Fitting luggage in rental car

I am sorry that I cannot be specific. However, in other countries, we have struggled mightily to fit a larger-than-carry-on suitcase, plus carry-on, plus backpacks into a compact car. Fitting luggage into a small car is a concern for sure. One does not take "outfits" but merely essentials in plain colors. Really, no one cares or is judging other than you. Try to observe other travelers (most often Europeans). They are not dressed in fashionable outfits but in sensible wash and wear items. Definitely only shoes that work on multiple surfaces (trails, cobblestones) etc. Be proud that you are a minimalist who washes their undies overnight in the shower with a bar of soap.

If you want the bags out of sight, it seems doubtful.

I always request an Economy sized rental car and last year had a Volkswagen Polo. It was pretty easy to fit two of Rick's Rolling Carry-On bags, one 21" x 13 ½" x 9" and the other an older model at 22", plus smaller incidental items like jackets and picnic supplies (and that 6-pack of canned fish soup that I bought). However, there was not a ton more space and I cannot say for sure whether you would fit two of the 24" or 26" bags into it. They're presumably larger in all three directions.

As you are aware the mini or compact European car is very small indeed. I doubt you could get a 24 and a 26-inch case in the back even if they are hatchbacks. We had a Peugeot 208 (5 door - the Hatchback) and we had a squeeze to get in three 22 inch cases in the back. We stood them up on the side and they just fit in. You won't be able to do that with the larger cases. You do not want to put a case in the back seat of the car either. Not only do you not want it to be visible but you also don't want it to be a projectile if you were to have an accident. If you can downsize on your luggage you will be happier travelers but you could also go for a mid-size car and I think your cases would fit OK. Some of the UK residents on the forum may be able to suggest a make and model for you to look for.

Car trunk sizes have gotten smaller. My wife and I learned this in England on our 2013 trip. We traveled with 25" bags and they just barely fit in a compact, actually we were taking a chance because it was obvious that there were bags under the hatchback cover. Since then, and because of this, we have downsized to 22" bags. I would err on the side of caution on this.

Agree with posters. We rented a 4 door sedan while in Greece for 2 weeks are barely fit our 2 checked pieces of luggage. Luckily it was only my husband and I traveling so we had space in the backseat. We have a 2 door fiat also in Greece and can only fit one piece of luggage in the trunk. We are going to Ireland in mid July (4 of us) so was my concern as well! Going for an SUV 😬. Good luck!

Thanks everyone. Think we will reduce to a 22" or 20". Will trial pack to see what fits in that size luggage. I read some of the roads are narrow, so want a small rental car.

OP: Addressing your most recent post: Yes, some of the roads are very narrow, which argues for a narrower car; but then on the other side of it, if you can't get luggage in the car because it's too small, well....

Bear in mind there's only a few inches difference in width between a compact car and a larger saloon. Big cars, vans and buses navigate the roads safely every day so don't sacrifice comfort and luggage space for the wrong reasons.

We are in Ireland now with an automatic transmission compact car rented through Auto Europe/Alamo. It’s a four door hatchback, but the back seats fold down. We are traveling with two 21” suitcases, two small backpacks and a set of golf clubs. All the luggage will fit in the back without the clubs. It’s definitely a tight fit but I wouldn’t want a bigger car. I feel as if we are taking up the whole lane as it is.