Choosing the right rental car for Mallorca
Size and luggage come first
Work out how many people and how many suitcases you really have. Rental categories usually list seats and bags, but the figures are optimistic: a small car with two adults and two large suitcases is often tight, and the boot space shrinks when the rear seats are in use. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is generally more comfortable on a longer trip.
At the same time, bigger is not always better in Mallorca. Old town streets, village lanes and many car parks are narrow, and a compact car is much easier to park. For two to three people with moderate luggage, a compact or small estate is often a sensible balance.
Manual or automatic?
Manual gearboxes are the standard in Spain, and manual cars are usually more common and cheaper than automatics. Automatics are available but are fewer in number, so they sell out sooner in high season. If you are not confident with a manual, particularly on hills and in traffic, an automatic is worth the extra cost and the earlier booking.
Do not assume you will get an automatic if you did not book one explicitly. Check the booking confirmation for the gearbox type.
Think about where you will drive
If you plan to stay mostly around Palma, the airport and the main resorts, almost any car works. If you want to drive the mountain roads of the Serra de Tramuntana or reach small coves, a compact car with good visibility and decent power is easier than a wide vehicle. A very small, low-powered car may feel slow on steep climbs with full luggage.
You do not need a 4x4 for normal tourist driving. Most rental terms exclude unpaved tracks anyway, and insurance often does not cover damage there. Pick the car for the paved roads you will actually use.
Air conditioning, fuel type and electric cars
Air conditioning is practically essential from late spring to early autumn. Most rental cars have it, but confirm it for the category you book. Also check the fuel type: petrol and diesel are the usual options, and the type matters for the fuel policy and for filling up correctly.
Hybrid and electric cars are increasingly offered. They can be a good fit for short daily distances, but plan charging: check where your accommodation and your routes offer charging points, how the provider handles charging at return and what happens if the battery is not at the required level. Make sure you understand the charging cable and card arrangements before you leave.
Families, groups and special wishes
Children below 135 cm generally need a suitable child restraint. You can add child seats or booster seats to a rental, usually for a fee, or bring your own. Book them in advance, as availability is limited, and check that the seat is correctly fitted before you leave the lot.
For larger groups, vans and people carriers exist, but they are less numerous and cost more, so reserve early. If you want a convertible, plan for strong sun, limited boot space and the fact that open-top cars are often more expensive in summer. Remember that a category is usually described as a model ‘or similar’: you are booking a type of car, not a specific vehicle.