Choose the right rental car

Rental car luggage planner.

Count the people and bags coming with you. Get a practical shortlist, then compare live offers here. The planner suggests what to investigate; the supplier confirms the actual vehicle and space.

Count your travellers and bags

Your trip, packed

Make room for the journey.

Count everyone travelling, then add what you need to carry.

Travellers

Include children and infants

2

Large cases

1

Medium cases

0

Cabin bags

2

For example, a bike box, skis or a large mobility aid. Check the item and vehicle dimensions.

Your load at a glance

Editorial guide
Large 1
Medium 0
Cabin 2

A sensible starting point

Compact car or larger

A starting category with room to compare the actual vehicle details.

Suggested starting point: Compact car or larger. A starting category with room to compare the actual vehicle details.

  • 2 travellers need a seat, including children and infants.
  • 3 bags need usable luggage space with the seats you will use upright.
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How this suggestion works

We start with a seat for every traveller. One or two people with few bags can start at economy; three or four start at compact; five start at intermediate. Six to eight need a people carrier or minibus with at least that many seats.

For smaller groups, two large cases, four bags, a pram or oversized gear set at least an intermediate starting point. Four large cases or seven bags call for more luggage space. We always keep whichever starting point is higher: the passenger requirement or the luggage requirement.

Six large cases or ten bags trigger a larger vehicle or split-car check. For six to eight travellers, that check starts at three large cases, five bags, oversized gear, or a pram plus three bags. Eight travellers reach it with three bags. These are conservative editorial rules, not boot measurements or a fit promise.

  • Check the actual vehicle's luggage dimensions and your largest item's dimensions.
  • Confirm the seat layout, luggage space with required seats upright, and supplier terms.
  • An "or similar" listing does not guarantee the pictured model.

What the categories are trying to tell you

Economy

Best for one or two travellers with a disciplined luggage load. Easy to park, but rear-seat and boot space can be limited.

Compact

A useful middle ground for couples or small groups who need more boot space without a large exterior.

Intermediate

More passenger comfort and luggage flexibility for longer driving days or several adults.

SUV

The label alone does not promise more boot space, extra seats or permission for unsealed roads. Compare the actual seating and luggage configuration.

People carrier

Check the exact seat count and luggage space with every seat you need in use. A seven-seat vehicle can have much less boot space with its rear row occupied.

Estate or wagon

Can offer practical boot length for a touring trip, subject to the actual model supplied.

Allow a margin

Measure rigid cases and a folded pram including wheels and handles. Ask about the boot with all required seats upright, and check child-seat width when several seats share a row. Keep luggage secured and visibility clear. An advertised capacity or an “or similar” vehicle picture cannot confirm that exact arrangement.

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