A full-size rental car is a vehicle category designed to comfortably seat five adults with ample trunk space for luggage. Models like the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, or Ford Fusion are typical examples. They offer a significant upgrade in passenger and cargo room over compact and midsize sedans, making them ideal for longer trips, small families, or business travel requiring more comfort. While not as large as premium or minivan classes, they provide a balance of space, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
The primary advantage is interior space. A full-size sedan typically has a wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) of around 110-112 inches, which translates to more legroom. The trunk is also considerably larger, often exceeding 15 cubic feet, which is enough for multiple suitcases.
Fuel efficiency is respectable for their size, with many modern full-size sedans achieving 28-33 mpg on the highway thanks to efficient four-cylinder or V6 engines. Standard features usually include air conditioning, power windows/locks, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth. Some may even offer advanced driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring.
| Feature | Typical Full-Size Rental Car Specs |
|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 5 adults |
| Typical Models | Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia K5 |
| Average Luggage Space | 15.1 - 16.0 cubic feet |
| Common Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Estimated Highway MPG | 32 - 41 MPG |
| Common Wheelbase | 107 - 113 inches |
When choosing this category, consider your passenger and luggage needs. If you're traveling with four adults and luggage for a week, a full-size car is a much more comfortable choice than a compact. For airport rentals, the extra space is welcome after a long flight. They are generally more stable on the highway than smaller cars due to their longer wheelbase. The rental cost is higher than a midsize but offers better value for groups needing the room.
