You’re standing at the curb of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). The humid Wisconsin air hits you, and the familiar rumble of the shuttle bus approaches. You’ve got your family, three massive hardshell suitcases, and a couple of carry-ons. In your pocket, you have a reservation for a "Midsize" rental car. But as you look at that mountain of luggage, a cold realization sets in. Will it actually fit?
Most travelers assume that a standard midsize sedan—think a Toyota Camry or a Nissan Altima—is the safe bet for airport runs. We’ve been conditioned to think that electric vehicles, especially sleek ones like the Tesla Model 3, sacrifice utility for aerodynamics.
Here’s the thing: that assumption is wrong.
At Frontier Tesla, we’ve helped thousands of travelers navigate this exact scenario. We’ve seen the "luggage Tetris" play out in real-time. What we’ve learned is that the Tesla Model 3 luggage capacity isn’t just competitive; it’s often superior to the internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles you’ll find at the big-box rental counters.
The Numbers Game: Tesla Model 3 Luggage Capacity vs. The Field
To understand why the Model 3 wins, we have to look at the raw data. A standard midsize rental car typically offers between 14 and 16 cubic feet of trunk space. For example, the 2024 Toyota Camry provides 15.1 cubic feet.
The Tesla Model 3, however, offers a total of 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
That is a massive difference. We’re talking about a nearly 50% increase in available volume. But volume alone doesn't tell the whole story. It’s about how that volume is distributed. In a traditional car, the trunk is one big box, often interrupted by wheel wells or the hinges of the trunk lid that can crush your bags if you overpack.
The Tesla distributes its 22.9 cubic feet across three distinct areas:
- The primary rear trunk.
- The deep "sub-trunk" hidden beneath the floor.
- The "frunk" (front trunk) where an engine would normally sit.
Will Three Large Suitcases Fit in the Trunk of a Tesla Model 3?
This is the number one question we get from families booking a self-driving-capable rental in downtown Milwaukee or Chicago. The short answer? Yes. But there is a specific way to do it.
When we talk about "large" suitcases, we’re usually referring to 28-inch to 30-inch checked bags. In a standard midsize rental, three of these bags will almost always require you to leave the trunk partially open or force one bag into the backseat, cramped next to a passenger.
In the Model 3, you can fit two large suitcases side-by-side in the main trunk area. The third large suitcase can then be placed on top of them. Because the Model 3 lacks the intrusive "gooseneck" hinges found in many budget rentals, you don't have to worry about the car's hardware smashing your luggage.
Utilizing the Sub-Trunk for Extra Depth
I’ve found that the secret to winning the luggage game is the sub-trunk. This is a deep well located under the rear floor mat. It’s large enough to swallow a standard carry-on bag or two medium-sized duffels. By tucking your smaller items or "soft" luggage into this well, you clear the entire upper deck for those three large suitcases.
Consequently, you end up with a clean cabin. No bags on seats. No obstructed views out the rear window. Just a comfortable, high-tech ride to your destination.
Does the Tesla Model 3 Have More Storage Space Than a Standard Rental Car?
When you compare the Model 3 to the "Midsize" or even "Full Size" categories at traditional rental agencies, the Tesla consistently punches above its weight class.
According to a 2023 cargo capacity study by Car and Driver, the Model 3 held 15 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded down. For comparison, many midsize sedans struggle to hit 12 in the same configuration.
The Advantage of the Flat Floor
Traditional rental cars have a "hump" in the middle of the back seat floor to accommodate the exhaust system and driveshaft. The Model 3 is built on a dedicated electric platform, meaning the floor is completely flat.
Why does this matter for luggage? If you’re traveling with a group of four and have an overflow of small bags, that flat floor becomes a secondary storage zone. You can slide slim laptop bags or backpacks under the feet of the rear passengers without making them feel like they’re in a sardine can.
Is the 'Frunk' in a Tesla Useful for Airport Pickups?
The "frunk" is often dismissed as a gimmick. Some people think it’s only for charging cables or a small grocery bag. However, for an airport pickup at MKE or O'Hare, the frunk is a strategic asset.
Think about the items you need immediate access to:
- Your winter coat (if you’re landing in Milwaukee in January).
- A small bag with snacks or medications.
- The "fragile" souvenir you don't want crushed by a 50-pound hardshell suitcase.
The frunk offers 3.1 cubic feet of isolated space. It’s perfect for keeping these items separate from the heavy lifting in the back. Moreover, because it’s isolated from the cabin, it’s a great place to put that "airport food" you bought on the way out—no one wants the smell of greasy fries lingering in the vegan leather interior for the whole drive home.
Real-World Scenario: The Milwaukee Midsize vs. Frontier Tesla
Let’s look at a concrete example. You’ve booked a "Midsize" car from a major brand at the airport. You take the shuttle, wait in line, and finally get to your car—a base-model Chevy Malibu.
The Malibu has 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space. You start loading.
- Suitcase 1: Fits.
- Suitcase 2: Fits.
- Suitcase 3: It’s a struggle. You have to angle it. The trunk lid won't close because the hinge is hitting the corner of the bag.
- Result: One suitcase goes in the back seat. Your kids are now complaining about legroom.
Now, imagine you booked with Frontier Tesla. You picked up your Model 3 downtown, or perhaps we met you at the curb.
- Suitcase 1 & 2: Slide into the back.
- Suitcase 3: Goes on top.
- Carry-ons: Disappear into the sub-trunk.
- Backpacks: Go in the frunk.
- Result: The cabin is empty. You engage Autopilot, and you’re cruising toward your hotel in total silence.
Addressing Common Objections: "But it looks so small!"
It’s an optical illusion. The Tesla Model 3 has a "fastback" silhouette, which makes the trunk opening look smaller than it is. While the aperture is tighter than a hatchback like the Model Y, the depth of the trunk is surprising.
I’ve personally seen a Model 3 swallow a disassembled stroller, two suitcases, and a pack-and-play. It requires a bit of strategy—heavy items at the bottom, soft items in the gaps—but the capacity is there.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning a trip and considering the Tesla Model 3 luggage capacity, keep these points in mind:
- Total Volume: 22.9 cu. ft. beats almost every midsize ICE rental.
- The 3-Bag Rule: Three large suitcases fit in the rear if you use the sub-trunk for smaller items.
- The Frunk Factor: Use it for essentials or fragile items to keep them away from heavy luggage.
- Flat Floor: Extra passenger comfort and "under-foot" storage.
- No Hinges: Pack to the brim without worrying about the trunk lid mechanism.
Step-by-Step Guide to Loading Your Tesla Model 3 for the Airport
- Open the Sub-Trunk: Lift the floor panel in the rear. Place your "never-need" items here (extra shoes, laundry bags, charging kits).
- The Base Layer: Place two large suitcases flat on the trunk floor, side-by-side.
- The Top Layer: Place the third large suitcase on top, centered.
- The Side Pockets: The Model 3 has deep pockets on the left and right sides of the trunk. These are perfect for loose shoes or water bottles.
- The Frunk Finish: Drop your carry-on or personal items in the front.
Why Frontier Tesla is the Better Choice for MKE Travelers
Renting a car shouldn't feel like a compromise. When you choose Frontier, you aren't just getting a car; you're getting a premium experience. Our fleet of Tesla Model 3s is meticulously maintained and equipped with the latest self-driving capabilities.
Instead of dealing with the "luck of the draw" at an airport rental lot, you know exactly what you’re getting. You’re getting a car that fits your life, your family, and—most importantly—your luggage.
So, the next time you’re flying into Milwaukee or planning a road trip across the USA, don't settle for a cramped midsize sedan. Experience the efficiency and surprising spaciousness of a Tesla.
Ready to see for yourself? Book your self-driving-capable Tesla Model 3 with Frontier Tesla today and take the stress out of your next airport pickup.
Sources
- Tesla Official Model 3 Specifications - Detailed breakdown of cargo volume and dimensions.
- Car and Driver: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Review - Real-world luggage testing and carry-on capacity.
- Toyota Newsroom: 2024 Camry Specs - Comparison data for midsize sedan trunk space.
- U.S. Department of Energy: EV vs. ICE Storage - Analysis of how dedicated EV platforms increase interior volume.