Abstract: A protective mat assembly for preventing undesirable contact between a person and an exterior surface of a vehicle when accessing the vehicle's cargo area as well as protecting the interior cargo space when carrying dirty objects. A folding mat is conveniently stowed in and deployed from its own storage compartment housed in the vehicle's cargo area. The mat can be easily moved between three positions, depending upon the intended use of the vehicle cargo area. In a fully stowed position, the mat is housed substantially within the storage compartment and is out of the way, enabling use of the vehicle cargo area by passengers or to carry relatively clean and large items such as luggage. In a first operative position, the mat is deployed from its storage compartment and extends out through a vehicle opening, draping over the opening as well as adjacent exterior surfaces of the vehicle such as a bumper or sill.