Quick Summary:
- For two large cases, choose at least Midsize, ideally Full-size.
- Compact and Economy often fit two cases only with rear seats used.
- US “Intermediate” usually equals Midsize, not a UK family hatchback.
- When in doubt, pick a class with a larger boot, not more seats.
US car hire size classes in Florida can feel familiar, Economy, Compact, Midsize, Full-size, SUV, but the reality at the kerbside can differ from what you picture. The category name is a promise of a general type, not a specific model, and boot layouts vary hugely even within the same class. That matters most when you arrive with two large suitcases and want to avoid paying more at pick-up because the luggage does not fit safely.
This guide translates common US categories into the real-world questions you actually care about: will two large cases fit in the boot with the parcel shelf closed, will adults be comfortable for a long drive, and which “safe choices” reduce the risk of an on-the-spot upgrade.
If you are collecting in South Florida, the airport mix can include many compact saloons and crossovers. If you want to compare typical line-ups for arrivals, see car rental at Miami Airport. For Central Florida arrivals and family-heavy fleets, car rental at Orlando Airport is a useful reference point for what classes are commonly offered.
What “two large cases” usually means in practice
Most travellers saying “two large cases” mean two 28–30 inch suitcases, roughly 75–82cm tall, plus maybe a couple of small backpacks. Two cases like that are bulky rather than heavy, so the limiting factor is boot opening shape and depth, not weight capacity.
In the US, you will often see suitcase-fit guidance such as “2 large, 1 small”, but it is not consistent across suppliers and does not account for hard-shell designs. The safest approach is to aim for a boot that can take two large cases flat, side-by-side, with the rear seats up. If you have to stand a case on its end, the boot lid angle becomes critical and many saloons lose height near the latch.
Also consider passenger count. With two people, you can sometimes fold part of the rear seat for extra length. With four or five people, you cannot, so you should size the car for luggage with all seats in use.
US size classes in Florida, translated to space and comfort
Below is a practical way to think about each category. The examples are not guarantees, because fleets vary, but they reflect typical shapes you may receive in Florida: small hatchbacks, compact saloons, midsize saloons, and compact SUVs.
Economy and Compact: cheapest, but luggage is the gamble
Economy and Compact cars are the price leaders and often the smallest boots. In Florida, these categories may include small hatchbacks, compact saloons, or older designs with shallower cargo areas.
Passenger comfort: Fine for two adults and short city journeys. For three or four adults with holiday bags, it can feel tight, especially in the rear. Air-con performance is usually adequate, but cabin width and legroom are the limiting factors.
Boot reality: Two large cases are not a sure thing. Some compact saloons will take one large case plus a medium, and some hatchbacks will take two large cases only if you remove the parcel shelf or stack them, which reduces rear visibility and can be unsafe. If you are travelling with two large cases and want a low-risk pick, Economy and Compact are best treated as “might fit, might not”.
Best for: Solo travellers, couples with one large and one cabin case, or anyone packing soft bags that compress.
Midsize and Intermediate: the “safe minimum” for two large cases
Midsize is commonly labelled “Intermediate” in US listings. For UK travellers, it is easy to underestimate this class. It often maps to a midsize saloon or a roomy hatchback, but the key benefit is a longer, deeper boot.
Passenger comfort: Comfortable for two to four adults for longer drives. Rear legroom is generally better than Compact, and front seats are wider. This is the category where a Florida road trip starts feeling relaxed rather than cramped.
Boot reality: Two large cases usually fit with the rear seats up, but not always flat. The boot opening can still be the constraint, particularly if the model is a saloon with a narrow aperture. If your cases are hard-shell and squared off, Midsize is where you want to start if you are trying to avoid an upgrade conversation.
Best for: Two adults with two large cases, or a small family with a mix of large and cabin luggage.
Full-size: most reliable for two large cases plus extras
Full-size is often the comfort and luggage sweet spot for Florida, because you typically get a larger saloon with a substantial boot and a relaxed ride.
Passenger comfort: Excellent for up to five adults, with the most shoulder room in this price tier. It is also more pleasant for long interstate runs and often quieter at speed.
Boot reality: Two large cases are very likely to fit, often with space for a couple of smaller bags. If you are travelling as a couple and want predictable packing without Tetris at the kerb, Full-size is usually the most reliable non-SUV choice.
Best for: Travellers who prioritise boot certainty, comfort, and minimal hassle at pick-up.
Standard and Premium: comfort improves, boot shape varies
Standard and Premium classes can be confusing because “premium” often means nicer trim, not a bigger boot. You might receive a larger saloon with good luggage capacity, or a sleeker design with a more restricted boot opening.
Passenger comfort: Generally very good. Seats and ride quality often improve, and long drives feel easier.
Boot reality: Two large cases should fit, but do not assume Premium equals bigger luggage space. If boot capacity is your main concern, Full-size or an SUV category may be a clearer choice than upgrading purely for the label.
Compact SUV and Intermediate SUV: easiest packing for two large cases
If you want a stress-free load area, a compact or intermediate SUV often wins on shape alone. Even if the official litres figure is similar to a saloon, the taller opening and squarer cargo space make it simpler to fit hard-shell luggage.
Passenger comfort: Easy entry, good visibility, and decent rear space. Ride can be a little firmer on some models, but Florida roads are generally SUV-friendly.
Boot reality: Two large cases usually fit with the rear seats up, with more tolerance for awkward suitcase shapes. This category is also useful if you will be shopping, carrying a buggy, or loading beach kit.
Best for: Anyone prioritising easy packing and an upright seating position. For Miami coastal driving and mixed luggage, SUV hire in Miami Beach is a relevant option to compare.
Three-row SUVs and Minivans: only needed for more passengers, not just two cases
It is tempting to jump straight to a big SUV to avoid luggage worry, but remember that three-row SUVs can actually have small cargo space when all seats are in use. Minivans, on the other hand, often have excellent luggage capacity behind the third row.
Passenger comfort: Best for larger groups. Parking and fuel costs can rise, and some areas in Florida have tight multi-storey spaces.
Boot reality: With all seats up, three-row SUV boots can be shallow. If you need seven seats and two large cases, a minivan is frequently the more practical answer.
What will fit two large cases: simple recommendations by group size
Two adults, two large cases: Choose Midsize as the minimum, Full-size if you want near-certainty. Compact SUV is also a strong low-stress choice because of the boot opening shape.
Two adults, two large cases, plus shopping or beach gear: Full-size or Compact SUV. If you hate stacking bags, the SUV is usually easier.
Three adults, two large cases: Full-size is the safer pick. Midsize may work, but you might need to place smaller bags in the rear footwell.
Four adults, two large cases: Full-size or SUV. Avoid Compact and Economy unless you are willing to use the rear seats for luggage, which reduces comfort.
Family of four with two large cases and two cabin cases: Full-size can work, but a compact or intermediate SUV reduces the risk of an upgrade at pick-up.
Why upgrades happen at the counter, and how to reduce the risk
Costly upgrades usually happen for one of three reasons: the original class does not comfortably hold your luggage, the supplier is out of your category, or the car offered is the right class but the boot shape does not suit your suitcases.
To reduce risk, focus on boot shape rather than just “number of seats”. A saloon can have a big boot volume but a narrow opening. A hatchback or SUV can have a smaller volume figure but a much easier aperture. If you know you have two bulky hard-shell cases, bias toward categories that commonly include larger saloons or SUVs.
Supplier mix can also affect what you are handed. If you are comparing well-known fleets around Miami, pages such as National car hire in Miami and Enterprise car hire in Doral help set expectations for typical category availability in that area.
Florida-specific factors: heat, tolls, and long distances
Florida driving often means heat, sudden downpours, and longer distances than you expect between stops. A slightly larger class can be worth it for comfort alone, not just luggage. Full-size cars and many SUVs tend to feel more stable at highway speeds, and they give passengers more personal space in hot weather.
If you are doing theme parks and day trips, opening the boot frequently, an SUV tailgate can be easier than a saloon lid, especially when the boot is packed tight. If you are staying in a city centre hotel with valet parking, remember that bigger vehicles can be less convenient for drop-off areas and tight ramps, so choose the smallest class that reliably fits your luggage.
A quick checklist before you choose a category
1) Count “all seats in use” days: If you ever need all seats, do not rely on folding rear seats for luggage.
2) Think about suitcase shape: Two tall, boxy hard-shell cases need a squarer boot or a wide opening.
3) Prioritise boot opening: Hatchbacks and SUVs can outperform saloons for real packing.
4) Plan for extras: Beach chairs, pushchairs, and shopping add bulk fast.
5) Choose the lowest-risk minimum: For two large cases, Midsize is the floor, Full-size is the safer bet.
FAQ
Q: Will an “Intermediate” car in Florida fit two large suitcases? A: Often yes, because Intermediate usually maps to Midsize. However, boot openings vary, so hard-shell cases fit more reliably in Full-size or a compact SUV.
Q: Is Compact always too small for two large cases? A: Not always, but it is unpredictable. Some Compact models fit two large cases only if one is angled or stacked, which can compromise visibility and comfort.
Q: Are SUVs always better for luggage than saloons? A: For two large cases, many compact SUVs are easier because the opening is taller and squarer. A Full-size saloon can match or beat volume, but may have a narrower aperture.
Q: If I have two large cases and four passengers, what class should I choose? A: Aim for Full-size or an SUV category. That combination gives you the best chance of keeping all passengers comfortable with luggage secured in the boot.
Q: Why does the car I receive sometimes differ from the picture online? A: US car hire categories are grouped by size and features, not exact models. The supplier can provide any vehicle in the class, so choosing a slightly higher class can reduce luggage and comfort surprises.
