Hey, tall people: Which category/model car should we rent?

Check the websites of a couple companies to see what sized vehicles are offered for the different categories/class, compact, intermediate, etc., then find those models at a local dealer if the model is sold in the U.S. (if that’s where you’re at) and if he fits. If not sold in the U.S. do any online comparison of what it offered.

I’m not that tall and usually rent a compact SUV. The vehicles we’ve received were Hyundai Tucson or similar size. Generally, the higher the category the larger the vehicle, so you may end up needing an intermediate sized vehicle.

The wild card is the “or similar” that is mentioned with every rental. Even though you reserve car A, the rental company might not have car A at its location and you are given car B or C. Worst case scenario is if he doesn’t fit in the reserved vehicle you can generally upgrade when picking up the vehicle. Sometimes the agency won’t charge in a case like yours, or if it doesn’t have the car you reserved.

Remember to get an IDP at AAA for all drivers if one is needed for France.

It's hard because they can change the model within the category, so I would pick out a few options in the category you are considering and check their specs online--especially since they can be surprising. For example, you might look at the Fiat 500L and think no way, but I was surprised by how roomy it felt in regards to headroom.
My DH is short but likes a larger car, especially if we are doing highway driving between rural stays where we use the car. He has had no trouble with smaller SUVs.

I am similar tall plus bigger body and had real hip pain with a VW Tiguan in Scotland. Therefore I decided not to save any longer on this end.

Of course 2-door cars offer more door entry space.

Dacia Sandero, Skoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza and VW Polo were listed as small cars with most space for tall adults. If they have only French cars a Renault Clio would be the most spacious option.

I'm 6'3" and was given a Renault Clio by Hertz in Nice (I can't remember what car I actually booked). I was a bit concerned at first because it's not a car I would normally opt for but it was fine if not a bit compact and lacking in power.

I would consider a mid size SUV as the higher seating position makes it easier to get in and out of and they're usually not that much bigger than an average small to mid size car.

I also used to secretly enjoy driving my wife's Mini when she had it but that's because it was a Cooper S and it was a fun, sporty drive. The models are definitely larger than the Mini's of old and whilst it was a bit of effort to get in and out of it was comfortable enough when driving however I never drove for any significant distance.

Mercedes A class is a nice car to drive. I had no issues with headroom or leg space and it's still compact enough to not worry about parking. Fairly economical on fuel as well.

You also need to factor in boot space. A lot of the smaller cars are limited in how much space there is.

Skip the Fiat 500’s!

I agree that what you reserve and what you get don't always match up, which can be frustrating. Last year in Germany, we reserved a Fiat 500 "or equivalent" because I knew the Fiat 500 was comfortable for me to drive (6' tall plus-size woman). We got a Toyota Aygo, which I was nervous about, but its seat lowered enough to make it comfortable for me. I'd rather a little car like that than a "compact SUV" because any of those that I've tried have been way too cramped. The Fiat 500 had a surprising amount of head and leg room. I had a great time driving it. There were only two of us, and we would have had no trouble getting our bags into it if needed (we rented locally and didn't change accommodation while we had the car).
One option to guarantee you get the car you reserve is to use Turo, which is kind of like AirBnB for cars. You're renting a specific car directly from its owner.