The Comprehensive Guide to Rental Car Sizes

Rental car sizes are confusing, to say the least, unless you have the right know-how. A standard-size car is larger than you would think, and a full-size car is smaller than an estate car. SUVs come in different sizes, and a minivan is more or less your only option if you want more than 5 people in one car.

Knowing which of the car rental sizes will be best for you is almost impossible to determine if you haven’t done the proper research, to begin with. Check out our comprehensive guide to rental car sizes to make sure you pick the right car for your trip.

What are the Different Rental Car Sizes?

Navigating the rental car landscape can feel like a jungle from time to time. First, you need to pick the right company to rent from. Then, there are a million different sizes, and some of them are not very intuitive in their name description.

“Mini” is obviously a small car, but what even is an “estate” or “intermediate”? Basically, if you’re not a car enthusiast and know all about these different sizes and names, you’re going to struggle to make a well-informed decision.

The first step in knowing which car to choose is having the rental car sizes explained. In the list below, you can see all the different car rental sizes you can come across in a car dealership:

• Mini
• Premium
• SUV
• Economy
• Standard
• Full size
• Minivan
• Compact
• Estate
• Luxury
• Intermediate/Midsize

Rental Car Sizes Chart

To get a good bird's-eye view of the whole story, we’ve compiled a chart below that outlines some of the key features of the different rental car sizes. This information should be enough for you to find out which rental car sizes fits your basic needs. Later on, you can go more in-depth to decide about softer features. And maybe find out, for example, if there is a difference between American and European cars when we determine size and utility.

Instead of going through the rental car sizes from smallest to largest, we’ve chosen to do it the other way around. See, most people want a larger car for a road trip, so there’s no reason to muck about with the smaller sizes first. When renting a car in Iceland, many will also look for a 4x4 vehicle, which is more often than not an SUV.

Car size	Passengers	No. of doors	Luggage capacity	Model and brand examples
Minivan	​5 - 9	3	4-5 large bags and 3 smaller bags	Renault Trafic, Ford Tourneo
SUV	5	5	3 large bags and 2 small bags	Dacia Duster 4x4, Suzuki Vitara 4x4
Estate	5	5	3 large bags and 2 small bags	Ford Focus Estate, Hyundai i30 Estate
Full size	5	5	2 large bags and 2 small bags	Nissan X-Trail 4x4 7-seater
Luxury	5	2 or 5	2 large bags and 2 small bags	BMW X1 4x4, Land Rover Defender 4x4
Premium	5	5	2 large bags and 2 small bags	Mercedes C-class, Nissan Maxima

Car Rental Sizes Explained

Let’s get into some details about each of the models to give you an idea of what you can expect from the different rental car sizes. Here, you’ll find the answer to questions like “What is a standard-size car?” and “What is a mid-size car at the rental?”

Minivan

A minivan is simply a regular van that has been made to fit people rather than cargo. You can often get minivans with either 5, 7, or 9-passenger seats. This is always a great option for any larger company that’s going to go on a long journey. Due to the shape and handling of the car, it’s not suitable for off-road driving, but perfect for paved roads and well-kept gravel roads.

Pros

Perfect for long trips with large companies with a need for a lot of luggage space. Some minivans (often 5-seaters) will allow you to add two extra seats in the back instead of the extra luggage space.

Cons

These are notoriously difficult to handle if you don’t have the experience. They’re bulky, often not too strong (motor-wise), and with limited hind vision compared to normal cars.

SUV

An all-around favorite when you need a reliable vehicle that can handle both smooth and rough roads. SUVs are large cars with a large cargo space that are raised to give some leeway to the ground.

This makes it perfect for camping trips with the family, or as a utility vehicle when you need to transport anything. SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle and when it comes to rental car SUV sizes, they often come in small, intermediate, and large.

Pros

Perfect for any trip where you need to bring camping gear, sports equipment, or drive in rough terrain.

Cons

Not fuel-efficient at all and often quite large, so not suitable for tight spaces and often hard to drive in cities.

Estate

An estate car is essentially a longer version of a station wagon. It has extra space in the back for luggage or any larger items that may need to be transported. The estate design is perfect for those who need space, without compromising on handling.

Pros

Great for longer trips with luggage or any items that don’t fit well in regular cars. The extended cargo space gives you flexibility without being too large.

Cons

While it has ample space, it can be a bit unwieldy in tight parking situations or narrow roads. The larger size also means it's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road.

Full Size

A full-size car offers a lot of space and comfort, often coming with more powerful engines and advanced features. It's suitable for both city driving and highway trips, providing a balance between comfort and utility.

Pros

Ideal for people who want a spacious, comfortable ride with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. Full-size cars often come with higher-end features like better sound systems and larger trunks.

Cons

They tend to be larger, which can make parking a bit more challenging. Also, these cars consume more fuel compared to smaller models.

Luxury

Luxury cars are built for comfort and performance. They usually come equipped with high-end features, premium materials, and more powerful engines, making them ideal for travelers who want a more refined driving experience.

Pros

If you want to add an extra layer of comfort to your trip, a luxury vehicle offers superior materials, advanced technology, and an overall premium experience.

Cons

The downside is the higher price, both for renting and for the extra fuel consumption. These cars may also be too large for city driving, making them more suitable for highway trips.

Intermediate / Mid-Sized

These vehicles offer a nice middle ground between compact cars and larger models. Mid-sized cars tend to offer better fuel efficiency than full-size or SUVs while still providing ample space for passengers and luggage.

Pros

Perfect for small families or groups, offering a balance of space, fuel efficiency, and comfort. They're often cheaper to rent than larger models but still provide plenty of room for luggage.

Cons

While they offer a lot of space, they may not have the luxury features or off-road capability that some travelers desire.

Compact

Compact cars are the go-to choice for travelers who want the best balance between affordability and efficiency. They are smaller in size but still offer enough space for two or three people along with some luggage.

Pros

Affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy to maneuver, especially in tight city spaces. Compact cars are also cheaper to rent compared to larger models.

Cons

Compact cars typically have less space for luggage and may feel cramped on long trips, especially if you're traveling with more than two people.

Economy

The economy car is a small, budget-friendly option for those who want to keep rental costs low. These cars are highly fuel-efficient and perfect for solo travelers or couples on a tight budget.

Pros

Very affordable and fuel-efficient, perfect for short trips or for travelers who don’t need much space.

Cons

They can be very tight for space, and you'll likely need to pack light. The smaller size also means less comfort for longer drives.

Mini

Mini cars are the smallest option, designed for solo travelers or couples looking to save on space and costs. They are nimble and easy to drive, especially in crowded cities.

Pros

Extremely fuel-efficient, very affordable, and perfect for urban environments where parking is a challenge. They are the best option if you’re traveling alone or with a partner and don’t have a lot of luggage.

Cons

Space is very limited, so you’ll need to pack light. Not ideal for longer trips or when you need more than two seats.

Estate

An estate can also be referred to as a station wagon. The characteristic look of an estate is that it looks like an average car with a little longer "butt". The cargo space is often quite large. An estate car will always have room for at least 5 people, often depicted with two parents in the front and three rowdy kids in the back.

This is one of the large rental car sizes that are good to pick when you are taking up to five adults on a longer trip. These cars are often spacious and comfy for people of all ages, especially if you don’t pack them to the brim.

Pros

Long trips with a big family or friend group are the best possible scenarios for this type of car.

Cons

The size of the car can be tough to handle when you need to do delicate maneuvering. Often not a part of the selection at most car dealerships.

Full Size

This is the second-largest size of a car, with a slightly smaller cargo space than the estate, but still larger than the other cars. This is the most common of the large rental car sizes. It will often be the last possibility before you have to get either a minivan or an SUV if you want more interior space.

Pros

Plenty of space for both people and luggage.

Cons

Often not the most fuel-efficient car.

Luxury

Imagine the size of a regular 5-seat car, but more luxurious.Luxury rental cars often come with a higher price, but also include a bunch of added features, ranging from AC in the back, to built-in screens and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Space, legroom, and very comfortable seats are often the main selling point. That, alongside a well-built entertainment system and pristine climate control. It can come in 2- or 5-seater models, meaning that they are often either small or standard-sized.

Pros

You will have the highest levels of comfort and a feeling of being pampered by a car.

Cons

Price. If you go for a luxury car, you will have to pay a luxury price. These cars are never made to be an economic alternative to any other car model.

Premium

The step-down between the luxury and the regular car will be the premium car. With a premium car, you will still be able to enjoy a way smoother ride than most standard cars, but you won’t have to dig as deep in your pockets to afford it.

Most premium cars will seat up to 5 people and have a cargo space that can fit 2 large bags as well as two smaller bags. You could probably squeeze in 3 large bags, but then you won’t have any space for smaller bags.

Pros

This is the budget alternative to a luxurious car. You will have most of the comforts that many standard cars don’t have, so any ride will be a pleasure.

Cons

This is still a pricey car with limited cargo space. You pay for personal luxury, not extra space.

Standard

This is one of the most popular car rental sizes for any long road trip, since it fits most of what you need, while also being somewhat fuel-efficient. This is best suited for no more than four people on a longer trip and up to five people on a shorter trip. Some standard rental car examples are Ford Focus and Peugeot 101.

Pros

Great compromise in terms of size and price.

Cons

Packing smart is key to maximizing the use of this car rental type.

Intermediate or Mid-sized

If you are in a company that doesn’t pack that much, this is the perfect car. You will be able to comfortably fit up to four people, but the luggage space will be limited. That makes this type of car better suited for 2 people on a long trip, or four people for shorter trips.

Pros

Easy to maneuver due to the size and often fuel-efficient.

Cons

Smaller than the average.

Compact

Right between the economy and standard car, we find the compromise of compromises. A compact-sized car will be perfect for you if you know you are going to go on a longer trip with no more than three people. For shorter trips, this is fine for up to five people, but then we’re talking about trips no longer than an hour or so.

Pros

If you don’t carry that much luggage, this car might be a great alternative for you.

Cons

This might be a compromise you don’t want to do if you are planning a longer trip with more than 2-3 people.

Economy

Just like the name suggests, the economy class is for those who are looking for an economic alternative. This category will help save on the travel costs of the holiday. This is the second-smallest car and is not suitable for more than two people if you want to have any significant luggage in the car.

Pros

Perfect for a couple on a road trip on a budget.

Cons

These are often cramped and rarely have a strong engine. Some models don’t have a pair of back doors.

Mini

If you are two people with very little luggage, this is the best alternative for you. This is the absolute smallest car rental size you could find at any rental place and should probably not be used on a longer road trip. It’s perfect for driving in the city, like in Reykjavik.

Pros

The most fuel-efficient car, which is also easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Cons

Not even remotely suitable for longer trips as they are made for short trips.

Rental Car Sizes Comparison

Knowing the qualities of the different rental car sizes will not be enough to make an informed decision. In this section, we’ll provide you with a car rental sizes guide that puts the different sizes up against each other.

This way, you'll know which is the best suitable for which situation. Here, we’ll answer questions like “which is bigger, a full-size or standard car?” and “Which is best for a family holiday, standard or midsize?”

Estate

An estate can also be referred to as a station wagon. The characteristic look of an estate is that it looks like an average car with a little longer "butt". The cargo space is often quite large. An estate car will always have room for at least 5 people, often depicted with two parents in the front and three rowdy kids in the back.

This is one of the large rental car sizes that are good to pick when you are taking up to five adults on a longer trip. These cars are often spacious and comfy for people of all ages, especially if you don’t pack them to the brim.

Pros

Long trips with a big family or friend group are the best possible scenarios for this type of car.

Cons

The size of the car can be tough to handle when you need to do delicate maneuvering. Often not a part of the selection at most car dealerships.

Full Size

This is the second-largest size of a car, with a slightly smaller cargo space than the estate, but still larger than the other cars. This is the most common of the large rental car sizes. It will often be the last possibility before you have to get either a minivan or an SUV if you want more interior space.

Pros

Plenty of space for both people and luggage.

Cons

Often not the most fuel-efficient car.

Luxury

Imagine the size of a regular 5-seat car, but more luxurious.Luxury rental cars often come with a higher price, but also include a bunch of added features, ranging from AC in the back, to built-in screens and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Space, legroom, and very comfortable seats are often the main selling point. That, alongside a well-built entertainment system and pristine climate control. It can come in 2- or 5-seater models, meaning that they are often either small or standard-sized.

Pros

You will have the highest levels of comfort and a feeling of being pampered by a car.

Cons

Price. If you go for a luxury car, you will have to pay a luxury price. These cars are never made to be an economic alternative to any other car model.

Premium

The step-down between the luxury and the regular car will be the premium car. With a premium car, you will still be able to enjoy a way smoother ride than most standard cars, but you won’t have to dig as deep in your pockets to afford it.

Most premium cars will seat up to 5 people and have a cargo space that can fit 2 large bags as well as two smaller bags. You could probably squeeze in 3 large bags, but then you won’t have any space for smaller bags.

Pros

This is the budget alternative to a luxurious car. You will have most of the comforts that many standard cars don’t have, so any ride will be a pleasure.

Cons

This is still a pricey car with limited cargo space. You pay for personal luxury, not extra space.

Standard

This is one of the most popular car rental sizes for any long road trip, since it fits most of what you need, while also being somewhat fuel-efficient. This is best suited for no more than four people on a longer trip and up to five people on a shorter trip. Some standard rental car examples are Ford Focus and Peugeot 101.

Pros

Great compromise in terms of size and price.

Cons

Packing smart is key to maximizing the use of this car rental type.

Intermediate or Mid-sized

If you are in a company that doesn’t pack that much, this is the perfect car. You will be able to comfortably fit up to four people, but the luggage space will be limited. That makes this type of car better suited for 2 people on a long trip, or four people for shorter trips.

Pros

Easy to maneuver due to the size and often fuel-efficient.

Cons

Smaller than the average.

Compact

Right between the economy and standard car, we find the compromise of compromises. A compact-sized car will be perfect for you if you know you are going to go on a longer trip with no more than three people. For shorter trips, this is fine for up to five people, but then we’re talking about trips no longer than an hour or so.

Pros

If you don’t carry that much luggage, this car might be a great alternative for you.

Cons

This might be a compromise you don’t want to do if you are planning a longer trip with more than 2-3 people.

Economy

Just like the name suggests, the economy class is for those who are looking for an economic alternative. This category will help save on the travel costs of the holiday. This is the second-smallest car and is not suitable for more than two people if you want to have any significant luggage in the car.

Pros

Perfect for a couple on a road trip on a budget.

Cons

These are often cramped and rarely have a strong engine. Some models don’t have a pair of back doors.

Mini

If you are two people with very little luggage, this is the best alternative for you. This is the absolute smallest car rental size you could find at any rental place and should probably not be used on a longer road trip. It’s perfect for driving in the city, like in Reykjavik.

Pros

The most fuel-efficient car, which is also easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Cons

Not even remotely suitable for longer trips as they are made for short trips.

Rental Car Sizes Comparison

Knowing the qualities of the different rental car sizes will not be enough to make an informed decision. In this section, we’ll provide you with a car rental sizes guide that puts the different sizes up against each other.

This way, you'll know which is the best suitable for which situation. Here, we’ll answer questions like “which is bigger, a full-size or standard car?” and “Which is best for a family holiday, standard or midsize?”