Types of Vehicles
Rental cars are grouped into categories, from economy hatchbacks to people movers and 4WDs. You book a category, not a particular make or model.
In Australia, rental vehicles are organised into categories. When you book, you reserve a vehicle category, not a specific make or model. Every vehicle shown online is labelled "or similar", so its specifications are a guide only.
No rental company can guarantee a particular make, model or colour. The car you receive may differ from the example in seating, luggage capacity and engine size, and not every vehicle is available at every location. Read more about what "or similar" means.
Vehicle categories
Category | Typical examples | Suits | Passengers / luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
Economy | Suzuki Swift, Kia Picanto, MG3 | Solo travellers, city driving, short trips | 4 / 1–2 small bags |
Compact | Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, VW Polo | Couples, small families, general touring | 5 / 2 large bags |
Intermediate | Kia Cerato, Toyota Corolla Sedan | Small groups, business travel | 5 / 2–3 large bags |
Full size | Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Subaru Outback | Families, comfortable long-distance driving | 5 / 3–4 large bags |
Compact SUV | Kia Stonic, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, Mazda CX-30 | Couples, city driving, light touring with extra ground clearance | 5 / 2–3 large bags |
Intermediate SUV | Kia Sportage, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Kia EV6 | Small families, weekend getaways, extra cargo space | 5 / 3–4 large bags |
Large SUV / 4WD | Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Toyota Prado, Ford Everest | Outback touring, towing, off-road driving with the rental company's permission | 5–7 / 3–5 large bags |
People mover | Kia Carnival | Large families, group travel | 8 / 2 large and 2 small bags |
Minibus | Toyota Commuter | Sports teams, tour groups, large families | 12 / 1 large and 2 small bags |
Luxury / premium | Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X3 | Executive travel, special occasions | 4–5 / 2–3 large bags |
Passenger and luggage figures are estimates. Actual capacity varies by model, passenger size and luggage type, such as soft bags or hard cases.
Your search results show the current price for each category on your dates. Our guide to understanding pricing explains why rates change.
Automatic vs manual transmission
Most rental cars in Australia are automatic. Manual cars are available in only a small number of models. If you specifically need a manual or an automatic, check the vehicle listing when you book. Visitors from countries where manual is standard should expect an automatic unless they choose a manual listing.
4WD, AWD and 2WD
Many rental cars, including many labelled "SUV", are 2WD or AWD, not true 4WD. This matters because rental companies' road restrictions generally require a 4WD with a low-range transfer case for unsealed roads and outback tracks, apart from any short access roads a rental company allows.
- 2WD: standard for sedans, hatchbacks and most city SUVs. Generally restricted to sealed roads, though some rental companies allow a short unsealed access road.
- AWD (all-wheel drive): found in crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail. Better grip on wet roads, but not approved for off-road driving under most rental agreements.
- 4WD (four-wheel drive): vehicles such as the Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X with a low-range transfer case. You'll usually need written permission from the rental company before you leave sealed roads.
If your trip involves unsealed roads beyond a short access road, book a true 4WD category, check the rental company's conditions, and confirm your route with the branch at pick-up.
Fuel types
Most rental cars in Australia run on unleaded petrol. Some larger SUVs and 4WDs run on diesel. Hybrid cars such as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Camry Hybrid often appear in search results. Some rental companies also offer electric vehicles. Read about hiring an electric vehicle before you book one.
When you collect the car, confirm which fuel it takes. Filling it with the wrong fuel can damage the engine and isn't covered by insurance.
For long trips, especially through remote areas, include fuel in your budget. Larger vehicles such as 4WDs use more fuel than compact cars.
Next steps
- Features to consider when choosing a car: a checklist for comparing quotes
- Luggage: how to read bag capacity
- Mobility specialty vehicles: wheelchair-accessible cars at selected locations
Part of Before You Book in the Car Hire Handbook.