What’s the Difference between a Compact Car and an Economy Car?

PDF download Download Article
A guide to economy and compact cars, including rental fees, fuel costs, and more
PDF download Download Article

If you’re renting a car on a budget, you might be wondering: should you go with a compact car or economy car? Are these two categories the same? Not quite! Though they share some overlap, economy cars and compact cars differ in a few important ways. This article breaks down those differences in detail, and gives rationales for choosing one over the other. Keep reading to figure out whether renting an economy car or compact car is right for you.

Things You Should Know

  • Compact cars are usually larger than economy cars. Most compacts come with 4 doors, while economy cars come with 2-4 doors, depending on the model.
  • Economy and compact cars cost about the same to rent. Compacts are better for cities since they can weave through traffic and fit in tight parking spots.
  • Popular economy cars include the Ford Fiesta, Kia Soul, and Toyota Yaris. Popular compacts include the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.
  • Choose a car that suits your budget and has enough room for everyone you’re traveling with. Opt for a larger sedan or SUV if you want more space and comfort.
Section 1 of 3:

What’s the difference between economy and compact cars?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Compacts are usually larger than economy cars. They come with 4 doors and seat up to 5 people—2 up front, 3 in the back, shoulder to shoulder—and their trunks fit 1-2 suitcases. Economy cars usually come with 2-4 doors and have a bit less room inside, plus a slightly smaller trunk. [1]
    • You can typically rent an economy or compact car for around $30/day. [2] Most use regular fuel, so a full tank of gas will only cost you $30-60, depending on tank size and current gas prices. [3]
    • Economy cars get around 35 miles per gallon (6.7 L/100 km) or better. Most compacts get around 30 MPG (7.8 L/100 km).
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Popular Economy & Compact Cars

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [4] The Kia Soul is particularly roomy on the inside and has enough cargo space for 7 carry-on suitcases, or 2-3 larger ones. [5] The Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris have less cargo space, but they’re perfect for local driving and are easier to park due to their smaller sizes. [6]
    • You can fold the back seats down on these cars for extra cargo space. This is perfect for couples and individuals traveling with extra luggage—say, for a skiing trip.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [7] The Corolla is the go-to rental car for many folks. It’s small, fuel-efficient, and has a fair amount of trunk space for a compact car. [8] The Jetta is even more roomy, fuel efficient, and has a bigger trunk, but it’s a bit slower than the Corolla. [9]
    • The Toyota Corolla is available as a hybrid. This makes it ideal for city driving since the engine wont run when you’re stopped in traffic, saving you money on fuel.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

How to Pick a Good Rental Car

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A road trip might be more fun in a convertible, but you might pay over $80 per day in rental fees alone. An economy or compact car will always be the cheapest option. Be sure to select “economy” or “compact” on your rental company’s website to be shown the most affordable cars in their inventory. [10]
    • Rental companies will sometimes give free upgrades if the car you originally rented is not available when you go to pick it up. This could be a great deal, but you might spend more money on fuel—especially if you’re taking a longer trip.
    • Beware of unexpected fees and costs. Inspect the car when you first pick it up and note any visible damage so that you are not charged for it later. To avoid being charged for fuel, be sure to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. [11]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Compacts and economy cars are great for solo travelers or couples with small children. But they’re not ideal for groups of adults or big families with lots of luggage. They don’t have much legroom either, so taller people might find economy and compact cars uncomfortable. [12]
    • If you’re traveling with multiple adults or older children, choose a bigger car with more interior room and cargo space.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re not used to driving in cities, you might be surprised by how stressful and difficult it can be—especially if you normally drive an SUV or truck. In urban areas, smaller is better. Economy cars can weave easily through city traffic and fit in parking spots that are too tight for other vehicles.
    • In cities with lots of traffic and good public transit, renting a car may not be worth it. Opt for taking the bus or metro, or use a rideshare app instead.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Economy-vs-Compact-Car-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Economy cars and compacts will save you money, but they’re not as comfortable as higher-end cars. They may also lack certain safety features like advanced driver autopilot technology and blind spot detection. [13]
    • For short trips, a basic economy car might be all you need. But for long, multi-day driving trips, a more comfortable car with extra safety features could be worth the money.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Install a Rear View Camera
      How to
      Open a Gas Tank
      How to
      Replace the Batteries in a Mercedes Key Fob
      Effective Methods to Make Your Car Roar
      How to
      Get a Tire Off a Rim
      How to
      Roll Down the Windows With Your Key Fob
      How to
      Live in Your Car
      Why Is Your Car Making Noises When You Start It?
      How to
      Identify a Ford Motor
      11 Potential Reasons Your Car is Making Noise When Accelerating
      How to
      Adjust VW Idle Speed with a 34 PICT3 Carburetor
      3 Effective Methods for Repairing a Cracked Car Dashboard
      How to
      Refill a Car Battery
      How to
      Switch Your Jeep From 2-Wheel Drive to 4-Wheel Drive
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance, check out our in-depth interview with Jason Shackelford .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.drivinggeeks.com/economy-vs-compact/
      2. ↑ https://www.clarion.edu/faculty-staff/travel-information/Enterprise-Vehicle-Rates.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/soul
      4. ↑ https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/g6491/these-15-economy-cars-dont-suck/
      5. ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/soul
      6. ↑ https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/g6491/these-15-economy-cars-dont-suck/
      7. ↑ https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/compact-cars
      8. ↑ https://www.toyota.com/content/dam/toyota/brochures/pdf/2022/corolla_ebrochure.pdf
      9. ↑ https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2009-VW-Jetta-UK.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.uco.edu/offices/financial-services/procurement/files/enterprise-rent-a-car-rates.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.aloharents.com/goodhawaiicarrentalexperience.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.autoeurope.com/default/assets/file/renting-a-car-in-europe.pdf
      4. ↑ https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/safest-small-cars?slide=6

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,043 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement