When planning a trip in Australia, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right rental vehicle. Beyond size, style, and purpose, there’s another factor that often gets overlooked until the last minute—whether to hire an automatic or manual car.
Australia’s diverse roads—ranging from city highways in Brisbane and Sydney to rugged 4WD tracks in the Outback—make your choice of transmission especially important. For some, an automatic car offers ease and convenience. For others, manual cars deliver control, fuel efficiency, and a more engaging driving experience.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about automatic vs manual rental cars in Australia, including costs, availability, pros and cons, and the best choice for your journey.
Why the Transmission Matters in Car Hire
When browsing through rental car options, you’ll notice vehicles are usually listed as either automatic or manual. While many Australians drive automatics these days, manual cars are still common, especially in 4WD rentals, utes, and vans.
Your choice of transmission can affect:
- Ease of driving (especially in cities or traffic).
- Fuel economy on long journeys.
- Cost of rental (manuals are often cheaper).
- Suitability for certain terrains (manuals provide more control off-road).
- Availability of vehicles in certain regions or categories.
Understanding the differences ensures you won’t feel caught off guard when you arrive at the rental counter.
Automatic Rental Cars in Australia
Automatic cars dominate Australia’s rental fleets. If you’re flying into Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, or Perth, you’ll notice that the majority of airport car hire options are automatics.
Advantages of Automatic Rental Cars
- Ease of Driving
Automatics are stress-free in traffic. Instead of juggling clutch and gears, you just accelerate and brake—perfect for unfamiliar city roads or congested highways. - Ideal for Tourists
If you’re visiting from overseas, driving on the left-hand side of the road may already be an adjustment. An automatic allows you to focus on road signs, navigation, and safety. - Better for Long Drives
With no need to constantly shift gears, automatics reduce fatigue on long road trips along the Great Ocean Road or Pacific Coast Highway. - Resale and Rental Popularity
Since most Australians drive automatics, rental companies maintain large fleets of automatic cars. This makes them widely available in every city. - Better for Stop-Start Driving
Whether you’re exploring Brisbane CBD or heading through Sydney’s busy traffic, automatics make stop-start driving far smoother.
Disadvantages of Automatic Cars
- Higher Rental Costs
Automatics are usually more expensive to hire. The convenience factor means demand is higher, and daily rates reflect this. - Fuel Efficiency (Sometimes Lower)
Older automatic cars may consume more fuel compared to manuals, though newer models are increasingly efficient. - Less Control Off-Road
If you’re tackling rugged terrain in a 4WD, some drivers prefer manuals for better handling and torque control.
Manual Rental Cars in Australia
While automatics are dominant, manuals remain popular in utes, vans, and off-road vehicles—making them a smart choice for tradespeople, budget-conscious travellers, and adventurers.
Advantages of Manual Rental Cars
- Lower Rental Costs
Manual vehicles are often cheaper to hire than automatics, making them attractive for travellers on a budget. - Fuel Efficiency
In many cases, manuals offer slightly better fuel economy, especially on long highway drives. - More Vehicle Control
On challenging terrains, such as steep inclines, gravel roads, or muddy tracks, manuals give drivers more control. This is especially valuable for mine spec vehicle hire or 4WD hire in remote areas. - Great for Experienced Drivers
If you’ve grown up driving manuals, the familiar gear control can feel more natural and enjoyable. - Durability in Demanding Conditions
For rugged adventures—like exploring outback trails or regional mining roads—manuals are often more durable and less prone to overheating.
Disadvantages of Manual Cars
- Steeper Learning Curve
If you’re not comfortable with clutch control, driving a manual can be stressful, particularly in city traffic. - Limited Availability in Cities
In major urban areas, manuals may be harder to find compared to automatics. - Less Comfortable in Stop-Start Traffic
Constant gear shifting in heavy traffic can be tiring. - Potential Licensing Issues
Some international visitors may only hold an automatic license, which prevents them from legally driving a manual car in Australia.
Cost Comparison: Automatic vs Manual Rental
Pricing plays a big role in choosing your rental.
- Automatic Rentals: Slightly more expensive per day due to demand and convenience.
- Manual Rentals: Cheaper upfront, but may require more fuel if driven inefficiently.
When booking through Trend Rentals, you’ll notice cost variations across vehicles. For example:
- Compact hatchbacks (automatic) may cost more than a manual ute.
- 4WD hire options may be available in both manual and automatic—often with similar pricing.
- Long-term car rentals sometimes favour manuals for cost-effectiveness.
Availability Across Australia
Where you’re hiring plays a big role in what’s available.
- City Locations (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide)
Automatics dominate. Most short-term rentals and corporate hire fleets feature automatic sedans, SUVs, and vans. - Regional & Rural Areas
Manuals are more common, especially in utes, 4WDs, and mine spec vehicles. If you’re travelling for work in remote Queensland or Western Australia, manual vehicles may be the standard option. - Specialist Vehicles
Vans and work utes often come in manual. If you’re booking a van hire for moving house or a ute rental for a trade job, expect more manual listings.
Which is Better for Road Trips?
Australia is made for road trips—but which transmission works best depends on your route.
Automatic for City & Highway Journeys
If you’re driving along Australia’s east coast, an automatic car is perfect. You’ll cover long distances on highways and pass through busy towns and cities. The ease of driving will help you focus on scenery and navigation.
Manual for Off-Road Adventures
If your trip includes the Outback, national parks, or unsealed roads, a manual 4WD may be better. The extra control is useful on steep or slippery terrain.
For example:
- Great Ocean Road → Automatic recommended.
- Simpson Desert crossing → Manual 4WD recommended.
- Brisbane to Cairns coastal trip → Automatic for comfort.
- Remote mining site access → Manual ute or mine spec vehicle.
Tourist Considerations: International Drivers
If you’re visiting from overseas, here are a few key points:
- License Restrictions
- If your license is automatic-only, you cannot legally drive a manual car in Australia.
- If you’re licensed for manual, you can drive both types.
- Driving on the Left
Adjusting to left-side driving can be challenging. An automatic car allows you to focus on staying in the correct lane. - Availability at Airports
Most airport rental fleets stock automatics, ensuring easy pickup when you land. - Confidence Levels
If you’re not used to driving manuals, avoid them in Australian traffic—it can quickly become stressful.
Automatic vs Manual: Which Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your needs, budget, and destination.
- Choose Automatic If:
- You’re a tourist unfamiliar with manual cars.
- You’ll spend most of your time in cities or on highways.
- You want a stress-free, comfortable driving experience.
- Choose Manual If:
- You’re on a budget and want cheaper rental rates.
- You’re heading to remote, rugged areas requiring extra vehicle control.
- You’re hiring a ute, van, or mine spec vehicle for work.
Trend Rentals: Flexible Options for Every Driver
At Trend Rentals, we understand that every journey is unique. That’s why we offer a wide selection of both manual and automatic rental vehicles across Australia, including:
- Compact and mid-size cars (automatic for city driving).
- Vans for hire—manual and automatic options for moving or business.
- Ute rentals—popular in manual for trades and rural use.
- 4WD hire—available in both transmissions for adventure seekers.
- Mine spec vehicles—rugged, manual-ready for demanding conditions.
Whether you need a vehicle for a short weekend trip or a long-term rental solution, Trend Rentals can match you with the perfect car.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between automatic vs manual rental cars in Australia, think carefully about where you’re travelling, your driving confidence, and your budget. Automatics offer ease and comfort—perfect for tourists and city trips. Manuals deliver control, durability, and affordability—ideal for rugged terrain or trade work.
By booking with Trend Rentals, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the vehicle and transmission that suits your journey best. Whether it’s cruising through Brisbane, tackling off-road tracks, or renting a van for work, we’ve got you covered.