History. It’s just a tool to get us from A to B; we never want to spend any more time than necessary in one. It's not really common to upgrade to this category just for space, usually you would pick up this option for a more comfortable ride as well. But standard SUVs, like a Ford Explorer, are always classified as such. Typical mid-size vehicles might include a Pontiac Grand Am or a Nissan Altima. These are the most common types of cars that you could find at practically any rental shop. The smallest cars – models such as the Chevy Aveo, Kia Rio, Ford Focus and Hyundai Accent – are the cheapest to rent and have great gas mileage. A compact car at one agency might be midsize at another. Each company uses different car brands and types, so you need to ensure you know what type of car you are obtaining. What is the difference between a midsize and standard rental car? © 1999 - 2021 Express Internet Technologies Inc. A standard SUV rental is a fantastic way to travel with your family or friends. We offer renters a variety of cars suitable for any budget and occasion. Variations. That said, we will upgrade if needed for space or extra people. Also known as Mid-size or intermediate, standard rental cars usually … Small, agile and fuel efficient, economy rental cars are an excellent choice for short term travel and for travelers on a budget. Many businesses actually go a little higher in class, choosing an 'intermediate' sized car, which still isn't a behemoth but offers a little more leg room and space than the smaller classes. Full-size isn’t necessarily the best choice for a long distance road trip, but a good size for driving around town once you’ve flown in and just need a car to get around. We often rent the cheapest car, because we care little about a rental car on vacation. Dollar offers a large selection of high-quality rental vehicles designed to make getting to your destination comfortable and fun. Amongst the standards produced by ACRISS is the Car Classification Code. - My wife and I will spend 5 days driving around Provence, France. The reality is that full-size may not meet the needs of a larger family or if the entire traveling party is comprised of adults. The framework for this decision changes when the car is going to be used for another purpose. The extra room needed for those special long distance family outings. If you desire a convertible for your California or Florida road trip, have a wedding function to attend or need to impress a business colleague, this category meets the needs of those with the ability to travel in style and comfort. It can handle most kinds of terrain and weather and has plenty of room for all to ride comfortably. Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. At Dollar, this size includes cars such as the Ford Fusion and Dodge Avenger. If you choose to rent a standard car, the ‘or similar’ options will be other standard cars. OUR RESPONSIBILITY When you're ready to travel, we want you to feel confident and safe. With our mid-size and standard SUV rental expect a Ford Compass, Hyundai Santa Fe or similar vehicle with enough … With enough seat and trunk room for long road trips or family vacations. Economy Car Rentals. Some shops may refer to them as mid-size or intermediate, and you should note that these terms may be used interchangeably with standard cars. When renting a car, nearly everyone looks at the pricing as the primary deciding factor. By taking into consideration the length and purpose of your trip, you'll better understand your options when choosing a car size category. The Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards (ACRISS) is an industry body for car rental companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Standard Car Rental Class, like intermediate class, also represents mid-sized cars. Most of us are familiar with the car rental for a business trip; you hop off of the plane, hit the car rental counter and either take the smallest, cheapest car available or you simply accept whatever type of car your company has already set up. Five people can fit a little more comfortably than in the smaller classes, and there is room for more luggage, but gas mileage decreases as the car gets bigger. Based in Toronto, Tanya Gulliver has been writing professionally for more than 20 years. Although most commonly associated with them – Full-size does not always mean … For those who do want to move up to the luxury class, it's understood that these cars offer more amenities and comfort, and usually come with more power under the hood. Obtain one in advance or look for Internet specials when booking. A compact car is no match for the travelling needs of two adults and a couple of kids, and a road trip becomes much less fun when the entire trip is cramped. Of course, if you are the one footing the bill, you might think twice about renting too much car for a couple of days. But considering the usage that you may have planned for the vehicle, going on price alone might not be the best decision. Here are some examples of standard cars. Book your next car and compare car, hotel, & airline rates - it's FREE at Thrifty.com. Rental car companies use a variety of labels to indicate the size of their cars. Want to keep those costs low? Current ACRISS … Standard rental cars usually refer to typical sedans, mini-vans, and coupés. For those who need more passenger space or are heading into rougher terrain, there are SUVs, both intermediate and standard, as well as minivans. Many rental companies also offer customer loyalty or membership cards that provide free upgrades to members. United States - Rental cars: difference between FULL SIZE and STANDARD - Usually, I just rent a compact, but this time am looking for a large car for more luggage. They get outstanding gas mileage and are easy for just about any traveler to handle. It will have four doors, never two, and more trunk space. They are often recommended as a large family car in the rental car world. Enterprise: Rent-A-Car Vehicles in the US, Dollar: Find a Rental Car - Results for United States, Travelocity: Get Great Deals on Car Rentals. Choose from a variety of rental car options and types including sedans, SUVs, trucks and vans. ACRISS was formed in 1989 by Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz. Next to an SUV or van, full-size cars have the most storage room and passenger capacity. It will offer you a little more leg room and trunk space than an economy car.