Rental Car: Avenger Space???

[travelinggnomes]

We currently have a ressie for an Avenger. There will be 5 of us, and will be using it to take luggage from the airport to condo and then driving to and from parks.

What kind of space should we expect in the trunk? Do we have a decent shot at fitting everyone's suitcases in? Would bringing duffle bags help?

 

[travelinggnomes]

Trying to decide if we should just upgrade to a mini-van if possible...and then we could bring our stroller and not have to rent one. Argh...I wish I was better advised on these things!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

We currently have a ressie for an Avenger. There will be 5 of us, and will be using it to take luggage from the airport to condo and then driving to and from parks.

What kind of space should we expect in the trunk? Do we have a decent shot at fitting everyone's suitcases in? Would bringing duffle bags help?

Do you actually have a guaranteed reservation for a 2014 Dodge Avenger?

Or do you have a reservation for a "Dodge Avenger or similar," with your rental car company able to assign any car in that car class (probably intermediate/midsize)?

Putting luggage for 5 people in the trunk of any midsize and closing the trunk will be challenge. Of course, that depends on the sizes of the bags.

According to Budget, a Dodge Avenger can hold 3 small bags, 2 medium bags, and 1 large bag. That being said, such information from a rental car company is only useful for comparing cars, not to know if your particular luggage will fit in a particular car. See http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html/en/cars/medium.html

"The 2014 Dodge Avenger’s trunk has 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is smaller than most other midsize sedans’ trunks." See http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Dodge_Avenger/Interior/

Let's compare that to a Ford Taurus, a large car usually considered premium by rental car companies. According to US News, "With its split-folding rear seats and 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2014 Ford Taurus has one of the largest trunks among affordable large cars."

With five people, you would be better off with a larger SUV or minivan, or at least a fullsize car.

 

[travelinggnomes]

Do you actually have a guaranteed reservation for a 2014 Dodge Avenger?

Or do you have a reservation for a "Dodge Avenger or similar," with your rental car company able to assign any car in that car class (probably intermediate/midsize)?

Putting luggage for 5 people in the trunk of any midsize and closing the trunk will be challenge. Of course, that depends on the sizes of the bags.

According to Budget, a Dodge Avenger can hold 3 small bags, 2 medium bags, and 1 large bag. That being said, such information from a rental car company is only useful for comparing cars, not to know if your particular luggage will fit in a particular car. See http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html/en/cars/medium.html

"The 2014 Dodge Avenger’s trunk has 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is smaller than most other midsize sedans’ trunks." See http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Dodge_Avenger/Interior/

Let's compare that to a Ford Taurus, a large car usually considered premium by rental car companies. According to US News, "With its split-folding rear seats and 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2014 Ford Taurus has one of the largest trunks among affordable large cars."

With five people, you would be better off with a larger SUV or minivan, or at least a fullsize car.

I have a reservation for a Avenger or similar.

That is exactly what I feared. DH really didn't want to drive a mini-van on vacation (that is what he drives at home! lol), but I think it just makes MUCH more sense to go that route. Hoping they will lower rates again. Last week, I could have gotten a mini-van for $225 total. Crossing fingers that I find it that low again!

 

[SuzyQue]

I know for a fact that the trunk will fit the largest size (26") suitcase and the one just smaller than that with room to stuff around them as I own an Avenger and picked my sister up from the airport last week. As far as the interior, it will seat 4 adults comfortably, no more than that, 3 little people would be fine in the back seat though.

 

[HookdonWDW]

I have a reservation for a Avenger or similar.

That is exactly what I feared. DH really didn't want to drive a mini-van on vacation (that is what he drives at home! lol), but I think it just makes MUCH more sense to go that route. Hoping they will lower rates again. Last week, I could have gotten a mini-van for $225 total. Crossing fingers that I find it that low again!

Just to give you an idea, this is a list of "or similar":

1. Chevy Cruze
2. Dodge Dart
3. Hyundai Elantra
4. Kia Forte
5. Mazda 3
6. Mazda 5 Sport
7. Mitsubishi Lancer
8. Nissan Sentra
9. Mitsubishi Lancer
10. Subaru Imprezza
11. Toyota Corolla
12. Toyota Matrix
13. Volkswagon Jetta

You could be given any of these cars. There's no way of really knowing what you are going to get until you actually check out. You can ask that they note your preference for a certain vehicle, but there usually isn't a way to guarantee a specific vehicle. To give you a frame of reference: I think that less than 1% of the midsize reservations I've sent out this year has gotten an Avenger (and yes, confirmations do state "Avenger or similar"). Good luck!

 

[travelinggnomes]

Thank you BOTH for such great responses. I am now 100% certain that we will need a mini-van. DH will just have to be happy that he gets to come home to work on his project car (1970 Ford Maverick), which is NOT a mini-van. lol

Now, to find a great deal...although I am sure that it won't be as great as the other!

 

[PrincesCJM]

A couple days later but I want to add my two cents. I rented a Dodge Avenger this past July from Dollar/Thrifty. It was DH, DS, and myself. We had 3 suitcases, 2 carry on bags (backpack and a diaper bag), and a stroller. It was a tight fit in the trunk with the suitcases and carry on bags. If I remember correctly, I had to put his stroller in the backseat as we drove to Disney. Once the luggage was out of the car, it was perfect.

 

[keishashadow]

Just passed our Avenger onto my DS. It easily holds two 29 - 30 inch wheeled hard cases with ample room on top/around them for several 'squishy' duffles (of the large VB size) without issue.