Car hire categories are standardised groupings that rental companies use to classify vehicles by size, passenger capacity, and luggage space. Rather than booking a specific model, you book a category and receive a vehicle from that group.
Explore the various types of cars and learn how to find them with the KAYAK car hire search tool. Each car type will have different features and characteristics, so it’s up to you to determine which will best suit your needs.
In this article
Basic tips to navigate car hire categories.
Why car hire category names differ by rental company.
Car hire categories in the UK.
Which car hire category should you choose?
Hybrid & electric car hire.
The best type of car for families: a people carrier.
Frequently asked questions about car hire categories.
Tips to navigate car hire categories.
When you’re thinking of hiring a car, you probably have a good idea of what it is you want. Depending on your trip, you might even have an exact model in mind.
Often, the trouble is in the language car hire companies use to classify cars and, depending on the company, you might even see cars being classified using different terms, for example, ‘intermediate’, ‘mid-size’ or ‘standard’, all of which ultimately describe the same thing.
This guide will explain the most common car types you can hire in the UK, the details of each category as well as popular models in each. Note that there are several less common categories (high-performance or exotic cars) that I don’t explain in detail in this guide.
Bear in mind that when you book a specific car type, you may not get the exact model you selected. Most car hire companies will show you a deal for a specific model ‘or equivalent’ because they change their fleets frequently and may not know if that exact model is available at the time of your departure.
Why do car hire category names differ by rental company?
One of the most confusing aspects of booking a hire car is that different rental companies use different names for the same category. There’s no universal standard, so a “compact” at one company might be called “economy” at another.
Here are the most common equivalent terms you’ll encounter:
- Small vs Economy: Both refer to the smallest cars available, typically 2-door hatchbacks suitable for 2 passengers with minimal luggage. Use the “small” car type filter on KAYAK to find this car type.
- Medium vs Intermediate: These terms are often used interchangeably for small-to-medium cars that seat 4-5 passengers comfortably. Use the “medium” car type filter on KAYAK to find this car type.
- Large vs Full-size: Mid-range categories offering more space, typically saloons or larger hatchbacks with room for 5 passengers and 3-4 bags. Use the “large” car type filter on KAYAK to find this car type.
- MPV vs People carrier: Both describe multi-purpose vehicles designed for larger groups, usually seating 5-9 passengers. Use the “van” car type filter on KAYAK to find this car type.
Tip: When searching for a car rental on KAYAK use Ask AI to explain exactly what you need, without worrying about the right category terms. Here’s an example to get you started:
“Find me a large car for a family of 5 that has enough room for our luggage. It should have unlimited mileage and pick up and drop off are both Heathrow airport, London. Dates are July 5 – July 10”
Car hire categories in the UK.
On KAYAK’s dedicated car hire webpage, you’ll see that car types are categorised more broadly into:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- SUV
- Van
- Commercial
- Convertible
- Pickup truck
- Luxury
You’ll also find electric cars separated out into their own category altogether, rather than listed under car types. To specify what exactly you can expect to drive when hiring a car through KAYAK, we have put together a selection of different models for you to look through. Bear in mind that this page is non-exhaustive, meaning car types and categories will vary from location to location.
Hatchback Mini
KAYAK Category: Small
Passengers: 2-4
Bags: 1-2
Examples: Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, Kia Picanto
Mini cars are typically hatchbacks with two to four doors. They’re best suited to solo or couple trips, but can fit two adults and two small children at a squeeze. The boot is usually big enough for one or two bags.
Hatchback Economy / Compact
KAYAK Category: Small / Medium
Passengers: 4
Bags: 2
Examples: Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus
Hatchbacks are the most popular type of car in the UK and come in a range of sizes. Despite their compactness, they offer a lot of additional space with foldable rear seats, allowing you to access the boot in its entirety. Most hatchbacks come in a 3-door or 5-door model and are great for couple getaways or small family getaways.
Coupé
KAYAK Category: Medium / Luxury
Passengers: 2-5
Bags: 2-3
Examples: BMW 4 Series Coupé, Audi TT, Lexus RC, Mercedes E-Class Coupé
Coupés lean more towards form than function. Most coupés are 2-door although there are slightly larger 4-door variants. Both 2 and 4-doors coupés will see you travelling in style and tend to come from high-end marques like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. Best for solo and couple trips.
Saloon
KAYAK Category: Medium / Large
Passengers: 5
Bags: 3-4
Examples: Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Polestar 2
Saloons, or sedans in the US, offer a more comfortable driving experience as well as more legroom (front and back) than a hatchback. Typically they have more boot space too, although the boot is separate. A mix of form and function, most saloons are stylish, powerful and very comfortable. Great for business people as well as families, especially on long distance trips.
Estate
KAYAK Category: Large
Passengers: 5
Bags: 5
Examples: Skoda Octavia Combi, Audi A4 Estate, Volvo V90, Volkswagen Passat Estate
Estate boast giant boots and an extended shape. This gives you more storage space inside as well on the roof to transport bulkier items like bikes. Perfect for a family or adventure getaway where you need lots of kit. Note that you’ll likely need to pay extra if you want to rent a roofrack or roofbox too.
SUV
KAYAK Category: SUV
Passengers: 5
Bags: 2-3
Examples: Vauxhall Crossland, Nissan Juke or Qashquai, Kia Sportage, Land Rover Discovery
SUVs – or Sports Utility Vehicles – is an umbrella term for a whole group of chunky looking vehicles including hybrids, 4x4s and off-roaders. They’re typically quite compact but are roomier than an average family car, and many are suited both on and off the main road. SUVs sit slightly higher off of the ground, which is good for visibility and can be helpful for those with mobility issues getting in and out of them. SUV types can range from compact to medium, premium and luxury, so make sure to check these out when looking.
People carrier (MPV)
KAYAK Category: Van
Passengers: 5-9
Bags: 2-5
Examples: Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, Peugeot 5008, Ford Galaxy or Transit
An MPV – or Multi-Purpose Vehicle – could be the perfect choice for those wanting space and flexibility. Otherwise known as people carriers, MPVs have become much more than just that. The elevated driving position can offer more confidence behind the wheel and the foldable, slidable and even completely removable seats let you create an interior space tailored specifically to your needs. The popularity of MPVs has only grown thanks to their practicality and the fact they can be as economical as family cars.
Convertible
KAYAK Category: Convertible
Passengers: 2-4
Bags: 2
Examples: MINI Convertible, Fiat 500C, Audi A3 Cabriolet, BMW 4 Series Convertible, Mazda MX-5
Convertibles are – as I’m sure you already know – cars with retractable roofs. Coming in both soft and hard top variants, they are sleek and aesthetically pleasing, but can also be based on hatchback and saloon models. Bear in mind that the price to pay for soaking up the sun whilst you drive is inevitably the limited storage capacity, so a convertible would be best suited to those travelling light or not wishing to travel directly to or from the airport with their hire car.
Which car hire category should you choose?
The right car hire category depends on your specific travel needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you match your trip type to the best category:
- City driving: Small car rentals makes parking and navigating narrow streets easier
- Family holidays: Standard/Full-size or Estate – room for children, car seats, and holiday luggage
- Long road trips: Saloon or SUV – comfort features and fuel efficiency for extended driving
- Large groups (5+ people): People carrier (MPV) – flexible seating for 5-9 passengers with luggage
- Business travel: Standard Saloon or Luxury – professional appearance with comfortable interiors
Hybrid and electric car hire.
In today’s world, people are trying to live more sustainably in order to protect our planet and halt climate change. With this in mind, KAYAK offers search filters to help travellers find a range of hybrid/electric vehicles. In the below, I’ve put together a small overview for a more climate-friendly driving experience.
Types of cars and availability
Car types will vary depending on the country you visit. However, a wide variety of car hire companies also have electric or hybrid car types in their fleet. Make sure to check them all out by using the dedicated ‘Electric cars’ filter during your KAYAK search.
Charging stations
Charging stations may be something you are well acquainted with or completely new to. Similar to a conventional petrol station, they are designated parking points for electric vehicle drivers to park their car and charge its battery.
Many cities in Europe, including London, already have a network of electric vehicle charging points, and are adding more all the time making it convenient to recharge. Away from the major urban hubs, you’ll find far fewer charging points so plan your route accordingly to ensure you’re never too far from one.
Perks of hiring a hybrid or electric car
In certain cities, you may even be eligible for perks when it comes to renting your electric or hybrid vehicle. In London, there are currently congestion and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charges to be paid by those travelling into and out of the city in order to combat its high levels of pollution. If you hire an electric vehicle, you are still required to pay the congestion charge, although electric vehicles remain exempt from the ULEZ charge.
The best type of car for families: a people carrier.
If you’re looking for more confidence behind the wheel, flexible space and storage options and the opportunity to tailor the car’s interior to your specific needs, a people carrier is the right choice.
6-seater car hire
Six-seater cars usually have three rows of seats and are perfect for families or larger groups wanting to get away. Examples include the Fiat Multipla, Tesla Model X, Honda FR-V, Mercedes R-Class and BMW X7.
7-seater car hire
Seven-seater cars are spacious and offer great seating and storage opportunities for all. Examples include the Kia Sorento, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, SKODA Kodiaq and Volkswagen Touran.
8-seater car hire
Eight-seater cars are minivan-sized and perfect for those on the move for extended periods. They offer ample storage as well as room for up to eight adults. Examples include the Mercedes Benz V-Class and Viano, Citroën SpaceTourer, Vauxhall Vivaro Life and Toyota Proace Verso.
9-seater car hire
Nine-seater vans are roomy enough to handle families and journeys of all sizes and shapes. Examples can include the Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle and Ford Transit, which in its extended-length form can even carry up to 15 passengers.
Make confident decisions
FAQs about car hire categories.
In the UK, the car hire category C refers to compact cars or small family cars. Bear in mind that from one car hire company to another, and depending on the country where you are hiring a car, the category C may refer to different types of cars.
Luxury is typically the highest-priced car hire category. Luxury vehicles can include both saloons and SUVs. They will usually fit 5 people, with two large suitcases plus two small suitcases. They also generally come with added features like comfy seats, more powerful engines and fancier entertainment systems.
Car hire companies that offer vans include Ace, Alamo, Arnold Clark, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Easirent, Enterprise, Europcar, GREEN MOTION, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty and Keddy by Europcar, amongst many more.
Car hire companies that offer vans include Ace, Alamo, Arnold Clark, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Easirent, Enterprise, Europcar, GREEN MOTION, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty and Keddy by Europcar, amongst many more.
Car hire companies that offer convertible cars include Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
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