Top rental cars for every type of road adventure

A surprising consequence of the pandemic has been the revival of the classic American road trip.

As international borders shut down to foreign travelers, Americans accustomed to overseas vacations began seeking travel options closer to home.

Luckily, we reside in one of the most breathtaking countries on the planet, boasting vast landscapes, stunning vistas, a national park system that is admired worldwide, and an incredible diversity of local culture and cuisine—all made accessible by the extensive network of interstate highways developed in the 20th century.

With the pandemic driving countless workers out of offices and into their home workspaces, many took to the roads, eager to explore our beautiful nation. RV rentals surged in popularity, with some individuals even choosing to live on the road permanently.

While international travel may be returning this summer, many Americans still feel the allure of the classic road trip, promising adventure and new discoveries along the open road.

What’s a road trip without the right vehicle? With a plethora of cars available for your next journey, we want to showcase some of the top choices for any kind of road trip.

For coastal or island journeys: Ford Mustang

Imagine cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in California or along the shores of Hawaii, with the top down and the music blasting. It’s hard to envision a better ride than a Mustang. This iconic car is one of the quintessential symbols of American culture. Launched in the 1960s, it quickly became popular among those seeking an affordable yet speedy vehicle that turns heads. While the classic Mustangs of yesteryear are legendary, the latest model is a modern marvel, perfect for enjoyable drives in pleasant weather.

The standard Mustang is quite impressive: it features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. However, if you’re looking to truly enjoy the twists and turns of a scenic coastal road, consider splurging on the GT convertible, which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine that churns out 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, guaranteed to bring a grin to your sunlit face.

For a cross-country journey: Volvo XC90

When embarking on a cross-country road trip, comfort is essential. You'll need a vehicle that is quiet, fuel-efficient, spacious, and equipped with enough amenities to keep you and your passengers entertained. Additionally, it should handle the varying quality of roads we encounter across the country and, most importantly, feature comfortable seating.

The XC90, Volvo's premier SUV, offers all of this and more. It has ample space for you, your friends or family, and all your luggage. Furthermore, it comes loaded with cutting-edge automotive technology, including a touchscreen entertainment system and superior sound systems. Its robust construction ensures a smooth ride, even on the pothole-ridden roads found in some regions (looking at you, upper Midwest). Last but not least, Volvo is renowned for crafting some of the best seats in the industry—on certain models, you can even choose seats that provide a massage as you drive.

For snowy conditions: Audi A4 Allroad

If you're hitting the road in winter—or anywhere that experiences snow almost year-round—you’ll need a vehicle that handles snow and slush as well as it does dry roads. The Audi A4 Allroad is a raised version of the A4 Avant station wagon, providing extra ground clearance ideal for snowy conditions. The standout feature that makes this elevated wagon formidable in wintry weather is its standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which enables it to navigate through rain, snow, and slush effortlessly. (However, if you find yourself driving on mountain roads covered in heavy snow, we recommend equipping any vehicle with chains for added traction.)

Being a station wagon at heart, this model offers ample space for passengers and their belongings while maintaining car-like handling. With its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Allroad ensures you won't be stopping frequently for fuel, either.

For conquering all types of terrain: Jeep Wrangler

If you’re searching for a vehicle that can handle any terrain and tackle almost any task, the Jeep Wrangler is hard to beat. This legendary American truck is available in both two- and four-door versions and offers features like a removable roof and doors for serious off-roading. With a genuine 4x4 four-wheel-drive system, large tires, and elevated suspension, the Wrangler is built to conquer rocks and rugged landscapes with ease. Its impressive ground clearance allows it to drive through up to 30 inches of water—ideal for adventures that take you across rivers and streams.

When you're ready to leave the interstate behind and explore areas that aren't accessible by just any vehicle, the Wrangler is the perfect choice.

For exploring national parks: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Another Jeep makes the list—and for good reason. The esteemed Grand Cherokee has long been a flagship for the brand, seamlessly blending Jeep’s renowned off-road capabilities with the luxurious comforts expected from a high-end SUV. If your road trip includes lengthy highway drives along with some off-roading adventures (perhaps visiting one or more national parks), the Grand Cherokee is an ideal choice.

It provides a smooth on-road experience, packed with plenty of technology and amenities that make extended drives enjoyable, while also being rugged enough to handle any challenges that arise when you venture off the paved path.

Choose the right credit card for your rental

When renting a vehicle, ensuring you have adequate coverage in case of an accident is crucial. Damage waivers are usually available for purchase from rental companies at a rate of about $10 to $20 per day. However, some credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer a primary damage waiver for cases of theft or damage. This primary coverage means you won't need to file a claim with your personal car insurance if your rental is damaged, avoiding hefty deductibles and potential rate increases. Keep in mind that this coverage is only valid for rentals lasting 31 days or fewer.

In summary

Road trips are set to remain a significant aspect of American travel for the foreseeable future. Once you determine your destination and the kind of road trip you’ll undertake, the next step is to choose the right vehicle for your journey.

Just promise us you'll heed our tips on how to bypass the line at the rental car counter.