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Contact Our Reservation Specialists

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CAR RENTAL: ECONOMY VS. COMPACT

Compare Car Rental Rates

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Driver Age 25-69

Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25 and 70+ at the time of rental. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further details.

Economy vs Compact Rental Car

If you're wondering about the differences between economy and compact car rental options then you've come to the right place. In the short guide below we provide a quick comparison of an economy vs compact car. We hope this guide will help answer your questions about the passenger capacity, trunk space, gas mileage and more common questions to help you decide on renting an economy or compact car for your trip.

Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the vehicle that's right for you:

Economy Class Car Rentals Small sedan ideal for in-town driving. Perfect for couples and young families on a budget.	Compact Class Car Rentals Slightly larger sedan ideal for in-town driving. Well-suited for short day-trips & family adventures.
Number of Doors Economy cars will typically have 2 doors, though some small sedans may also have 4 doors.	Number of Doors Compact cars typically have 4 doors. Sometimes available as a compact hatchback or wagon.
Seating Capacity Up to 4 occupants, comfortable for 1-2 adults & small children.	Seating Capacity Up to 5 occupants, comfortable for 1-5 adults or adults with adolescent children.
Luggage Capacity Comfortably accommodates several small bags or a medium suitcase and several small carry-on bags.	Luggage Capacity Approximately 12-14 cubic feet of luggage space. Room for one large suitcase, medium suitcase and several small carry-on bags.
Fuel Economy Varies by model - typically 30-35 mpg or better.	Fuel Economy Varies by model - typically 25-30 mpg or better.
Rental Cost Typically your most affordable choice along with our mini-class car rental options.	Rental Cost Generally one of the best values providing rates similar to economy with slightly more space.

Popular Economy and Compact Car Rental Options

Now that we've broken down the differences between economy and compact cars, lets take a look at some of the most popular models in our car rental fleet. Click through to learn more about each specific model and find pricing for your next trip!

Top Economy Car Rentals
Audi A1	Chrysler 200	Chevy Spark
Ford Fiesta	Hyundai Accent	Toyota Yaris

Top Compact Car Rentals
Audi A3	BMW 1 Series	Fiat 500L
Hyundai i30	Mercedes A Class	Toyota Corolla

The Difference Between Economy and Compact Rental Cars

The biggest difference between an economy car and a compact car is the size. While both vehicle classes are generally very affordable to rent and drive (offering great fuel efficiency), economy cars are generally slightly smaller than their compact counterparts. Depending upon the size of your party, where you're traveling, how much time you'll spend in your car and how much luggage you have, the right rental car for you may vary.

Economy vs Compact Rental Car Comparison

At Auto Europe, we work with a range of local car rental suppliers, offering our clients a choice of rental cars in every class from trusted brands like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and many more. This means that the actual size and storage capacity of the car you're renting may vary slightly in either the economy or compact car class.

Is an Economy or Compact Car Rental the Best Choice for You?

Now that you have a better sense of the difference between compact and economy rental cars the choice will come down to price, availability and (for most people), choosing a brand of car that they recognize as being trustworthy and reliable and selecting the extra features (automatic transmission, etc.) that will make their driving experience more relaxed and comfortable.

The great thing is that Auto Europe's online booking engine allows you to quickly compare economy and compact rental cars based on the options that are most important to you:

Price
Make and model of the car
Size of the car
Pick-up location
Type of transmission
Local supplier service rating

And a variety of other criteria. The great part about choosing between a compact and an economy rental car with Auto Europe is that you have all the information you need to make the best choice and score the best deal on the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Search, Compare & Save

Ready to find your car and compare rates between trusted brands? Enter your trip details in the search form at the top of this page and find the best price and features on the economy or compact rental car of your choice!