Which rental car should we get for a family road trip, minivan or SUV?
Choosing the right rental car for a family road trip will make the difference between a smooth, happy experience and a stressful journey. Two of the most popular options for families traveling long distances are minivans and SUVs.
Each of them has its pros and cons: Minivans are ideal for large families with lots of luggage, but are more expensive and less fuel-efficient than SUVs. On the other hand, SUVs are modern and stylish, with good performance even in rural and mountainous roads, but are not very comfortable for families with more than 4-5 people.
Minivan: The best solution for large families
Minivans are ideal for family travel, especially if you have more than 3 children or you travel with friends or other members of the family. They are spacious, easy to drive and designed to make long hours on the road more comfortable for everyone.
The advantages of renting a minivan are:
- Maximum passenger space: Minivans typically seat 7–8 people comfortably.
- Flexible cargo room: Travel essentials, sports equipment and lots of luggage are easily transferred with a minivan.
- Family-friendly features: Many minivans include built-in entertainment systems and multiple USB ports, so that kids can watch TV or listen to music during the trip.
- Comfort for long distances: Wide seats and room to stretch make the journey more pleasant for adults and kids during a long road trip.
However, minivans have the following disadvantages:
- No off-road capability
- Higher daily rental fee
- Low fuel efficiency.
SUV: The ideal option to drive wherever you like
SUVs are the best solution for families who want comfort and capability and are comprised of 4-5 people.
The advantages of renting an SUV are:
- Comfort: Most mid- to large-size SUVs seat 4-6 passengers comfortably.
- Flexibility: While SUVs are not as spacious as a minivan, they provide enough cargo space for luggage of 4-5 persons.
- Off-road capability: If your road trip includes mountain roads during winter weather or driving on unpaved roads, an SUV is ideal.
- Fuel efficiency options: Some SUVs offer hybrid models so that they are economical on long road trips.
The only disadvantage of an SUV is that it is not spacious enough to welcome more than 5 passengers, especially with lots of luggage.
Read: The ultimate road trip checklist: All you need for a safe and happy journey
What to choose for a long road trip
If you are a family of 4-5 passengers, an SUV is the best option to drive on all kinds of terrain, discover all routes, be comfortable and enjoy a budget-friendly road trip.
However, if your team comprises of more than 5-6 people, then a minivan is the most value-for-money option as it is cheaper than renting multiple vehicles and of course funnier as it gathers all the family together.
See our wide range of options to rent a minivan or an SUV with Abbycar and plan your road trip safely and on a budget!
Read: Which is the best road trip car? The top 5 suggestions regarding your travel style
