What is considered a compact car rental?

Compact cars offer slightly more legroom, headroom, and cargo space than subcompact cars, making them more attractive for longer trips and daily use.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or spending a week in a big city, renting a compact car can be a smart and practical decision. Compact vehicles save on fuel, are easy to handle, and don’t break the bank, making them a go-to choice for solo travelers, couples, and small groups on a budget.

This guide defines what qualifies as a compact car, how it compares to other vehicle classes, and the pros and cons of renting one.

What is a compact car?

A compact car is a vehicle class that falls between subcompact and mid-size vehicles in terms of size, interior space, and features. Compact cars generally have four doors and are designed to comfortably seat four passengers, though many models can accommodate up to five adults.

Additionally, compact cars often come equipped with more features than basic economy models, including upgraded interiors and advanced safety technology.

The benefits of renting a compact car

Compact cars are known for balancing fuel efficiency, comfort, and affordability. Compact cars offer slightly more interior space–especially legroom, headroom, and cargo space–making them more attractive for longer trips and everyday use.

Fuel efficiency is one of the key advantages of compact cars, which saves money in the long run. This is especially true on trips involving long-distance driving and in destinations with high gas prices.

Compact cars are also just that–compact–which means they're better equipped at maneuvering between lanes, navigating narrow roads, and squeezing into tight parking spaces or high-traffic areas. They’re a less bulky option than full-size vehicles, providing just the right amount of space for a small number of passengers.

Helping you compare: Compact cars

Pros

• Fuel efficient
• Affordable
• Easy to park
• Responsive handling
• Lower emissions
• More cargo space and horsepower than subcompact vehicles

Cons

• Less cargo space and horsepower than mid-size vehicles
• Basic features compared to larger models
• Not ideal for large groups or families (i.e. 5+ passengers)
• Less comfortable on long trips

Types of compact cars

The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Hyundai Accent, Kia Forte, and Nissan Versa are all examples of compact cars.

A brief breakdown of rental car categories

A compact car is essentially a group type in car rental categories. Here’s a quick breakdown of different rental car categories and what they mean.

Small

Fuel-efficient, economy-class vehicles that typically feature weaker engines but better maneuverability.

Medium

Slightly larger vehicles with good fuel efficiency. Compact cars fall in the medium car category. Additional classes include intermediate and mid-size vehicles, including some SUVs.

Large

The roomiest rental car category provides ample trunk and passenger space. Classes include intermediate cars, standard-size cars, pickups, full-size vehicles, and SUVs.

Premium

High-end, often stylish vehicles with top-of-the-line features. Classes include premium, luxury, convertible, and SUV vehicles.

Why "or similar" appears next to every compact rental car model

Rental agencies cannot promise that a specific make and model of car will be available when you arrive to pick it up. Instead, during the reservation process, you book a rental car type. That way, if your preferred model is unavailable, you can still receive a similar vehicle with features and specifications comparable to the model you initially chose, such as the number of seats and special features.

FAQs

1. What is considered a compact car rental?

At rental agencies, compact cars are typically small hatchbacks (vehicles with rear doors that open upward) or saloons that are larger than economy vehicles but smaller than mid-size vehicles. Compact cars feature four doors, good fuel efficiency, and are generally more affordable than larger vehicles – making them a wise choice among budget-conscious travelers with limited luggage.

2. What qualifies as a compact car?

A compact car is categorized according to its size and fuel efficiency.

In Europe, compact cars are part of the C-segment car classification. In Britain, they are known as small family cars.

To qualify as a compact car in the US, vehicles must include the following features:

• Seats for four passengers
• Between 98.9 and 109.5 cubic feet of interior space
• Between 13.5 and 15.6 feet in length

Vehicles that are larger than the measurements above qualify as mid-size cars, while anything smaller is considered a subcompact car.

3. What does compact mean in car rental?

The term "compact" refers to the size of the vehicle, which falls somewhere between subcompact and mid- or full-size cars.

4. What is the best compact car?

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are well-rounded models that earn consistently high ratings due to their reliability, comfort, and safety features. The Hybrid models of both offer particularly good fuel economy. If you’re concerned about looks, the sporty Kia Forte features a more stylish exterior.

As with any car class, compact car models each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The ideal choice depends on your personal needs and preferences.