Most popular
Hyundai Kona
Compact SUV or similar
Automatic · 6.6 L/100 km
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: Couples and small families
FromA$56/day
View Hyundai Kona rentalCompact SUV car rental in Australia, compared
Higher seating and more boot space than a hatchback, without the size or fuel bill of a large SUV.
- Free Cancellation
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Charges
Best Australia car rental deals
Typical compact SUV models with indicative specs and daily rates. Exact models and availability depend on the supplier.
Best value
MG ZS
Compact SUV or similar
Automatic · 6.9 L/100 km
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: Value city and coastal trips
FromA$50/day
Low fuel use
Toyota Corolla Cross
Compact SUV or similar
Automatic · from 4.3 L/100 km (hybrid)
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: Longer drives with low fuel use
FromA$58/day
Mitsubishi ASX
Compact SUV or similar
Automatic · 7.7 L/100 km
5 seats · 3 bags
Suitable for: Sealed roads and regional touring
FromA$52/day
Car prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for compact SUV 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$50–102 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 SUV 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$74–152 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 SUV 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$56–115 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 SUV 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$50–102 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 SUV 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$61–125 per day
Prices lift from late September with school holidays and spring events.
Check prices for your datesCheck if a compact SUV 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$50/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 SUV 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 SUV in Australia
Quick checks that save money and stress.
01Boot first, seats secondCompact SUVs fit two large suitcases plus soft bags. Four adults with luggage is tight.
02Higher, not tougherMost compact SUVs are front-wheel drive. They are not 4WDs and unsealed-road rules still apply.
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.
Is a compact SUV a 4WD?
Usually not. Most are front-wheel drive, so treat them like a hatchback on unsealed roads and check your agreement.
How many bags fit in a compact SUV?
Typically two large suitcases plus a couple of soft bags.
Is a compact SUV much dearer than a compact car?
Usually a little more per day. Fuel use is similar, especially for hybrid versions.
Is a compact SUV good for road trips?
Yes for two to four people on sealed roads, with better visibility and ride comfort than a small hatch.
What licence and age do I need?
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.
Can I return a compact SUV rental in another city?
Often yes as a one-way rental, subject to availability and a possible fee.