Renting

Economy vs Compact Car: Which Should You Rent?

Considering whether to rent economy vs. compact cars is often a toss-up. This guide compares these two categories so you can make the best rental decision.

Read time

8 minutes

Date

05.26.2023

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Car rental companies often categorize their vehicle inventory by type, including economy and compact cars “or similar.” It’s this final wording that often confuses renters, especially when it comes to discerning the difference between what an economy vs. compact car actually looks like. What exactly is an economy or compact car? 


Explore this common phrasing so you can find the right car for your needs. After all, how can you be sure you’re getting what you want if you don’t even know what those things are? The next time you go to rent a vehicle, you’ll be armed and ready to make the best decision for your trip.   

What is an economy car?

One of the most common answers to the question, “How much does it cost to rent a car?” is another question: “What kind of car do you want to rent?” Economy cars represent some of the most affordable options a rental agency owns. Often called “sub-compacts,” these cars often carry with them a complicated reputation. 


A small footprint, basic features, high fuel efficiency, and fewer amenities characterize economy cars. These vehicles typically don’t have a lot of styling to them but are known for being affordable, reliable, and dependable. 

What is a compact car?

Compact cars straddle the line between fuel-efficient economy cars and mid-size sedans. While these cars aren’t as spacious as their larger counterparts, they do offer more advanced safety ratings and cargo space than sub-compact models. You’re more likely to see a turbo option on compact cars vs. economy cars. 


Similar to economy cars, compacts work well for first-time drivers, singles, and couples without children. Car manufacturers tend to gift compact cars with more upgrades than economy vehicles, including all-wheel drive and leather seating. 

Economy vs. Compact Car: Size

Economy

Economy cars tend to have a shorter wheelbase that makes them easy to maneuver into tight spaces as well as less cargo space. They can carry four passengers minimum, sometimes squeezing in a fifth if they’re small. Economy engines often power these cars as well, with four-cylinder powerplants a common theme. Economy cars have two or four doors depending on the model. 


  • Passengers: 4-5
  • Wheelbase: Average is under 8 feet 4 inches 
  • Weight: Around 2,600 pounds

Compact

Most compact cars have four doors and can fit up to five passengers. You can easily stow a few suitcases in the cargo area and stretch your legs out a bit. Compact cars have about 10 to 12 more inches of wheelbase than subcompact cars and weigh about 500 pounds more.   

  • Passengers: 5
  • Wheelbase: Average is between 8 feet 4 inches and 9 feet 1 inch  
  • Weight: Around 3,000 pounds
Red Chevrolet Spark 2022

Economy vs. Compact Car: Fuel Efficiency

Economy

If you plan on renting a car for a road trip, fuel efficiency is probably at the top of your mind. If that’s the case, economy cars are where it’s at. For example, here are two of the most common economy models on the road and their respective fuel efficiencies: 




Most economy cars have fuel tanks that are roughly 9 to 12 gallons. At 30 miles per gallon, that’s easily 270+ miles on a single tank. 

Compact 

The fuel efficiency difference between economy and compact cars tends to vary only a few miles per gallon. However, that can add up over a longer distance, especially if you’re going on a longer trip. 



The majority of compact cars have fuel tanks ranging from 12 to 15 gallons. Averaging 25 miles per gallon still gives you around 300 miles of range on a full tank. 

Economy vs. Compact Car: Comfort

Economy

Unlike luxury sedans and even your common mid-size sedan, economy cars are not meant to provide the creature comforts many of us take for granted. Leather seats are hardly ever found on these models, along with heated seating, steering wheels, or windshields. 


With economy cars, the driving experience can certainly be dumbed down a bit. Despite (or rather, on account of), the short wheelbase, these cars tend to react quickly to steering wheel movements. 

Compact

Being cooped up in a small car for miles and miles doesn’t do anyone much good, so that’s why compact cars tend to be roomier than their smaller companions. The driving experience can be similar depending on the model, but the noise level tends to be a bit better. Seats can be leather on compact cars, but it’s no Cloud 9 you’re floating along on. 

Economy vs. Compact Car: Price Comparison

Economy

Economy cars are often the cheapest to rent when it comes to the base price. Most economy cars cost around $40 to $50, depending on where you rent, how far ahead you book, what deals you can take advantage of, etc. For example, both Budget and Enterprise offer sub-compact vehicles at around $45 per day. Because economy cars tend to use less gas than compact cars, you’ll pay less at the pump as well. 

Compact

In comparing sub-compact and compact rates at large names like Enterprise and Budget, the price difference varies only a few dollars at most. We’re talking $49 for a sub-compact and $50 to $55 for a compact vehicle. While this cost can add up over a few days, many people often find the “upgrade” to be well worth the price. Some rental companies will even satisfy an economy car rental reservation with a compact car as a way to increase the customer experience. 

Volkswagen Jetta 2023

Popular makes and models

Economy

Kelley Blue Book recently put together a list of the best subcompact cars for 2023. These include the: 


  • Nissan Versa: Take away the “tile” in “versatile” and you have this economy car’s name. 
  • Mitsubishi Mirage: Mitsubishi has fewer models than most car manufacturers, but this one continues to be a best-seller. 
  • Kia Rio: The Rio has gotten some flak in the past for its underwhelming quality but the brand seems to be reviving the nameplate. 
  • Hyundai Accent: The Accent will be no more soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the practical yet efficient features of this imported sedan.


Economy cars seem to be on the opposite side of the spectrum compared to SUVs, which continue to grow in size as the years go on.  

Compact

U.S. News and Kelley Blue Book shared similar lists of the best compact cars on the market, including:  


  • Nissan Sentra: Besides the Versa, this compact four-door sedan ranks among the smallest of Nissan’s family cars. 
  • Toyota Corolla: Like the Camry, the Corolla offers a hybrid option to maximize fuel efficiency. 
  • Honda Civic: This classic make and model continue to dominate the compact market segment. 
  • Volkswagen Jetta: The more affordable counterpart to the Audi A4, the Jetta and Passat twins are the most commonly available German compact sedans. 
  • Mazda Mazda3: Dynamic design and styling have brought the Mazda3 back into the playing field for younger drivers.


Compacts continue to be a favorite among drivers who just need a way to get around town and spend less at the rental counter. 

Which should you choose for your next rental?

In response to the question, “What is a compact car vs. an economy car?” a common answer is: space. Economy cars have less space than compact vehicles but tend to get better fuel efficiency. Compact cars may have more engine power and advanced safety features but they sacrifice a few miles to the gallon for the privilege. 


When comparing economy vs. compact cars, many people also point out the creature comforts left out of the economy car equation. If you’re planning on a long road trip, paying a little extra for features you’re used to in your own vehicle can make your rental car experience that much more enjoyable. It all depends on what your budget is, how far you’re traveling, how many people you’ll be transporting, and what’s available at the rental car hub. 

FINN car sticker on back of window

An alternative to car renting

Renting a car takes quite a bit of knowledge, especially if you’re closely watching your pennies. If you’re considering leasing or buying a car, consider a car subscription instead. A FINN car subscription offers flexible six to 12-month terms that include everything you need to make the most of your trip. 


Choose your dream car online, get approved in just minutes, and schedule the car to be delivered straight to your doorstep. Your monthly fee includes roadside assistance and maintenance. 

Final thoughts

Economy cars tend to cost less, sip fuel, park easier, and provide little cargo space while compact cars tend to have more safety features, more amenities, but score lower in fuel efficiency. If you’re deciding between renting an economy vs. compact car, keep these features in mind as you compare pricing and availability.