Tesla Model 3: boot space, seating & practicality
Though spacious for a small saloon, we wish the Model 3 had a hatchback bootlid – the Model Y is even roomier
| Length | Width | Height | Boot volume (incl. frunk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,694mm | 2,088mm | 1,443mm | 425 litres |
By compact executive-car standards, the Model 3 is more than good enough when it comes to practicality. Those up front will have no complaints at all, and there's a good amount of luggage space thanks to dual boots – one smaller one in the nose, and one at the back that’s accessed through a saloon-style bootlid. However, there are plenty of other cars in the class that offer more space for rear-seat passengers.
Tesla Model 3 interior space, storage & comfort
Push the flush door handles – they don’t pop out as they do on the Model S – and you’ll find that space is pretty similar in the back to a BMW i4, which ranks as one of the Model 3’s closest rivals. There’s the added bonus of a flat floor with no transmission hump, but headroom is a little tight for taller adults who could brush the sloped, full-length glass roof that the Model 3 gets as standard.
The Model 3 isn’t a car you buy for its practicality – Tesla's Model Y SUV is much better in that department and only slightly more expensive – but it should be fine for the average small family. Those up front are well catered for with two fixed cupholders and a big storage box with a sliding lid in the centre console, as well as pockets in the doors and a small glovebox, in addition to comfortable seats. Those in the back get small pockets in the doors and a fold-down centre armrest. There is a noticeable lack of underthigh support, though, meaning rear passengers could have aching legs at the end of a long journey.
Boot space
The Model 3 has two boots – one in the nose (often called a ‘frunk’) and one in the back. Access to the rear luggage space is via a letterbox-style saloon opening – just like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6 – although the boot is hinged to lift higher than most saloons, so access isn’t too bad by class standards. It's still not quite as flexible as the hatchback offered by newer rivals like the Polestar 2 and BMW i4, though.
The luggage area itself is surprisingly deep, so getting a couple of suitcases or a chunky buggy in is no problem. There’s also underfloor storage that’s ideal for stowing away the charging cables, or the front boot is also a useful place to stick the cables if you’ve got the rear boot full of stuff. The rear seats split and fold, too.
