Renting a car with kids requires a lot of things to consider. Too often, the seats are cramped, the boot won’t fit the pram, and so-called “extras” end up doubling the price. These are very common issues that families run into when booking a rental car.

If you’re searching for a family car rental in Brisbane, this guide will help you avoid the usual stress. You’ll learn how to pick a car that fits, skip the fees that catch most people off guard, and make sure the child seat isn’t filthy when you arrive.

Let’s get started.

What Makes a Car Family-Friendly?

A family-friendly car has proper child seat anchors, enough boot space for your gear, and features that reduce stress while driving with kids.

If the vehicle you’re looking at doesn’t meet those three criteria, skip it. Here’s what to focus on instead.

Features That Make a Car Safe for Kids

Look for ISOFIX or top tether anchors for secure car seat installation. Confirm that the model includes rear-view cameras and blind-spot monitoring. Also, check the vehicle’s ANCAP safety rating at ancap.com.au so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Don’t rely on the rental company to offer a clean or suitable car seat. Ask about the type, age, and condition of the seat before you book. If they can’t guarantee it, bring your own.

How to Make Sure the Car Has Enough Space

Don’t assume every SUV has enough room. Check boot size in litres. A minimum of 500L is a safe target for families with prams and multiple bags.

Look for wide-opening back doors, flat floors, and enough legroom in the second row to handle rear-facing car seats. If you’re travelling with more than two kids, make sure the third-row seats are full-sized and not just emergency foldouts.

Also check if the car has rear air vents. Some rental models don’t include them in the second row, which can make long summer drives unbearable for kids in the back.

Best Car Types for Family Road Trips (and Why They Work)

Not every car on the lot is made for road trips with kids. You need comfort, space, and enough flexibility to handle everything from nap time to snack time on the go. This section breaks down the most reliable car types for families, and which models to ask for when booking.

What Kind of Vehicle Should You Choose?

You’ll see options like SUVs, minivans, and wagons, but not all of them will suit your plans. Here’s how to decide what works for your situation:

SUVs

SUVs are a good option if you’re doing longer drives or need extra clearance for rougher roads. SUVs offer:

• Elevated driving position and better road visibility
• Decent boot space and strong air conditioning
• Easier handling for drivers used to larger cars

Watch out for: tight third-row seats and limited boot space in smaller models.

Minivans

If you’re packing prams, multiple child seats, and snacks for days, this is your best choice. Minivans give you:

• Sliding doors for easy access in tight car parks
• Large, flat boot space that fits everything without squeezing
• More flexible seating, ideal for 5 passengers

They’re not flashy, but they do the job better than anything else when you’ve got young kids and a long drive ahead.

Wagons

They are great for smaller families who want a balance of boot space and car-like handling. Wagons typically offer:

• Lower fuel consumption than large SUVs
• A wide, easy-access boot for groceries, bags, or gear
• Enough space for 2–3 passengers plus essentials

For city-based trips or shorter road adventures, a wagon can work well.

Once you’ve narrowed down the type, it helps to know which models consistently perform well for families.

Which Models Are Worth Asking For?

When booking, it’s worth calling ahead to see if the rental company can confirm or prioritise specific models. These are consistently strong choices for families:

• Toyota Kluger: Spacious cabin, smooth drive, reliable tech features
• Kia Carnival: Excellent seating flexibility, good air conditioning in all rows
• Mazda CX-9: Comfortable third row and plenty of legroom
• Hyundai Tucson: Better for smaller families, still roomy with strong safety features

If you’re booking a family car rental in Brisbane, be careful of the driving conditions. We’ve got warm weather, stop-start traffic, and longer regional drives if you’re heading towards places like the Sunshine Coast.

That means rear air vents, fuel efficiency, and highway comfort are also big factors when you’re driving with kids. Your travel may get disrupted despite choosing the right car model, unless you consider these things carefully.

Up next, we’ll help you decide what to bring with you and what’s worth renting, from car seats to gear that keeps the kids quiet and you sane.

Car Seats, Gear and Gadgets: What to Bring and What to Rent

When you’re travelling with kids, the gear you choose affects a lot of things, from how well they nap to how calm you feel behind the wheel.

If you pack smart and rent right, you’ll save space, sidestep stress, and actually enjoy the drive. Let’s discuss what to take into account.

Should You Bring Your Own Car Seat?

If your child is under four, bring your own. Rental car seats can be old, dirty, or the wrong size. Some aren’t even installed when you arrive. That’s not something you want to deal with while juggling bags and kids, especially if it’s a relaxing trip.

When booking, ask:

• Is the seat forward- or rear-facing?
• Is it suitable for your child’s age and size?
• Will it be pre-installed and cleaned between uses?

If they hesitate or can’t confirm, pack your own. It’s worth the hassle (even one missed nap because of an uncomfortable seat can throw off the whole day).

What Extras Should You Pack?

Here’s what actually helps during long drives:

• Sunshades to keep the back seat cool
• Headrest tablet holders and power banks
• Rubbish bags, wipes, and a stash of snacks within arm’s reach

If you’ve got multiple kids, seat organisers work wonders. You’ll avoid the endless “I dropped it!” from the back seat.

Not sure what else to consider when booking add-ons? We’ve covered that in more detail over at Exclusive Car Rental Tips for Brisbane. It includes tips on how to avoid paying for extras you don’t need, and what to always ask for at pickup.

Next, we’ll show you how to avoid surprise charges and sneaky fees that don’t appear until you’re standing at the counter.

Avoiding Surprise Fees and Rental Hassles

Are you tired of getting hit with extra charges at the rental desk? Don’t worry, it’s common. Most families end up paying far more than expected because of unclear or hidden fees and rushed bookings.

Here’s how to keep your budget on track and avoid the most common traps.

Add-Ons That Drive Up the Price

Rental companies make their money on extras, not just the base rate. To stay in control of your cost, confirm these before you book:

• Car seat hire. Some charge per day, not per rental
• GPS units. Often unnecessary if your phone works offline
• Toll tags. Know whether it’s flat-rate or usage-based
• Additional driver. Check if your partner counts as one

Ask for a complete breakdown, not just the headline rate. If they can’t explain each charge clearly, then move on.

Small Details That Cost Big Later

Overlooking a few conditions in the rental agreement can quickly ruin your budget. These are the things most travellers skip past in the fine print, only to regret it when they’re charged extra at drop-off or hit with penalties they didn’t expect.

So, you can do the following things:

• Choose full-to-full fuel. Prepaid refuelling is almost always more expensive
• Return the car on time. Some companies start charging hourly if you’re even slightly late
• Check their cleaning policy. One Brisbane agency we know adds a $200 cleaning fee if the interior isn’t returned in good condition

Want to know how to avoid inventory issues and pick a vehicle that works for your family by booking smart and early? Here you go.

Book Early to Avoid the Leftovers

We recommend booking a family-sized car early, especially around school holidays or long weekends. These vehicles are the first to go, and if you wait too long, you might be stuck with something too small, less safe, or missing the features you really need.

Here’s what to double-check before you hit “confirm”:

• Book at least two to three weeks ahead. Four if you’re travelling during peak season
• Confirm your requests, like child seats and pickup time, directly with the rental desk
• Double-check the operating hours of the location. One early flight or late arrival can cause big delays if the desk is closed

Tip from experience: avoid the last pickup slot of the day. That’s when mistakes happen and car options are limited.

Choose a Family-Friendly Company

We’ve dealt with various types of rental companies, like small, medium, and even well-renowned businesses. Though their core service is the same, they mainly differ in some minor company policies. Like, some just hand over keys, while others carefully listen to what families need.

So, choose the company wisely, thinking about your priority.

Here’s what to generally look for while renting a car:

• Choose companies that include car seats and allow an extra driver without charging more
• They must have convenient vehicle categories with tiny details about boot size, rear air vents, and safety features
• Look for strict booking policies that let you make changes without facing penalties

Pro Tip: Take five minutes to read reviews from other parents. If you see repeated complaints about missing extras or poor service, don’t take the risk.

How to Avoid Common Family Car Rental Problems

Most rental issues don’t show up until you’re already halfway through your trip. At that point, you’re stuck dealing with them while trying to keep the kids calm in the back seat. The good news? These problems are easy to avoid if you know what to check ahead of time.

The Pram Doesn’t Fit

You booked a so-called family SUV, but now you’re trying to force a pram into a boot that barely fits two suitcases. It happens more often than you’d think.

What to do:

• Check the actual boot capacity online. Look for litres, not photos
• Ask the rental company to confirm interior specs if you can’t find them listed
• Go for a wagon or minivan if you’re bringing bulky gear

Even some full-size SUVs have limited boot depth once the third-row seats are in use.

The Car Seat Is in Bad Shape

You arrive to find a seat that’s old, dirty, or missing key parts. Sometimes it’s just sitting on the back seat, and you’re expected to install it yourself.

What to do:

• Confirm the seat type, age, and setup when booking
• Ask if it’s cleaned between rentals and installed for you
• Bring your own if you can’t get clear answers

We once had to drive to a nearby store to buy a booster because the one provided was unsafe. Don’t assume it will be there or ready to use.

The Kids Are Bored After 30 Minutes

No in-car entertainment and no plan equals backseat chaos. Long drives feel longer when your kids are restless, especially in unfamiliar territory.

What to do:

• Pack your entertainment setup with seatback holders, headphones, and downloaded content
• Check if the car has USB ports or charging points in the second row
• Bring offline games, books, or even a playlist everyone enjoys

In the next section, we’ll run through the quick checklist you should ask every rental company before you confirm your booking. It takes less than five minutes and could save you hours of stress.

Quick Checklist: What to Ask Before You Book

Before you confirm a rental, ask these questions directly. It only takes a few minutes and helps avoid the most common issues families face on the road.

Car and Equipment

• Is the car seat included, clean, and suitable for my child’s age and size?
• Is the car seat pre-installed, or do I need to fit it myself?
• What is the exact boot size, and will it fit a pram and suitcases?

Pricing and Charges

• Are there extra fees for GPS, toll tags, or additional drivers?
• What’s the fuel policy? Full-to-full or prepaid?
• Is there a cleaning charge if the car is returned with minor mess?

Booking Flexibility

• Can I select a specific car model or only a general category?
• Are there mileage limits or time-based penalties for late return?
• What is the cancellation or change policy if my plans shift?

If any answer sounds unclear or confusing, press for details or choose a different provider. You can easily avoid surprises and make sure your trip starts smoothly using such questionnaires.

So, Make the Drive Enjoyable With the Right Choice

A good family road trip starts before you even turn the key. When you book the right car, bring what is important, and ask the questions others forget, you make things easier on yourself and everyone in the back seat.

Stick to vehicles that fit your family, avoid extras that drain your budget, and double-check the basics like car seat setup, boot space, and fuel policy. These are the details that make a real difference once you’re out on the road.

Need help packing or planning your in-car essentials? Head over to Road Trip Essentials for a Seamless Adventure for practical tips and ideas that keep things organised from the start.