Top Rental Cars for Every Need: A Comprehensive Guide

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Finding the Perfect Rental Car for Your Needs

When family or friends come to visit and your compact two-door coupe simply won’t suffice, renting a car can be a game changer, providing the additional passenger space you require. It’s also an excellent option when traveling, granting you the freedom to explore local attractions at your leisure. However, it’s crucial to evaluate your options carefully. A high-quality rental vehicle can greatly enhance your driving experience, making the journey more enjoyable for you and your passengers alike.

This slideshow showcases the best rental vehicles available today. We focused exclusively on models that are commonly found in rental fleets, ranking them based on their overall U.S. News scores from lowest to highest. Our selection includes a diverse array of vehicles, from traditional cars and SUVs to innovative electric models.

Table of Contents

1. Nissan Rogue

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1

The Nissan Rogue is an excellent choice for city driving, especially if you’re in the market for a compact SUV that comfortably accommodates passengers. The seating is plush, and both the front and rear rows provide ample legroom for adults. Additionally, the Rogue boasts impressive cargo capacity, with up to 36.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet when the second row is folded down.

Notably, the Rogue underwent a design refresh for the 2024 model year, enhancing both its interior and exterior appeal. The SUV’s engine offers respectable acceleration for everyday driving, although some may find the power delivery slightly unrefined. On the bright side, the powertrain is fuel-efficient, achieving up to 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

2. BMW 5 Series

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1

The BMW 5 Series stands out as a luxury midsize sedan, delivering a smooth ride along with sporty handling. The 2024 model year marks a full redesign of this iconic vehicle. It offers two robust powertrain options, although availability may fluctuate depending on the rental agency’s current fleet.

Regardless of the engine choice, acceleration is swift; the high-performance version can sprint from zero to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. Fuel efficiency is another highlight, with the 5 Series achieving up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Practicality shines through with 17.3 cubic feet of trunk space, making it one of the more spacious options in its class. The interior is equally impressive, offering generous space and comfort for both front and rear passengers.

3. Ford Mustang

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1

The Ford Mustang is a standout in the sports car segment, effectively combining performance with practicality. Offered in both coupe and convertible styles, the Mustang underwent a complete redesign for the 2024 model year. The coupe variant provides 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, a remarkable figure for this category.

Unlike many sports cars that prioritize performance over comfort, the Mustang seats four, although the rear seats are best suited for children due to limited space. For those seeking an exhilarating rental experience, the Mustang delivers sharp handling and quick acceleration across all engine options, ranging from 310 to 500 horsepower. For peak performance, check with the rental provider for available powertrains. The front seats are designed for comfort, ensuring a pleasant ride even on longer trips.

4. Kia Sorento

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2

The Kia Sorento offers a refined interior that enhances your driving experience. This midsize SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers and boasts a contemporary cabin with upscale styling and a bold, modern aesthetic. The 2024 model year brought a refresh, including updates to both exterior and interior design, as well as improvements to its infotainment system.

While the Sorento’s ride tends to be on the firmer side, it remains comfortable, especially during highway travel. Fuel efficiency is another strong point, making this SUV a practical choice that can help minimize fuel expenses. The Sorento also boasts impressive utility credentials, capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling trailers or boats.

5. Chevrolet Suburban

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2

For those traveling with a large group, a full-size SUV like the Chevrolet Suburban is the ideal rental option. It features seating configurations that can accommodate seven, eight, or even nine passengers, so it’s wise to confirm your specific setup at the rental desk. The interior is remarkably spacious, with even the third-row seats providing enough room for adults to sit comfortably.

In terms of cargo space, the Suburban excels, offering more storage than most competitors in its class. The ride quality is smooth and cushioned, complemented by an easy-to-use infotainment system. However, its large size can pose challenges when maneuvering in tight spaces.

6. Chrysler Pacifica

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2

Minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica are synonymous with family-friendly features, offering flexible interiors and convenient sliding doors. The Pacifica is a strong contender in this segment, providing spacious seating for up to seven passengers and ample cargo room. Its ride quality is smooth, and the handling is well-balanced, making it a joy to drive.

A unique selling point is the availability of all-wheel drive, a feature not commonly found in all minivans. If all-wheel drive is important for your rental, be sure to check with the rental agency in advance.

7. Hyundai Kona

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2

The Hyundai Kona, a subcompact SUV, received a full redesign for the 2024 model year. It offers outstanding fuel efficiency, achieving up to 29 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the Kona provides a comfortable and smooth ride, making it an excellent choice for any road trip.

Standard front-wheel drive is complemented by an available all-wheel drive option for those seeking added confidence in wet or snowy conditions. Standard features include a 12.3-inch touch screen and wireless smartphone integration for both Apple and Android devices, along with two USB-C ports up front to keep your devices charged throughout your journey.

8. Kia EV6

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2

As a relatively new entrant in the electric vehicle market, the Kia EV6 debuted in 2022. This fully electric SUV seats five passengers and boasts an impressive driving range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. The EV6 offers an engaging driving experience, with quick acceleration and agile handling that make every drive enjoyable.

Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort, featuring supportive seating and a sleek, modern layout. While the cargo space is slightly less than what is typical among EVs, it still provides adequate room for family travel and everyday needs.

9. Tesla Model 3

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4

The Tesla Model 3 is a smart choice for those considering an electric vehicle for their rental. With a range of up to 272 miles on a full charge for the standard version, it allows you to travel without the anxiety of frequent charging stops. Additionally, you can access around 6,000 Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide for easy recharging.

Experience behind the wheel is quick and responsive, thanks to a low center of gravity that enhances stability. The Model 3’s minimalist interior design is complemented by generous cargo space, offering practical storage solutions both in the front and rear.

10. Mazda CX-5

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV renowned for its exceptional handling. It comes equipped with two engine options; while the base engine is adequate, we recommend selecting the turbocharged four-cylinder for the most spirited acceleration, assuming it’s available at your rental location. The ride is smooth, and the handling is confident, providing a pleasurable driving experience.

For those seeking a rental with a touch of luxury, the Mazda CX-5 fits the bill. Its cabin is stylish and refined, featuring high-quality materials and solid build quality throughout. Although its cargo capacity is slightly below the class average, the 30.8 cubic feet available behind the rear seats is still generous enough for your belongings.

11. Toyota Camry

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8

Once the standard for family transportation before the SUV boom, the Toyota Camry continues to be a highly regarded midsize sedan, known for its comfort and reliability. The 2025 model year saw a redesign that keeps it competitive and appealing.

The Camry provides a smooth and comfortable ride, with a spacious interior that ensures both front and rear passengers have ample room for relaxation. It is offered with two hybrid powertrains, both delivering strong acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 51 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

12. Mazda3

U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5

The Mazda3 is a compact car that excels in athletic performance and is available in both hatchback and sedan variants. If you’re in search of a small rental car that offers an engaging driving experience, the Mazda3 is an excellent option.

Inside, the Mazda3 impresses with an upscale interior, featuring high-quality materials and a near-luxury aesthetic. While the front seats are comfortable, the rear seats may feel a bit cramped, regardless of whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback. For those prioritizing cargo space, the hatchback version provides a generous 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, while the sedan offers a more modest 13.2 cubic feet.

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