Whenever anyone travels, they’re faced with a whole slew of decisions to make. Not only are they deciding where they want to go, but they’re also trying to figure out where they’ll eat, where they’ll stay, which flight to take, whether to fly or drive and more. One of the decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of rental car you’ll want to use.
Usually – this boils down to a choice between two types of cars: Standard rental cars and full-sized rental cars. Now bear in mind, some companies have other classifications – mid-sized, compact, etc. – so these aren’t ‘standard’ so to speak. But at the end of the day, branding, make, model and all – you’re going to have to decide whether you want a bigger car or a smaller car.
Standard rental cars
Also known as Mid-size or intermediate, standard rental cars usually fit about 4-5 people comfortably with some additional space for luggage. They get outstanding gas mileage and are easy for just about any traveler to handle.
Full size rental cars
Full size rental cars are typically bigger and more spacious. Although most commonly associated with them – Full-size does not always mean ‘SUV’. They’re more correctly defined as larger, four door passenger vehicles that seat up to five passengers with plenty of space for luggage. There’s more leg room and space, making them the perfect choice for long trips with other people.
They tend to run you a little more money – as it costs more to fuel them and they typically only get around 23-30 miles per gallon. It really comes down to whether you want comfort or care more about your budget.
What should I go with?
At the end of the day, what matters most is your trip and the purpose behind it. If it’s to take your time, relax and have fun, then plunking the $25 or so extra for the bigger, more comfortable car is worth it. Or – if you know you’ll be driving around a lot.
A smaller car is probably a better idea if you’re not going to be driving much and simply want something to get you from A to B. It’s probably better for you in an urban environment, too – as it’s smaller size will be able to help you navigate the sometimes tricky contours of your average city.
By contrast, the full-size car is probably a better bet if you’re heading into the countryside or going camping. It’ll be better able to handle the rougher conditions, go more places and give you that little bit extra comfort.
In the end, it’s all your call. It’s your trip, so make the best choice for you! Safe travels!
