Ford will make the frunk a $495 option on the 2026 Mustang Mach-E, after including it as standard equipment in previous years. The decision follows a review of customer usage and cost efficiency. As EV packaging evolves, automakers continue to adjust which features come standard.
Frunk Becomes Optional for 2026
Ford has removed the front trunk from the Mach-E’s base equipment list. Buyers who want the extra cargo space must now pay $495. Previously, every Mach-E included it at no additional charge.
The change applies to the 2026 model year. Ford says many owners did not regularly use the frunk. Therefore, the company chose to make it optional rather than standard.
A Feature Once Central to Marketing
When Ford launched the Mach-E in 2021, the frunk stood out. It offered nearly 5 cubic feet of storage. In addition, it included a drain, which allowed owners to use it as a cooler. That practicality helped differentiate the Mach-E from rivals.
In 2024, Ford introduced a heat pump. As a result, the frunk’s size decreased by about half. Even then, it remained useful for small bags or charging cables.
Now, buyers who skip the option will find unused space under the hood instead of a molded storage compartment.
Part of a Broader EV Trend
Ford is not alone in adjusting feature packaging. Some automakers bundle frunks into higher trims. Others exclude them entirely. For example, several high-volume EVs sell successfully without front cargo space.
At the same time, brands such as Tesla continue to include frunks as standard equipment. This variety shows that manufacturers take different approaches to balancing cost, pricing, and perceived value.
Cost Control and Customer Choice
By making the frunk optional, Ford reduces standard production costs. Meanwhile, buyers who value the feature can still add it. This strategy allows more flexibility in vehicle configuration.
As EV competition intensifies, automakers increasingly fine-tune standard features to manage margins and maintain competitive pricing. The 2026 Mach-E reflects that shift.
