Best value
Toyota Yaris
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · 5.0 L/100 km
5 seats · 2 bags
Suitable for: Sealed roads and city driving
FromA$39/day
View Toyota Yaris rentalEconomy car rental in Australia, compared
The lowest-priced cars for city trips and short stays.
- Free Cancellation
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Charges
Best Australia car rental deals
Typical economy models with indicative specs and daily rates. Exact models and availability depend on the supplier.
Kia Picanto
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · 5.0 L/100 km
4 seats · 1 bag
Suitable for: Short city hops and easy parking
FromA$37/day
Hyundai i20
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · 5.5 L/100 km
5 seats · 2 bags
Suitable for: Sealed roads and city driving
FromA$42/day
Low fuel use
MG 3
Hatchback or similar
Automatic · from 4.3 L/100 km (hybrid)
5 seats · 2 bags
Suitable for: City trips and day trips on sealed roads
FromA$38/day
Car prices by season
Typical daily from-prices for economy 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$33–38 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 economy 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$50–57 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 economy 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$37–42 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 economy 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$33–38 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 economy 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$41–46 per day
Prices lift from late September with school holidays and spring events.
Check prices for your datesCheck if an economy car suits your trip
Set your travellers, bags and roads. The fit updates as you go.
4 seatsPassenger capacity
2 large bagsLuggage space
City and highwayBest suited to
A$37/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 4Plenty of room: 2 spare seats.
Luggage1 of 2Boot space is comfortable.
RoadsSuitableThis car type is fine for city and highway driving.
Seats, luggage and roads all work for an economy 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 an economy car in Australia
Quick checks that save money and stress.
01Pack lightEconomy cars fit one or two cabin-size bags plus small items.
02Best for short distancesFine for city and day trips; for long highway drives a compact is more comfortable.
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 people fit in an economy car?
Two adults travel comfortably. Four fit for short trips with little luggage.
Is economy enough for a road trip?
For short sealed routes yes. For longer trips choose a compact or SUV.
Are economy cars automatic?
Most are automatic in Australia, but confirm when booking.
What licence and age do I need for an economy 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 an economy 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 an economy car rental in another city?
Often yes as a one-way rental, subject to availability and a possible fee.