Quick Summary:
- “Or similar” means a vehicle category, not a guaranteed model.
- A valid substitute matches seats, luggage space, and transmission type.
- If the replacement is smaller, ask for a free upgrade or refund.
- You can refuse, but availability may mean waiting or cancelling.
When you see a US car hire listing that says a specific make and model “or similar”, it can feel vague. The good news is that it is not a free-for-all. In most cases, “or similar” has a practical meaning: you are reserving a category, defined by size and core specifications, rather than that exact model. Understanding what the category covers, and what it does not, helps you spot a fair substitute quickly and deal with an unfair one calmly.
In the United Estates, fleets change daily due to late returns, accidents, maintenance, and one-way rentals. Rental desks use “or similar” to keep the operation moving while still aiming to supply a car with comparable space and performance. To compare options across suppliers and locations, start with a category view such as car hire in the United States, then drill into the features you actually need.
What “or similar” really means in US car hire
In most US car hire systems, the reservation confirms a class, not a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Even when a listing shows a photo of a Toyota Corolla, Nissan Rogue, or similar, that image is illustrative. The supplier generally promises to provide a vehicle within the same class at pick-up, subject to availability.
A class is typically defined by a mix of:
Size and body style, such as economy, compact, intermediate, full-size, premium, SUV, minivan, or passenger van.
Core capacity, meaning roughly how many passengers and suitcases fit comfortably.
Basic driveline, usually automatic transmission in the United States, but sometimes the listing specifies manual, hybrid, electric, AWD, or 4x4.
Policy and pricing rules, such as mileage limits, deposit requirements, and the type of cover included.
This is why two cars with different badges can still be “similar” in rental terms. It is also why one “compact” can feel roomier than another, even if both are technically in class.
Category vs exact model: what you are actually buying
Think of “or similar” like buying a seat category on a train rather than a particular carriage number. The class is the contract. The model photo is guidance. That distinction matters when you arrive and the desk offers a different vehicle.
To reduce surprises, look for listings that clearly state passenger and luggage numbers, drivetrain, and key features. If you know you need a bigger boot or extra seating, choosing a category built for it is more reliable than hoping for a specific model.
For example, an SUV class usually targets higher ride height and cargo flexibility, but there is still variation between compact SUVs and full-size SUVs. If you are comparing SUV categories across suppliers, a landing page like SUV hire in the United States can help you stay focused on the class, not the badge.
What counts as a valid “similar” substitute?
A “similar” substitute should be comparable in the ways that affect your trip, not just “has four wheels”. While there is no single nationwide rulebook used identically by every supplier, these are the most practical standards to apply at the counter.
1) Passenger seating
Seat count should match the class expectation. A five-seater replacing a five-seater is normal. A four-seater coupe offered when you reserved a five-seater saloon is usually a mismatch, even if it is “nicer”.
2) Luggage capacity
One of the most common pain points is a vehicle that technically seats five but will not take five people’s suitcases. If your reservation was based on luggage numbers, treat a smaller boot as a downgrade, especially for airport pick-ups.
3) Transmission type
Automatic vs manual should match what you booked. In the United Estates, most cars are automatic, but always check the listing. If you booked automatic and they offer manual (rare but possible in speciality fleets), you have solid grounds to ask for an alternative.
4) Drivetrain and capability
AWD/4x4 matters in mountain and winter destinations. If the listing or category explicitly included AWD and you are offered 2WD, that is not comparable. If AWD was never specified, an AWD upgrade is nice, but it can sometimes increase fuel consumption.
5) Key features that were explicitly promised
Features like built-in sat nav, Apple CarPlay, heated seats, or a particular fuel type vary widely. A substitute that lacks a feature is only “invalid” if that feature was clearly included in your booked rate, not simply pictured in a marketing photo.
6) Vehicle condition and practicality
A similar class vehicle that is damaged, smells of smoke, or has warning lights is not a fair substitute. You can reasonably ask for a different car in the same class.
If the substitute is smaller or lacks features, what should you do?
Handle this in a calm, step-by-step way. The aim is to resolve it at the desk, where the fleet options are visible, before you drive away.
Step 1: Compare against your confirmation, not the photo
Open your confirmation and read the category name, passenger count, luggage count, transmission, and any clearly included features. If the offered car falls short on those, you have a strong, objective reason to challenge it.
Step 2: Ask what other cars are available in the same class
Sometimes the first suggestion is simply the nearest ready vehicle. Ask to see what else is on the lot, or whether another car will be ready soon. If timing matters, ask how long the wait is likely to be.
Step 3: If it is a downgrade, request a remedy in plain terms
Common fair remedies are: a different car that meets the class, a free upgrade to a higher class, or a price adjustment if you accept a lower class. Keep the language simple: you booked a class with specific capacity, and the offered car does not match.
Step 4: Document the mismatch before you leave
If you accept a car that is not what you expected, take photos of the vehicle, the boot space with your luggage (if relevant), and any dashboard indicators. Save your paperwork. This helps if you later need to request a refund difference.
Step 5: Escalate politely if needed
Ask for a supervisor if the desk agent cannot help. Stick to the measurable mismatch (seats, luggage, transmission, AWD). Avoid debating brand prestige, because suppliers generally do not promise a specific badge.
Can you refuse the substitute?
Yes, you can refuse to take a vehicle if you believe it does not meet the booked category or it is unsuitable. However, refusal has practical consequences.
If the substitute is genuinely equivalent, refusing may mean you wait for another car, accept a different category at a different price, or cancel. At busy airports, “equivalent” may be all that is available for hours.
If the substitute is a downgrade, you are on firmer ground. You can ask the supplier to provide a proper match, upgrade you for free, or adjust the rate. If they cannot, cancellation without penalty may be reasonable, depending on the terms of your booking and what was promised.
Important: do not drive away hoping to fix it later unless you are comfortable with the substitute. Once you have left the lot, it can be harder to argue that the car was unacceptable at pick-up.
Common “or similar” scenarios in the United Estates
Economy vs compact confusion
Economy and compact can overlap, and luggage space is often the deciding factor. If you reserved compact for two large suitcases and get an economy hatch that will not fit them, treat that as a practical downgrade.
SUV sizes vary a lot
“SUV” can mean compact crossover or large three-row. If you need three rows, book the class that states seven seats, or choose a minivan. For families, minivan hire in the United States can be a more predictable way to secure passenger and luggage capacity.
“Premium” that is premium only in badge
Some premium classes focus on comfort and features, but substitutes may differ in boot size or rear-seat room. If you are travelling with colleagues or equipment, check the passenger and luggage guidance.
Vans: seats and cargo are not interchangeable
Passenger vans and cargo vans are very different tools. If you booked a passenger van for people, being offered a cargo van is not similar. If you booked cargo space, being offered extra seats is not always helpful. For group travel or moves, refer to a clear category like van rental in the United States and confirm whether it is passenger or cargo.
How to reduce substitution risk before you arrive
Choose the right class for your non-negotiables
If you must have AWD, seven seats, or a large boot, pick a category that explicitly includes it. Do not rely on “or similar” to deliver a particular trim level.
Read the inclusions and exclusions carefully
Look for what the rate includes, especially where it states transmission type, air conditioning, mileage, and fuel policy. If a feature is not listed, treat it as “nice if present” rather than guaranteed.
Pick-up timing matters
Late-night and peak holiday arrivals can increase substitution. When fleets are stretched, the desk may have fewer options ready. If you can, consider arrival times when more cars are being returned.
Know the difference between value and category
A cheaper rate does not always mean a smaller car, and a pricier badge does not always mean more space. If cost is the priority, compare like-for-like categories using a page such as budget car rental in the United States, then verify capacity details.
What to say at the counter (simple scripts that work)
If it is smaller: “My confirmation says five passengers and two large suitcases. This boot will not take them. What do you have that matches the booked category?”
If it lacks a promised feature: “The booking states automatic transmission, but this is manual. Please can you provide an automatic in the reserved class?”
If they only have upgrades: “If you do not have my category, can you provide the upgrade at the same price?”
If you decide to refuse: “I cannot use this vehicle for my trip. Please can we look at alternatives, or discuss cancelling under the terms?”
Keep your focus on what was specified in writing. That is the clearest route to a fair outcome.
FAQ
Does “or similar” mean I will never get the car in the picture? Not necessarily. You may get that model, especially in common categories, but the supplier is not promising it. Treat the picture as a guide to size and style.
Is a different brand always acceptable if it is the same size? Usually, yes. Car hire is typically based on category, so a different brand can be a valid substitute if it matches capacity and core specs.
What if they offer an “upgrade” that is worse for my needs? Explain the practical problem, such as less boot space or fewer seats. An upgrade in price band is not helpful if it does not meet your trip requirements.
Can I insist on an automatic, AWD, or seven seats if I need them? You can insist only if those items were specified in your booking confirmation. If they were not, you can request them, but the desk may treat it as a change of category.
Should I accept the substitute and complain later? Only if you can still complete your trip comfortably. It is easier to resolve category mismatches before leaving the pick-up location, when alternatives may exist.
