SUV vs Sedan rentals — Which is better for families & long drives

Are you thinking about renting an SUV or a sedan for your next family adventure? We are here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your family size, trip length, comfort needs, and budget. With the right rental car, you can make your family adventure more fun and worry-free. No matter if you prefer an SUV or a sedan, each offers its own special benefits for long journeys and family vacations.

SUV vs Sedan – Overview

When renting a car, knowing the difference between a sedan and an SUV can help you pick the perfect vehicle for your trip.

• Sedan Rentals – Vehicle models and best suitability

  What counts as a sedan in car rentals?

  Sedans in car rentals are passenger cars designed for comfortable city and highway travel, typically seating 4 to 5 people and featuring a separate trunk for luggage. They are favored for business trips and everyday travel because of their smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and balanced comfort.

  Some popular Sedan models:-

  Compact sedans: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra

  Mid-size sedans: Nissan Tiida, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Altima

  Full-size sedans: Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Mark, and Toyota Camry

  Best suited for?

  • Sedans make city drives and highway trips enjoyable and adventurous.
  • No matter if it is a short or medium trip, a sedan rental is ideal for quick escapes.
  • With budget-friendly travel options, sedans make exploring new places easy and affordable.

• SUV rentals – Vehicle models and best suitability

  What counts as an SUV in car rentals?

  An SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) in car rentals is a versatile vehicle category that offers higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and flexible seating or cargo capacity. It is commonly chosen for comfort, family travel, road trips, and varied driving conditions.

  Some popular SUV models:-

  Compact SUVs: Toyota Yaris Cross, Mitsubishi ASX, and KIA STONIC

  Mid-size SUVs: Honda ZR-V, Chery Tiggo 8, and MG ZS

  Full-size or 7-seater SUVs: Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander, and Mitsubishi Pajero

  Best suited for?

  • SUVs are perfect for those longer journeys since they provide a comfortable and convenient experience.
  • For setting out on a journey with luggage and family, SUV rentals offer extra boot space and legroom.
  • On winding mountainous roads or in hilly regions, SUVs are perfect choices to ensure great traction and safety.

Fundamental difference between SUVs and Sedans

Family size and travel needs

• Small families (2–3 people)

  Wondering what car type is ideal for a small family comprising around 2-3 people and moderate luggage? Sedans are a perfect option. They provide comfortable seating, easy driving, and are perfectly suited for city and highway journeys. Moreover, they assure convenience in parking due to a comparatively smaller vehicle size.

• Medium families (4–5 people)

  If you are travelling in a medium family of 4-5 people, then space becomes a priority. An SUV is ideal for such trip types as it offers sufficient leg room and seating, ensuring comfort throughout the longer trips.

  Note: Although a sedan may work for this family size, it might feel cramped and lack comfort on longer journeys.

• Families with kids or elderly members

  For families with children or elderly members, comfort and accessibility are more important. SUVs offer additional space for child seats and luggage. This extra comfort helps lessen tiredness on long trips.

• Short trips vs long-distance travel

  When talking about the comparison between the shorter and longer journeys, sedans are usually the right choice for short trips as they offer affordability and are easy to handle.

  However, in the case of trips with extended time durations, SUVs turn out to be the best choice as they provide comfort and convenience when traveling in a group.

• Why family size and trip length matter more than vehicle type

  Overall, family size and trip duration are more significant than the vehicle type. The larger your family and the longer your trip, the more comfort and space matter. Selecting the appropriate rental should be based on your travel requirements, rather than solely on whether the vehicle is an SUV or a sedan.

Sedan vs SUV rental cost factors

Most asked questions

• How do I decide quickly between an SUV and a sedan?

  You must consider some of the basic factors, such as the number of passengers, luggage, trip distance, and your budget, when choosing between an SUV and a sedan. Always book the vehicle that best meets your travel requirements.

• Can I switch from a sedan to an SUV later?

  Switching from a sedan to an SUV depends entirely on the rental supplier's inventory availability. Upgrading may also involve additional costs. However, it is recommended to analyse your travel requirements and book a suitable vehicle in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Are rental deposits higher for SUVs or sedans?

  The deposit amount varies between companies depending on rental duration, location, and age. However, the security deposits may be higher for SUV rentals than for sedans. So, it is always recommended to refer to the rental terms of your chosen company before booking a vehicle.

• Which is better for road trips with luggage and kids?

  SUVs are generally preferable for road trips with luggage and children because they provide more boot space than sedans. Adjusting kids’ equipment is typically simpler in SUVs than in sedans.