What to know about 4×4 rental cars

A 4×4 rental car isn’t necessary for every occasion, but when you’re planning to conquer uneven or unpredictable terrain, opting for a four-wheel drive (4WD) rental car is a must. They’re versatile, rugged and ready for adventure. This extra feature can make a car more expensive to rent, so it’s important to be realistic about your trip plans and the type of vehicle you’ll need. Otherwise, you could end up paying more without reaping the benefits. We’ll walk you through what you need to know about renting an off-road vehicle and whether it’s worth it for your upcoming adventure.

Checklist: Do I need a 4×4 rental car?

Before you start searching for a 4×4 rental car for your trip, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to one or more, then you should rent a 4×4 to ensure you have the right vehicle for your adventure.

1. Will I be going off-roading or driving on miles of unpaved roads or unkempt paths? 
2. Will my vehicle need good grip, such as the ability to get out of mud or climb rocky terrain or steep, slick inclines?
3. Will I potentially encounter black ice or need snow tires or chains?

If you are unsure about the nature of your plans, you could opt for a 4×4 rental car to ensure you have the capabilities you need if the situation arises. However, be aware that the daily rental rate may be higher than a standard vehicle, and the fuel efficiency may not be as good, so you could also end up paying more for gas when you rent a 4×4.

Benefits of a 4×4 rental car

When the going gets tough, it pays to have four-wheel drive. Just ask anyone who’s driven in the rain, mud or snow. Most cars are either front- or rear-wheel drive, so only two wheels are powering the car’s momentum. Four-wheel drive vehicles, however, have the power of all four wheels in motion, giving you extra traction, power and control on rough terrain. Having a 4WD car can also give you more peace of mind while driving, even if you don’t end up using it much. Though 4WD cars use more gas, it’s often worth it knowing you’re prepared in case of the unexpected. 

How to rent an off-road vehicle

This type of vehicle may be harder to come by in rental locations that are in dense urban areas or parts of the country that aren’t known for being too rugged, such as those that don’t get much snow or have mostly flat, even terrain. So if during your search on a booking site you don’t have the option to filter by vehicle feature or the site doesn’t display 4WD in the feature list, you’ll be better off contacting the rental company’s support team directly than assuming you’ll wind up with the vehicle you need. 

If you want to rent a 4×4 with Avail car sharing in Chicago or Denver, we ask you to reserve a midsize or large SUV and then contact our customer support team to indicate your preference. We’ll do our best to fulfill your request. Besides getting the car you need for your trip, booking with Avail helps you get on the road faster with self-service pick-up from dozens of neighborhood locations. And all trips are protected by Allstate insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance so that you’re covered if your off-roading journey gets a little too rocky.