Learn about the dozen-plus car rental types and categories with different features and characteristics that suit different rental needs.
In this article
What are the different rental car sizes?
Rental car sizes chart.
Rental car categories in the US.
Rental car size comparisons.
Rental car categories outside the US.
FAQs
What are the different rental car sizes?
Rental car sizes are standardized categories that rental companies use to classify vehicles by their passenger capacity, luggage space, and overall dimensions. These sizes generally progress from smallest to largest: Economy, Compact, Intermediate/Midsize, Standard, Full-size, Premium, and Luxury for sedans, with parallel sizing for SUVs ranging from Compact SUV through Full-size SUV. Minivans and passenger vans sit at the top for group travel needs.
When you’re thinking of renting a car, you probably have a good idea of the kind of car you want. Depending on your trip, you might even have an exact model in mind.
The trouble is in the language that car rental companies use to classify cars, as they may use terms that you’re not familiar with, or use different terms for the same thing. You might see the same car called intermediate, mid-size, or standard, depending on the company.
This guide will explain the most common different car rental types and categories in the US, the details of each category, and popular models in each. There are several other less common categories for people who are interested in high-performance or exotic cars that are not explained in detail in this guide.
Rental car sizes chart.
This rental car size chart shows how each category compares by passenger capacity and luggage space:
Sedans
| Category | Passengers | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 4 | 2 |
| Compact | 5 | 2 |
| Intermediate/Midsize | 5 | 3-4 |
| Standard | 5 | 3-4 |
| Full-size | 5 | 4 |
| Premium | 5 | 4 |
| Luxury | 5 | 4 |
Examples by category:
- Economy: Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Compact: Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks
- Intermediate/Midsize: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta
- Standard: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta
- Full-size: Chrysler 300, Toyota Crown, Nissan Maxima
- Premium: Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Toyota Crown
- Luxury: BMW 5 series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6
SUVs
| Category | Passengers | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Compact SUV | 5 | 3 |
| Midsize SUV | 5 | 4 |
| Full-size SUV | 7-8 | 5 |
Examples by category:
- Compact SUV: Kia Sportage, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek
- Midsize SUV: Audi Q5, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape
- Full-size SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia
Vans
| Category | Passengers | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Minivan | 7-8 | 5 |
| Passenger van | 8-12 | 7+ |
Examples by category:
- Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
- Passenger van: Ford E-Series, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ram ProMaster
Rental car categories in the US.
Economy: 4 passengers, 2 bags
Economy cars typically have low rates and great fuel efficiency, and are slightly smaller than compact cars.
Compact: 5 passengers, 2 bags
Compact cars feature low rates and great fuel efficiency, with slightly more room than economy cars.
Intermediate: 5 passengers, 3-4 bags
Intermediate cars are four-door sedans that are more spacious than compact cars while still being fuel-efficient. They can fit 3 or sometimes 4 bags depending on the model.
Midsize: 5 passengers, 3-4 bags
Midsize cars offer a balance of space and fuel efficiency, making them popular for business travel and small families. They’re roomy enough for 5 adults and 3-4 suitcases.
Standard: 5 passengers, 3-4 bags
Standard cars are another term some rental companies use for the intermediate/midsize category. They’re four-door sedans that seat 5 passengers comfortably with room for 3-4 bags.
Full-size: 5 passengers, 4 bags
Full-size cars are four-door sedans that comfortably seat 5 passengers with luggage. They offer more legroom and trunk space than midsize vehicles.
Premium: 5 passengers, 4 bags
Premium cars are typically full-size sedans that come with additional features like leather seats, upgraded sound systems, or enhanced performance. The size is similar to full-size, but with more amenities.
Luxury: 5 passengers, 4 bags
Luxury cars are typically four-door sedans with high-end performance engines and luxury interiors that comfortably seat 5 passengers with luggage. However, some rental companies will categorize luxury SUVs, sports sedans, and executive cars in the luxury cars category along with regular luxury sedans.
Convertible: 2-4 passengers, 2 bags
Convertible cars are 2-door sports coupes with retractable roofs. Some rental car companies may offer different levels of convertible car performance and luxury.
Compact SUV: 5 passengers, 3 bags
Like regular compact cars, compact SUVs offer low rates and good fuel efficiency in SUV form.
Intermediate / Midsize SUV: 5 passengers, 4 bags
Intermediate SUVs, sometimes called midsize SUVs, are easy to drive and feature large interiors.
Full-size / Premium SUV: 7-8 passengers, 5 bags
Full-size SUVs comfortably seat 7 or 8 passengers with ample room for luggage. Premium SUVs may come with more features.
Luxury SUV: 5-7 passengers, 3-5 bags
Luxury SUVs range in size, but come with higher end performance engines and luxury interiors.
Minivan: 7-8 passengers, 5 bags
Minivans can comfortably seat 7 or 8 passengers depending on the model, and are perfect for long road trips with several people.
Passenger van: 8-12 passengers, 7 bags
Passenger vans are full-sized vans that can seat large groups of more than 8 passengers. Some rental car companies will also offer cargo vans that have room for hauling bigger items instead of seats for transporting people.
Pickup truck: 4 passengers, 3-4 bags
Pickup trucks can vary in size between smaller and larger models that offer more cargo space and towing capability.
Hybrid: 5 passengers, 3 bags
Hybrid cars feature a combination of conventional engine and electric power, and come in several sizes depending on your needs and budget.
Electric: 5 passengers, 2-4 bags
Electric cars feature entirely electric motors, and come in a few sizes with different features depending on your needs and budget.
Rental car size comparisons.
Midsize vs standard rental car.
Midsize and standard rental cars are usually the same thing. Most rental companies use these terms interchangeably for vehicles that seat 5 passengers with 3-4 bags.
- Passenger capacity: Both seat 5 adults
- Luggage space: Both fit 3-4 suitcases
- Best use case: Business trips, small families, or anyone wanting more space than a compact without paying for full-size
The key difference is terminology. Some brands prefer “midsize” while others use “standard.” A few companies position standard as slightly larger than midsize, so always check the specific vehicle examples when booking.
Full-size vs premium rental car.
Full-size and premium rental cars have the same passenger and luggage capacity, but premium vehicles come with upgraded features and amenities.
- Passenger capacity: Both seat 5 adults
- Luggage space: Both fit 4 suitcases
- Best use case: Full-size works well for families or longer trips needing extra space. Premium is better when you want added comfort features like leather seats or upgraded entertainment systems.
Premium cars are essentially full-size vehicles with extras. If space is your main concern, full-size delivers. If you want a more comfortable driving experience, premium is worth the upgrade.
How full-size differs from standard and premium.
Full-size vs standard: Full-size cars are larger than standard/midsize vehicles. They offer more passenger legroom and can typically fit one additional suitcase (4 bags vs 3-4 bags).
Full-size vs premium: Full-size and premium cars are often the same size. The difference is that premium vehicles include upgraded features like leather interiors, better sound systems, or enhanced performance. You’re paying for amenities, not additional space.
AWD rental cars – how to choose the right 4×4 for your trip.
Rental car categories outside the US.
Outside of the US, the terminology is similar but not identical. The most important two terms to keep in mind are Mini and Estate. The Mini car category simply refers to cars that are smaller than cars in the Compact category, and can be found all over the world. The Estate car category is more specific to British English, and refers to station wagons or mid- to full-size hatchbacks.
Mini: 2-4 passengers, 2 bags
Examples: Fiat 500e, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto
Mini cars are typically hatchbacks with two to four doors that can fit two adults and two children, and some luggage.
Estate: 5 passengers, 3-4 bags
Examples: Skoda Octavia Estate, Volkswagen Golf Estate, Volvo V60
Estate cars are four-door wagons with hatchback trunks that can comfortably seat up to 5 passengers with luggage. These can also vary in performance and luxury features.
Rental car types – FAQ
A standard car rental is the step between the intermediate and full-size categories. It’s usually a larger sedan that can accommodate more passengers and luggage compared to an intermediate car. Standard cars generally have seating for 5 people and 3-4 suitcases.
Midsize vehicles, sometimes also referred to as intermediate vehicles, are a step up from economy or compact class rental cars, but are still less pricey than standard-size cars. They can include both sedans or SUVs that seat up to 5 passengers. They generally have 4 doors and fit 3-4 suitcases.
Full-size rental cars are 4-door cars that can comfortably seat 5 people and have storage room for 3-4 suitcases. They can include both sedans and SUVs.
Compact cars are typically a bit larger and pricier than economy cars. Economy cars are usually 2-door cars with seating for up to 4 occupants and storage space for a medium suitcase and a few small bags. Compact cars are 4-door cars that should be comfortable for up to 5 adults and have enough trunk space for at least 1 large suitcase and 1 medium suitcase as well as a few smaller bags.
Intermediate vehicles, or midsize vehicles, are a step up from economy or compact class rental cars. They are still less expensive than standard-size cars and seat up to 5 passengers. They generally have 4 doors and fit 3-4 suitcases.
Luxury is the highest-priced car rental category. Luxury vehicles can include both sedans and SUVs. They will usually fit 5 people, with 2 large suitcases plus 2 small suitcases. They also generally come with added features like comfy seats, more powerful engines, and fancier entertainment systems.
