Economy vs Compact Car: Which Should You Rent?

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

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.