The 10 Best Cars to Rent

Renters rejoice! Jerry is here with a list of the top-rated rental vehicles in 2022. Find your perfect rental for any trip here.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Georgina Grant
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Whether you want a gas-sipping Prius, a family-sized Sienna, a turbocharged Mustang, or a crowd-pleasing Accord, these are the 10 best cars to rent in 2022. 
When it comes to renting the right vehicle, there’s a lot to consider. From the type of car you need to the car rental company you choose—to deciding whether or not to invest in extra
car insurance
coverage—the rental process can quickly become a flood of questions. 
But experienced travelers know that a good rental can make all the difference—that’s why we’re taking the hard work out of finding the right rental car for your trip. From thrifty finds to show-stoppers, luxury cars to full-size SUVs, these are the best car rentals to choose from in 2022. 
MORE: 7 ways to save money on car rentals

1. Toyota Corolla

In this house, we love Toyotas. Especially the
Corolla
, which boasts top spots on virtually every “best rentals” list—and for good reason. With a generous 29 city / 37 highway miles to the gallon, 88.6 cubic feet of passenger space, and enough room to seat five passengers comfortably, it’s a capable choice for just about any situation. 
It’s got a trunk capacity of about 13 cubic feet, which translates to about three full-size suitcases—but the 60/40 split rear-folding seats can effectively double the room. 

What makes it great 

The Corolla is a well-loved rental for a reason. It’s hardy, roomy, efficient, and safe. What more could anyone ask for? 
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2. Toyota Prius

Looking for a fuel-savvy traveler? There’s no better option than the
Toyota Prius
. With a renowned EPA rating of 54 city / 50 highway miles per gallon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a rental that saves you more on gas money—especially in the city. Its hybrid powertrain isn’t just a fuel-sipper, though—with nimble steering and suspension, it’s also a breeze to drive.  

What makes it great

Obviously, we love its fuel efficiency. But that’s not the only reason to consider a Prius for your next rental. You can easily rent a Prius for a week for less than $500, even if you opt for an upgraded trim. Speaking of upgraded trims—high-level Priuses like the XLE and Limited boast luxuries like leather interiors, wireless mobile charging pads, and built-in navigation. 

3. Honda Accord

The latest
Honda Accords
offer tons of amenities in a surprisingly upscale package that will have you forgetting you rented an economy car. Its low seats and plush upholstery make the Accord feel expensive—not to mention the driving itself is fun! Its 1.5-liter, turbocharged inline-4 takes you from zero to 60 seconds in a respectable 6.6 seconds. 
The best part? The average rate to rent an Accord is between just $30 and $50 a day!

What makes it great

If you’re looking for a classic sedan that you can count on, you’ll never go wrong with a Honda Accord. They’re great rentals for all the same reasons they’re great buys—solid reliability, refined performance, and ideal space all at an accessible price point. 

4. Ford Mustang

When it comes to your rental options, you could play it safe—or you could take the opportunity to experience something new. If you’re inclined to the latter, why not try renting a
sports car
like the
Ford Mustang
? According to U.S. News, it’s one of the best—and not just because you’re bound to get clout while driving it.

What makes it great

A V8 engine delivers power without hurting your wallet, with an EPA-estimated 25 combined mpg that makes it a surprisingly efficient option. You’ll get an exciting ride at an exceptional price—depending on where you live, you could rent a Ford Mustang for up to a week for less than $500. 
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5. Kia Soul

While buyers and renters alike may have mixed feelings about the
Soul’s
outward appearance, all can agree it’s a sensible ride. With a modest but refined powertrain, seating for up to five passengers, and a reasonable 62 cubic feet of cargo space, it’s a rational choice for travelers that need a bigger cargo hold on a budget.

What makes it great

While it may not cut the most impressive or imposing silhouette, the trade-off is big: interior storage, modern tech, and a host of standard safety features make up for any perceived shortcomings. 

6. Subaru Impreza

A compact hatchback like the
Subaru Impreza
could be the perfect solution to a no-fuss trip, no matter the time of year. You’ll get all the fuel efficiency of a smaller car (the 2022 Impreza returns 36 highway miles to the gallon) with the added spaciousness of the hatch trunk (55 cubic feet in total, with the rear seats folded down). And that’s not even mentioning famous Subaru safety features (like standard all-wheel drive) that help you tackle almost any road year-round. 

What makes it great

Whether you’re taking to the trails or navigating the city, the Subaru Impreza is a solid and reliable choice. This compact is the right rental for someone who’s not too concerned with all the bells and whistles of a fancier ride. If your top concern is simply getting where you’re going, the Impreza won’t disappoint. 

7. Hyundai Tucson

For weekend road trips or friend group getaways, a compact crossover SUV is one of the smartest ways to travel. And of all the compact SUVs out there, the
Hyundai Tucson
is one of the smartest choices—safe, fuel-savvy, and full of space. With seating for up to five passengers and 40 plus cubic feet of trunk space, there’s room for the whole crew. 
And the Tucson isn’t just a space saver—it’s also got top reviews for its interior comfort. Edmunds rates the 2022 Tucson a generous 8.0/10 in the comfort category, lauding the car’s upscale interior quality, plush seats, and buttery smooth ride. Perfect for passenger naps! 

What makes it great

The Tuscon checks all the big boxes, with 5-star safety ratings and one of the best rides in its class. But what we really love about the Tucson is that it doesn’t cut corners—meaning you get a luxury-feeling ride for less.
MORE: How to get a car rental discount code

8. Nissan Rogue 

Crossover SUVs aren’t just good for traveling in groups—they’re also great for families with young children. Cramping a car or baby seat into the back of a sedan can be time-consuming—not to mention a challenge. But the wider doors and spacious second row of SUVs like the
Nissan Rogue
make buckling kids in a breeze. 
That’s not the only reason we’d recommend the Rogue, specifically. It also offers a quiet ride and receives top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 
Another perk? Seamless smartphone integration means you can use your mobile device like a built-in navigation tool in this top-rated Nissan. 
The Nissan Rogue is a versatile choice that’s capable of carrying you across North America. Lone travelers, families, and groups of friends can appreciate the Rogue’s many qualities—and even drivers will enjoy its peppy 201-horsepower engine! 

9. Toyota Sienna 

With
seating for up to eight passengers
across three rows, the
Toyota Sienna
is a capable family hauler. More stylish than a shuttle bus and better on gas than most other minivans, the Sienna can lug everyone’s bags and belongings, all while returning a staggering 36 combined miles per gallon. What’s more, the Sienna features high-tech amenities—from push-button sliding doors to an automated trunk release—that will take the work out of travel. 

What makes it great

Riding in the 2022 Toyota Sienna sort of feels like cruising in a sleek, space-saving spaceship. A powerful 3.5L V6 engine means its extra weight won’t slow you down—so you can make your dinner reservations or get to that flight on time, even when certain family members lag behind. 

10. GMC Yukon XL

If you’re resistant to the minivan route, a sizable alternative may be the
GMC Yukon XL
, which seats up to nine passengers with ease—and then leaves space to spare. You’ll find 41.5 cubic feet of space with all seats in place—or as much as 144.7 cubic feet with the seating area folded down, not to mention tons of interior storage. Its powerful V8 engine means you’re not sacrificing performance, and in its 3.0-liter TurboDiesel engine, you’ll get an EPA-estimated 23 combined miles per gallon. 
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What makes it great

A comfortable cabin and quiet ride mean you’ll drive in comfort and style. If your destination is one filled with rugged mountain roads and your itinerary is jam-packed with outdoor adventure, you can be confident in the Yukon XL’s ability to get you (along with a small army) safely where you’re going. 

What to look for in a rental car 

When it comes to picking the perfect rental, here are some important considerations: 
  • Rental rates. Rates for rental vehicles can vary depending on where you live and where you’re going. It’s a good idea to have a budget in mind before you start shopping—but you may also want to check with specific rental locations to learn more about their pricing. 
  • Vehicle age. Renting the most recent model of a car will typically cost more than renting a model that’s been out for a few years already. 
  • Mileage limit. In most cases, rental rates also impose mileage limitations per the rental period—and if you go over that limit, you could face extra charges. 
  • Protection/Insurance coverage. When you rent a car, you become responsible for the vehicle while it’s in your possession—including for accidents, theft, and other damage that may occur. If your personal car insurance doesn’t cover rental vehicles, you can purchase additional insurance from the rental company for an extra price. 
  • Space. The number of passengers (and amount of cargo) you plan on traveling with can impact the type of rental vehicle you need. If you’re flying solo, you might not need the added space of an SUV—but for family vacations, bigger rentals come in handy.
  • Destination. Rental car prices, insurance coverage, and cargo capacity aside, you’ll want to think about more than just a car’s specs when renting. Things like climate and time of year can also impact the kind of car you need. 

Should you get rental car insurance?

You’ve chosen your rental and you’re ready to sign some papers—but what to do about
rental car insurance
? In most cases, a representative from the rental agency will try to sell you rental insurance as an add-on when you go to pick up the car. But do you actually need it? 
Typically, rental car insurance involves signing a collision damage waiver, to (you guessed it) cover potential collision damage along with vehicle theft. It may also include supplemental
liability coverage
You might need it—but you might not need it. Most of the time, this type of insurance is pretty scant—and it won’t necessarily prevent you from paying damages if an accident does occur. Before investing in rental car insurance (or a rental, period) It’s a good idea to check in with your insurance agent and see what your policy has to say about rentals—and whether or not it extends any coverage. Certain credit cards also include rental car coverage.
MORE: How to avoid being unfairly charged for rental car damage
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FAQs

According to Newsweek, the Toyota Corolla claims the top spot as the most-rented vehicle in the U.S. Given the car’s propensity for fuel efficiency (the Corolla boasts a combined 33 mpg) and accessible cost (the average is less than $400 per week), and well-appointed interior that helps keep drivers comfortable on long journeys, it’s no surprise that the Corolla takes the cake.
That answer depends—on your driving needs and your personal ones. If you’re planning an extended vacation or jam-packed trip of events, having your own vehicle can make travel smoother and renting worth the cost—especially in areas where your public transit options are limited. On the other hand, some vacationers may do just fine using Uber or Lyft to get to and from a few locations. Travel typically requires some expenditure toward transportation. It all comes down to the experience you’re looking for.
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