Tesla Model Y Fridge Guide: Side Fridge vs Sub Trunk Fridge — Which Is Right for You?

If you're a Tesla Model Y owner who spends any time on the road — whether it's a daily commute, a weekend camping trip, or a long Australian road trip — a dedicated car fridge is one of the most genuinely useful upgrades you can make.

But once you start researching, you quickly hit a choice: the side fridge or the sub trunk fridge? Both fit perfectly in your Model Y. Both are app-controlled. Both keep your drinks cold without touching your boot space. So which one do you actually need?

This guide breaks down the differences clearly so you can make the right call for your driving style.

The Two Tesla Model Y Fridge Options

Option 1: Tesla Model Y Side Fridge 16L

The Model Y Side Fridge 16L sits in the side storage recess of your Model Y boot — the space most owners use for small items that roll around. It holds approximately 15 cans, cools to -4°C, and because it sits in a space you're probably not using efficiently anyway, it genuinely adds cold storage without costing you any usable boot space.

It's the choice for everyday drivers. Cold drinks on the way home from the beach. Lunch staying fresh on a workday. Kids' snacks on the school run that don't need to sit in a warm bag. It's always there, always cold, always accessible.

Option 2: Tesla Model Y Sub Trunk Fridge 33L

The Sub Trunk Fridge 33L sits in the hidden sub trunk compartment beneath your boot floor — the space under the false floor that most owners use for the charging cable. At 33L it holds 40 cans, cools to -18°C (so it can actually freeze), and like the side fridge, your full boot remains completely free for luggage and gear.

It's the choice for campers and road trippers. Multi-day trips where you need enough cold storage for a family. Camping in Camp Mode where the fridge runs overnight. Anyone who needs the option to freeze as well as refrigerate.

Side Fridge vs Sub Trunk Fridge: Head to Head

Can You Run Both at the Same Time?

Yes — and many owners do. The side fridge and sub trunk fridge sit in completely different spaces, so there's no conflict. Run the side fridge for everyday cold drinks and the sub trunk fridge for camping trips where you need more capacity or freezing. The Model Y's battery handles both easily, particularly with Camp Mode running overnight.

What About the Model 3?

The Model 3 doesn't have a side storage recess, but it does have a sub trunk compartment. The Model 3 Sub Trunk Fridge is purpose-built to fit the Model 3 and Highland sub trunk — same app-controlled experience, -22°C temperature range, and zero boot space lost.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Side Fridge 16L if:

• You want cold drinks and fresh food on everyday drives
• You don't need freezing capability
• You want something compact and easy to access
• You drive a Model Y, Juniper, or YL 6-Seater

Choose the Sub Trunk Fridge 33L if:

• You camp regularly or do multi-day road trips
• You need freezing capability
• You need more capacity for a family
• You want to run a fridge overnight in Camp Mode

Choose both if:

• You want everyday cold drinks plus serious camping capability
• You regularly take the family on road trips

Complete Your Tesla Camping Setup

A fridge is the cornerstone of a proper Tesla camping setup. Pair it with a custom-fit camping mattress, an 8-piece window shade set for privacy and blackout, and 70kg rated roof racks to carry everything else — and your Model Y becomes a genuinely capable camping vehicle anywhere in Australia.

Browse the full Tesla fridge range and Tesla camping accessories at My Tesla Accessories — Australian stock, ships from Brisbane.