A U.S. road trip in the wrong car is a wasted road trip. Or if not wasted, certainly a trip that could have been made a whole lot better! Wherever you are travelling from and to, choosing the right car for the trip really can make all the difference. So if you’ve an American odyssey planned in the near future, here’s a rundown of 10 ideal rental cars you won’t regret hiring:

Toyota Corolla

Pick up a Toyota Corolla for a safe, comfortable and budget-friendly option. Easy to drive and with plenty of space for four – five might be pushing it somewhat!

Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla

Kia Sedona

If a little more space is required, the Sedona is a reliable and comfortable minivan that’s become a firm favourite among road-trippers across the US.  Highly economical and available in a variety of specifications.

KIA SEDONA
KIA SEDONA

Chevrolet Suburban

Arm yourself with a quality Chevy and hit the highways and byways of America in a new-generation Chevrolet Suburban. Boasting the kind of comfort and general technology that goes far beyond its class, the Suburban also delivers superb fuel-efficiency.

CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

Ford Flex

The Flex is pretty nifty piece of kit in its own right, but with plenty of space for seven passengers and it’s got incredible road-trips written all over it. It’s also surprisingly easy to pilot, considering its size.

FORD FLEX
FORD FLEX

Mazda5

This innovative minivan offers some of the best fuel-economy in its class, along with decent comfort and safety features for up to six travellers. A good choice for those who prioritise fuel costs above unnecessary frills.

MAZDA5
MAZDA5

Mazda MX5 Miata 

If there’s only two of you travelling and you don’t mind travelling very light, the Mazda MX5 Miata comes highly recommended. The quintessential two-seat roadster for soaking up the best of the weather as you drive.

MAZDA MX5 MIATA 
MAZDA MX5 MIATA

VW Beetle

That said, the convertible version of the VW Beetle is also one of the most enjoyable open-top rides you’ll ever have the pleasure to pilot. Surprisingly cheap to rent, the VW Beetle drives almost like an oversized toy…entirely in a good way.

VW BEETLE
VW BEETLE

Subaru Outback

The best thing about the Subaru Outback is its flexibility – it can be pretty much anything you need it to be. On road, off road, family friendly, powerful and durable – brilliant if you plan on getting out and about off the beaten track.

Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback

Toyota Prius

Anyone looking to pilot a hybrid around the U.S. should look no further than the trusty Toyota Prius. The more recent models in particular combining simply outstanding fuel-economy with more technology and optional features than you’ll know what to do with.

Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius

Chrysler 300

Last but not least, the Chrysler 300 is perhaps the most quintessentially American car in the list. Oversized, powerful, fast and with a ton of room for five people and plenty of baggage, it’s borderline ostentatious and impossible not to enjoy driving.

Chrysler 300
Chrysler 300