Seats, luggage space and fuel cost compared, so you pay for what you need.
The most common question we hear at the desk is: "Should I take the SUV or the sedan?" The honest answer is that it depends on four things: how many people, how much luggage, where you are going and how much you want to spend. Here is how we help renters decide.
1. How many people?
A sedan like the Toyota Camry or the Honda Civic is comfortable for four adults, and five for short trips. An SUV like the Kia Sportage seats five with more legroom for everyone, and the Ford Explorer seats seven. If you have six or more travellers, take an SUV or a van; squeezing into a smaller car is never worth the discomfort.
2. How much luggage?
Luggage space is where SUVs win clearly. A typical sedan boot holds two large suitcases and a few bags. An SUV takes four large cases with room to spare, and the rear seats fold flat for bulky items such as strollers, golf bags or scuba gear. Remember: bags on the seat are visible to thieves, so a proper boot or cargo cover is also a safety feature.
3. Where are you driving?
- City and beach parking: a compact or sedan is easier to park and often cheaper in garages that charge by size.
- Long highway drives: a sedan is quiet and efficient; an SUV sits higher and gives a better view of traffic ahead.
- Rain and rough roads: an SUV's ground clearance helps with flooded streets and unpaved car parks.
4. What will it cost?
| Sedan (Camry / Civic) | SUV (Sportage / Explorer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | From $180 to $480 | From $250 to $290 and up |
| Fuel use | About 7 L per 100 km | About 9 to 11 L per 100 km |
| Space for luggage | 2 large cases | 4 large cases |
| Best for | Couples, business, city | Families, groups, long trips |
For a week-long trip the fuel difference between the two can be $40 to $70, so if you actually need the room, the SUV is often the better value.
Our quick rule
Two or three people with normal luggage: take the sedan and save. Four people or more, or a lot of bags: take the SUV and be comfortable. Between the two? Ask us; we are happy to help you choose, and we would rather you take the right car than the most expensive one.