Types of Rental Cars

Explore over a dozen types and categories of rental cars, each offering unique features and characteristics tailored to various rental needs.

What are the various rental car categories?

When considering a rental, you likely have a specific type of car in mind. Depending on your journey, you might even envision a particular model. However, the terminology used by rental companies can be confusing, as they may label the same vehicle with different terms like intermediate, mid-size, or standard, varying by company.

This guide will clarify the most prevalent car rental types and categories in the US, detailing each category and highlighting popular models. Note that there are additional, less common categories available for those interested in high-performance or exotic vehicles, which are not extensively covered in this guide.

Remember that when you reserve a vehicle in a specific category, you might not receive the exact model you chose. Most rental companies advertise a deal for a certain model as “or equivalent” or “similar options” since they frequently update their fleets and may not have the exact vehicle available at your departure time.

Car Rental Categories in the US

Economy

Passengers: 4

Bags: 2

Examples: Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage

Highlights: Economy vehicles generally offer low prices and excellent fuel efficiency, and they are slightly smaller than compact cars.

Compact

Passengers: 2

Bags: 2

Examples: Ford Focus, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris

Highlights: Compact vehicles provide affordable rates and excellent fuel efficiency, offering slightly more space than economy cars.

Intermediate / Mid-size / Standard

Passengers: 5

Bags: 3-4

Examples: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta

Highlights: Intermediate cars, often referred to as mid-size or standard vehicles, are spacious four-door sedans that provide more room than compact options while maintaining good fuel efficiency. They typically accommodate 3 to 4 bags depending on the specific model.

Full-size / Premium

Passengers: 5

Bags: 4

Examples: Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Impala

Highlights: Full-size vehicles are spacious four-door sedans designed to comfortably accommodate 5 passengers along with their luggage. Premium models often include additional features for enhanced comfort.

Luxury

Passengers: 5

Bags: 4

Examples: Audi A4, Chrysler 300, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac XTS, Lincoln Continental

Highlights: Luxury vehicles are usually four-door sedans equipped with high-performance engines and upscale interiors, comfortably accommodating 5 passengers and their luggage. Some rental companies may also include luxury SUVs, sporty sedans, and executive cars in this category along with traditional luxury sedans.

Convertible

Passengers: 2-4

Bags: 2

Examples: Audi A5, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, BMW 4 Series

Highlights: Convertibles are 2-door sports cars with retractable roofs, and some rental agencies provide options with varying levels of performance and luxury.

Compact SUV

Passengers: 5

Bags: 3

Examples: Kia Sportage, Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport

Highlights: Compact SUVs provide the same low rates and fuel efficiency as standard compact cars but in an SUV design.

Intermediate / Mid-size / Standard SUV

Passengers: 5

Bags: 4

Examples: Audi Q5, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape

Highlights: Intermediate SUVs, often referred to as mid-size or standard SUVs, are designed for easy driving and spacious interiors.

Full-size / Premium SUV

Passengers: 7-8

Bags: 5

Examples: Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia

Highlights: Full-size SUVs can comfortably accommodate 7 to 8 passengers, offering plenty of space for luggage. Premium SUVs often include additional features.

Luxury SUV

Passengers: 5-7

Bags: 3-5

Examples: Audi Q3, Infiniti QX80, Cadillac Escalade

Highlights: Luxury SUVs vary in size but are equipped with high-performance engines and upscale interiors.

Minivan

Passengers: 7-8

Bags: 5

Examples: Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest

Highlights: Minivans are designed to comfortably accommodate 7 to 8 passengers, making them ideal for long trips with a group.

Passenger van

Passengers: 8-12

Bags: 7

Examples: Ford E-Series, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV

Highlights: Passenger vans are spacious vehicles that can accommodate over 8 passengers. Some rental agencies may also provide cargo vans designed for transporting larger items instead of passengers.

Pickup truck

Passengers: 4

Bags: 3-4

Examples: Nissan Frontier, Ford F-150, Dodge Ram

Highlights: Pickup trucks come in a range of sizes, from compact to full-size, providing varying levels of cargo space and towing capabilities.

Hybrid

Passengers: 5

Bags: 3

Examples: Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid

Highlights: Hybrid vehicles utilize both a traditional engine and electric power, available in various sizes to fit different needs and budgets.

Electric

Passengers: 5

Bags: 2-4

Examples: Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S

Highlights: Electric vehicles operate solely on electric motors and are available in various sizes with different features to meet your needs and budget.

Rental car categories outside the US

In regions outside the US, the terminology may differ slightly. Two key terms to remember are Mini and Estate. The Mini category encompasses vehicles smaller than those in the Compact category, found globally. The Estate category, more common in British English, refers to station wagons or mid- to full-size hatchbacks.

Mini

Passengers: 2-4

Bags: 2

Examples: Fiat 500, Peugeot 108, Kia Picanto

Highlights: Mini cars are usually hatchbacks featuring two to four doors, accommodating two adults and two children along with some luggage.

Estate

Passengers: 5

Bags: 3-4

Examples: Ford Focus Estate, Volvo V70 Estate, Skoda Octavia Estate

Highlights: Estate cars are four-door wagons featuring hatchback trunks, offering comfortable seating for up to 5 passengers along with their luggage. They also come in various performance levels and luxury options.