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Car Rentals and Luggage Capacity
A challenge which often arises when planning a driving holiday is finding the right category of rental car that will suit your self-drive holiday needs.
The main criteria being the number of passengers, type of transmission preferred, and the amount of luggage to be taken. While the number of passengers is quite an easy one to work out, as is your ability or preference in driving an automatic or manual, working out luggage requirements can sometimes be tricky.
Both luggage and vehicles come in different sizes and shapes, finding a match can sometimes take a little planning. In general, most suppliers will have guidelines as to how many suitcases will fit in each category of car.
Category |
Example of vehicle |
Doors |
Comfortable Capacity |
Luggage Capacity |
Tips |
| Economy |
|
2-3 | 4 (2 adults, 2 children) |
1 large 1 small |
Small, agile and fuel efficient, economy rental cars are an excellent choice for short term travel and for travellers on a budget. |
| Compact |
|
3-5 | 4 (2 adults, 3 children) |
1 large 1 small |
Offers fuel economy and adequate storage space for luggage, accommodating about three small to medium-sized bags or suitcases. |
| Intermediate / Standard |
|
4/5 | 5 (4 adults, 1 child) |
2 large 1 small |
You can expect to comfortably fit 3-4 medium-sized bags or suitcases in a mid-size rental car. |
| Full Size |
|
4 | 5 (5 adults) |
2 large 1 small |
Rent a full size car and enjoy plenty of space. Comfortably travel with 4 medium-sized bags during your self-drive adventure, perfect for the family. |
| Standard Wagon |
|
5 | 4 (2 adults, 2 children) |
3 large 3 small |
Ideal for people travelling in groups of 3 or more, or those with extra luggage. Wagons can hold upto four large suitcases with room for a few smaller cases as well. |
| Standard size SUV |
|
5 | 5 (5 adults) |
3 large 2 small |
Sturdy and plenty of storage space, great for travelling with a family. An SUV sometimes also provides seating for 5 or more people. |
| Premium Van / People Mover |
|
5 | 7 - 12 | Depending on number of passengers | These vehicles offer more flexibility, however the size depends on the location you are travelling to. Most models feature folding rear seats so larger models can fit more bags when there are less passengers. |
| Convertible |
|
2 | 4 (2 adults, 2 children) |
2 small or 1 large | Convertibles are sleek, stylish and compact. They have minimal room for luggage, so capacity depends on how many passengers are in the vehicle. |
*Information in this table should be used as a guide only, size may vary depending on your rental location and availability.
If you are still unsure on the amount of luggage you will be able to fit into your rental car why not head into your closest dealer and have a first-hand look at the boot space your car will have!
Other Factors To Consider
- People & Luggage: Whilst most cars will 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 either plan to travel light or book a bigger size car.
- Location: If you are going to be based in a town or city, a compact car that is easier to park and manoeuvre will be more practical. On the other hand, if you are doing lots of driving, or heading to somewhere more rural then you may want to consider a larger car with a bigger engine. Also, generally cars are smaller in Europe because they are designed for shorter journeys and smaller roads. This means that in comparison to cars in Australia or the USA, leg and luggage room are at a premium in European rental cars. Consider choosing a larger category of vehicle in Europe than you would when renting a car in Australia or the USA.
- Budget: Everyone wants to save money when organising a holiday. So, it’s only natural you consider the overall cost of the type of vehicle you want to hire. If you’re on a budget, keep an eye out for fuel types and choose the more economical option (such as manual vs auto, or diesel vs petrol).
- Season / Climate: In the summer months your main concern will be air conditioning. It isn’t always guaranteed so make sure you check it is specified. Travelling in snowy conditions? You may need snow chains or winter tyres and a car that is easy to handle in such conditions.
- Equipment: If you are travelling to a winter resort remember to consider any sports equipment you may be taking with you. Ski gear is unlikely to fit into an economy size vehicle.
- Child Seats: If you are travelling with young children you must abide by the local laws. If you require a child seat, make sure you hire a car that can accommodate it with passengers and luggage.
Please note: The table above should be used as a guide only, as car model & luggage capacity cannot be guaranteed. Contact us for more information or to book your self-drive holiday today!
More Information
At DriveAway, we like to make sure that you are prepared and confident before going out on the road. Select the links below for more information which may be useful to you!