There are 3 of us who will be renting a car when we leave Lisbon , and the drop off when we fly out 12 days later.
Trying to determine what size car to rent. We can drive manual transmission. Biggest challenge is that most all cars list that they only carry 1 suitcase plus one travel bag, whether they are compact, mid-size or even small SUVs. Doesn't make sense. We have traveled many times in Europe without this issue coming up. Any suggestions for what car size we should be looking for?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8299 posts
I'd go with a mid-size. If a wagon is available you'd be in better shape.
Any more than that and it gets too much for a trunk of normal size vehicles.
We somewhat follow Rick Steves' packing list, and often travel 2 weeks on 22 lbs. or less.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1769 posts
Are you using Auto Europe? I use it whenever I rent in Portugal and the rest of Europe. I always get several options and not are all very small cars.
There are many more larger cars here than just a few years ago, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get a larger one. However, bear in mind that you may be driving in small towns where the streets are quite narrow. I would suggest getting the smallest one that will work for you, even if it means one of the suitcases in the back seat. Parking slots are also smaller.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7024 posts
On our last trip to Scotland we (4 adults) reserved a Ford Kuga or similar and were given a Hyundai Tucson. Its cargo area was barely large enough for our luggage. We now rent compact SUVs that are a little larger.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4554 posts
jameelsiabio had 4 people in their group, but we have a Hyundai Tucson and if you don't have a large suitcase each, it should have enough space for 3 people and their luggage.