Economy Vs. Compact Car Rental Definitions

A Hyundai Accent is considered an economy car.

When renting a car, the consumer is given a choice regarding size of vehicle. Choices range from very small cars to large trucks. There is not a standard definition within the car rental industry regarding automobile sizes.

Sub-Compact

A few rental car companies have a sub-compact category. According to Avis, a sub-compact seats four people and the equivalent of one suitcase and one briefcase. It does not have cruise control.

Economy

Car rental companies that don't offer sub-compacts usually offer economy cars. Budget, for example, rents economy cars that seat five people, and has room for a small, medium and large bag.

Compact

Compact car rentals are usually slightly bigger than sub-compact or economy cars. According to Budget, they seat five and have room for two small, two medium and one large bag. Enterprise agrees that the compact has slightly more room.

Mileage

According to Avis and Budget, sub-compact cars get approximately 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Economy and compact vehicles, according to Budget, get about 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Price

As of 2010, the price difference between levels of sub-compact, compact and economy cars is usually about $1 per day.

References

• Avis: Select A Car
• Budget: Small Car Rental
• Enterprise: U.S. Rental Car Classes