Choosing Your Rental Vehicle

Different Categories

While the choice is largely personal, a few considerations can always help when selecting the type of vehicle to rent.

In the range of tourist rental vehicles, you’ll typically find standard or luxury cars, 4x4s, minibuses, campervans, and occasionally specific models (prestige, classic, etc.). Each category has its pros and cons.

Standard Car

The most common and widely rented option. From basic to high-end, this is also where competition is fiercest, with attractive entry-level prices (around 25 €/day). Generally, this type of vehicle suits almost any trip. The only decision left is the model.

The budget-friendly option is great for saving money (rental cost, fuel consumption, etc.), driving in cities, or short trips.

Downside: if you’re covering a lot of ground, you’ll likely appreciate a more comfortable vehicle than the base model. Similarly, if there are more than three of you, fitting everyone—and their luggage—comfortably won’t always be easy.

4x4 Vehicle

Outside Europe, many agencies also offer off-road vehicles, from small Japanese models to large road beasts, for around 50 €/day at best. But the usefulness of a 4x4 depends on the context, even if some rental companies push these vehicles by emphasizing road conditions.

While a country may have rough tracks or poorly maintained roads, few tourists actually take routes that truly require four-wheel drive (even if renting a standard car technically only allows driving on paved roads). Moreover, not everyone knows how to handle this type of vehicle properly.

In short, check with other travelers (including online) to assess whether it’s necessary for your route. If so, don’t let them foist a massive 4x4 on you—it’ll be useless and blow your fuel budget on top of the high rental cost. In many cases, small, economical Asian models are more than sufficient.

Minibuses and Campervans

Minibus

Some rental companies also offer small minibuses (or similar), which are ideal for groups of five or more. In some countries, they may even come with a driver.

Campervan

This option is growing in popularity for rentals, not just in Western countries. It’s ideal for those who want to camp comfortably in the wild while enjoying freedom of movement. However, if that’s not your plan, the costs make it almost pointless.

But be careful when choosing the model—just like 4x4s, campervans come in all sizes, with corresponding prices and additional costs (especially fuel). Plan according to the available features, your needs (including space), and the number of people. Beyond a certain size, motorhomes become cumbersome on narrow roads and pose problems due to their height (bridges) or length (parking). In the U.S., for example, the largest models are theoretically banned from some city centers or tourist areas.

Accessible Vehicle

While some major rental companies in Europe and North America are starting to offer vehicles adapted for wheelchair users, this remains rare. In many countries, people with disabilities can at best be passengers in vehicles with or without a driver.

"Borrowed" Vehicle

Not quite a rental, but sometimes an opportunity to have a local offer you their vehicle.

This can be ideal in many cases, but if you want to stay within the law, it’s not always straightforward. In some countries, particularly in the Americas, non-resident foreigners are generally only allowed to drive their own or rental vehicles—not those belonging to locals. To legalize it, you’ll usually need to handle some paperwork (always bring a few photos just in case). Best to check on the spot.

Vehicle with Driver

This option is primarily offered by agencies in Asia and Africa. Along with the vehicle, a driver is provided for the entire rental period.

This is often due to legal restrictions preventing tourists from driving in the country or because driving as a foreigner is considered (rightly or wrongly) difficult. In some cases, you’ll have little choice.

In practice, the driver’s expenses (meals, accommodation, etc.) are usually included in the initial rental price. You won’t need to budget extra for this, though a tip and other gestures—especially financial—are always welcome.

Advantages: no driving stress, no navigation worries, no daily vehicle management, and a driver who might also help you discover their country. Plus, the rates aren’t necessarily expensive for the service provided.

Taxi or Other Chartered Vehicle

In many countries, it’s entirely possible to hire any taxi—or even a private vehicle—for several hours, a day, or longer. Often, you just need to ask (if it’s not already offered) and negotiate the price. Logically, the cost is much lower than a traditional rental, though the vehicle quality may not always match.

Still, this is a great option for one-off needs (e.g., visiting one or more sites in a day) if you don’t feel like driving or managing a vehicle. And sometimes, the drivers can double as good guides.

Features

Once you’ve chosen the type of vehicle, consider the features or characteristics you want included. First and foremost, depending on the distances you’ll cover, check the vehicle’s fuel consumption and the type of fuel required.

For the rest, decide if you want a radio, air conditioning, GPS, automatic or manual transmission, power steering, 2 or 4 doors, convertible, reclining seats, baby seat, etc. Some options may require a supplement or a higher vehicle category. Lastly, opt for models with trunks that don’t open into the cabin, so you can hide any luggage left inside.

For 4x4s, if you’re planning to tackle rough terrain, check that basic equipment is available (fuel cans, sand traction plates, winch, etc.).

For campervans, designed for camping, see what gear is included in the rental (cooking equipment, bedding, energy supply system, etc.).