Planning a trip to Europe? Maybe Paris in the spring, the Dolomites in summer, or a Christmas market tour in December? Whatever the season, one thing remains true: if you want the kind of freedom that lets you chase sunsets through wine valleys or detour to hidden villages — you’ll need a car.
Car rental in Europe isn’t just a convenience. It’s part of the experience. And like everything on the continent, it has its own rhythm, preferences, and quirks. Let’s talk about the most popular rental cars in Europe right now — and why travelers are choosing them.
What Makes a Car “Popular” in Europe?
In the U.S., popular often means big — full-size sedans, spacious SUVs, and pickups. In Europe? It’s all about balance: smaller cars that are easy to park, fuel-efficient, and agile on winding roads. Add in rising fuel prices and narrow city streets, and it’s easy to see why compact cars dominate.
Also, a shift is happening: while manual transmissions used to rule the rental market, the demand for automatic vehicles has skyrocketed, especially from visitors from the U.S., UAE, and Asia. In airports and major cities, automatics now often make up over 50% of the available fleet.
Small but Mighty: Why Hatchbacks Reign
If you’ve wandered through Rome or Lisbon, you’ve seen them everywhere — those compact hatchbacks tucking into impossible parking spots or navigating cobblestone alleys with grace.
Models like the Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, and Fiat 500 aren’t just cute. They’re practical, economical, and perfect for couples or solo travelers planning to hop between cities or spend most of their time in urban areas.
Traveling with Friends or Family? Consider a Wagon
Got luggage? Traveling with kids or in a group? You’ll want something with a bit more room. That’s where station wagons and compact estates come in. These are among the most popular picks:
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Škoda Octavia Combi
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VW Golf Variant
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Renault Megane Estate
These cars strike a great balance: roomy trunks, comfortable rides on long highways, and fuel efficiency that won’t leave you sweating at the pump. They’re ideal for road trips across France, Germany, or Italy, where you’ll be covering serious ground — and maybe grabbing a few cases of wine along the way.
SUVs: The New Favorite
In the past few years, SUVs have exploded in popularity across European rental fleets. Why? They’re great for all kinds of terrain — mountain roads, coastal highways, or rainy days — and they offer a driving position and comfort many travelers are used to back home.
Top picks include:
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Hyundai Tucson
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Peugeot 3008
These models are especially popular among travelers from the UAE, U.S., and Israel who prefer familiar size and comfort, especially for long-distance drives or mountainous regions like the Alps or northern Spain.
Going Electric? It’s Happening Fast
Electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t just a trend — they’re becoming a solid option in Europe’s rental landscape. From Teslas to native European models, there’s growing demand, and more availability in key cities.
Common EVs you’ll find:
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Fiat 500e
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Volkswagen ID.3
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Renault Zoe
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BMW i3
EVs are especially available in places like Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and Oslo — where charging infrastructure is well-developed. Planning to rent one? Make sure your route includes charging stations, especially if you’re heading outside major metro areas.
Pro Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
Book early, especially in peak season
Summer and the winter holidays see huge demand. Book a few weeks in advance if you want an automatic, SUV, or EV — especially at major hubs like Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Barcelona-El Prat, or Vienna.
Not confident with a stick? Don’t wing it
Manual cars might be cheaper, but if you’re not used to them, think twice. Mountain roads, city traffic, and steep parking garages are not ideal places to relearn. Go for the automatic — your nerves will thank you.
Airport pickup often makes more sense
Contrary to the myth, renting at the airport in Europe is often cheaper and way more convenient, especially when you’ve just landed with luggage. Big airports have more inventory, more automatics, and longer desk hours. Places like BER, Madrid, and Tbilisi make it easy to hit the road right after landing.
Understand the insurance situation
Read the fine print. Some rentals include basic coverage but have high excess (deductibles), and others push expensive full coverage. Consider buying insurance from a third-party provider in advance. It’s often cheaper — and covers more.
Parking isn’t a joke — it’s a puzzle
Urban parking is a true European adventure. In cities like Florence or Nice, spots are limited and often underground. Download local parking apps like EasyPark, ParkNow, or PayByPhone to avoid last-minute stress. Sometimes it’s smarter to park a few blocks away and walk.
Know your return conditions
Some rental companies expect the car washed and with a full tank. Others charge surprise fees for late returns or fuel. That’s why services like Getmancar car rental service in Germany and Romania are gaining traction — offering fully digital check-in and check-out, with transparent policies and often no desk at all. Just open the app, start your trip, and drop it off where allowed.
A Few Notes for American Travelers
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Cars are smaller — think practically. Don’t book based on brand alone. Focus on size, transmission, and luggage space.
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Diesel is cheaper at the pump, but not allowed in some low-emission zones (like central Paris or parts of Milan).
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Check the car’s tech. Not all models come with GPS. Bring your phone, a good mount, and USB cables. Most support CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Speed limits and road signs change fast — especially in villages or near roundabouts. And don’t assume you’ll get away with anything — automated fines will find your rental account weeks later.
Why Renting a Car in Europe Is Totally Worth It
Europe’s magic lies in its side roads. A vineyard 20 minutes off the highway. A medieval town you stumble into at sunset. A beach cove you never meant to find. With a rental car, those moments are possible — on your schedule, at your pace.
And that’s the real luxury.
Whether you’re driving through the lavender fields of Provence, across the fjords of Norway, or along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, renting a car is your passport to the version of Europe that’s not in guidebooks — but lives in memory forever.
