Easy parking
Hyundai i30
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · 6.5 L/100 km
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: Sealed roads and short stays
FromA$46/day
Compact car rental in Australia, compared
Easy-to-park hatchbacks and small sedans: the sweet spot between price and space.
- Free Cancellation
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Charges
Best Australia car rental deals
Typical compact models with indicative specs and daily rates. Exact models and availability depend on the supplier.
Most popular
Toyota Corolla
Hatchback or sedan or similar
Automatic · from 3.9 L/100 km (hybrid)
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: City and highway driving
FromA$48/day
View Toyota Corolla rental
Mazda3
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · 6.0 L/100 km
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: Couples and small families
FromA$50/day
Lowest price
MG 3
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · from 4.3 L/100 km (hybrid)
5 seats · 2 bags
Suitable for: Budget city stays and day trips
FromA$44/day
Car prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for compact cars through the year. Tap a season to see the range and what drives it.
From price per day
Low demand
Winter (Jun – Aug)
A$41–45 per day
Usually the lowest prices of the year, apart from ski-season and school-holiday weeks.
Check prices for your datesCar prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for compact cars through the year. Tap a season to see the range and what drives it.
From price per day
High demand
Summer (Dec – Feb)
A$62–68 per day
Peak season with Christmas and school holidays. Book early, as prices climb the closer you get.
Check prices for your datesCar prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for compact cars through the year. Tap a season to see the range and what drives it.
From price per day
Medium demand
Autumn (Mar – May)
A$46–50 per day
Mild weather and fewer crowds. Watch Easter and school-holiday weeks for short spikes.
Check prices for your datesCar prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for compact cars through the year. Tap a season to see the range and what drives it.
From price per day
Low demand
Winter (Jun – Aug)
A$41–45 per day
Usually the lowest prices of the year, apart from ski-season and school-holiday weeks.
Check prices for your datesCar prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for compact cars through the year. Tap a season to see the range and what drives it.
From price per day
Medium demand
Spring (Sep – Nov)
A$51–55 per day
Prices lift from late September with school holidays and spring events.
Check prices for your datesCheck if a compact car suits your trip
Set your travellers, bags and roads. The fit updates as you go.
5 seatsPassenger capacity
3 large bagsLuggage space
Regional sealed roadsBest suited to
A$44/dayTypical from-price
Your trip
Travellers
Large bags
Roads
The result updates instantly as you change your answers.
100%
Good fit
2 travellers, 1 large bag, city and highway driving.
Seats2 of 5Plenty of room: 3 spare seats.
Luggage1 of 3Boot space is comfortable.
RoadsSuitableThis car type is fine for city and highway driving.
Seats, luggage and roads all work for a compact car. Compare total prices for your dates in the search at the top of the page.
Driving in Australia: what to know and essential rules
Eight rules every renter should know before pick-up.
Drive on the left
Keep left, overtake on the right, and give way at roundabouts to traffic already in them.
Speed limits
Typically 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100–110 km/h on highways. Signs always apply.
Alcohol limit
The general limit is 0.05% blood alcohol. The safest rule is none if you are driving.
Seatbelts and child seats
Everyone must be restrained. Child restraints are required by age and height.
Phones
Hand-held phone use is illegal. Use a cradle or hands-free only.
Licence
An English licence is usually fine. Otherwise carry an International Driving Permit or official translation.
Tolls and fines
Tolls and fines are passed on by the supplier, often with an admin fee.
Wildlife and fatigue
Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. Stop for a break about every two hours.
Rules vary by state. Confirm with the local road authority and your rental supplier.
5 things to know before booking a compact car in Australia
Quick checks that save money and stress.
01Check the bootMost compacts take two large suitcases plus a small bag. Four adults with luggage is tight.
02Great for city and highwayCompacts are easy to park and efficient, and comfortable on sealed highways.
03Compare the total, not the daily rateAdd one-way fees, young-driver fees, airport surcharges and tolls before you choose.
04Understand the excessThe excess is what you pay first if the car is damaged. Compare the supplier reduction price with standalone cover.
05Check fuel, kilometres and extrasConfirm the fuel policy, kilometre allowance and any fees for child seats or extra drivers.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers. Details depend on your supplier and booking.
How many bags fit in a compact car?
Usually two large suitcases and a small bag with the back seat up.
Is a compact car good for long drives?
Yes on sealed highways. For outback or unsealed roads choose an SUV and check your contract.
Compact or economy?
Compact cars have a bit more space and power; economy is the lowest price.
What licence and age do I need for a compact car rental?
Usually a valid licence held for 12 months and a minimum age of 21, with a young-driver fee under 25. Check your supplier terms.
How much is the deposit and excess for a compact car rental?
A temporary hold on your card and an excess that varies by supplier and car. Both are shown before you pay.
Can I return a compact car rental in another city?
Often yes as a one-way rental, subject to availability and a possible fee.