When planning a trip to another country, renting a car can make your adventure more convenient and flexible. But with so many types of rental cars available, it’s not always easy to choose the right one for your specific needs.
From compact cars to full-size SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs) to traditional gas-powered cars, the options can seem endless.
In this guide, we’ll explain the various types of rental cars and help you choose the perfect vehicle for your next trip.
Why Choosing the Right Type of Rental Car Matters
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand why picking the right car for your trip is so essential. The type of car you choose affects your comfort, overall travel experience, fuel costs, and even safety.
Compact vs. Mid-Size vs. Full-Size: Which Fits Your Needs?
One of the most common dilemmas travelers face is deciding between a compact, mid-size, or full-size car. Each has its advantages, and the best choice for you depends on your specific needs.
Compact Cars
Compact cars are a popular choice for city travelers. This car is ideal if you plan to explore a bustling city with tight streets and limited parking. Compact cars are typically more fuel-efficient and maneuverable, especially in crowded areas. Plus, you’ll save on gas compared to larger vehicles.
Pros of Compact Cars:
- Excellent fuel efficiency (averaging 30-40 miles per gallon)
- Easier to park in tight spaces
- Cheaper rental rates
Cons of Compact Cars:
- Limited space for luggage and passengers
- Less power for longer road trips
When to Choose a Compact Car? Compact cars are a great choice if you’re traveling solo or with someone else and don’t have a lot of luggage. I found this tip especially helpful when traveling in cities like Rome or Paris, where streets can be narrow, and parking spaces are scarce.
Mid-Size Cars
Mid-size cars provide a nice balance between fuel efficiency and space. They’re larger than compact cars, offering more legroom and trunk space, making them a better option for small families or groups of up to four people. They’re still relatively fuel-efficient so you won’t spend too much on gas, but you’ll have more comfort during long trips.
Pros of Mid-Size Cars:
- Roomier than compact cars, with space for 4-5 passengers
- Moderate fuel efficiency (20-30 miles per gallon)
- More luggage space
Cons: of Mid-Size Cars:
- More expensive than compact cars
- Less maneuverable in tight spaces
When to Choose a Mid-Size Car? If you’re traveling with a small group or family and need more space for both passengers and luggage, renting a mid-size car is perfect. I found this the best option when I wanted a balance of comfort and affordability during a cross-country trip.
Full-Size Cars
Full-size cars are the way for those prioritizing comfort over fuel economy. These cars have plenty of legroom and trunk space, making them ideal for longer road trips or travelers with lots of luggage. However, you’ll likely pay more for fuel since these vehicles are less fuel-efficient.
Pros of Full-Size Cars:
- Spacious for up to 5 passengers and large luggage capacity
- Comfortable for long-distance travel
- Suitable for families or groups
Cons of Full-Size Cars:
- Higher fuel costs (15-25 miles per gallon)
- More expensive rental rates
- Harder to maneuver in tight areas
When to Choose a Full-Size Car? Full-size cars are the best choice for families or groups on extended road trips. The extra space and comfort can make all the difference if you’re exploring places like the United States or Canada, where highways and longer drives are common.
Electric Cars vs. Traditional Cars: Which is Right for You to Rent?
In today’s environmentally conscious world, many travelers consider electric cars (EVs) a rental option. However, traditional cars (gasoline or diesel) are still popular. Let’s compare the two to see which type of rental car is best for your trip.
Electric Cars (EVs)
Electric cars are powered entirely by electricity and are an excellent choice for eco-friendly travelers. They have zero emissions, so you’ll be doing your part for the environment, and you can save on fuel costs by charging at electric vehicle stations. However, renting an EV may not be the best choice for long-distance trips, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Pros of Electric Cars
- Environmentally friendly with zero emissions
- Lower fuel costs (you’ll spend less on charging)
- Often come with advanced technology features
Cons of Electric Cars
- Limited range (usually 200-300 miles per charge)
- Charging stations may be sparse in rural areas
- Longer recharge times compared to filling up with gas
When to Choose an Electric Car? An electric car is a great option if you live in a major city or travel to countries like Puerto Rico with well-developed electric charging infrastructure. However, it might be less convenient for long-distance trips or rural areas.
Traditional Cars (Gasoline/Diesel)
Traditional cars are powered by gasoline or diesel, and they’re widely available at almost every rental company. They offer more flexibility since you can fill up at any gas station, and there’s no need to worry about finding a charging station.
Pros of Traditional Cars:
- Easy access to fuel anywhere
- Longer range than electric cars
- Quicker refueling times
Cons of Traditional Cars:
Higher fuel costs (especially diesel)
Environmental impact due to emissions
When to Choose a Traditional Car? Traditional cars are more convenient if you’re heading off the beaten path or planning a long road trip. You won’t need to worry about finding charging stations or range limits, making them ideal for rural travel.
Manual vs. Automatic: Which Transmission Should You Choose to Rent?
The next major decision is renting a manual or automatic transmission car. While automatics are common in countries like the United States, many countries in Europe and other parts of the world still predominantly use manual vehicles.
Manual Transmission
Manual cars (stick shifts) require the driver to change gears manually, which are more common in Europe and other parts of the world. If you’re comfortable driving a manual car, renting one can often be cheaper, as automatic cars tend to be more expensive in these regions.
Pros of Manual Transmission:
- Cheaper rental rates
- Better control over the car in certain driving conditions
- More fuel-efficient
Cons of Manual Transmission:
- Requires skill and experience to drive
- Not ideal for stop-and-go city traffic
When to Choose a Manual Car? If you’re traveling in Europe or another region where manual cars are the norm, you can save money by opting for a stick shift.
Automatic Transmission
Automatic cars are more accessible, especially in cities with heavy traffic. They do most of the work for you, automatically shifting gears, making them a popular choice for many travelers, particularly those uncomfortable with manual transmissions.
Pros of Automatic Transmission:
- Easier to drive, especially in traffic
- Widely available in North America
- Less stressful for long drives
Cons of Automatic Transmission:
- More expensive to rent, especially in Europe
- Slightly less fuel-efficient than manual cars
When to Choose an Automatic Car? If you’re used to driving an automatic and don’t want the hassle of shifting gears, stick with what you’re familiar with. Automatic cars are ideal for city driving and longer road trips where comfort and ease are priorities.
Which Type of Rental Car is Best for Your Trip?
Now that we’ve covered the different types of rental cars, how do you choose the best one for your trip? The answer depends on several factors, including your destination, the number of passengers, your budget, and your personal preferences.
Here are a few quick tips:
City travel: Opt for a compact or mid-size car for easier parking and fuel efficiency.
Long road trips: Full-size cars or SUVs offer more comfort and space for luggage.
Eco-conscious travelers: Consider renting an electric car to reduce your carbon footprint.
Type of Rental Cars: FAQs
What Type of Car is Rented the Most?
The most commonly rented type of car is typically an economy or compact car. These cars are popular due to their affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of use, especially for city driving and short trips. A study reveals that economy cars make up about 40% of the rental market.
Why Are Compact Cars So Popular?
Affordability: Economy cars usually come with lower rental rates, making them the go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Fuel Efficiency: These cars typically offer 30-40 miles per gallon, which helps renters save on fuel costs.
Maneuverability: Compact cars are easy to drive and park in urban environments with limited space.
What is the Best Rental Car Option?
Mid-size SUVs are often considered the best all-around choice for many travelers, offering a good balance of space, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Mid-size SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, are excellent for longer road trips, family vacations, and more rugged terrain while still offering respectable fuel efficiency (around 25-30 miles per gallon).
What is an Example of a Standard Car Rental?
Here are some common cars that fall under the standard car rental category:
- Toyota Corolla
- Hyundai Elantra
- Nissan Sentra
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Kia Forte
- Mazda 3
- Ford Focus
- Honda Civic
These cars typically balance fuel efficiency, comfort, and space, making them ideal for city driving and long-distance trips. They’re commonly rented by small families, couples, or solo travelers who need a practical yet comfortable vehicle.
What is the Smallest Rental Car Category?
The smallest rental car category is the mini or economy category. These cars are designed for short trips, city driving, and budget-conscious travelers. They offer excellent fuel efficiency and are easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Examples of cars in this category:
- Fiat 500
- Chevrolet Spark
- Ford Ka
- Toyota Aygo
- Smart Fortwo
These vehicles typically seat 2 to 4 passengers and have limited luggage space. They are perfect for solo travelers or couples who don’t need a lot of room but want an affordable, easy-to-drive vehicle.
What Type of Rental Car Is Best for Large Groups or Families?
For large groups or families, minivans, full-size SUVs, and passenger vans are the best options.
Minivans (e.g., Dodge Grand Caravan) seat up to 7 or 8 passengers and offer ample trunk space for luggage and equipment.
Full-size SUVs (e.g., Chevrolet Tahoe) also accommodate 7 to 8 passengers but provide more rugged features, making them great for off-road trips.
Passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit) are ideal for very large groups. They seat 12 to 15 passengers and have plenty of cargo space. These vehicles are ideal for families on long road trips or vacations.
What Are the Benefits of Renting a Luxury Car?
Luxury cars offer top-tier comfort, performance, and features for those looking for an upscale driving experience.
Typical luxury rentals include brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
They provide premium features like leather seats, advanced infotainment systems, and superior safety technology.
Renting a luxury car adds stle and prestige to any trip, whether for a business event, a special occasion, or just for comfort during long drives. However, luxury cars have higher rental and insurance costs, making them ideal for those prioritizing experience over budget.
What Is the Difference Between Renting a Compact Car and an Intermediate SUV?
The key differences between a compact car and an intermediate SUV are size, comfort, and capabilities.
Compact cars are smaller, seating up to 4 or 5 passengers and having less trunk space. They are ideal for city driving or short trips, are fuel-efficient, and are easier to park in tight spots.
Intermediate SUVs (mid-size SUVs) provide more space for passengers and cargo, seating up to 5 passengers. They offer a balance between comfort and ruggedness, and many are equipped with all-wheel drive, making them more suitable for various terrains.
Why Should I Rent a Convertible?
Renting a convertible offers a unique and fun driving experience, particularly for scenic and coastal routes.
Convertibles are typically two-door cars with retractable roofs, allowing drivers to enjoy open-air travel.
They are perfect for sunny destinations and special occasions, such as a road trip through a national park or along the beach.
However, they tend to have limited trunk space and are not the best option for long-distance or rainy climates. Convertibles can also be more expensive due to their specialty status and added features.
What’s the Best Rental Car for a Road Trip?
It’s important to balance comfort, space, and fuel efficiency for road trips.
Full-size cars or mid-size SUVs are often the best choices due to their roominess and smooth highway handling.
If you're traveling with family or a large group, a minivan or full-size SUV offers enough space for everyone and their luggage.
For adventurous travelers, renting an SUV provides the flexibility to explore off-road trails. For fuel-efficient long trips, consider a hybrid car, which saves on fuel without compromising comfort.
Conclusion: Find the Perfect Car with Finalrentals
Choosing the right rental car type depends on your destination, travel stle, and personal preferences. Whether you need a fuel-efficient compact car for city driving, a spacious full-size car for a road trip, or an eco-friendly electric vehicle, a rental car is perfect for your adventure.
Now that you know all the essential factors, head to Finalrentals to find the best rental car for your trip. With a wide selection of vehicles and competitive rates, they make it easy to rent the right car, no matter where your travels take you.
