Imagine you’ve just landed at Tampa International Airport. The humidity hits you, but so does the excitement of your Florida getaway. You walk toward your Frontier Tesla rental, a sleek Model 3 waiting for you downtown. You have a carry-on, a laptop bag, and a bag of groceries you grabbed for the Airbnb. You pop the trunk, but then you remember: this car has a "frunk."
For many first-time EV drivers, the front trunk—or frunk—is a bit of a novelty. It’s that extra space where an engine usually sits in a gas-powered car. But in a Tesla Model 3, it’s a functional, secure, and surprisingly versatile storage area. Whether you’re heading to Clearwater Beach or navigating the streets of Ybor City, understanding how to maximize your Tesla Model 3 frunk storage can change how you travel.
The Anatomy of the Tesla Model 3 Frunk
What exactly is a frunk? Simply put, it’s the storage compartment located under the hood. Because Tesla’s electric motors are compact and positioned between the wheels, the space up front is liberated for cargo.
In the Model 3, this space offers approximately 3.1 cubic feet (88 liters) of volume. While that might sound modest compared to the massive rear trunk, it’s the perfect "bonus" room. We’ve found that it’s the ideal spot for items you want to keep separate from your main luggage. Think of it as the glovebox’s much larger, more capable sibling.
What Can Actually Fit in the Tesla Model 3 Front Trunk?
This is the question we get most often from our Tampa rental clients. People expect a tiny cubby, but they’re often surprised by the depth.
Here is a breakdown of what we’ve successfully packed into a Model 3 frunk:
- A Standard Carry-on Bag: Most international-sized carry-on suitcases (approx. 22" x 14" x 9") will fit snugly.
- Two Medium Backpacks: If you’re traveling as a couple, both of your daypacks will easily slide in side-by-side.
- A Soft-Sided Cooler: Perfect for keeping drinks chilled on the way to the coast.
- A Laptop Sleeve and Camera Bag: Keeping expensive tech out of sight is a major security plus.
It’s important to note that the shape is somewhat tapered. The bottom is narrower than the top. If you’re trying to fit something rigid, measure the base first. However, for soft items like duffel bags or gym gear, the frunk is incredibly forgiving.
The Grocery Bag Test: Can You Fit a Quick Trip to Publix?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, the Model 3 frunk is arguably the best place for groceries.
Why? Because it prevents your eggs and bread from rolling around a giant rear trunk. A standard plastic or reusable grocery bag fits perfectly. If you have two or three bags, you can wedge them in so they stay upright throughout your drive.
We’ve learned that the frunk is also the best place for "fragile" groceries. If you’ve picked up a fresh Cuban sandwich or a box of pastries in Ybor, the frunk keeps them isolated from the heat of the cabin and the movement of heavier suitcases in the back. It’s a dedicated nook for the things you don't want squashed.
Charging Cables: Why the Frunk is Their Natural Home
If you’re taking a longer road trip across Florida, you’ll likely have a Mobile Connector or a J1772 adapter with you. Storing these in the frunk is a pro move.
When you pull up to a charging station, it’s much more convenient to pop the frunk and grab your cable than it is to dig through a fully loaded rear trunk. Most Tesla owners keep their charging gear here permanently. It keeps the cables clean and away from your clothes or upholstery. Plus, if the cable gets a little dusty from a parking lot, that dirt stays in the plastic-lined frunk rather than on your carpet.
Is the Model 3 Frunk Waterproof?
This is a critical question for anyone heading to the Florida Gulf. You’ve spent the day at the beach, and now you have a pile of soaking wet towels and sandy flip-flops. Can you throw them in the frunk without ruining the car?
The short answer is: The frunk is weather-sealed, but it is not a "wet storage" bin with a drain.
The Model 3 frunk is designed to stay dry during heavy rain or car washes. A thick rubber gasket runs around the perimeter, creating a tight seal when the hood is latched. This makes it a great place to store items you want to keep dry.
Storing Wet Beach Towels and Gear
However, if you put wet items inside, the moisture has nowhere to go. Unlike the Tesla Model Y or the Cybertruck, the Model 3 frunk does not have a drain plug at the bottom. If you throw a soaking wet towel in there, the humidity will stay trapped until you open it back up.
Our advice? It’s a great place for damp towels because it keeps the "wet dog" smell out of the main cabin. Just make sure to take them out and dry the frunk liner with a cloth once you get back to your hotel. It’s much easier to wipe down the plastic frunk tub than it is to steam-clean the interior carpets.
Security and the "Out of Sight" Advantage
One of the biggest perks of Tesla Model 3 frunk storage is security. In many cars, thieves can see into the trunk through the glass or by breaking a small window to fold down the seats.
The frunk is a different story. It’s a solid metal vault. There is no physical way to see into the frunk from the outside. Furthermore, the frunk cannot be opened manually from the outside without a power source or the authorized key/app.
When you’re parked at a busy tourist spot like the Florida Aquarium, putting your valuables in the frunk adds an extra layer of protection. Even if someone were to break a window, they still wouldn't have easy access to the front compartment. Combined with Tesla’s Sentry Mode—which uses the car’s cameras to record any suspicious activity—your gear is about as safe as it can be in a vehicle.
The 2021 Refresh: Did the Frunk Get Smaller?
If you’ve driven an older Tesla, you might notice the newer models look a bit different under the hood. In late 2020, Tesla updated the Model 3 (often called the "Refresh").
To make room for the more efficient heat pump—which helps with range in various temperatures—Tesla had to slightly reduce the volume of the frunk. The newer versions have a more "squared-off" look and are slightly shallower than the 2017-2020 versions.
Does it matter for your rental? Not really. You can still fit a carry-on and your charging cables. But if you’re trying to fit a very specific piece of equipment, just be aware that the dimensions changed slightly. At Frontier Tesla, we maintain a modern fleet, so you’ll likely be using the updated, heat-pump-equipped version.
How to Open and Close the Frunk Like a Pro
It sounds simple, but there’s a trick to it. You can open the frunk in three ways:
- The Tesla App: A quick tap on the "Frunk" icon.
- The Interior Touchscreen: Tap the car icon, then the frunk button.
- The Key Card/Fob: If your rental includes a physical fob.
Crucial Tip: Closing the frunk is where people often make mistakes. Do not "slam" the hood like you would on an old Ford or Chevy. Tesla hoods are made of lightweight aluminum to save weight.
To close it properly, lower the hood until the striker touches the latch. Then, place both hands on either side of the Tesla logo and press down firmly until you hear the click. This ensures you don't crease the metal or damage the locking mechanism.
Tampa Scenarios: Where the Frunk Shines
Let’s look at some real-world Tampa situations where that extra storage makes a difference.
The Ybor City Dinner
You’re heading to a nice dinner at Columbia Restaurant. You have your gym bag and some shopping bags from earlier in the day. You don’t want to leave them in the backseat where they might tempt a passerby. You pop them in the frunk. Now, the interior of your Model 3 looks pristine and empty, and your belongings are locked in a metal box.
The Clearwater Beach Run
You’ve got the sunscreen, the Bluetooth speaker, and a change of clothes. By putting these in the frunk, you keep the sand out of the main cabin. When you’re done, the sandy flip-flops go in the frunk, keeping your rental car smelling fresh and looking clean for the drive back to downtown Tampa.
The Business Trip
You’re in town for a conference at the Tampa Convention Center. You need to keep your suit jacket and laptop bag safe while you grab a coffee with a colleague. The frunk is the perfect "mobile locker."
Maintenance: Keeping the Frunk Clean
Since the frunk is essentially a plastic tub, it’s very easy to maintain. If you spill a bit of coffee or get some sand in there, a simple damp cloth is all you need. We take pride in the cleanliness of our Frontier Tesla vehicles, and we’ve found that the frunk is often the easiest part of the car to keep in showroom condition.
If you’re a long-term renter, we recommend a quick vacuum of the frunk every now and then. It’s amazing how much "road dust" can find its way into the crevices over a few weeks of Florida driving.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Model 3 Frunk Storage
Can I open the frunk if the car has no power?
Tesla provides a small circular cover on the front bumper. Behind it are two wires that can be connected to an external 12V battery to "jump" the frunk latch. This is a safety feature in case the car’s 12V battery dies.
Is there an emergency release inside?
Yes. By law, all trunks must have an internal release. Inside the Model 3 frunk, there is a glowing button. If a child (or a very small adult) were to get trapped inside, pressing this button will pop the latch.
Does the frunk have a light?
Yes, there is a small LED light that illuminates the compartment, making it easy to find your gear at night.
Can I fit a set of golf clubs in the frunk?
No. Golf clubs are much too long. Those will need to go in the rear trunk, which is quite deep and can accommodate them easily by removing the sub-trunk floor or folding down the rear seats.
Key Takeaways for Your Tesla Rental
- Maximize Space: Use the frunk for carry-ons, backpacks, and groceries to keep the cabin clutter-free.
- Stay Organized: Keep your charging cables and adapters in the frunk for easy access.
- Security First: Use the frunk as a "hidden vault" for valuables when parking in public areas.
- Manage Moisture: It’s great for damp beach gear, but remember to wipe it down afterward since there’s no drain.
- Close with Care: Use the "two-hand press" method to avoid damaging the aluminum hood.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Tampa Experience
The Tesla Model 3 is more than just a car; it’s a masterclass in efficient design. The frunk is a perfect example of how electric vehicle architecture can make your life easier. By utilizing this extra 3.1 cubic feet of space, you can travel more organized, more securely, and with more flexibility.
Ready to experience the future of travel in the Sunshine State? Whether you're here for business or a beach escape, Frontier Tesla offers the premier EV rental experience in Tampa. Book your self-driving-capable Model 3 today and see for yourself why the frunk is the feature you never knew you needed.
Sources: Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual - Official specifications and safety information. EV Database: Tesla Model 3 - Technical data on cargo capacity and dimensions. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Information on trunk entrapment safety requirements.