- Ford has made the frunk a paid-for option on 2026 Mustang Mach-E
- Handy stowage area will now cost customers an additional $495
- The decision hasn’t been well received in some corners of the internet
Earlier this month, Ford Authority reported that a front stowage area, which has come as standard on all Ford Mustang Mach-E models since its launch in the early 2020s, was quietly shifted into the optional extras category on the updated 2026 model year.
The front trunk, or ‘frunk’ as it has become widely known among EV owners, consists of a useful stowage space that’s located underneath the hood.
Without the need for a bulky engine, many modern EVs now boast a space where these old mechanicals once resided, so manufacturers have seen fit to turn them into a spot for stashing charging cables, small bags and other items.
The humble frunk can now be found on models from Kia, Hyundai, Tesla, Polestar, Porsche and many more.
According to the Ford Authority report, any 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E trim level can be equipped with the new standalone frunk, which will cost buyers in the US an additional $495 over list price to have it installed.
While Ford isn’t removing the ability to easily open the hood, seeing as this is required to refill the wiper fluid bottle, a Reddit user has revealed that the company simply won’t provide the plastic tray insert if not paid for, instead leaving a hot mess of pipes, pumps, batteries and bottles.
Mach-E brand manager, Teddy Ankeny, said in a YouTube video posted by The Electric Duo that Ford is “learning that customers were using their frunk, but perhaps not as much as we had originally intended,"
Ankeny added. "And so, in order to kind of preserve that customer choice, we have made it optional for the 2026 model year,” according to Road and Track.
Analysis: Use it or lose it
The automotive industry is feeling the pinch from several fronts, including the constantly shifting global trade tariffs, a threat from more affordable Chinese newcomers and the unpredictable consumer reception to EVs.
It is clear these factors are affecting global automotive giant Ford, as it looks to both save money on the manufacturing side and open up new revenue streams with cost option extras like this.
Thankfully, removing a frunk hasn’t quite caused the same furore as BMW did when it suggested that features, such as heated seats, could be locked behind a paywall, despite the physical technology being fitted to the vehicle.
That said, the comments section on a number of internet forums, including Reddit, haven’t been particularly hot on the idea.
“Absolutely ridiculous. I can see the bean counters sitting around “what is a feature that EV owners love? THE FRUNK! Let’s charge extra for it!” Morons!” said one user.
But Ford’s Frunk has actually been shrinking over the years, with a 2025 upgrade that added a heat pump reducing the usable space by around half.
In the early days, Ford released press images of models enjoying a “tailgate” party out of that cavernous frunk, including gorging on piles of shrimp and chicken wings.
Today, customers will be lucky if they can fit a Big Mac Meal in the front stowage area. Is that really worth $495?
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