Why do families and couples choose small SUVs for short-term rentals?

Small SUVs have gone from being an “alternative to a station wagon” to one of the most sought-after categories in short-term rental. Families and couples choose them because they offer a higher seating position, practical trunk space, and comfort on longer trips, while still parking well in the city. In this article, we will explain what exactly a “small SUV” means, look at data from Slovakia and the EU, compare it to other types of cars, and add specific recommendations on how to choose the right model for a weekend, vacation, or business trip.

What is a “small SUV” and why is it so important in leasing

In practice, the term “small SUV” most often refers to:

• B-SUV / small crossover SUV (typically 4.1–4.4 m long, 5 seats, trunk approximately 380–450 l)
• compact SUV on the edge of the B/C segment (slightly more space, still usable in the city)

Small SUV vs. crossover: translation into human language

• SUV style: higher ground clearance, more robust design, higher seating position.
• Urban usability: dimensions and handling closer to a compact than to a large SUV.
• Practical equipment: often automatic, infotainment, basic assistance systems.

How does this translate into the PAYLESS offer

In short-term leasing, small/compact SUVs tend to appear as a separate category (e.g. “Compact SUV”). In the PAYLESS offer you will commonly encounter categories such as:

• Compact SUV (e.g. Dacia Duster or similar)
• (larger) SUV (e.g. Kia Sportage or similar)

Note: when renting, the category is guaranteed by default, not always a specific model.

Data: SUVs dominate in Europe and Slovakia – and leasing follows suit

Europe: around half of new cars are SUVs

The SUV segment in Europe has been growing for a long time. From a demand perspective, it is important that SUVs already account for around half of new registrations (depending on the methodology and definition of the segment).

• Key findings (EU/Europe):
• SUVs are the best-selling segment and reached record shares in 2024–2025.
• Along with the growth of electrification, SUVs are holding their own, although the pace of growth may slow down.

Slovakia: top models of 2025 show the strength of SUVs and “smaller” crossovers

According to ZAP SR, the Slovak market in 2025 practically stagnated, but SUVs/crossovers are clearly visible in the model rankings (e.g. Škoda Karoq, Škoda Kodiaq, Škoda Kamiq, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Dacia Duster, VW T-Cross).

This is important for rental for two reasons:

• customers often choose what they know from the market (and what they "have in their head" as a safe choice),
• the lessor naturally optimizes the fleet for categories with higher occupancy (utilization).

Why smaller SUVs (B-SUVs) and not large SUVs

It's not just about design. Smaller SUVs offer a compromise that works in rental:

• they park and maneuver better in the city,
• they cost less than large SUVs (and often have less "pain" in consumption),
• they still give the feeling of "higher class" compared to a hatchback.

7 reasons why families and couples are increasingly choosing small SUVs for rental

1) Higher seating position = more comfortable boarding and better visibility

Especially for families with small children, the difference is felt every day:

• easier to put the child in the seat,
• better visibility in traffic,
• more comfortable boarding during frequent stops.

2) Trunk and variability: stroller, skis, suitcases and shopping

A small SUV often offers a more practical "shape" of the trunk than a regular hatchback.

Tips when choosing:

• check whether the rear bench can be folded in a 60:40 ratio,
• for strollers, also consider the height of the loading edge,
• for winter trips, consider a roof box or carrier.

3) Versatility: city during the week, trip at the weekend

The typical scenario for couples is "Bratislava + mountains + wellness". A small SUV is a universal:

• in the city, its dimensions do not interfere,
• on the highway it is more stable and comfortable than a small city car,
• on broken roads to the cottage, higher ground clearance will help.

4) Safety: real equipment + psychology of decision

Demand is also growing because customers perceive SUVs as "safer". In practice, the following are more important:

• tire condition and seasonal equipment,
• modern assistance systems (AEB, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control),
• correct fastening of a child seat (ISOFIX).

5) Automatic, mild-hybrid, full-hybrid: comfort without stress

In short-term rentals, people often want to "sit down and go":

• an automatic will make driving in traffic jams and in the mountains easier,
• hybrids can help with consumption, especially in the city,
• modern engines offer a good compromise between performance and consumption.

6) Seasonal weather: snow, ice, bad roads

Even without 4×4, small SUVs are popular in winter because:

• they have higher ground clearance,
• they are often available with high-quality winter equipment,
• they seem “more secure”.

Important: 4×4 is not automatically included in every SUV. If you need it, check in advance.

7) Price context: cars have become more expensive – renting is an easy way to a better category

In Europe, the price difference between small cars and B-SUVs has been increasing in recent years. The result is that some people prefer:

• not to buy a more expensive car “for 365 days”,
• but to rent a better category for the days when they really need it.

Comparison of solutions: small SUV vs. station wagon vs. city car vs. large SUV

When you are a couple (2 people)

• City car: best for the city, least comfort on the highway.
• Small SUV: ideal compromise for weekend trips, trunk and comfort.
• Station wagon: more trunk, often lower seating position (not suitable for everyone).

When you are a family (2+1 or 2+2)

• Small SUV: practical for stroller + luggage, good for longer trips.
• Station wagon: most trunk at a similar price, but worse boarding for small children.
• Large SUV: more space, but higher costs and unnecessarily large for the city.
• Multi-seater car: if you are dealing with 5+ people or a lot of luggage, it is often the best "value".

Quick recommendation according to the scenario

• City + weekend trip: small SUV / crossover.
• Highway + many trunks: station wagon or larger SUV.
• Seats, stroller, lots of gear: small SUV or multi-seater.
• Mountains in winter (regularly): check winter gear, possibly 4×4.

How to choose a small SUV for short-term rental: a checklist for families and couples

1) Number of people and actual luggage

• stroller / folding bike / skis / suitcases – write a list,
• if you are going with four, also count on space for small items (bags, food, toys).

2) ISOFIX and child equipment

• check ISOFIX,
• consider renting a car seat if you don’t want to carry your own.

3) Automatic or manual

• an automatic is a big advantage in the city and in the hills,
• reduces fatigue on long routes.

4) Drive and season

• 4×4 only if you really need it,
• in winter, good winter tires are often more important than the drive itself.

5) Assistance systems and comfort

• adaptive cruise control, parking sensors/camera, AEB,
• CarPlay/Android Auto – a little something that will make the trip more enjoyable.

6) Insurance and deposit: reasonable, not the cheapest

• read the deductible,
• for a family vacation, higher coverage is often more reasonable than "saving in the wrong place".

Trends 2026: What will happen in the small SUV segment and how will it affect leasing

1) More hybrids and higher technological equipment in basic versions

The segment is growing in mild-hybrids and full-hybrids, while safety features and connectivity are moving to the standard. For the customer, this means more comfort without having to go to an expensive class.

2) Pressure on new car prices supports leasing as both a “trial” and an alternative

When prices rise, leasing makes sense:

• to try out the category before buying,
• for seasonal periods (winter, summer),
• for people who don’t need a car every day.

3) Investment perspective: B-SUVs maintain demand even in the rental market

For fleets, what happens after the car is removed from the rental market is important. Data from the rental market shows that B-SUVs are a “core” segment and demand is stable.

Practical implications for the lessor:

• a segment that rents quickly usually improves vehicle utilization,
• it helps to sell rides when the category has a stable reputation and a wide audience,
• hybrid versions often hold value better than pure BEVs in the same segment.

Mini TCO view (understandable): why small SUVs also do well "on the numbers"

In leasing, the combination of:

• occupancy (how many days the car is rented),
• price per day (ADR/RPD),
• maintenance and tire costs,
• residual value upon sale.

A small SUV often works out well because:

• it is in demand by a wide range of customers (families and couples),
• it does not seem "too big", so it does not lose demand even in the city,
• service and operation tend to be closer to a compact than to a large SUV.

Model example (indicative):

If the difference in the lessor's daily price between a compact and a small SUV is small, but the SUV has a higher occupancy rate and better sales after disposal, the result can be significantly more favorable even with slightly higher operating costs.

FAQ

Is a small SUV suitable for a family of 4?

Yes – it is often the best compromise. However, for a longer holiday, check the size of the trunk and consider a roof box.

How much space do I need in the trunk for a stroller?

It depends on the type of stroller. For most family strollers, it is safer to count on the category of a small SUV or station wagon, or with the possibility of folding the rear seats.

Do I need a 4×4 in the winter?

Not always. For regular winter trips, high-quality winter tires, reasonable speed and good equipment are often more important. A 4×4 is important for regular mountain routes and deteriorated surfaces.

Is a small SUV more economical than a station wagon?

It can be, but it depends on the engine and driving style. Hybrids can save in the city, on the highway the difference is usually smaller.

Is an automatic worth renting?

For city routes, convoys and mountains yes – it reduces stress and fatigue. For short and easy trips it is more about preference.

Why does a small SUV “seem more expensive” than a small car?

Because it often is – the bodywork, equipment, demand and prices on the market make the difference. Leasing is a way to get into this category without a long-term commitment.

Summary (TL;DR)

• Small SUVs offer the most desirable compromise: seating + trunk + urban usability.
• In the EU, SUVs account for approximately half of new registrations, which is also reflected in rentals.
• In Slovakia, several SUVs/crossovers are visible among the top models of 2025 (Karoq, Kamiq, Sportage, Duster, T-Cross…).
• Trends 2026: more hybrids, more tech equipment, pressure on new car prices → rental will gain in attractiveness.
• For families and couples, a small SUV is often the “safest” choice without having to go into a large car.

Keywords and entities (used in the article)

Main KW: small SUV, trends 2026, rental, short-term rental, car rental
Related KW: B-SUV, crossover, compact SUV, family travel, automatic transmission, hybrid, mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, ADAS, ISOFIX, TCO, residual value
Entities: PAYLESS Car Rental, ZAP SR, Eurostat, JATO Dynamics, ICCT (International Council on Clean Transportation), Autovista Group, Dacia Duster, Renault Captur, Kia Sportage, Škoda Kamiq, Škoda Karoq, VW T-Cross, Toyota Yaris Cross

Conclusion

If you are looking for a car for a weekend trip, vacation or family logistics, a small SUV is one of the safest choices today. You will get greater comfort, practicality and versatility without having to deal with the disadvantages of large SUVs in the city.

Choose the small/compact SUV category in PAYLESS and book your appointment in advance - especially before the holidays and during winter peaks.