Ready for a getaway but not sure where to start? The right travel inspiration makes planning your next adventure a breeze. From vibrant cities to secluded beaches, KAYAK helps you discover it all. Explore our guides to uncover the best vacation destinations.
Ready for a getaway but not sure where to start? The right travel inspiration makes planning your next adventure a breeze. From vibrant cities to secluded beaches, KAYAK helps you discover it all. Explore our guides to uncover the best vacation destinations.
Think you know the best places to visit in the U.S.? Think again. Our U.S. travel guides will inspire you to look beyond the major attractions. Discover the unique hidden gems that make exploring America such a treat.
With so many incredible places to visit around the world, choosing your next travel destination can be tough. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Get inspired to explore somewhere new with our guides to the best vacation spots and must-visit destinations.
Whether you prefer warm weather or chilly climates, there’s always a perfect season to travel. From January to December, near or far, our guides will inspire you to choose the best destinations for every time of year.
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new and unique experiences. From breathtaking natural wonders to curated excursions, unforgettable adventures await – no matter where you’re headed or what you love to do.
At KAYAK, we offer the best tools to help you travel smarter and make confident decisions about where to go and how to get there. From finding the best deals to sparking travel inspiration, from metasearch to budget planning, our tools take the hassle out of booking your next trip.
Great food is one of the best reasons to travel abroad. But the top foodie destinations might surprise you. From street eats to fine dining, our travel guides will get your taste buds tingling and inspire your next culinary adventure.
Everyone deserves to travel freely and without discrimination. However, accessible travel isn’t always easy, and varying laws can make visiting new destinations challenging for LGBTQ+ travelers. Find insight and inspiration through travel stories from the KAYAK community, shared by fellow explorers.
Air travel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Busy airports, cramped planes, and long flights are much easier to manage when you know what to expect. From flight guides to air travel tips, find the essentials that make every journey smoother.
Air travel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Busy airports, cramped planes, and long flights are much easier to manage when you know what to expect. From flight guides to air travel tips, find the essentials that make every journey smoother.
Not all airlines offer the same level of service, which is why there are so many flight options to choose from. Let us clear up the confusion with tips and tricks to help you understand flight classes and make the right booking decisions.
Does navigating airports fill you with dread? You’re not alone. Our airport guides offer practical advice on everything from security to duty-free shopping. Discover tips to get you to your gate smoothly, whether you’re at a small regional strip or a sprawling multi-terminal hub.
Whether you travel light or pack a wardrobe on wheels, smart packing tips can save you hassle every time you head out on an adventure. From understanding luggage size restrictions to decoding baggage fees, our guides show you how to pack efficiently for any flight and more.
Planning your next international adventure? Don’t forget your travel documents! Our detailed passport guides cover everything you need for smooth international travel – from applying for the right visas and documents to essential passport tips that simplify your journey.
Did someone say road trip? Our car rental guides will help you hit the road in comfort and style – whether it’s a sleek convertible or a family-friendly 4×4. First, navigate the maze of car types, insurance options, and driving rules. Here’s how.
Did someone say road trip? Our car rental guides will help you hit the road in comfort and style – whether it’s a sleek convertible or a family-friendly 4×4. First, navigate the maze of car types, insurance options, and driving rules. Here’s how.
Before you get behind the wheel of a rental car, make sure you’ve got the essentials covered. From choosing the right model to understanding those often-confusing rental car insurance options, here’s everything you need to know.
The rules of the road vary from country to country. If you’re planning to drive abroad, it’s essential to know what to expect before getting behind the wheel. Check out our tips for driving safely overseas, from understanding international car rental rules to navigating local traffic customs.
Can you hear the call of the open road? From epic cross-country adventures to scenic coastal drives, our road trip guides are here to fuel your wanderlust. Discover tips and ideas for planning your route, packing your car, and finding the best pit stops along the way.
Not all hotels are created equal. From cozy B&Bs and convenient roadside motels to luxurious resorts, our recommendations help you find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging, here’s how to book your next favorite home away from home.
Not all hotels are created equal. From cozy B&Bs and convenient roadside motels to luxurious resorts, our recommendations help you find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging, here’s how to book your next favorite home away from home.
Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. From understanding hotel types to scoring the best deals, knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a restful night and a travel nightmare. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Discover the best places to stay around the world. Our expert-curated hotel recommendations make it easy to find the perfect accommodation for your next trip. Looking for luxury, something budget-friendly, or a mix of both? Our guides will help you uncover the best hotels wherever you’re headed.
Explore the world without breaking the bank. Our budget travel guides help you save on flights, accommodations, meals and activities. Discover affordable destinations, learn how to travel smart on a budget, and unlock the secrets to cost-effective adventures that don’t skimp on fun.
Explore the world without breaking the bank. Our budget travel guides help you save on flights, accommodations, meals and activities. Discover affordable destinations, learn how to travel smart on a budget, and unlock the secrets to cost-effective adventures that don’t skimp on fun.
Travel can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help you see the world without breaking the bank. O ur budget travel tips show you how to find cheap flights, save on accommodations, and make every dollar count.
From budget-friendly European cities to sun-soaked Southeast Asian getaways, there are plenty of affordable places to travel – if you know where and when to go. The best budget destinations are often the most fun, too. See for yourself!
They say knowledge is power. The KAYAK Newsroom keeps you informed with the latest travel industry updates, so you know what’s happening in the places you want to explore. Stay up to date with news about KAYAK, our travel tools, trending destinations and more.
Ready for a getaway but not sure where to start? The right travel inspiration makes planning your next adventure a breeze. From vibrant cities to secluded beaches, KAYAK helps you discover it all. Explore our guides to uncover the best vacation destinations.
Ready for a getaway but not sure where to start? The right travel inspiration makes planning your next adventure a breeze. From vibrant cities to secluded beaches, KAYAK helps you discover it all. Explore our guides to uncover the best vacation destinations.
Think you know the best places to visit in the U.S.? Think again. Our U.S. travel guides will inspire you to look beyond the major attractions. Discover the unique hidden gems that make exploring America such a treat.
With so many incredible places to visit around the world, choosing your next travel destination can be tough. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Get inspired to explore somewhere new with our guides to the best vacation spots and must-visit destinations.
Whether you prefer warm weather or chilly climates, there’s always a perfect season to travel. From January to December, near or far, our guides will inspire you to choose the best destinations for every time of year.
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new and unique experiences. From breathtaking natural wonders to curated excursions, unforgettable adventures await – no matter where you’re headed or what you love to do.
At KAYAK, we offer the best tools to help you travel smarter and make confident decisions about where to go and how to get there. From finding the best deals to sparking travel inspiration, from metasearch to budget planning, our tools take the hassle out of booking your next trip.
Great food is one of the best reasons to travel abroad. But the top foodie destinations might surprise you. From street eats to fine dining, our travel guides will get your taste buds tingling and inspire your next culinary adventure.
Everyone deserves to travel freely and without discrimination. However, accessible travel isn’t always easy, and varying laws can make visiting new destinations challenging for LGBTQ+ travelers. Find insight and inspiration through travel stories from the KAYAK community, shared by fellow explorers.
Air travel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Busy airports, cramped planes, and long flights are much easier to manage when you know what to expect. From flight guides to air travel tips, find the essentials that make every journey smoother.
Air travel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Busy airports, cramped planes, and long flights are much easier to manage when you know what to expect. From flight guides to air travel tips, find the essentials that make every journey smoother.
Not all airlines offer the same level of service, which is why there are so many flight options to choose from. Let us clear up the confusion with tips and tricks to help you understand flight classes and make the right booking decisions.
Does navigating airports fill you with dread? You’re not alone. Our airport guides offer practical advice on everything from security to duty-free shopping. Discover tips to get you to your gate smoothly, whether you’re at a small regional strip or a sprawling multi-terminal hub.
Whether you travel light or pack a wardrobe on wheels, smart packing tips can save you hassle every time you head out on an adventure. From understanding luggage size restrictions to decoding baggage fees, our guides show you how to pack efficiently for any flight and more.
Planning your next international adventure? Don’t forget your travel documents! Our detailed passport guides cover everything you need for smooth international travel – from applying for the right visas and documents to essential passport tips that simplify your journey.
Did someone say road trip? Our car rental guides will help you hit the road in comfort and style – whether it’s a sleek convertible or a family-friendly 4×4. First, navigate the maze of car types, insurance options, and driving rules. Here’s how.
Did someone say road trip? Our car rental guides will help you hit the road in comfort and style – whether it’s a sleek convertible or a family-friendly 4×4. First, navigate the maze of car types, insurance options, and driving rules. Here’s how.
Before you get behind the wheel of a rental car, make sure you’ve got the essentials covered. From choosing the right model to understanding those often-confusing rental car insurance options, here’s everything you need to know.
The rules of the road vary from country to country. If you’re planning to drive abroad, it’s essential to know what to expect before getting behind the wheel. Check out our tips for driving safely overseas, from understanding international car rental rules to navigating local traffic customs.
Can you hear the call of the open road? From epic cross-country adventures to scenic coastal drives, our road trip guides are here to fuel your wanderlust. Discover tips and ideas for planning your route, packing your car, and finding the best pit stops along the way.
Not all hotels are created equal. From cozy B&Bs and convenient roadside motels to luxurious resorts, our recommendations help you find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging, here’s how to book your next favorite home away from home.
Not all hotels are created equal. From cozy B&Bs and convenient roadside motels to luxurious resorts, our recommendations help you find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging, here’s how to book your next favorite home away from home.
Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. From understanding hotel types to scoring the best deals, knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a restful night and a travel nightmare. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Discover the best places to stay around the world. Our expert-curated hotel recommendations make it easy to find the perfect accommodation for your next trip. Looking for luxury, something budget-friendly, or a mix of both? Our guides will help you uncover the best hotels wherever you’re headed.
Explore the world without breaking the bank. Our budget travel guides help you save on flights, accommodations, meals and activities. Discover affordable destinations, learn how to travel smart on a budget, and unlock the secrets to cost-effective adventures that don’t skimp on fun.
Explore the world without breaking the bank. Our budget travel guides help you save on flights, accommodations, meals and activities. Discover affordable destinations, learn how to travel smart on a budget, and unlock the secrets to cost-effective adventures that don’t skimp on fun.
Travel can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help you see the world without breaking the bank. O ur budget travel tips show you how to find cheap flights, save on accommodations, and make every dollar count.
From budget-friendly European cities to sun-soaked Southeast Asian getaways, there are plenty of affordable places to travel – if you know where and when to go. The best budget destinations are often the most fun, too. See for yourself!
They say knowledge is power. The KAYAK Newsroom keeps you informed with the latest travel industry updates, so you know what’s happening in the places you want to explore. Stay up to date with news about KAYAK, our travel tools, trending destinations and more.
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 comparison
Economy
Premium
Premium SUV
Passenger van
Passengers
4
5
5 to 7
8 to 12
Bag capacity
2
4
4+
7+
Examples
Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage
Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Impala
Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia
Examples: Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage
Highlights: Economy cars typically have low rates and great fuel efficiency, and are slightly smaller than compact cars.
Compact
Passengers: 2
Bags: 2
Examples: Ford Focus, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris
Highlights: Compact cars feature low rates and great fuel efficiency, with slightly more room than economy cars.
Intermediate / Mid-size / Standard
Passengers: 5
Bags: 3-4
Examples: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta
Highlights: Intermediate cars, also commonly known as mid-size or standard 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.
Full-size / Premium
Passengers: 5
Bags: 4
Examples: Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Impala
Highlights: Full-size cars are four-door sedans that comfortably seat 5 passengers with luggage. Premium cars may come with more features.
Luxury
Passengers: 5
Bags: 4
Examples: Audi A4, Chrysler 300, BMW 5 series, Cadillac XTS, Lincoln Continental
Highlights: 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
Passengers: 2-4
Bags: 2
Examples: Audi A5, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, BMW 4-series
Highlights: 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
Passengers: 5
Bags: 3
Examples: Kia Sportage, Nissan Juke, Ford Eco Sport
Highlights: Like regular compact cars, compact SUVs offer low rates and good fuel efficiency in SUV form.
Intermediate / Mid-size / Standard SUV
Passengers: 5
Bags: 4
Examples: Audi Q5, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape
Highlights: Intermediate SUVs, sometimes called mid-size or standard SUVs, are easy to drive and feature large interiors.
Full-size / Premium SUV
Passengers: 7-8
Bags: 5
Examples: Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia
Highlights: Full-size SUVs comfortably seat 7 or 8 passengers with ample room for luggage. Premium SUVs may come with more features.
Luxury SUV
Passengers: 5-7
Bags: 3-5
Examples: Audi Q3, Infiniti QX80, Cadillac Escalade
Highlights: Luxury SUVs range in size, but come with higher end performance engines and luxury interiors.
Minivan
Passengers: 7-8
Bags: 5
Examples: Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest
Highlights: Minivans can comfortably seat 7 or 8 passengers depending on the model, and are perfect for long road trips with several people.
Passenger van
Passengers: 8-12
Bags: 7
Examples: Ford E-Series, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV
Highlights: 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
Passengers: 4
Bags: 3-4
Examples: Nissan Frontier, Ford F-150, Dodge Ram
Highlights: Pickup trucks can vary in size between smaller and larger models that offer more cargo space and towing capability.
Hybrid
Passengers: 5
Bags: 3
Examples: Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid
Highlights: Hybrid cars feature a combination of conventional engine and electric power, and come in several sizes depending on your needs and budget.
Electric
Passengers: 5
Bags: 2-4
Examples: Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S
Highlights: Electric cars feature entirely electric motors, and come in a few sizes with different features depending on your needs and budget.
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
Passengers: 2-4
Bags: 2
Examples: Fiat 500, Peugeot 108, Kia Picanto
Highlights: Mini cars are typically hatchbacks with two to four doors that can fit two adults and two children, and 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 with hatchback trunks that can comfortably seat up to 5 passengers with luggage. These can also vary in performance and luxury features.
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.
Jeanifer BreklingGrowing up in Alaska, Jeanifer took the beauty of its nature for granted. Now that she lives in a more cosmopolitan place, Jeanifer loves to get back to nature wherever she goes, with hiking, camping, snowboarding and diving always a highlight. As a mother of three, Jeanifer is always looking for new places to go that the whole family will enjoy. Follow Jeanifer on Linkedin for more travel inspiration.
California consumers have the right to opt out of the sale* of their personal information. For more information on how we securely process personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Do not sell my info
* The definition of "sale" under the California Consumer Privacy Act is applicable only to California consumers.