Quick Summary:
- For two large suitcases plus carry-ons, choose a midsize or larger.
- A compact may fit two large cases only if carry-ons go inside.
- Full-size or SUV avoids rear-seat stacking, keeps visibility and comfort.
- If four travellers, upgrade to minivan for true luggage-and-people space.
Choosing the right car size in Los Angeles is mostly about matching boot volume to the exact mix of luggage you travel with. “Two large suitcases and carry-ons” sounds straightforward, but it can mean very different shapes, hard-shell versus soft, and whether you also have backpacks, camera bags, or shopping. Add Los Angeles realities like airport pick-ups, motorway merges, and long distances between neighbourhoods, and the difference between “it fits” and “it fits comfortably” matters.
This practical guide breaks down what typically fits in each car category, how to think about suitcase dimensions, and when upgrading your car hire makes the trip easier. If you are comparing options around LAX, the Los Angeles landing page can help you review what is commonly available: car rental California LAX.
Define “large suitcase” and “carry-on” before choosing a category
Most “large” checked suitcases are around 70 to 80 cm tall, typically called 28 to 32 inch cases. They can be hard-shell (bulky, less flexible) or soft-sided (can compress slightly). A carry-on is usually around 55 cm tall, plus a backpack or laptop bag.
For boot planning, what matters is not just total litres but the shape of the boot opening. Many saloons have decent volume but a narrow opening that makes hard-shell cases awkward. Hatchbacks and SUVs tend to load more easily. Another factor is whether your car hire includes multiple passengers. Two people can use the rear seat for carry-ons. Three or four people cannot do that without compromising comfort.
Quick luggage-fit rule for Los Angeles car hire
For two adults with two large suitcases and two carry-ons, the “safe” starting point is a midsize saloon or midsize SUV. You might squeeze into a compact, but only if you are comfortable putting some items on the back seat and if the suitcases are not the biggest 32 inch hard-shell style.
Los Angeles driving often involves longer stints on the I-405, I-10, or US-101, plus parking in garages with tight ramps. That is why many travellers find a midsize category to be the sweet spot: manageable footprint, but enough luggage flexibility to avoid stacking bags in risky ways.
By category: what usually fits (two large suitcases and carry-ons)
Car categories vary by fleet, but these “fit” descriptions are useful for deciding confidently. Always think in terms of what you want: “barely fits” is very different from “fits with room to spare”.
Mini and economy (small hatchbacks)
Typical fit: Not recommended for two large suitcases plus carry-ons. Some economy hatchbacks can take one large suitcase and one carry-on in the boot, but two large cases usually require folding a rear seat or placing one case in the cabin. With two passengers you can place carry-ons on the rear seat, but hard-shell large suitcases often force compromises.
When it can work: If your “large” cases are actually medium, or soft-sided, and you pack efficiently. If you are travelling light but still want the best fuel economy, this category is fine. For the specific luggage mix in the title, most people will be happier in the next class up.
Compact (small saloon or hatchback)
Typical fit: Sometimes. A compact hatchback is more likely to take two large suitcases than a compact saloon because of the wider opening. Even then, you often need to put carry-ons on the back seat. If you have two passengers, that is manageable. If you have three or four, compact becomes stressful quickly.
What to watch: Boot opening height and the “lip” at the edge. Hard-shell cases need space to angle in. If you plan to collect passengers at LAX and head straight onto a busy road, you may appreciate not having luggage piled high, which can block the rear view.
Intermediate or midsize (midsize saloon)
Typical fit: Usually yes. This is the most reliable category for two large suitcases in the boot, with carry-ons either alongside if they are small or placed on the rear seat. It is often the best value point for car hire: enough boot space without the bulk of a large SUV.
Best for: Two adults travelling with standard “large” checked luggage, plus a couple of carry-ons and small personal items. If you are staying in Los Angeles and doing day trips, it is also a comfortable class for longer drives.
If you want to compare LAX options by provider, you can review the available selection through Hola Car Rentals pages like National car rental Los Angeles LAX or Hertz car hire Los Angeles LAX.
Full-size (large saloon)
Typical fit: Yes, with less fuss. Full-size saloons usually take two large suitcases in the boot with space for at least one carry-on, sometimes two if they are not rigid. Carry-ons can also sit comfortably in the cabin without intruding into passenger space.
Why upgrade: If you value easy loading, better rear visibility (no bags stacked high), and more comfortable seating, full-size is a solid step up. It can also reduce “boot Tetris” after a long flight.
Standard SUV (compact or midsize SUV)
Typical fit: Yes, with flexible loading. SUVs often have a more usable boot opening and a flatter load floor. Two large suitcases typically fit with carry-ons either beside them or on top if the boot cover allows. This is usually easier than a saloon if you have bulky cases or odd-shaped items.
Trade-offs: Slightly higher fuel use and a larger footprint for parking. However, many travellers prefer the higher seating position for Los Angeles traffic and multi-lane motorways.
Large SUV (three-row SUV)
Typical fit: With the third row down, yes, and often plenty of space. With the third row up, luggage space can become surprisingly limited, sometimes worse than a midsize SUV. If you need seven seats and luggage, this is where expectations often fail unless you confirm you can fold seats.
Good for: Groups where passenger count varies, or you want room for shopping and extras while keeping luggage out of sight.
Minivan or people carrier
Typical fit: Yes, comfortably. If you have more than two passengers, a minivan is often the only category that truly handles people plus two large suitcases plus carry-ons without stacking and squeezing. Sliding doors can also help in tight hotel car parks.
If your trip includes multiple pick-ups at the terminal or a large family, it is worth comparing a van category around LAX: van rental Los Angeles LAX.
Practical packing strategies that can save an upgrade
If you are close to the limit between compact and midsize, these tips often make the difference:
Use the rear seat for carry-ons, not for a large suitcase. A carry-on lays flatter and keeps passengers comfortable. A large suitcase on a rear seat can press against the front seats and block side mirrors if it shifts.
Keep the parcel shelf usable. In hatchbacks and SUVs, stacking bags above the shelf line reduces visibility and attracts attention when parked. If you can fit your two large suitcases under the shelf and place carry-ons elsewhere, you will feel more relaxed around tourist areas and car parks.
Plan for souvenirs and shopping. Los Angeles trips often include shopping at outlets or bringing back beach gear. If your outbound luggage already fills the boot, plan either for a larger category or for collapsible bags that compress easily.
Think about airport day logistics. If you arrive tired, the easier the boot is to load, the better. Midsize and above reduces the need to force cases into tight openings.
Los Angeles-specific considerations when choosing car size
Traffic comfort matters. Stop-start traffic makes a cramped cabin feel worse. If you expect long drives from LAX to Santa Monica, Hollywood, Anaheim, or Pasadena, a slightly larger category can feel like a quality-of-trip upgrade, not just a luggage solution.
Parking can be tight in popular areas. A full-size saloon or large SUV can be more stressful in older garages, particularly in Downtown LA or beach neighbourhoods with small spaces. If you want easy parking, a midsize car is often the best balance.
Heat and sun exposure. In warmer months, luggage in view can heat up quickly, especially in hatchbacks with rear glass. Keeping luggage lower and covered is easier with a boot that has spare height and depth.
Recommended choices for two large suitcases and carry-ons
If you want a simple answer for car hire in Los Angeles with this luggage set, here are the most practical picks:
Best all-rounder: Intermediate or midsize saloon, or midsize SUV. You will usually fit two large suitcases in the boot and place carry-ons on the rear seat.
Most hassle-free: Full-size saloon or standard SUV. You gain loading ease and are less likely to reshuffle bags.
For three or four travellers: Minivan, or a three-row SUV with third row folded. If you need all seats, a minivan is typically more realistic for luggage.
If you insist on compact: Choose a compact hatchback over a compact saloon, and expect carry-ons in the cabin.
How to reduce uncertainty when selecting a category
Car hire bookings are typically by category, not a guaranteed model. To minimise surprises, aim one category higher if your cases are rigid 32 inch, you are travelling with more than two passengers, or you strongly prefer luggage fully in the boot.
It also helps to think about your first and last day. Airport transfers are when luggage is at maximum volume. During the trip, you might shed packaging, consume toiletries, or consolidate. Choose the car size based on the maximum load, not the minimum.
If you are flying into LAX, starting your comparison at the main Los Angeles airport page makes it easier to keep category expectations consistent: National car hire California LAX.
FAQ
Will a compact car fit two large suitcases and two carry-ons in Los Angeles? Sometimes, but usually only if at least the carry-ons go on the rear seat. A compact hatchback is more likely to work than a compact saloon, especially with hard-shell cases.
What is the safest category for this luggage if I want everything in the boot? A full-size saloon or a standard SUV gives the best chance of fitting two large suitcases plus carry-ons without stacking bags into the cabin.
Is a midsize saloon enough for two people with two large suitcases? In most cases, yes. A midsize saloon commonly fits two large suitcases in the boot, with carry-ons either alongside if small or placed on the rear seat.
Should I choose an SUV just for luggage space? Choose an SUV if you want a wider boot opening, flexible stacking, or higher driving position. For pure boot volume, a full-size saloon can be similarly practical and easier to park.
What if we are four people with two large suitcases and carry-ons? Plan on a minivan, or a three-row SUV with the third row folded down. With all seats in use, many SUVs do not have enough luggage depth for large cases.
