How to Pick the Right Rental Car for Your Next Trip

You don't want to drive off in an economy model when you need ample passenger or baggage space. Or pull away in a full-size SUV if you're alone and want to save on gas. No matter where you're heading or who you're traveling with, there are some things you should consider before making a reservation. In this handy guide, we cover the key things you need to know about how to pick the right rental car for your next trip.

Who's riding with you?

The number of passengers riding with you, and the size of your rental car are the most impotant factors when deciding which model to rent. For example, when you’re traveling with your spouse and two children, a four-seater with ample trunk space is a good choice. But if other family members or friends are planning on joining you, you’ll need to make sure you have extra seats available

Generally, the different types of car class are:

• Compact/Economy – four seats, ideal for two adults and two children
• Mid-Size – five seats, can fit four adults and one child
• Full-Size (Premium, Luxury, or SUV cars) – five seats, suitable for five adults
• MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) – up to seven seats, perfect for larger groups

With Hertz, you can see exactly how many seats a car has on the rental page.

How much luggage are you taking?

Trunk space is another important factor when choosing a rental car. A quick business trip on your own requires far less luggage than a cross-country trip with a family of five. Take time to think about everything you're packing to get an idea of how much room you’ll need. All your cargo will have to go in the trunk, as roof bars or boxes are rarely available on Hertz rental cars.

The most common car rental categories typically accommodate the following number of suitcases:

• Compact/Economy: One large, one small
• Mid-Size: One large, two small
• Full-Size: Two large, three small
• Premium: Three large, two small
• Luxury: Four large, two small
• SUV: Five large

What is your fuel budget?

Tempted to hit the road in a V8 but don’t want to waste most of your vacation budget on gas? Consider how fuel-efficient a car is before renting it. Smaller engines usually require less gas than large vehicles. How about an eco-friendly drive? Hybrid or electric cars are affordable options and better for the environment.

Check out our fuel policy to learn about the refueling options available.

Where are you traveling?

Your destination is another thing to consider when renting a car. If you're mainly driving in the city, then choose the smallest rental car that can comfortably accommodate your passengers and luggage. Smaller cars are easier to maneuver in tight spots. And they typically have better fuel economy for driving in areas with busy traffic. On the other hand, a crossover or SUV is more suitable if you're heading to the beach or the ski slopes, as it provides space for extra gear and offers a better off-road driving experience.

When renting a car in Europe, be aware that European rentals tend to be smaller than American rentals in the same categories. Research the sizes of the vehicles offered to see if you need to choose a  larger size than you would need in the US.

Before reserving a hybrid or electric car - check how accessible EV stations are in the region you’re visiting to avoid range anxiety. 

What's on your list of must-have features?

You may want your rental cat to come with certain comforts to make the journey more enjoyable. On a business trip, you may need the ability to connect your smartphone to the dashboard's interface. In many cases, you can check the manufacturer's website to see the bells and whistles that come as standard features versus those that are optional. Examples of additional features that might be important to you include GPS navigation, internet hotspots, satellite radio, child safety seats, and child lock doors.

Where will you pick up your car rental?

Even if you're flying into an airport that has an onsite car rental, you might want to rent away from the airport. Depending on the location and date, off-airport rental offices often have a better selection available. Researching offsite locations also provides you with a backup option, even if you plan to pick up your ride at the airport. AAA members are often eligible for rental car discounts - regardless of the pickup location.

What are your top car rental tips? Share them with us on Facebook and pick up new ideas for your next trip on the open road.

Don’t forget that we encourage you to be responsible. Don’t drink and drive. Read all of our Safety Tips and Rental Terms for further guidance.