Europe car hire.

[Chinnacarey]

I'm looking at renting a car for 4 adults in Europe (we are from Australia) - 2 of us have international licences.
We will be flying into Munich airport on 26/4/2025 and returning the car in Trieste Italy on 1/5/2025.
I think we will need a large SUV as we will have 4 suitcases.
Should I book through a site like Kayak or direct with the rental car company? We have not rented a car in Europe so unsure where to start. We are aware there is a hefty fee to drop off in a different country but doesnt seem a way to avoid that.
Any recommendations, or companies to avoid?

 

[SYD]

You could probably save yourself a shed load by taking trains some of the way and only getting cars when you need them. They’re a PITA when you’re in cities. Silly to pay daily rental plus car park fees!