There’s nothing more Australian than the summer road trip. For generations, families have loaded up the car, cranked up the music, and hit the highway in search of beaches, bushwalks, or outback adventures.
The good news? Road trips are a lot more comfortable today than they were back in the days of vinyl seats and sweaty backseats. With air conditioning standard, fuel-efficient engines, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and safety tech everywhere, renting the right car makes your summer holiday as easy as it is memorable.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we’ve got vehicles ready at all major Australian airports to suit every traveller and every journey. Whether you’re cruising the coast, exploring wine regions, or heading outback, here are the best rental cars for your Great Aussie Summer Road Trip.
1. Economy: Toyota Yaris or MG3 – Small but Mighty
Perfect for couples or solo travellers, economy cars are fuel-sipping, easy to park, and surprisingly fun to drive. The Toyota Yaris and MG3 are two of the most popular options in our fleet.
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Why choose economy? Cheap to rent, light on fuel (averaging under 6L/100km), and compact enough for tight city streets.
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Best for: City breaks, weekend getaways, or short coastal hops.
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Road trip tip: Pack light – the boot can handle a couple of carry-ons and a soft bag, but you won’t fit the kitchen sink.
2. Compact: Kia Cerato or Hyundai i30 – Everyday Heroes
If you need a little more space without stepping up to a big car, a compact hatch or sedan like the Kia Cerato or Hyundai i30 is the sweet spot.
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Why choose compact? Plenty of room for luggage, excellent safety ratings, and modern tech like smartphone connectivity and lane-keep assist.
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Best for: Couples or small families who want a balance between price, comfort, and practicality.
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Road trip tip: The i30’s Apple CarPlay makes playlist battles easy. Just remember to bring a charging cable!
3. Intermediate: Toyota Corolla or Nissan Qashqai – Australia’s Favourites
The Toyota Corolla is Australia’s best-selling car for a reason: it’s bulletproof reliable, super fuel efficient, and easy to drive. In SUV form, something like the Nissan Qashqai gives you more height and cargo space while keeping things compact.
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Why choose intermediate? A step up in comfort with room for 4–5 adults, bigger boots, and excellent fuel economy.
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Best for: Longer road trips where comfort and luggage space start to matter.
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Road trip tip: If you’re driving country roads, the Qashqai’s raised ride height is a bonus.
4. Full-Size Sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid – Smooth & Efficient
Once upon a time, the Holden Commodore was the king of Aussie highways. These days, the crown belongs to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. With hybrid fuel efficiency and a big, comfy interior, it’s the perfect long-distance cruiser.
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Why choose full-size? Space for the whole family, a big boot, and excellent ride comfort.
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Best for: Highway cruising between cities – Brisbane to Sydney, Adelaide to Melbourne, Perth to Margaret River.
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Road trip tip: The Camry Hybrid can sip as little as 4.5L/100km, so you’ll save big on petrol over long distances.
5. SUV: Mitsubishi Outlander or MG HS – Family All-Rounders
SUVs are now the go-to choice for Aussie families hitting the road. The Mitsubishi Outlander and MG HS are roomy, comfortable, and versatile.
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Why choose SUV? Higher driving position, plenty of space for passengers and luggage, and modern safety tech.
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Best for: Families heading to the beach, the bush, or anywhere in between.
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Road trip tip: Choose the 7-seater Outlander if you’re travelling with extended family or need maximum luggage flexibility.
6. Large SUV / People Mover: Kia Carnival – The Group Champion
For larger groups, nothing beats the Kia Carnival. With 8 seats and a massive luggage area, it’s the ultimate people mover.
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Why choose people movers? Everyone travels together, and you won’t need two cars for one family.
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Best for: Group holidays, airport transfers, or family reunions.
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Road trip tip: The Carnival’s sliding doors are a lifesaver in tight car parks.
7. Ute & 4WD Options – Adventure-Ready
Heading into the outback or planning a surf trip with plenty of gear? A ute or 4WD gives you extra load space and the ability to tackle rougher roads. Models like the Nissan Navara Dual Cab or Toyota Hilux are rugged, reliable, and built for Aussie conditions.
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Why choose a ute/4WD? Tough, versatile, and capable of handling unsealed roads.
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Best for: Camping, surf trips, or exploring national parks.
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Road trip tip: Always check if your rental contract allows for off-road use before venturing onto dirt tracks.
Modern Road Trips, Made Easy
The Great Aussie Summer Road Trip isn’t about sweating in the back of a station wagon anymore. It’s about comfort, safety, and choosing the right rental car to match your journey. From zippy hatchbacks for city escapes to SUVs for family adventures, Redspot has a vehicle ready for you at every major airport.
So grab your playlist, pack the esky, and hit the open road this summer — the only question left is where will you go first?
👉 Book your rental car today and save with Redspot Car Rentals.
