You've just landed at LAX, the sun is hitting the tarmac, and your tee time at Riviera is less than three hours away. You head to the pickup point where your Frontier Tesla rental—a sleek, 2025 Model 3—is waiting. But as you wheel your heavy tour bag toward the rear bumper, that familiar pang of "EV anxiety" hits. Not about the range, but about the geometry. Will a modern electric sedan actually swallow a full-sized set of clubs without requiring a degree in Tetris?
At Frontier Tesla, we hear this question more than any other. Whether you're booking a self-driving-capable ride for a business trip or a weekend getaway, the trunk space is the make-or-break factor for golfers. Here’s the good news: the 2025 "Highland" refresh isn't just about quieter cabins and ventilated seats. It’s a legitimate upgrade for your gear.
Breaking Down the 2025 Tesla Model 3 Trunk Dimensions
When we talk about the 2025 Tesla Model 3 trunk dimensions, we have to look at the "Highland" update. Tesla redesigned the rear of the car, and while the exterior looks sharper, the interior packaging saw some subtle but vital improvements.
The exact cubic feet of the 2025 Model 3 trunk is 21.0 cubic feet.
This is the primary storage area behind the rear seats. If you include the "frunk" (front trunk) and the deep sub-trunk well, the total cargo capacity jumps to approximately 24.1 cubic feet. For context, that’s more room than many mid-sized luxury ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) sedans. But for a golfer, raw volume is a vanity metric. What matters is the shape.
The Golf Bag Litmus Test: Width and Depth
Here is the thing about golf bags: they are awkwardly long. A standard driver is 45 to 46 inches. Once you add the headcover and the bag itself, you’re looking at a 50-inch projectile.
The width of the Tesla Model 3 trunk opening at its narrowest point—the area between the wheel wells—is approximately 37.5 inches. However, Tesla designers carved out deep "pockets" on both the left and right sides behind the wheel arches. In these recessed areas, the width expands to nearly 51 inches.
This is the "aha!" moment for our renters. You don't have to lay the bag perfectly horizontal. You angle the base into one of those side pockets, and the top of the bag—where the long clubs live—swings into the other. It fits. Usually with room for a second bag stacked right on top.
2025 vs. 2023: Does the New Model 3 Have More Space?
If you’ve rented from us before and drove a 2023 model, you might be wondering if the upgrade is worth it for the storage alone. The answer is a definitive yes.
Does the 2025 Model 3 have more trunk space than the 2023 version? Yes, it does. The 2023 Model 3 offered roughly 19.8 cubic feet of rear trunk space. The 2025 Highland refresh increased this to 21.0 cubic feet. While a 1.2 cubic foot difference sounds marginal on paper, it’s the efficiency of the space that changed.
We’ve found that the 2025 model’s trunk liner is more flush, and the liftgate mechanism is less intrusive. In the older models, the trunk arms sometimes pinched the sides of a soft-shell golf travel cover. In the 2025 version, the powered liftgate operates on a more streamlined hinge system, giving you more "vertical" confidence when closing the lid on a packed car.
The Sub-Trunk: Your Secret Weapon for Golf Shoes and Balls
One of the most overlooked features of the Model 3 is the sub-trunk. This is a deep, rectangular well located beneath the main trunk floor. Since there’s no exhaust system or fuel tank to work around, Tesla utilized every inch of the chassis.
What we've learned from our frequent golfers is that the sub-trunk is the perfect "locker room."
- Shoes: You can easily fit two pairs of golf shoes down there.
- Balls and Accessories: A dozen balls, your rangefinder, and your rain gear can live in the sub-trunk, leaving the main floor completely flat for the bags.
- The "Dirty" Factor: If your spikes are muddy after a dewy morning round, keeping them in the sub-trunk prevents grass and dirt from getting onto your clean luggage or club covers.
Packing Strategies: How to Fit Two (or Three) Bags
Can you fit more than one golfer in a 2025 Model 3? Absolutely. We’ve seen it done. If you’re traveling with a partner, here is the step-by-step guide to a stress-free load-in:
- Remove the Drivers: If you have an oversized staff bag, pull the driver and 3-wood out first. Lay them across the top once the bags are in.
- The X-Pattern: Place the first bag diagonally, base in the left pocket, heads in the right. Place the second bag in the opposite diagonal.
- Utilize the 60/40 Split: If you have three golfers, fold down the "40" side of the rear seat. This creates a long channel that can accommodate three bags lengthwise while still leaving two comfortable seats in the back.
The Frunk Factor: More Than Just a Gimmick
The front trunk, or "frunk," provides an additional 3.1 cubic feet of space. While you won't be putting a sand wedge in there, it’s the ideal spot for a small carry-on or a cooler bag.
Pro tip: Use the frunk for your "post-round" clothes. It keeps the cabin smelling like a new Tesla rather than a locker room. According to a 2024 user experience study by EV-Volumes, Tesla owners cite the frunk as one of the top three reasons they prefer EVs for road trips. It’s about the separation of cargo.
Why the 2025 Model 3 is the Ultimate Golf Rental
At Frontier Tesla, we don't just provide cars; we provide the experience of the future. The 2025 Model 3 isn't just a sedan—it's a precision-engineered tool for the modern traveler.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Trip
- Volume: 21.0 cu ft (Trunk) / 24.1 cu ft (Total).
- Width: 37.5" (Narrowest) to 51" (Side pockets).
- Improvement: ~6% more trunk volume than the 2023 model.
- Self-Driving: All our rentals come with FSD (Full Self-Driving) capability, meaning you can relax and let the car navigate the highway while you recap your birdies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the width of the Tesla Model 3 trunk opening for golf bags?
The opening itself is about 38 inches wide at the base, but it widens significantly once you pass the liftgate frame. The internal width between the side pockets is 51 inches, which is the crucial measurement for fitting long clubs.
Can a staff bag fit in the 2025 Model 3?
Yes, but it requires removing the driver and woods. A standard carry bag or "stand bag" fits easily without any club removal.
Is the trunk powered in the 2025 model?
Yes. All 2025 Model 3s come with a power-operated liftgate that can be controlled via the Tesla app, the center touchscreen, or a button on the trunk itself.
How does the Model 3 trunk compare to the Model Y?
The Model Y is a hatchback with 30.2 cubic feet of space. While the Y is larger, many golfers prefer the Model 3 because the "enclosed" trunk keeps expensive gear out of sight from prying eyes, providing better security at the clubhouse or hotel.
Real-World Scenario: The Pebble Beach Run
Last month, one of our clients rented a 2025 Model 3 for a trip from San Francisco to Pebble Beach. They had two bags, two suitcases, and a cooler. By utilizing the sub-trunk for shoes and the frunk for the cooler, they managed to keep the entire cabin clear.
"I thought I'd need the Model Y," he told us. "But the 3 handled the clubs like a champ. And the drive down Highway 1 with the new suspension was night and day compared to my old BMW."
Conclusion: Ready to Tee Off?
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 has officially silenced the critics who claimed EVs weren't practical for hobbyists. With its 21.0 cubic feet of trunk space, clever side-pocket geometry, and the added utility of the sub-trunk and frunk, it is the most capable sedan in its class.
Stop worrying about whether your gear will fit and start focusing on your swing. Whether you're in Scottsdale, Orlando, or Los Angeles, Frontier Tesla has the perfect, self-driving-capable Model 3 ready for your next round.
Book your 2025 Tesla Model 3 Rental Today — Pick up downtown and experience the "Highland" difference for yourself.
Sources
- Tesla Official Model 3 Specifications - Technical data on cargo volume and dimensions.
- MotorTrend 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Review - Comparison of storage and interior updates.
- EV-Volumes 2024 Market Report - Statistics on EV cargo utility and consumer preferences.
- Golf Digest: Best Cars for Golfers 2025 - Real-world testing of luxury sedans and golf bag compatibility.