Economy cars are the best choice if you want to keep costs low, travel mainly in cities, or drive short distances. They usually seat up to 4 passengers, with space for 1 large and 1 small suitcase. Thanks to their compact size they are easy to park and typically offer the best fuel efficiency.
Use Economy car hire if you are travelling solo or as a couple with light luggage, or if you plan to drive mostly on paved roads and in busy city centers.
You can always switch to another vehicle type later in the search results. To return to the main overview, go back to the Home page, explore more ideas on the Top Locations page, or check airport options on Airport Rentals.
Compact cars are ideal if you want a bit more comfort than Economy but still need an easy-to-park vehicle. They generally seat up to 5 passengers and fit around 1 large and 1–2 small suitcases. Choose a Compact car if you are a small group, plan mixed city and short highway driving, or want a balance between price and space.
Intermediate (or mid-size) cars offer more legroom and luggage capacity, making them suitable for longer trips or 3–4 adults travelling together. They can usually hold 2 large and 1–2 small suitcases. Consider an Intermediate car if you expect to drive on highways, carry more luggage, or prefer extra comfort without stepping up to an SUV.
In the search results you will see examples of Compact and Intermediate models from different suppliers. Always check the luggage icons and passenger capacity before confirming your booking.
SUV and crossover rentals are popular for families, groups with extra luggage, or travellers who expect mixed driving conditions. You will typically get higher ground clearance, a more commanding driving position, and more flexible luggage space.
Choose an SUV if you need to transport 4–5 passengers comfortably, carry several large suitcases, or plan to drive on country roads and in changing weather. Some SUVs offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4x4; always check the vehicle details in the offer if this is important for your trip.
For winter or mountain destinations, look out for offers that include winter tyres, snow chains, or other seasonal equipment in the rental conditions.
8–9 seater vans are designed for larger groups, team trips or family holidays when you want everyone in one vehicle. They typically seat up to 8 or 9 passengers and allow for multiple large suitcases, though luggage space can vary a lot depending on the exact model and how many seats are in use.
Consider a van if you would otherwise need two smaller cars or if you are travelling with children and a lot of equipment (strollers, sports gear, musical instruments, etc.). Keep in mind that vans are larger to park and drive, especially in narrow city streets or old town centers.
Before you book a van, check:
- How many suitcases can fit when all seats are occupied.
- Whether you need an automatic or manual transmission.
- Any additional driver or young driver fees for your group.
In some destinations, vans are in high demand, especially during school holidays. We recommend booking early to secure the best price and availability.
Luxury and premium cars are ideal for special occasions, business trips or when you simply want a more comfortable and stylish driving experience. This category can include premium sedans, coupes, convertibles and high-end SUVs, depending on the destination.
When comparing luxury offers, pay particular attention to:
- Included mileage and fuel policy.
- Deposit amount and card requirements.
- Insurance coverage and any excess for damage or theft.
Luxury vehicles may require a higher deposit and often need a credit card in the main driver’s name. Please review the rental conditions carefully before confirming.
When comparing car rental offers, do not forget the extras you may need. Common add-ons include:
- Child and baby seats.
- GPS or navigation systems.
- Additional drivers.
- Wi‑Fi devices.
- Snow chains or winter equipment (seasonal).
The availability and price of each extra depend on the local supplier and destination. In the search results, select your extras and review whether they are paid at the desk or online with the booking.
Rental conditions to check carefully before booking:
- Driver age limits and any young or senior driver fees.
- Deposit and credit card requirements.
- Fuel and mileage policies (for example, full-to-full and unlimited mileage).
- Cross-border or one-way travel rules.
For detailed explanations, visit our FAQ & Support page, where you can find answers to common questions about deposits, insurance, changes and cancellations.
You have now seen the main vehicle types available with CarScanner.eu: Economy, Compact, Intermediate, SUV, vans and Luxury cars. The next step is to run a search with your pick-up location, dates and driver details so we can show you real-time offers from our network of over 1,700 suppliers.
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