How to choose a rental car for a 1,500 km European route
Long-distance rental is less about headline horsepower and more about comfort, luggage, fuel strategy, parking and where the car can be returned.
Start with the route
Mountain roads, dense old towns and unrestricted motorways all reward different vehicle choices. A premium compact can be more useful than a large SUV if your itinerary is city-heavy.
Read the fee architecture
Compare the total rental cost, not only the daily rate. Delivery, one-way fees, mileage, additional drivers and protection can materially change the final price.
Choose the boring details well
Adaptive cruise, wireless phone integration, good seats and easy luggage access matter more after the sixth hour than almost any brochure statistic.