{"id":11390,"date":"2022-02-09T14:00:21","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T14:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.economycarhire.com\/blog\/?p=11390"},"modified":"2025-01-17T10:04:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T10:04:26","slug":"what-size-car-suits-your-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/what-size-car-suits-your-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Rental car luggage capacity – what size hire car suits your holiday needs?"},"content":{"rendered":"

*Updated for 2025*<\/em><\/p>\n

So, you have arrived at your destination. Luggage and family in tow, you locate the correct car hire supplier, hand over your details and are given the keys to your holiday hire car, simple! The only thing left to do is embark on a life-size game of Tetris. We\u2019ve all been there. Faced with a vehicle you may have overestimated in size you now have two options:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. You accept the challenge and neatly pack your suitcases, handbags, backpacks, and beach ball into your vehicle. Oh, and the other passengers.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. You upgrade to a larger car at a potentially inflated price.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Neither is ideal. However, it doesn\u2019t have to be this stressful! Always check up on the rental car luggage capacity before booking.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    What are the different sizes of rental cars?<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Our luggage capacities are worked out using a medium-sized suitcase which has an average size of 68x44x27cm. With our filter tool, you can filter rental cars by how many seats they have, the category they reside in, any inclusions, and the rental car luggage capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Rental Car Category<\/th>\nLuggage Capacity & Passengers<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Mini<\/td>\n2-4 x seats & 1 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Economy<\/td>\n2-5 x seats & 2 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Small Family<\/td>\n5 x seats & 3 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Estate \/ Small MPV<\/td>\n5 x seats & 3-5 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Executive<\/td>\n5 x seats & 4 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Jeep \/ SUV<\/td>\n4-8 x seats & 3-4 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Coupe \/ Cabriolet<\/td>\n2-4 x seats & 1-2 x medium size suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    People Carrier \/ Large MPV<\/td>\n7 x seats & 2-5 x medium size Suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Large Family<\/td>\n5 x seats & 4 x medium size Suitcase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Understand your needs<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Location:<\/b> If you are going to be based in a town or city a smaller car that is easier to park will be more practical. On the other hand, if you are heading further afield to somewhere more rural then you may want to consider a larger car with a bigger engine.<\/span><\/p>\n

    People & luggage:<\/b> Whilst most cars typically seat 4-5 adults, some have limited boot space. If there are only 2 or 3 people travelling you may be able to use the back seat for extra luggage space. However, if all the seats are full you may need to plan to travel light or rent a larger car.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Budget:<\/b> Everyone wants to save money on their hire car. So, it\u2019s only natural you consider the overall cost of the type of vehicle you want to hire. If you\u2019re on a budget check fuel types and select the more economical option.<\/span>
    \n<\/a><\/p>\n

    Do you require any extras?<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Child Seats:<\/b> If you are travelling with young children you must adhere to the local laws. If you require a child seat make sure you hire a car that can accommodate it on top of your head count and luggage.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Season\/ climate:<\/b> In the summer months your main concern will be air conditioning. It isn\u2019t always guaranteed so make sure you check if it is specified. Travelling in snowy conditions? You may need snow chains or winter tyres and a car that is easy to handle in inclement conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Top tip:<\/b> If you are travelling to a winter resort remember to consider any sports equipment you may be taking with you. You are unlikely to fit your ski gear into an economy-sized vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once you have taken these into account, match up your needs to the appropriate car categories within the booking quote results page!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Choosing<\/p>\n

    What size vehicle best suits my needs?<\/h2>\n

    Mini<\/b><\/h2>\n

    2-4 x seats & 1 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    As the name suggests this is a very small car. They are best suited to one or two people and usually have just two doors. With limited boot space your luggage will need to be minimal. However, the small engine size makes these cars very budget friendly. If you just need a car to whizz round the immediate area, then these vehicles are perfect. They can also squeeze into nearly any parking space!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicle: Kia Picanto, Fiat 500<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Economy<\/b><\/h3>\n

    2-5 x seats & 2 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    These cars can comfortably fit around two to four passengers and a tad more luggage. Economy vehicles are aptly named for their relatively low petrol costs. With small engines they won\u2019t win a race but are ideal for shorter trips and will be easy to park. A great compromise between size and value!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicle: Opel Corsa, Renault Clio<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Small Family<\/b><\/h3>\n

    5 x seats & 3 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    This type of car is a great choice for a family on a budget travelling shorter journeys. Whilst they can cope with longer journeys these cars are ideal for driving in city locations. They are easy to park and offer good fuel economy. Most small family cars feature air-conditioning but it is always best to check this in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicles: VW Golf, Ford Focus<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    \"Rental<\/a><\/p>\n

    Estate \/ Small MPV<\/b><\/h3>\n

    5 x seats & 3-5 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    These vehicles have a large boot space and will fit at least 3 medium suitcases! Estates are perfect for families or medium groups with lots of luggage and equipment. Whether you\u2019re packing up golf clubs for a round of golf or heading to the seaside with all your beach gear, an estate would be perfect for you. Most estate vehicles include air-conditioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicles: Ford Focus Estate, Skoda Octavia Estate<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Executive<\/b><\/h3>\n

    5 x seats & 4 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    This choice will be perfect for those who want to travel in style! Executive vehicles offer a substantial amount of room for passengers and luggage whilst providing luxury comfort to relax you on your road trip. Whilst executive vehicles are certainly more lavish, they are less budget friendly. All executive cars include air conditioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Examples vehicles: Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Jeep \/ SUV<\/b><\/h3>\n

    4-8 x seats & 3-4 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    These cars are typically better equipped for hilly and mountainous areas. They also tend to be fairly sizeable so your passengers and luggage will fit in the car comfortably. The amount of seats within an SUV can vary so make sure to check the booking quote before booking. Air conditioning is included within most of the cars within this category.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicles: Nissan Qashqai, Renault Captur<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Coupe \/ Cabriolet<\/b><\/h3>\n

    2-4 x seats & 1-2 x medium size suitcase<\/span><\/p>\n

    This category is ideal for a small number of people taking a road trip who want to soak up the nearby scenery.Also these cars are great for sightseeing, you will only be able to fit around 1 or 2 medium suitcases within the vehicle. However, sometimes sacrificing boot space for a convertible roof is worth it for the view!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicles: Fiat 500c, Ford Mustang Cabriolet<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    People Carrier \/ Large MPV<\/b><\/h3>\n

    7 x Adults & 2-5 x Suitcases<\/span><\/p>\n

    People carriers provide extra space and therefore extra leg room. They are ideal for larger parties and big families, or smaller groups travelling with extra luggage. The back seats can be folded down to make extra boot space if you require room for more than two suitcases. These vehicles are often a popular choice for long journeys as the extra space ensures everyone\u2019s comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicle: Opel Vivaro, Renault Grande Scenic<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Large Family<\/b><\/h3>\n

    5 x Adults & 2 x Suitcases & 2 x Hand Luggage<\/span><\/p>\n

    With the space of a saloon or estate-sized vehicle and a bigger engine, these cars can comfortably handle longer journeys without anyone feeling cramped. They typically feature more boot space so are well-equipped to fit extra luggage. Whilst specifying a vehicle with a diesel engine will slightly improve the fuel economy, a car with a petrol engine is still considered budget friendly. Air-conditioning usually comes as standard with intermediate and standard sized vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Example vehicles: Skoda Octavia, VW Passat<\/span><\/em>
    \n    <\/a><\/p>\n

    Book the right hire car for your needs now<\/h2>\n

    Now you’ve figured out which type of hire car will best suit you, get a quote for your next trip away<\/a> now. If you want some ideas on how to travel light check out our holiday packing guide<\/a>. Or for more travel tips and tricks take a look at our other travel guides.<\/a><\/p>\n

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