Rental car types compared: sizes, seats and models
The short answer
For two people, an economy or compact car is enough. For four adults with bags, pick a full-size car or a midsize SUV. For seven or eight, pick a minivan or a full-size SUV, and for 12 to 15 people, a passenger van.
| Type | Seats | Bag space | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
 Economy | 4 to 5 | About 1 large bag | Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio or similar |
 Compact | 5 | About 2 large bags | Nissan Versa, Kia Soul or similar |
 Midsize | 5 | About 2 large bags | Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra or similar |
 Standard | 5 | About 3 large bags | Volkswagen Jetta or similar |
 Full-size | 5 | About 3 large bags | Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu or similar |
 Premium | 5 | About 3 large bags | Nissan Maxima, Toyota Crown or similar |
 Luxury | 5 | About 3 large bags | BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 or similar |
 Convertible | 4 | About 1 large bag | Ford Mustang Convertible or similar |
 Compact SUV | 5 | About 2 large bags | Hyundai Kona or similar |
 Midsize SUV | 5 | About 3 large bags | Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-50 or similar |
 Standard SUV | 5 | About 3 large bags | Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge or similar |
 7-seat SUV | 6 to 7 | About 3 large bags | Dodge Durango, Nissan Pathfinder or similar |
 Full-size SUV | 7 to 8 | About 4 large bags | Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban or similar |
 Luxury SUV | 7 to 8 | About 4 large bags | Lincoln Navigator, GMC Yukon Denali or similar |
 Minivan | 7 to 8 | About 4 large bags | Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna or similar |
 Standard pickup | 5 | Open truck bed | Toyota Tacoma or similar |
 Full-size pickup | 5 to 6 | Open truck bed | Ford F-150, Ram 1500 or similar |
 Passenger van (12 to 15) | 12 to 15 | About 5 large bags | Ford Transit 12 or 15 seats, Chevy Express 15 seats or similar |
 Premium passenger van (12 to 15) | 12 to 15 | About 5 large bags | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 12 or 15 seats or similar |
 Cargo van | 2 | Full cargo area | Chevy Express, Ford Transit or similar |
Models from the rental companies' own fleet pages, checked October 2026. Bag space is our rough guide for large suitcases. Photo credits.
How do I pick the right size?
- Count bags, not just people. Most groups run out of boot space first.
- Under 25? Some companies limit young drivers to the smaller classes. See under 25 rentals.
- Long trip? A size up costs a little more but is easier on long drives.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between midsize, standard and full-size rental cars?
They step up in room. A midsize is a car like the Toyota Corolla, a standard is like the Volkswagen Jetta, and a full-size is like the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima, with more rear legroom and boot space.
Which rental car fits 7 people?
A minivan, a 7-seat SUV or a full-size SUV. A minivan usually leaves the most bag space with every seat full.
Which rental car fits 12 or more people?
A passenger van, such as the Ford Transit in 12 or 15 seat versions. Some locations need extra notice, so book early.
Do I get the exact model I see online?
Usually not. Rental companies book a class of car. You get the model shown or a similar one in that class.
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