When family comes to visit and your compact two-door coupe isn’t up to the task, a rental car can be a lifesaver by offering the extra passenger space you need. It’s also a great solution when you’re traveling and want the freedom to take in the local attractions at your own pace.
That said, it’s important to carefully consider your options. A top-notch rental car can significantly enhance your driving experience, making the journey more enjoyable for both you and your passengers.
This slideshow highlights the best rental vehicles currently available. We focused exclusively on models that are frequently found in rental fleets and ranked them based on their overall U.S. News scores, ordered from lowest to highest. Our list includes a variety of vehicles, from traditional cars and SUVs to electric models.
Also Read: 12 Classic Cars That Are Popular for DIY Restorations
1. Nissan Rogue
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1
If you’re planning to drive around the city, small SUVs make excellent rental choices. The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that offers plenty of space for passengers. The seats are comfortable, and both rows provide enough legroom for adults to ride comfortably.
Additionally, the Rogue offers impressive cargo capacity for its class, with up to 36.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet when the second row is folded down.
For the 2024 model year, Nissan updated both the interior and exterior design of the Rogue. The SUV’s engine delivers respectable acceleration for most everyday driving needs, though its power delivery can feel a bit unrefined at times.
On the upside, the powertrain is efficient, offering up to 30 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway.
2. BMW 5 Series
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury midsize sedan that delivers a refined ride along with athletic handling. BMW introduced a full redesign of this model for the 2024 model year.
There are two strong powertrain options available for the 5 Series, although availability may vary depending on the rental agency’s current fleet.
Regardless of which engine is under the hood, acceleration is brisk—and the top-tier version can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Fuel efficiency is another high point, with the 5 Series achieving up to 27 mpg in city conditions and 35 mpg on the highway.
In terms of practicality, the 5 Series stands out with 17.3 cubic feet of trunk space, offering great cargo capacity for the class. The interior is equally impressive, providing generous space and comfort in both the front and rear seats.
3. Ford Mustang
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1
The Ford Mustang stands out among sports cars for its solid blend of performance and practicality, and it’s offered in both coupe and convertible body styles. Ford gave the Mustang a full redesign for the 2024 model year.
In the coupe variant, you’ll find 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space—an impressive figure for this segment. Unlike many sports cars that only accommodate two people, the Mustang includes seating for four, although the rear seats are more appropriate for children due to limited space.
If you’re looking for a rental that brings excitement to the drive, the Mustang is a solid pick. Its handling is sharp and engaging, and all engine options—ranging from 310 to 500 horsepower—deliver quick acceleration.
If you’re aiming for peak performance, it’s worth checking with the rental provider to see which powertrains are available. On top of that, the front seats offer enough comfort and support to keep you relaxed during longer trips.
4. Kia Sorento
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2
A refined interior can elevate your driving experience, and the Sorento delivers just that. This midsize SUV accommodates up to seven passengers and features a contemporary cabin with upscale styling and a bold, modern design.
For the 2024 model year, Kia refreshed the Sorento with updated exterior and interior styling, along with improvements to its infotainment system.
While the Sorento’s ride leans toward the firmer side, it remains comfortable—especially during highway cruising. And when it comes to fuel efficiency, this SUV stands out by offering impressive mileage for its class, helping you cut down on fuel costs.
The Sorento also has solid utility credentials. It can tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it a capable option if your rental needs include hauling a trailer or boat.
Also Read: 10 Smart Habits That Help Your Car Last Longer and Save You Money
5. Chevrolet Suburban
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2
If you’re traveling with a large group, a full-size SUV is an ideal rental option. The Chevrolet Suburban is built for exactly that, with seating configurations that can accommodate seven, eight, or nine passengers—so it’s a good idea to confirm the setup at the rental desk if you have specific requirements.
The interior is impressively spacious, and even the third-row seats offer enough room for adults to sit comfortably. When it comes to cargo, the Suburban is a standout, offering more storage space than nearly every competitor in its class.
This Chevrolet delivers a smooth, cushioned ride and features an easy-to-use infotainment system. That said, its large size does come with a trade-off—maneuvering it in tight spaces can be a bit of a challenge.
6. Chrysler Pacifica
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2
Minivans are the ultimate family-focused vehicles, known for their flexible interiors and convenient sliding doors.
The Pacifica stands out as a strong contender in the minivan segment. As with most models in this class, it provides spacious seating for up to seven passengers along with generous cargo space. What sets it apart is its smooth ride quality and well-balanced handling.
One of its key advantages is the availability of all-wheel drive—something not all minivans offer—which can enhance stability and traction in slippery conditions. If all-wheel drive is essential for your rental, be sure to check with the agency ahead of time.
7. Hyundai Kona
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that received a full redesign for the 2024 model year. It offers impressive fuel efficiency, delivering up to 29 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway. Along with its solid gas mileage, the Kona provides a comfortable and smooth ride.
Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available for those who want added confidence in wet or snowy conditions. As always, confirm with the rental agency to find out if all-wheel-drive versions are available.
Among the Kona’s standard equipment are a 12.3-inch touch screen and wireless smartphone integration for both Apple and Android devices. You’ll also find two USB-C ports up front, so you can keep your devices charged right from the start of your trip.
8. Kia EV6
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2
Introduced in 2022, the Kia EV6 is a relatively new entry in the expanding electric vehicle market. This fully electric SUV seats five passengers and offers an impressive driving range of up to 310 miles.
The EV6 makes for a fun-to-drive rental, delivering quick acceleration and agile, responsive handling that adds excitement behind the wheel.
Inside, the cabin features supportive seating and a high-end, modern design. While the EV6 offers slightly less cargo space than what’s typical among EVs, it still provides sufficient room for family travel and everyday needs.
9. Tesla Model 3
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4
If you’re considering an EV for your rental, the Tesla Model 3 is a smart pick thanks to its impressive range. This all-electric luxury sedan can travel up to 272 miles on a full charge with the standard-range version, allowing you to reach your destinations without stress or frequent charging stops.
When it’s time to recharge, you’ll have access to around 6,000 Tesla Supercharger stations across the country.
The Tesla driving experience is quick and responsive, with a low center of gravity that helps it stay firmly planted on the road. Inside, the Model 3 features a minimalist design and provides generous cargo space, thanks to storage areas in both the front and rear.
10. Mazda CX-5
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that offers outstanding handling. It comes with two engine options: while the base engine is sufficient, we recommend opting for the available turbocharged four-cylinder if you’re looking for the most energetic acceleration, provided it’s available at the rental location.
The ride is smooth, and the handling is confident and responsive, making it a pleasure to drive.
For those seeking a rental with a premium feel, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice. Its cabin is stylish and refined, featuring solid build quality and high-end materials throughout.
Although its cargo space falls short of the class average, the 30.8 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats still provides ample space for your belongings.
11. Toyota Camry
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8
Before the rise in popularity of SUVs, midsize sedans were the go-to option for family transportation. The Toyota Camry remains one of the most highly regarded models in this category, known for its comfort and reliability. The 2025 model year saw a redesign of this sedan by the automaker.
The Camry offers a smooth and comfortable ride, and its spacious interior ensures that both front and rear passengers have plenty of room to relax.
This sedan comes with two hybrid powertrains, both providing strong acceleration. The Camry excels in fuel efficiency, offering an impressive 51 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
12. Mazda3
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5
The Mazda3 is a compact car that stands out for its athletic performance and is offered in both hatchback and sedan versions. If you’re looking for a small rental car that’s fun to drive with a responsive feel, this is an excellent choice.
Inside, the Mazda3 boasts an upscale interior, featuring high-quality materials and a near-luxury look. While the front seats are comfortable, the rear seats are cramped, regardless of whether you choose the sedan or hatchback.
For those who prioritize cargo space, the sedan may not be ideal, as it only offers 13.2 cubic feet of storage. However, the hatchback provides a much more generous 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats.