You’ve just touched down at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The Texas heat hits you the second you step off the plane, a thick blanket of humidity that makes you crave the air-conditioned sanctuary of your rental car. You’ve booked a Tesla Model 3 through Frontier Tesla, and as you walk toward the pickup point downtown, you’re likely thinking about one thing: where is all our stuff going to go?
Most travelers head straight for the trunk. It’s instinctual. But when you’re driving a Tesla, you have a secret weapon. We call it the frunk.
While the rear trunk of the Model 3 is impressively deep, the front trunk—or "frunk"—is the unsung hero of the Austin road trip. Whether you're hitting the shops on South Congress or heading out to Lake Travis for the weekend, understanding how to maximize this space is a game-changer. We’ve spent years helping travelers navigate the quirks of EV storage, and we’ve learned that the frunk is more than just a novelty. It’s a strategic asset.
Understanding the Tesla Model 3 Frunk Capacity
Let’s talk numbers first, because data matters when you’re trying to fit a week’s worth of gear into a sedan. The Tesla Model 3 frunk capacity sits at approximately 3.1 cubic feet (or about 88 liters). Now, compared to the 19.8 cubic feet in the rear, that might sound small. But cubic footage doesn't tell the whole story.
The shape of the frunk is what makes it unique. It’s a deep, bucket-like well located right where a traditional engine would sit. Because Tesla’s electric motors are positioned between the wheels, the front of the car is essentially hollowed out for your benefit. In the newer "refresh" models (2021 and later), the frunk shape changed slightly to accommodate a heat pump, becoming a bit narrower but remaining remarkably deep.
I’ve found that most people underestimate what 3.1 cubic feet looks like in practice. It’s not just for a charging cable or a pair of jumper leads. It’s a dedicated zone for items you want to keep separate from your main luggage.
Is the Frunk Big Enough for a Standard Carry-On Bag?
This is the number one question we get at Frontier Tesla. The answer is a resounding "yes," but with a small caveat: it depends on your bag’s rigidity.
A standard domestic carry-on bag (usually 22" x 14" x 9") will fit into the Tesla Model 3 frunk. However, it’s a snug fit. If you have a hard-shell suitcase, you’ll need to place it in wheels-first or handle-first, depending on the specific brand. Soft-sided duffel bags are the undisputed champions of the frunk. They conform to the slightly tapered walls of the storage bin, allowing you to zip the hood shut without any resistance.
Why would you put your carry-on in the front? Imagine you’re picking up friends at the airport. The rear trunk is full of their large checked bags. By tossing your own carry-on into the frunk, you’ve just saved yourself from having to pile luggage on the back seat. It keeps the cabin clear, the views unobstructed, and the ride much more comfortable for your passengers.
What Can You Actually Fit in the Tesla Model 3 Frunk?
If you aren't using it for a suitcase, what else goes in there? We’ve seen our renters get creative. Here’s a breakdown of what actually fits:
- Grocery Bags: You can easily fit two to three standard reusable grocery bags. This is perfect for a quick run to H-E-B before heading to your Airbnb.
- The "Takeout" Zone: This is my personal favorite use. If you’re picking up a rack of ribs from Terry Black’s BBQ, put them in the frunk. The frunk is sealed off from the main cabin, meaning the delicious (but lingering) smell of smoked brisket won’t permeate the seats of your rental.
- Charging Gear: Every Frontier Tesla rental comes with a mobile connector. Keeping this in the frunk ensures it’s always accessible, even if the rear trunk is packed to the ceiling.
- Hiking Boots and Sandy Gear: After a morning at Barton Creek Greenbelt, your boots will be covered in limestone dust. Toss them in the frunk. The plastic liner is incredibly easy to wipe down, unlike the carpeted rear trunk.
- Laptop Bags and Backpacks: A standard 15-inch laptop bag fits with room to spare.
How Do I Use the Frunk for Extra Storage on My Austin Trip?
Austin is a city of transitions. You might start your day at a tech conference downtown and end it paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. The frunk allows you to segment your life.
We recommend using the frunk as your "Active Zone." Keep your sunscreen, towels, and a change of clothes up front. When you pull over at Zilker Park, you don’t have to dig through your main suitcases in the back. You just pop the frunk via the Tesla app or the center touchscreen, grab your gear, and go.
Another pro tip for Austin travelers: the frunk stays slightly cooler than the rear trunk because it’s further away from the rear motor’s heat and the glass roof. While it’s not a refrigerator, it’s a better spot for items sensitive to the Texas sun. Just don't leave your Tiff’s Treats cookies in there for three hours in July!
The Security Advantage of Front-End Storage
When you’re exploring a new city, security is always on your mind. The Tesla Model 3 frunk offers a unique advantage here. Unlike the rear trunk, which can sometimes be accessed by folding down the rear seats, the frunk is a vault.
There is no physical lever inside the cabin to open the frunk. It must be triggered electronically. Even if someone were to break a window, they couldn't easily access the frunk without the car’s software authorization. This makes it the ideal place to store your valuables—like a camera bag or a laptop—while you’re grabbing a coffee on Rainey Street. Out of sight, out of mind, and behind an electronic lock.
Comparing Frunk Capacity: Model 3 vs. The Competition
It’s worth noting that not all EVs are created equal. According to a 2024 analysis of electric vehicle storage, the Tesla Model 3 remains a leader in sedan frunk utility. Many competitors, like the BMW i4 or the Mercedes EQE, have opted to fill that front space with electronics or structural components, leaving the driver with zero front storage.
When you rent a Model 3, you’re getting a design that was built from the ground up as an EV. That extra 3.1 cubic feet might not seem like a lot on paper, but when you’re trying to fit a stroller and three bags into a car, you’ll be glad it’s there. It’s the difference between a cramped ride and a breezy one.
How to Open and Close the Frunk Like a Pro
If you’re new to Tesla, the closing mechanism is where most people get tripped up. You don't just slam it like a traditional car hood. Because the hood is made of lightweight aluminum to save weight and improve range, slamming it can actually cause a dent.
Here is the Frontier Tesla approved method:
- Lower the hood until the striker touches the latches.
- Place both hands on the hood on either side of the Tesla "T" logo.
- Firmly press down until you hear the click of the latch engaging.
To open it, you have three options. You can use the "Frunk" button on the car's main touchscreen, use the Tesla mobile app on your phone, or, if you have the key fob, double-click the front of the fob. It’s seamless, tech-forward, and honestly, a little bit fun to watch.
Maximizing the "Austin Airport Pickup" Experience
Landing at AUS and getting into a Frontier Tesla is designed to be frictionless. We often suggest that our clients use the frunk for their "immediate essentials."
Think about the things you need the moment you get to your hotel or rental: your check-in documents, a fresh bottle of water, and maybe a lighter shirt. By placing these in the frunk, you avoid the "trunk shuffle" at the curb. You can load your heavy bags in the back, put your essentials in the front, and be out of the airport traffic in record time.
Austin traffic is no joke, especially on I-35. The less time you spend standing behind your car on the shoulder of the airport road, the better.
Addressing Common Objections: Is it Waterproof?
We get asked this a lot, especially during Austin’s sudden spring thunderstorms. Yes, the frunk is weather-sealed. It features a robust rubber gasket that runs the entire perimeter of the storage area. Whether you’re driving through a downpour or the car is parked during a storm, your items will stay dry.
However, it is not an airtight seal. We don't recommend filling it with loose ice to act as a cooler. While there are aftermarket liners designed for that, the standard frunk is meant for dry storage. If you do have a spill, the plastic tub is easy to clean, but there is no drain plug at the bottom of the Model 3 frunk like there is in the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Key Takeaways for Your Tesla Rental
- Primary Keyword: The Tesla Model 3 frunk capacity is 3.1 cubic feet, providing essential overflow storage.
- Carry-ons: Most standard carry-on bags fit, but soft bags are easier to maneuver.
- Smell Management: Use the frunk for takeout or gym clothes to keep the cabin smelling fresh.
- Security: The frunk is one of the most secure places in the car for electronics.
- Closing: Always use two hands to press the hood closed; never slam it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Model 3 Frunk
Q: Can I open the frunk if the car battery dies? A: Yes. There is a small circular cover on the front bumper. If you pop that off, you’ll find two wires. By connecting an external 12V power source (like a jump starter) to these wires, the frunk latch will release. This is a safety feature so you can access the battery terminals located underneath the frunk liner.
Q: Is there a light in the frunk? A: Yes, there is a small LED light inside that activates when the hood is opened, making it easy to find your gear during a late-night arrival at your Austin Airbnb.
Q: Can a person fit in the frunk? A: Absolutely not. While it’s deep, it’s not that big. For safety, there is an interior emergency release button that glows in the dark, just in case a child were to ever climb inside.
Why Frontier Tesla is Your Best Choice in Austin
We don't just rent cars; we provide the full EV experience. We know that the transition to electric can feel like a lot to learn. That’s why we take the time to explain features like the frunk, the Autopilot system, and the Supercharging network.
When you book with us, you’re getting a vehicle that is meticulously maintained and a team that knows Austin inside and out. We want your trip to the Silicon Hills to be as smooth as the acceleration on a Model 3.
Ready to experience the future of travel? Whether you’re here for SXSW, a wedding in the Hill Country, or a business meeting downtown, our fleet of Teslas is ready for you. Don't just settle for a generic rental. Choose the car that offers more storage, more tech, and more fun.
Book your Austin Tesla rental today and discover why the frunk is the storage solution you never knew you needed.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual - Official specifications on storage and hood operation.
- 2024 EV Storage Comparison Study - Data on cubic footage across leading electric sedan models.
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Travel Tips - Logistics for passenger pickups and ground transportation.