Anyone know difference in size of mid-size SUV and standard SUV at Alamo/National?

[mareed]

Does anyone know difference in size of mid-size SUV and standard SUV at Alamo/National? Alamo & National list mid-size SUV as Chevy Equinox or similar, but only holding 2 small suitcases. They list standard SUV as Chevy Trailblazer holding 4 large & 3 small suitcases. Is the difference in cargo space really that different? That just doesn't sound right, and I wonder if they made a mistake on the mid-size SUV.

I'd like to save the money and go with the mid-size, but we have 4 people and probably 7 bags, so I am concerned about cargo space. Does anyone have any first-hand experience with these 2 sizes? Thanks!

 

[Mommy Poppins]

When we were there last year, the small SUV was the Chev. Equinox or the Ford Escape. We went with the mid-size SUV and got a Buick Rendevous. There were 5 of us and we were there for two weeks.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I think you will be squished with 7 bags but it may be doable depending on the sizes of the bags.

We are a family of 4 & typically have 5 bags & they just fit in the Equinox if we stand them up on end. We used to get the Trailblazer but switched in Jan due to price.

With 7 bags I would think somebody may end up with a bag on their lap. Not a huge deal IMO but everyone is different.

If the price differential is substantial I would go smaller. If you are only talking about $20 go with the Trailblazer.

 

[DebbieB]

We got a Saturn as a midsize SUV last year.

 

[mareed]

OK, I think we'll be all right, and I think the 2 small suitcases listed for the mid-size SUV is a mistake. We usually have 2 large roller bags and several duffle bags as well as a stroller. I think the Equinox (assuming that's what available) has a 60-40 split rear seat, and we thought we could fold the smaller seat and have the 2 kids sit on the remaining seat and use the space for baggage.

I actually looked up the cargo space of the Equinox and Trailblazer at Edmunds.com and it's 35 square feet & 44 square feet. The price difference is $57. I have both reservations for now, and need to decide and cancel one soon. Thanks for the info!

 

[Twende]

We questioned the cargo space in the Mid SUV last May. I finally went to a dealership and looked in the cargo area of the Equinox.

We needed it to hold a wheel chair and suitcases. It was plenty roomy for us. Although we did end up with the Saturn Vue.

It was basically the same car. We enjoyed it so much that I would love to buy one!

 

[jekjones1558]

We wondered the same thing about cargo area in mid-size SUV the first time we booked. I don't know where Alamo came up with its numbers. We fit 4 large and a couple of small bags in back. I think we put a couple of small bags in the middle seat in back seat. We had 4 adults and it was no problem. I would go with the mid-size SUV. We have booked this size many times and have had Torrents and Vues and have had plenty of room.

 

[mareed]

The specific examples about the wheelchair and 4 large, couple of small suitecases really help! I think we'll be fine with the mid-size SUV. The info on the website is clearly wrong.

 

[UConnJack]

We wondered the same thing about cargo area in mid-size SUV the first time we booked. I don't know where Alamo came up with its numbers. We fit 4 large and a couple of small bags in back. I think we put a couple of small bags in the middle seat in back seat. We had 4 adults and it was no problem. I would go with the mid-size SUV. We have booked this size many times and have had Torrents and Vues and have had plenty of room.

Simple. They'd prefer you to rent the more expensive standard SUV. I think they are targeting the mid-size SUV as an upgrade to people who would normally get the intermediate or full size car. Whereas they are targeting the full size SUVs to a similar crowd as minivans (e.g., families), and playing oin their concern about having enough space for the kids and all the subsequent crap.

 

[mareed]

Simple. They'd prefer you to rent the more expensive standard SUV. I think they are targeting the mid-size SUV as an upgrade to people who would normally get the intermediate or full size car. Whereas they are targeting the full size SUVs to a similar crowd as minivans (e.g., families), and playing oin their concern about having enough space for the kids and all the subsequent crap.

We almost always rent a full-size car and are able to fit all of our stuff in just fine, but the mid-size SUV was essentially the same price, and I thought it might be sort of fun for something different.

 

[Disneyhappy]

Keep checking your rates. We have rented SUV's on 4 of our 5 last trips and I always ended up getting a less expensive price for the standard SUV (Trailblazer) vs the midsize (Equinox). For our March trip, the Equinox was over $100 more than the Trialblazer the last time I checked. I am familiar with both vehicles and preferred the extra space of the Trailblazer. We had 5 suitcases/bags and 2 smaller carryon bags and they just fit in the back of the Trailblazer for one of the trips. The same luggage would never have fit in the Equinox. Go to a Chevy dealership on a Sunday when they are closed and check out both vehicles. It should give you a better idea of which one works better for you.