The Most Bizarre Spare Tire Hideaways in Automotive History

In the relentless pursuit of maximizing every square inch of vehicle space, automakers have occasionally ventured into the realm of the absurd when it comes to stashing that essential-but-rarely-used spare tire. While most modern cars opt for the practical approach—a space-saver tucked under the trunk floor or mounted underneath the chassis—some manufacturers have taken decidedly more creative (and sometimes maddening) routes. From under-bed compartments to hidden front-end cubbies, here are five of the strangest places automakers have hidden spare tires from the factory.

Honda Ridgeline: Under the Bed

At first glance, the Honda Ridgeline’s spare tire location seems logical for a pickup truck. Nestled beneath the bed in a lockable in-bed trunk, the space-saver tire sits just above the rear axle, accessible via a handle near the tailgate. But here’s the catch: to actually access it, you often have to unload your entire bed. Got a load of mulch, a couple of dirt bikes, or some lawn equipment? Hope you enjoy unloading everything on the side of the highway before you can even think about changing that flat.

While the in-bed trunk is a clever use of space—offering 7.3 cubic feet of lockable storage—the spare tire’s placement is more of a “we’ll deal with it later” solution. It’s counterintuitive for a truck designed to haul, and while Ridgeline owners are likely familiar with its location, it’s far from convenient.

Classic Subaru Models: Under the Hood

Subaru’s commitment to the boxer engine has always been a defining trait, and in the case of classic models like the Leone and BRAT, it also provided a unique opportunity for spare tire storage. Thanks to the flat, low-profile design of these older engines, Subaru engineers managed to squeeze a spare tire into the engine bay—right behind the air filter and just above the flat-four engine.

This setup is surprisingly ergonomic. With the air filter occupying the high point of the hood, the space behind it remained open, free from the usual clutter of cylinder heads and accessories. It’s a clever, space-saving solution that you’d never expect to find in a compact car—especially one with rear-facing seats in the pickup bed, like the BRAT.

Bristol Motors: Inside the Passenger-Side Fender

Bristol, a niche British automaker, took a different approach to the spare tire problem. In models like the Beaufighter, the spare tire was mounted vertically inside the passenger-side front fender, accessible via a hinged door that opened from the bottom. On the driver’s side? The battery. It’s a clean, easy-to-access solution that doesn’t require emptying the trunk or crawling under the car.

The trade-off? Legroom. With a full-size spare tire mounted just behind the dashboard, the passenger footwell featured a noticeable bulge, intruding on space. But for a small, specialized car with a big American V8 under the hood, every inch counted—and Bristol made it work.

Tatra 603: In a Hidden Front Compartment

The Tatra 603 is one of the most eccentric cars ever built—a Soviet-era Czech luxury sedan with an air-cooled V8 mounted in the rear. But perhaps its most delightful quirk is how it stores the spare tire: in a hidden compartment at the front, just behind the bumper.

Accessed by pulling a lever inside the frunk, the compartment drops down like a jaw opening wide, giving the car a surprised expression. It’s a brilliantly novel idea—no intrusion on cargo or passenger space, no need to get on the ground, and no special tools required. Just pull the lever, retrieve the spare, and you’re on your way. It’s the kind of whimsical engineering that makes the Tatra 603 unforgettable.

Chrysler Minivans: Beneath the Dashboard

If there’s a contender for the worst spare tire access in automotive history, it’s the Chrysler minivans of the 2000s. To access the spare, you need to retrieve the toolkit from the trunk, assemble a ratchet, remove the second-row center console (on higher trims), open the front cubby, remove a false bottom, and finally unwind the tire from beneath the van using a long cable.

Imagine trying to do this on the side of a busy highway—especially if you’re a parent with kids in tow. It’s a convoluted, time-consuming process that sacrifices convenience for the sake of maximizing rear cargo space. And if you retrieve the tire from the wrong side? You might just burn yourself on the exhaust. Clever? Not even close. But it’s certainly strange.

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