Economy
- 4 seats
- 2 small bags
- Best fuel economy
The least expensive class in most fleets. Fine for two adults, city driving and short highway runs; tight on luggage and on long climbs with a full load.
What this class really means
Compact
- 5 seats
- 2 bags
- Easy to park
One size up from economy. Noticeably better on the interstate, still small enough for old downtowns and tight garages.
What this class really means
Midsize sedan
- 5 seats
- 3 bags
- Long-drive comfort
The default American road-trip car. Comfortable at highway speed for hours, sensible on fuel, big enough for a family of four with luggage.
What this class really means
Full-size sedan
- 5 seats
- 4 bags
- Extra rear legroom
More rear legroom and more boot than a midsize, without moving up to an SUV’s fuel bill.
What this class really means
Compact SUV
- 5 seats
- 3 bags
- Higher seating
The most requested class in the US. Higher seating position, more usable boot, and all-wheel drive on many models.
What this class really means
Standard SUV
- 5–7 seats
- 4 bags
- Optional third row
Midsize SUVs, sometimes with a small third row. The usual pick for a family of four with a lot of gear.
What this class really means
Full-size SUV
- 7–8 seats
- 5+ bags
- Towing-capable models
Genuine seven- and eight-seat SUVs with luggage space behind the third row on the larger models.
What this class really means
Minivan
- 7 seats
- 5 bags
- Sliding doors
Seven adults and their bags, sliding doors in tight car parks, and the flattest ride of anything this size.
What this class really means
Pickup truck
- 5 seats
- Open bed
- Towing-capable
Crew-cab trucks for moves, site visits, gear hauling and mountain roads.
What this class really means
Electric
- 5 seats
- 3 bags
- Charging required
Increasingly common in US fleets, and usually cheaper per day than the equivalent petrol car.
What this class really means
Convertible
- 4 seats
- 1–2 bags
- Seasonal fleet
For coastal drives — Pacific Coast Highway, the Overseas Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What this class really means
Luxury & premium
- 5 seats
- 3–4 bags
- Premium brands
German and American premium sedans and SUVs for client-facing travel and special occasions.
What this class really meansAbout "or similar". When you book a class, the supplier agrees to provide a vehicle from that category, not a specific car. Seats, luggage capacity and features vary between models in the same class, and no US supplier guarantees a make, model, colour, transmission preference or drivetrain by class alone. If a specific feature genuinely matters for your trip, tell your agent and we will ask the supplier to commit to it in writing — and tell you plainly if they will not.
Not sure which class you need?
Tell an agent how many people, how many bags and how many miles. We will tell you the smallest class that actually works.