How to choose the best type of hire car for you

Are you planning an Australian road trip holiday? With such a diverse landscape and so many destinations to choose from, you’re almost spoilt for options. One of the most important early decisions you need to make though, is what sort of hire car is best for you.

To answer this question, you first need to consider where you plan to drive. Just as there’s little point hiring a campervan if all you want to do is zip around the inner city, hiring a compact car for a family road trip from Darwin to Adelaide probably won’t be the wisest move of your holiday.

With this in mind, here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what sort of rental car is the most appropriate for your road trip holiday in Australia.

A small car for city driving

If you’re planning to spend most of your time in one of Australia’s larger cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney, chances are a smaller car will be a better bet.

Why? The downtown areas of Australia’s metropolitan cities sometimes get clogged with traffic, and parking can be limited. Likewise, there’s a greater chance you’ll be spending more time on narrow and one-way roads rather than broad national highways. For all these reasons, a smaller compact car is a prudent choice.

If you’d prefer a vehicle with more ground clearance, or are travelling with a group such as your family and so would prefer a more spacious hire car, consider a compact SUV. Do keep in mind however, that a fullsize SUV may get a little unwieldy when it comes to inner-city driving.

What small cars do our providers offer?

Our rental car providers offer a selection of hatchbacks, including the Suzuki Swift, Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, and Toyota Yaris. Depending on the city you’re visiting and your travel dates, certain models may not be available. There are better chances to get your preferred car by booking well in advance. Should your desired model be unavailable, a similar vehicle from the same class will be offered to you. Learn more about other vehicle types you can hire from our providers.

What places are perfect for driving small cars?

Perth, the Gold Coast, and Adelaide are some of the other great cities to drive with a small car. Touring Australia’s capital cities, it’s safe to expect moderate to heavy traffic at certain times of the day, and while it’s for the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike, the number of traffic lights you’ll encounter can be maddening.

A fuel-efficient car for the Outback

If you’re intending to explore Australia’s Outback, the first thing you need to know is that it is big. Really big. Like, bigger-than-Texas big. Part and parcel with this size comes the kilometres you’re going to need to drive to get from one place to another, so choosing to hire a fuel-efficient rental car can be an economical option.

Another point you need to keep in mind is any mileage restrictions that may apply to your rental vehicle. Some providers set kilometre limits to their car rental bookings, meaning hire cars are only allowed to travel a specific distance per day. Once exceeded, you’ll be charged per extra kilometre. So if you’re planning on racking up thousands of kilometres, you’ll be wanting to go with an unlimited mileage option.

What fuel-efficient hire cars in Australia are great for the Outback?

The Audi A4, Hyundai Elantra, and Holden Barina Spark are among the fuel-efficient hire cars our providers offer. However, in the case of Outback driving, you may want to steer away from cars with low ground clearance and consider 4WD SUVs, which can handle unpredictable road situations. By choosing high-riding rental cars, you’re more likely able to protect the car’s undercarriage from damage caused by dirt and loose debris.

As another option, consider hiring a hybrid SUV. While often pricier than other rental cars, an advantage of hybrids is their backup power source — a useful feature for long drives. As with petrol stations, be sure to check the availability of charging stations along your route, since you can run down a battery charge just as easily as you can empty a fuel tank. Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles in our electric vehicles guide.

What are fuel-efficient cars perfect for?

Fuel-efficient cars are built perfectly for long drives. Driving in the Northern Territory, Queensland, or Western Australia with a fuel-efficient hire car ensures a smoother and quicker trip with fewer petrol stops – not to mention how much you’ll save on refueling costs. However, do note that in the Outback, petrol stations tend to be far apart, so it’s important to keep an eye on your fuel gauge.

Some Outback roads are well-paved, hence why fuel-efficient sedans can perform just as well as larger cars, but given the arid conditions in the Outback year round, fuel-efficient SUVs offer extra durability to take on potentially harsh weather.

A larger car for group adventures

Having a larger vehicle such as a 4WD SUV, which offers more space inside, may give you some flexibility when travelling with family or friends. Large vehicles are also quite well-suited for long trips thanks to their reinforced, fully reclining seats, which are built to provide maximum comfort and safety on the road.

Please do keep in mind that you’ll need to stay on sealed roads at all times, otherwise you risk having to pay the cost for any damage caused to the vehicle. Before hiring a car, make sure to read the provider’s Terms and Conditions, so you can avoid those particular risks.

What large cars do our providers offer?

Our providers have a wide selection of fullsize and premium 4WD SUVs and wagons, including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Holden Captiva7, and Subaru Outback. Fullsize SUVs are properly built for roadtrips, allotting more space for a few days worth of luggage and any hefty gear you may be needing.

What places are large cars perfect for?

Townsville in Far North Queensland, the Kimberley north of Western Australia, and other rural areas of Australia make for great long drives, whether you’re vacationing with the family or going on a quick weekend trip with friends.

Drive up to Far North Queensland’s two great cities Cairns and Townsville and you’ll be greeted by vast mountain ranges, cane fields, and rainforest. Meanwhile, the Kimberley is home to wildlife reserves including the Purnululu National Park, where you’ll find the Bungle Bungle Range’s fascinating rock formations.

A convertible for cruising along the coast

If you’re looking to travel in style along Australia’s scenic coastal highways, and as long as you don’t mind spending a bit more money on your rental car, our suppliers offer a range of premium convertible vehicles.

With a convertible, you can feel the open air on your face while you drive along some of the most beautiful highways in the world — just be sure to watch out for thunderstorms. It’s important to note that for premium and luxury rental vehicles, different excess amounts and age restrictions may apply.

What convertible vehicles do our providers offer?

The Mercedes Benz E250 Cabriolet, Porsche Boxster, and Ford Mustang are among the premium convertibles our providers currently offer. When renting luxury cars, it's important that you check whether an additional security bond is necessary. Car rental companies require security bonds to cover damage expenses and other additional charges, should such instances arise. Don't worry though — as long as you return the rental car undamaged and fueled up, you'll get your money back.

What are convertible vehicles perfect for?

A rental convertible is perfect to take on a drive along the Great Ocean Road or the Grand Pacific Drive to Wollongong on the south coast of New South Wales, where you can savour the beach breeze and coastal views.

Cities like Canberra, Australia’s capital, are also a perfect choice for a weekend away in a luxury car. Canberra is small enough to explore in a day, and you’ll get easy access to the Australian Alps that’s only three hours away.

Picking the right rental car can turn your trip into something you’ll never forget. So next time you decide to take a rental car on a drive, whether it’s in the familiar city streets or in the Australian Outback, take note of these tips. Learn more about hiring a car in Australia.

Important Information

Things to check when choosing a hire car

Be sure to check the following important points:

• mileage limitations

• fuel efficiency

• storage space

• transmission of the rental vehicle.

Particularly in areas of the Northern Territory, daily mileage limits may apply, and you might be charged extra for each kilometre you travel over the specified limit.