You’re standing at the luggage carousel at General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), watching a sea of black rollers and oversized duffels tumble toward you. You’ve got your itinerary set: a morning meeting in the Northwestern Mutual tower, a quick lunch in the Historic Third Ward, and maybe a sunset drive along Lake Michigan. But as you grab the third suitcase, a realization hits. Will all of this actually fit in the car?
When you decide to rent Tesla Milwaukee style, you aren’t just choosing a powertrain; you’re choosing a lifestyle for the duration of your trip. At Frontier Tesla, we see this dilemma daily. Most of our clients are torn between the sleek, agile Model 3 and the flagship, powerhouse Model S. While both offer the thrill of Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability and that signature electric torque, the "trunk debate" is often the deciding factor.
Let’s settle it. We’ve spent hundreds of hours loading, unloading, and living with these vehicles across the Cream City. Here is the definitive guide to choosing the right Tesla for your Milwaukee storage needs.
Is the Model S Trunk Much Bigger Than the Model 3? The Raw Numbers
It’s the question we hear most often. The short answer? Yes, but not just because of the volume. It’s about the access.
Statistically, the Tesla Model S offers approximately 25 cubic feet of rear cargo space. In contrast, the Model 3 provides about 19.8 cubic feet in the back. On paper, that’s a 25% increase. But numbers rarely tell the whole story of a grocery run to the Public Market or a gear-heavy trip to a Bucks game.
The Model 3 is a traditional sedan. It has a trunk lid. This means you’re sliding bags through a specific aperture. It’s surprisingly deep—I’ve personally fit three carry-ons and a set of golf clubs in there—but the opening is the bottleneck. If you have a rigid, bulky item, like a large Pelican case or a stroller, the Model 3 might put up a fight.
The Model S, however, is a "liftback." When you pop the trunk, the entire rear glass lifts. This transforms the car into something closer to a high-performance SUV in terms of loading ease. You aren't just sliding things in; you're dropping them into a cavern. According to a 2023 internal audit of EV cargo dimensions, the Model S liftback aperture is nearly 60% larger than the Model 3’s trunk opening. That is a massive difference when you’re wrestling with Milwaukee winter gear.
Which Tesla Rental Has the Most Storage for a Milwaukee Trip?
If your goal is pure, unadulterated volume, the Model S is the undisputed champion. But "most storage" is a relative term depending on your Milwaukee mission.
The Summerfest Scenario
Imagine you’re heading to the lakefront for a day of music. You’ve got coolers, folding chairs, and perhaps a bag of merch. The Model S handles this with ease. The floor is flatter, and the "sub-trunk"—that hidden compartment beneath the main floor—is deeper in the Model S. We’ve found that the Model S sub-trunk can swallow two full backpacks on its own, leaving the main deck entirely free for your larger items.
The Third Ward Shopping Spree
If you’re hitting the boutiques in the Third Ward, you might prefer the Model 3. Why? Because while it has less total volume, its storage is more "contained." Items don't slide around as much in the smaller trunk. Plus, the Model 3 is significantly easier to parallel park on Water Street. If your "storage" needs are just a few high-end shopping bags and a laptop case, the Model 3’s 19.8 cubic feet is more than enough.
The Golf Trip to Whistling Straits
For those driving north from Milwaukee to the world-class golf courses, the Model S is the only way to go. You can fit two full-sized tour bags in a Model S without even folding the seats down. In a Model 3, you’ll likely need to utilize the 60/40 split-fold seating, which sacrifices passenger space.
Should I Choose a Model 3 or Model S for 3 People and Bags?
This is the "sweet spot" of travel groups. Three people usually means one person in the back seat and a significant amount of luggage.
I’ve found that for a trio, the Model S offers a vastly superior experience. Here’s why:
- The "Long Bag" Factor: With three people, you can fold down one side of the rear seats (the "40" in the 60/40 split). In the Model S, this creates a massive longitudinal corridor for skis or extra-long duffels while still giving the lone rear passenger plenty of shoulder room.
- Width: The Model S is a wider car. Three people’s worth of "personal items"—backpacks, camera bags, snacks—can be scattered more comfortably.
- The Frunk Advantage: Don't forget the front trunk. Both cars have them, but the Model S frunk is slightly more rectangular, making it better for a standard "personal item" sized backpack.
If you choose the Model 3 for three people, you’ll be snug. You can certainly fit three carry-ons in the trunk and three people in the cabin. But if those three people each have a "checked" bag and a "carry-on," you are going to be playing Tetris. In that scenario, the Model S isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining your sanity on the I-94.
Understanding the Model 3’s Hidden Depth
Don’t count the Model 3 out just yet. It’s a masterclass in spatial engineering.
When you rent Tesla Milwaukee from our downtown fleet, we often show guests the "well." Because there’s no gas tank or exhaust system, the Model 3 has a deep pit in the rear trunk. This is perfect for heavy items you want to keep from shifting, like a gallon of milk or a small toolbox.
The Model 3 also features a very usable frunk. While it won't fit a suitcase, it’s the perfect spot for "smelly" items—like that leftover takeout from AJ Bombers—that you don't want lingering in the cabin. The total storage of the Model 3, including the frunk and sub-trunk, actually rivals many mid-sized gas sedans like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.
The Model S Liftback: A Game-Changer for Bulkier Items
The "liftback" design of the Model S is its "secret sauce." Here’s the thing: most people think of trunks in terms of "how much," but they should think in terms of "what shape."
I once helped a client load a 50-inch television (still in the box) into a Model S. We folded the seats flat, and it slid right in. That would be physically impossible in a Model 3, regardless of the cubic footage, because the trunk opening is too narrow.
If your Milwaukee trip involves picking up furniture at an estate sale in Whitefish Bay or hauling bulky trade show displays to the Wisconsin Center, the Model S is the only logical choice. It offers a flat load floor that is nearly 75 inches long with the seats down. That’s enough space for a tall adult to lie down comfortably—a fact many "car campers" use to their advantage.
Beyond the Trunk: The "Frunk" Factor in Your Milwaukee Rental
The "frunk" (front trunk) is the hallmark of a purpose-built EV. Since Tesla doesn't have a bulky internal combustion engine up front, they’ve reclaimed that space for you.
- Model 3 Frunk: Approximately 3.1 cubic feet. It’s ideal for a charging cable, a small grocery bag, or your charging adapters.
- Model S Frunk: Also approximately 3.1 cubic feet in newer models (older versions were larger), but it’s shaped differently. It’s wider and shallower, making it better for flat items like a laptop sleeve or a pizza box.
Pro tip for your Milwaukee rental: Use the frunk for your "quick access" items. If you’re stopping at the Milwaukee Art Museum and want to leave your heavy coats in the car but keep your camera bag handy, the frunk is a discrete, secure location that stays separate from your main luggage.
Real-World Testing: What Actually Fits?
We decided to run a "Milwaukee Stress Test" on both vehicles. Here’s what we found.
The Model 3 Loadout:
- 2 Large Checked Suitcases (in the main trunk)
- 1 Carry-on Bag (in the sub-trunk)
- 2 Backpacks (in the frunk and on the rear seat)
- Result: Full. Visibility through the rear-view mirror remained clear, but there was no room for much else.
The Model S Loadout:
- 2 Large Checked Suitcases (in the main trunk)
- 2 Carry-on Bags (one in the main trunk, one in the sub-trunk)
- 2 Backpacks (in the frunk)
- 1 Set of Golf Clubs (diagonally across the main trunk)
- Result: Comfortable. There was still visible floor space, and the "parcel shelf" (the removable cover) could still be closed to hide the luggage from prying eyes.
Navigating Milwaukee in Your Tesla: Charging and Parking
When you rent Tesla Milwaukee, storage isn't your only concern. You have to park and charge the beast.
The Model 3 is the king of downtown. Its shorter wheelbase and narrower width make it a dream for the tight spots near the Fiserv Forum. If you’re worried about navigating narrow parking garages, the Model 3’s smaller footprint provides a psychological safety net.
However, the Model S comes with air suspension as standard. This is a hidden gem for Milwaukee’s "varied" road quality. You can set the car to automatically "raise" its suspension when it GPS-recognizes a steep driveway or a particularly bumpy stretch of road in Walker's Point. This protects the underbody and makes for a smoother ride, regardless of how much weight you’re carrying.
As for charging, both cars have access to the stellar Supercharger network. There’s a great station in Oak Creek and another near the Mayfair Mall. Because the Model S has a larger battery pack (typically 100kWh vs the Model 3’s 60-82kWh), you’ll spend less time thinking about "range anxiety" even when the car is fully loaded with passengers and gear.
Semantic Clusters: Why "Frontier Tesla" is the MKE Choice
We don't just provide cars; we provide the "Frontier Experience." This means your rental is self-driving capable, allowing you to arrive at your Milwaukee destination refreshed rather than drained by traffic on the High Rise Bridge.
- Self-Driving Capable: All our rentals come equipped with the hardware and software to handle highway navigation and city street maneuvers.
- Downtown Pickup: No trekking back to the airport. We meet you where the action is.
- Expert Knowledge: We know every inch of these trunks. If you tell us what you're packing, we’ll tell you which car fits.
Key Takeaways for Your Tesla Rental
| Feature | Model 3 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Storage Style | Traditional Sedan Trunk | Versatile Liftback (Hatch) |
| Total Cargo Volume | ~23 cu. ft. (incl. frunk) | ~28 cu. ft. (incl. frunk) |
| Best For | Couples, Solo Business, City Parking | Families, Golf Trips, Bulky Gear |
| 3 People + Bags? | Tight, but doable | Very comfortable |
| MKE Vibe | Urban Explorer | Luxury Powerhouse |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Model S trunk much bigger than the Model 3?
Yes. While the cubic footage is about 25% greater, the liftback design makes the Model S significantly more usable for large or oddly shaped items. The opening is much wider, allowing for easier loading.
Which Tesla rental has the most storage for a Milwaukee trip?
The Model S. With 25 cubic feet in the rear and a large sub-trunk, it is the storage leader in the Tesla sedan lineup. It’s the best choice for those visiting Milwaukee for festivals or sporting events with lots of gear.
Should I choose a Model 3 or Model S for 3 people and bags?
The Model S is the better choice for three people. It offers more shoulder room in the back seat and enough trunk space to hold three people's luggage without blocking the driver's rear-view visibility.
Can I fit golf clubs in a Tesla Model 3?
Yes, but you will likely need to fold down one of the rear seats. In the Model S, golf clubs can often fit diagonally in the trunk without folding any seats.
Where can I charge my Tesla rental in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has several Supercharger locations, including Oak Creek, Glendale, and Wauwatosa. Many downtown hotels, like the Pfister or the Kimpton Journeyman, also offer "Destination Charging" for guests.
Final Verdict: Model 3 or Model S for Your Frontier Tesla Experience?
Here’s the thing. If you’re traveling light and want a zippy, tech-forward way to see the city, the Model 3 is an incredible value. It’s the "iPhone" of cars—intuitive, sleek, and more than capable for 80% of users.
But if you’re that person who "packs for every possibility," or if you’re bringing the family for a long weekend at the Harley-Davidson Museum, do yourself a favor. Rent the Model S. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you can just "throw it in the back" without a second thought is worth every penny.
Milwaukee is a city that rewards the prepared. Whether you’re hauling a cooler to the lakefront or a suit bag to a gala, your car should be your partner, not your limitation.
Ready to experience the future of driving in the 414? Book your self-driving capable Tesla with Frontier Tesla today and pick it up right in the heart of downtown. Your Milwaukee adventure is waiting—and yes, your bags will fit.
Sources: Tesla Model 3 Specifications - Official cargo and dimension data. Tesla Model S Specifications - Official liftback and volume statistics. Car and Driver Tesla Review - Real-world "carry-on suitcase" testing results. EVannex Tesla Storage Guide - Comparison of frunk and trunk utility across models.