Best of FRUNKS

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  • Which electric cars have the largest frunk (front trunk)?
  • In which different ways can you access/open the frunk? (via instrument cluster, lever, mobile app, etc.)
  • Assess what is the best frunk solution.
  • Which common passenger cars have the best frunk, and how do you open it
    (via instrument cluster, lever, mobile app, etc.)?

What counts as “best frunk” (my scoring logic)

I rank frunks using a practical “Frunk Score” mindset:

  1. Usable volume (liters) – biggest driver
  2. Access friction – can you open it quickly from outside/inside? (screen/app/fob/button/gesture)
  3. Mechanics & reliability – powered open/close vs “bonnet + secondary latch + inner cover”
  4. Fallback – is there a physical/manual way if phone/app is dead?

15 best frunks in “personal EVs” (ranked)

This ranking uses published frunk volumes and official/manual-described opening methods from Rivian, Lucid Motors, Tesla, Kia, Hyundai, Porsche, and Audi. (Rivian)

1) Rivian R1S — 11.1 cu ft ≈ 314 L

How to open: powered hood via front fascia button, center display, key fob (double-press); has internal safety/entrapment button. (Rivian)
Why #1: huge + genuinely “daily-use” access (outside button + powered operation).

2) Rivian R1T — 11.1 cu ft ≈ 314 L

How to open: front fascia button, center display, key fob (double-press). (assets.rivian.com)
Why #2: basically same best-in-class implementation; ranked slightly below because it’s a pickup.

3) Lucid Air — 283 L

How to open: mobile app, Pilot Panel (Openings menu / hood icon), key fob (press & hold near frunk); power-assist close with on-car close button. (EVKX)
Why #3: massive for a sedan + true multi-channel opening.

4) Tesla Cybertruck — 200 L

How to open (conceptually like other Tesla frunks): frunk volume is specified at 200 L. (Tesla)
Why #4: enormous, but it’s more “utility vehicle” than a typical passenger car.

5) Tesla Model X — 183 L

How to open: (volume) 183 L stated in Tesla specs. (Tesla)
Why #5: very large for a family SUV.

6) Tesla Model Y — 117 L

How to open: frunk volume stated at 117 L; typical Tesla pattern is screen/app/fob depending on configuration/region. (Tesla)
Why #6: best “mainstream” frunk size in the EU mass market.

7) Kia EV9 (RWD) — 90 L (AWD: 52 L)

How to open: instrument panel hood-unlock button or smart key hood-unlock. (Kia)
Why #7: not the biggest, but best mainstream “physical button in-car” approach.

8) Tesla Model S — 89 L

How to open: touchscreen (Controls > Frunk), mobile app, key fob, plus phone key “hands-free frunk” / NFC touch depending on version. (Tesla)
Why #8: good size + arguably the most versatile access stack.

9) Tesla Model 3 — 88 L

How to open: frunk volume is 88 L (access methods vary by region/trim; Tesla generally supports app/screen, fob if equipped). (Tesla)
Why #9: very strong for a common sedan.

10) Audi e-tron GT — 85 L

How to open: frunk volume 85 L; opening is typically via an interior release button (implementation is less “multi-channel” than Tesla/Rivian/Lucid). (EV-databas)
Why #10: good size, but access is comparatively “single-path”.

11) Porsche Taycan — 84 L

How to open: frunk volume 84 L; key button unlocks front luggage compartment (then lift and release safety catch). (Porsche Newsroom)
Why #11: good size, but more “classic hood routine” than app-first.

12) Porsche Macan Electric — 84 L

How to open: frunk volume 84 L and can be opened with a hand gesture (hands-free). (Porsche Newsroom)
Why #12: excellent “hands-free” UX, but same liters as Taycan/e-tron GT.

13) Hyundai IONIQ 5 — 57 L (RWD) / 24 L (AWD)

How to open: open hood, then release frunk cover lever (2-step). (Hyundai)
Why #13: useful for cables, but not “one action” access.

14) Kia EV6 — 52 L (RWD) / 20 L (AWD)

How to open: frunk size stated by Kia; access is hood release + secondary latch + frunk cover lever (multi-step). (Kia Press Office)
Why #14: decent space (RWD), but access is not slick.

15) Hyundai IONIQ 6 — 45 L (RWD) / 14.5 L (AWD)

How to open: frunk volume stated in Hyundai tech specs; access is broadly similar “hood then frunk area” approach. (Hyundai DM Assets)
Why #15: exists and is usable, but smaller and still multi-step.

Best frunk solution (what you should aim for)

Best overall design (practical + low friction) looks like this:

  1. Powered hood open/close
  2. At least 3 ways to open:
    • Outside button (front fascia) and
    • In-car UI (screen) and
    • Key fob / app
  3. Physical/manual fallback (so you’re not stuck if phone/app glitches)

By that definition, the top “solutions” (not just liters) are: