Mid-size car rental in Cairns
Mid-size cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai i30 in Cairns: room for five, a proper boot and low running costs.
- Free Cancellation
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Mid-size car rental in Cairns at a glance
Mid-size (intermediate) cars sit between a compact hatch and a full-size sedan. Typical models are the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato.
They seat five, take two or three suitcases and are comfortable on the highway, which is why they are the most-booked rental class for couples and small families.
Cairns has 3 pick-up points, from Cairns Airport to the CBD and suburban depots. City and suburban depots often avoid airport fees, which adds up over a long rental.
- Typical models
- Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30
- Seats
- 5
- Luggage
- 2–3 suitcases
- Transmission
- Usually automatic
- Best for
- Couples, small families and road trips
- Rental companies
- 12 compared in Cairns
Mid-size compared with other car types
Step down to save, or up for more space.
| Car type | Seats | Luggage | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Toyota Yaris or similar | 4–5 | 1–2 suitcases | City stays and short trips | A$37/day |
| Compact Hyundai i30 or similar | 5 | 2–3 suitcases | Couples and small families | A$44/day |
| Hybrid Toyota Camry or similar | 5 | 2–3 suitcases | Low fuel use without charging | A$50/day |
| Compact SUV Hyundai Kona or similar | 5 | 2–3 suitcases | Road trips for two to four | A$50/day |
| SUV Toyota RAV4 or similar | 5 | 3–4 suitcases | Families, luggage and long drives | A$52/day |
Indicative daily from-prices for short hires. Mid-size cars are booked as the compact or intermediate class on most supplier sites.
Typical mid-size cars in Cairns
You book a car class, so a similar model may be supplied.
Toyota Corolla
5 seats · 3 bags · Automatic
From A$48/day
View Toyota Corolla rental
Mazda3
5 seats · 3 bags · Automatic
From A$50/day
Hyundai i30
5 seats · 3 bags · Automatic
From A$46/day
Toyota Camry
5 seats · 3 bags · Hybrid
From A$62/day
View Toyota Camry rentalChoosing a mid-size car
Count people and bags
Five seats, but four adults with luggage is more comfortable. Two large suitcases fit in most boots.
Hatch or sedan
You book a class, so you may get a hatch (Corolla, i30) or a sedan (Corolla sedan, Camry). Boot shapes differ.
Petrol or hybrid
Hybrid versions of the Corolla and Camry use much less fuel in town.
Compare the total
Add fees, excess reduction and extras to the daily rate before you choose.
What to check before you book
The details that matter more on a mid-size rental.
The model is an example. A similar car of the same class may be supplied.
Full-to-full is the usual policy. Refuelling charges are high if you return it short.
The excess is the same as for many bigger cars, so check the reduction price.
Drivers under 25 usually pay a daily fee.
Driving in and around Cairns
From November to April, heavy rain can close roads. Check road conditions before longer drives.
The Daintree River cable ferry is the only way north to Cape Tribulation. Check your agreement allows it.
Watch for cassowaries on rainforest roads and never swim where crocodile warnings are posted.
Where to pick up in Cairns
Airport, city and suburban depots.
Rental companies in Cairns
Ask each one about mid-size rates when you compare.
Alamo9.4/10 · Excellent
Simba Car Hire9.4/10 · Excellent
Hertz9.4/10 · Excellent
Avis9.0/10 · Excellent
Budget8.8/10 · Very good
Europcar9.0/10 · Excellent
Thrifty8.6/10 · Very good
Sixt9.2/10 · Excellent
Enterprise9.2/10 · Excellent
Redspot9.2/10 · Excellent
East Coast Car Rentals8.6/10 · Very good
Bargain Car Rentals9.2/10 · ExcellentMid-size car rental questions
Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.
What is a mid-size rental car?
A mid-size or intermediate car is the class of the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato: five seats and room for two or three suitcases.
How many suitcases fit in a mid-size car?
Usually two large suitcases plus soft bags, a little more in the sedan versions.
Is a mid-size car big enough for a family in Cairns?
For two adults and two children with moderate luggage, yes. For more luggage or passengers, compare an SUV or a 7-seater.
Is a mid-size car automatic?
Almost all rental cars in Australia are automatic. Manual cars are rare and usually clearly marked.
Can I get a hybrid mid-size car?
Often. The Corolla and Camry hybrids are common in rental fleets, but you book a class, so a hybrid is not guaranteed.