for Your Tech?
When you’re doing an airport run at MKE, you’re often carrying high-value electronics—laptops, cameras, tablets. Is it safe to put these in the front of the car?
From a security standpoint, the frunk is actually safer than the cabin. In a traditional car, a thief might look through a window and see a laptop bag on the seat. In a Tesla, the frunk is a literal vault. There is no manual release inside the cabin that a smash-and-grab thief could use. It can only be opened via the Tesla app or the center touchscreen, both of which are protected by the car’s security system.
Sentry Mode and Physical Security
Every Tesla in the Frontier fleet is equipped with Sentry Mode. This system uses the car’s external cameras to monitor the surroundings when parked. If someone even leans on the hood of the frunk, the car starts recording and alerts your phone.
According to a 2023 report by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Teslas are among the least-stolen vehicles in the U.S., largely due to these integrated security features. Storing your MacBook in the frunk while you grab a coffee at a Milwaukee cafe is significantly more secure than leaving it in a traditional trunk.
Temperature Control: Will Your Laptop Overheat?
Here’s a common concern: "It’s under the hood, won't it get hot?"
Actually, no. Remember, there’s no engine. There is no massive heat source radiating into the frunk. While the area can get warm on a 90-degree summer day in Wisconsin (just like any enclosed space), it doesn't experience the extreme temperatures of a traditional engine bay.
However, we do suggest a bit of caution. If you’re parking in direct sunlight for several hours, the black plastic liner of the frunk can absorb heat. If you have sensitive camera batteries or film, the rear trunk (which is better insulated from the sun by the cabin's glass) might be a slightly cooler choice. But for a 30-minute drive to the airport? The frunk is perfectly safe for your tech.
The MKE Traveler’s Guide: Maximizing Space at Mitchell International
Milwaukee Mitchell International is a fantastic airport, but the parking structures can be tight. When you’re returning your Frontier Tesla, the frunk becomes a strategic asset.
Imagine this: You’re in the "Cell Phone Waiting Lot," and you need to reorganize your bags before checking in. Instead of opening the large rear trunk and exposing all your belongings to the elements (or prying eyes), you can use the frunk as a staging area.
- The "Quick Access" Setup: Keep your passports, boarding passes (if printed), and chargers in a small bag in the frunk. When you pull up to the curb at MKE, you just pop the frunk, grab the essentials, and hand the car off to our team.
- The Winter Strategy: If you’re visiting Milwaukee in January, you’ll have heavy coats. Don't let them clutter the seats. Fold them neatly into the frunk. They’ll stay dry and out of the way until you need them at the terminal.
Frunk vs. Trunk vs. Sub-Trunk: A Strategic Loading Plan
To truly master the Tesla Model 3 frunk space, you have to see it as part of a three-tiered system. The Model 3 is a masterclass in space efficiency.
- The Frunk (3.1 cu-ft): Use for electronics, takeout food, charging cables, and one carry-on bag.
- The Main Trunk (12.3 cu-ft): Use for large checked suitcases, strollers, or golf clubs.
- The Sub-Trunk (approx. 2.5 cu-ft): This is the "hidden" well under the trunk floor. It’s surprisingly deep. We recommend putting your "emergency" items here—extra water, a first aid kit, or shoes you won't need until you reach your destination.
By utilizing all three zones, a family of four can easily fit a week’s worth of luggage into a Model 3 without a single bag sitting on a passenger’s lap. That’s a level of utility you won't find in a BMW 3 Series or an Audi A4.
Common Pitfalls: What You Should Never Put in the Frunk
While we love the frunk, it isn't a magic portal. There are a few things you should avoid:
- Pets: This should go without saying, but the frunk is airtight and not climate-controlled. Never, under any circumstances, place a living creature in there.
- Unsecured Liquids: If a bottle of laundry detergent leaks in the frunk, it’s a pain to clean. The liner is plastic, but there are seams and a latch mechanism that don't like being soaked in soap.
- Heavy Hardware: While the limit is 55 lbs, putting a dense, heavy object like a lead weight or a small engine part in the frunk can cause it to shift during hard braking, potentially denting the tub from the inside.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Your Tesla Rental
Q: How do I open the frunk if the car loses power? A: There is a hidden access panel in the front bumper. By applying an external 12V power source to the wires inside, you can trigger the electronic latch. Don't worry—this only works if the car’s main battery is dead, so it’s not a security risk.
Q: Is the frunk waterproof? A: It is weather-resistant. It features a thick rubber gasket that keeps rain and snow out. However, it is not designed to be submerged. You can drive through a Milwaukee blizzard with confidence that your bags will stay dry.
Q: Can I fit a stroller in the frunk? A: A full-sized stroller? No. But a compact "umbrella" stroller or a YOYO2 travel stroller will fit perfectly when folded.
Q: Does the frunk have a light? A: Yes, there is an integrated LED strip that illuminates the compartment, making it easy to find your gear during late-night MKE arrivals.
Conclusion: Why the Frunk is Your Best Friend on a Frontier Tesla Road Trip
At the end of the day, the Tesla Model 3 frunk is about more than just extra liters of space. It’s about a better way to travel. It’s the convenience of having a dedicated spot for your laptop. It’s the relief of not smelling your dinner for the next fifty miles. It’s the security of knowing your valuables are locked in a steel and aluminum vault.
When you book with Frontier Tesla, you’re not just renting a car; you’re gaining access to the most advanced cargo system on the road. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting in downtown Milwaukee or taking a scenic drive along Lake Michigan, the frunk ensures that your cabin remains a clean, minimalist sanctuary.
So, the next time you’re packing for a trip to MKE, don't worry about whether you have enough room. Between the trunk, the sub-trunk, and that surprisingly capable frunk, the Model 3 has you covered.
Ready to experience the future of travel? Book your self-driving-capable Tesla Model 3 with Frontier Tesla today and pick it up right at the heart of your city.
Key Takeaways
- Capacity: 3.1 cubic feet (88 liters), 55 lbs weight limit.
- Luggage: Fits one international carry-on (21") or a compact travel stroller.
- Security: Protected by Sentry Mode and no internal manual release.
- Best Use: Electronics, food isolation, and quick-access airport essentials.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual - Official cargo and loading specifications.
- Highway Loss Data Institute 2023 Report - Data on Tesla vehicle security and theft rates.
- Away Travel Luggage Specs - Dimensions for standard carry-on compatibility testing.