Vehicle category
Economy Car Rental
The cheapest way to get where you're going — light on gas, easy to park.
About economy rentals
Economy cars are the default for a reason: they're the least expensive to rent, the cheapest to fuel, and the simplest to park in a crowded city or a tight airport garage. For solo travelers and couples with a couple of bags, they hit the sweet spot of price and practicality.
Don't mistake 'economy' for 'bare-bones.' Today's economy fleet comes with automatic transmissions, Bluetooth, backup cameras and 35+ MPG, so a week of errands or a city break costs a fraction of a larger class without feeling like a penalty box.
- 5
- Seats
- 2
- Bags
- $28
- From /day
Best for
- Solo travelers and couples on a budget
- City breaks where parking is tight
- Short business trips with carry-on luggage
- Anyone maximizing miles per gallon
Popular models
Toyota Corolla
Reliable, comfortable and famously fuel-efficient.
Nissan Versa
Surprising rear legroom for the class.
Kia Rio
Easy to drive with modern tech built in.
Specific makes and models are examples and subject to availability.
Indicative pricing
| Term | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | from $28/day | Great for quick trips and errands. |
| Weekly | from $175/week | The weekly rate usually beats seven daily ones. |
| Monthly | from $620/month | Ask about long-term discounts by phone. |
Rates are indicative, vary by location and date, and are confirmed by phone before you book.
Economy rental tips
- Book economy early — it's the first class to sell out at busy airports.
- If you'll have three or more passengers plus luggage, size up to compact or mid-size for comfort.
- Confirm the fuel policy; full-to-full is almost always cheaper than prepaid on a small tank.
- Ask about unlimited mileage if you're planning any day trips.
Economy rental FAQs
How many bags fit in an economy rental?
Most economy cars hold two large suitcases plus a couple of carry-ons. If you're close to the limit, ask your agent — a compact or mid-size adds real trunk space for only a little more.
Is an economy car good for highway driving?
Yes. Modern economy cars cruise comfortably at highway speeds and return excellent mileage. For long multi-hour drives with passengers, a mid-size adds comfort, but economy is perfectly capable.
Why is economy sometimes unavailable?
Economy is the most-requested class, so it sells out first at busy airports. Booking ahead by phone locks in both the car and the rate.
Other vehicle types
View allCompact
5A little more room and comfort than economy, still easy on the wallet.
View Compact rentalsMid-size
5The all-rounder: room for four adults, comfortable for long drives.
View Mid-size rentalsFull-size
5Maximum sedan space and comfort for passengers, luggage and long miles.
View Full-size rentalsSUV
5Space, higher seating and all-weather capability for families and gear.
View SUV rentals