So, you’re planning a trip and you’ve decided to rent a car. That’s a great choice!
A rental car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore your destination at your own pace. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right rental car size for your needs?
This handy guide will walk you through the factors to consider when selecting the best rental car size for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Importance of choosing the right rental car
Choosing the right rental car is an important decision for your trip — no matter where you’re heading or who you’re traveling with. After all, you wouldn’t want to drive away in a minivan if you’re navigating crowded city streets, or choose a two-door coupe when you need ample baggage space.
Let’s delve deeper into why selecting the right rental car is important.
- Comfort and enjoyment. Driving a vehicle that suits your preferences and needs can enhance your comfort and overall enjoyment during your trip. With the right car, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
- Safety. Different car sizes and models offer varying safety features and capabilities. Look for vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies, like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and collision warning systems.
- Space and storage. A quick getaway with your spouse requires less luggage than a two-week summer holiday with the whole family. Choosing the right rental car for the number of passengers and luggage can make a difference in your travel experience.
- Fuel efficiency and cost. Opting for a fuel-efficient compact vehicle can help you save money on gas, especially during long drives.
- Compatibility with road conditions. Exploring the city or planning to venture into challenging terrains? Choosing a car that’s compatible with the road conditions you may encounter is the smart way to go.
Types of car rentals
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a family vacation, understanding the various types of car rentals can help you choose the right vehicle for your travel.
Economy cars
Ideal for: Budget-conscious solo travelers and couples
Examples: Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio
Economy cars are known for their fuel efficiency, making them an affordable and reliable option for those looking to stretch their travel budget. While they may not offer as much legroom or cargo space as larger vehicles, economy cars are easy to navigate through narrow city streets (it’s also easier to find parking spots).
Overall, an economy car is probably your best bet if you’re looking for a vehicle to get you from point A to point B without breaking the bank.
Compact cars
Ideal for: Couples and small families with moderate luggage
Examples: Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza
Compact cars offer a step up in space and comfort compared to economy cars without compromising on fuel efficiency. Those renting a compact car can expect to have space for up to five passengers, four doors for easy access and luggage capacity to accommodate one large and one smaller bag.
This makes compact cars an ideal option for travelers with moderate luggage, as they provide a good balance between practicality and fuel efficiency. So, if you’re traveling light with only a couple of small bags, a compact car will do the trick.
Midsize or intermediate cars
Ideal for: A small group of friends, business travelers and families
Examples: Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry
If you’re planning a road trip with your family or a group of friends, an economy or a compact car might not cut it in terms of comfort and space. That’s where a midsize car comes into play. These vehicles have spacious interiors and ample seating, so everyone can spread out and enjoy the ride.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway with family or a fun-filled road trip with a group of friends, a midsize car can accommodate everyone without compromising on comfort and fuel efficiency.
Standard cars
Ideal for: Families needing space and comfort
Examples: Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu
When hitting the road with the whole family, you need a car that can handle the crew and all the fun you have planned. As four-door sedans, standard cars are more spacious than compact cars and offer ample passenger space (no need to worry about cramped legroom).
Plus, standard cars often come equipped with additional features to enhance the overall travel experience, such as rear-seat entertainment options, premium seating materials and advanced audio systems.
Full-size cars
Ideal for: Large groups of people
Examples: Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon
Full-size rental cars are a top choice among large groups seeking a reliable and comfortable rental car. One key advantage is their extensive trunk space, allowing families or larger groups to bring all their luggage, sports equipment or supplies without compromising passenger comfort.
Whether it’s loading up skis and snowboards for a winter getaway or packing tents and hiking gear for a camping trip, full-size cars provide the necessary room to transport everything comfortably.
Luxury cars
Ideal for: Solo travelers or couples wanting a premium travel experience
Examples: BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS
If a premium travel experience is what you’re looking for, luxury cars should be at the top of your list. From premium interiors to heated and ventilated seats and multizone climate control, luxury cars provide high-quality amenities that enhance every aspect of your driving experience.
But luxury cars aren’t just about aesthetics — they are also powerhouses on the road. You can experience the thrill of powerful engines that effortlessly propel you forward and provide an exhilarating driving experience.
SUVs
Ideal for: Adventure-seekers
Examples: Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe, Range Rover Velar
SUVs are great if you’re seeking off-road adventures on rugged terrains. With their high ground clearance and all-wheel drive (AWD) capability, these vehicles are built to take you everywhere and anywhere.
Whether you’re hitting off-road trails, mountainous regions or sandy deserts, standard SUVs provide the confidence to conquer diverse terrains. Plus, they offer ample cargo space to accommodate luggage, sports equipment or camping gear.
Minivans
Ideal for: Large groups, families or those with extensive cargo needs
Examples: Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Kia Carnival
Kids, pets, luggage, backpacks, toys, sun umbrellas … if this scenario sounds familiar, a minivan might be the type of car you need for your next vacation. Minivans have become the go-to choice for families, adventurers and anyone with extensive cargo needs because of their spacious interiors and extensive storage capacity.
So, pack up the whole family, load up the cargo and hit the road with confidence knowing a minivan will provide the room and comfort needed for an unforgettable adventure.
Passenger van
Ideal for: Transporting multiple passengers
Examples: Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, Volkswagen Crafter
Passenger vans are the ultimate solution when it comes to accommodating large groups or transporting multiple passengers with ease. These spacious vehicles are designed to cater to travelers requiring ample seating capacity and generous cargo space.
So, in which situations might you find yourself needing a full-size van? Think about organizing a family reunion, planning a corporate outing or embarking on a group adventure.
Considerations when choosing a rental car size
Now that you know the right rental car can help you enjoy every moment on the road, let’s look at some of the things to consider when choosing the size of your rental car.
- Passenger capacity. Consider the number of people who will be traveling with you and ensure there’s enough room for everyone to squeeze in comfortably.
- Luggage and cargo space. Think about what you’re bringing along to get an idea of how much room you’ll need. If you have suitcases, camping gear or sports equipment, you’ll want a rental car with ample space to fit it all.
- Legroom and comfort. If you love stretching out during the journey, look for a rental car that offers plenty of legroom and cozy seats.
- Fuel efficiency. Opt for something with good gas mileage to save some cash at the pump. A compact or economy car might be your best choice.
- Type of travel. Will you be driving long distances, going off-road or navigating urban areas? Choose a rental car that can handle all kinds of terrain, like an SUV.
- Budget. Keep it real with your bank account and set a budget for your rental car. Smaller cars tend to be more budget-friendly.
- Rental car companies and their availability. Check out different rental car companies and see which vehicle sizes they offer. Some might have a wider selection than others, so look for one with the right size available for your journey.
Find your next rental car with ease
They say the journey counts as much as the destination, and we couldn’t agree more. Use Skyscanner to search hundreds of car rental companies until you find the perfect rental car that will take you on an unforgettable journey.
Pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another, add an additional driver to lighten the road and enjoy free cancellation for added peace of mind.
Find the perfect rental car today.
