Which 4×4 to rent for your next off-road trip ?

Criteria to take into account

Fuel: choose the cheapest and most widely available fuel. If you’re travelling with a motorcycle and a car, make sure you choose two vehicles that run on the same fuel (this can be useful if one of the vehicles breaks down).

Fuel tank: always opt for a 4×4 with a large fuel tank (at least 90L), so you can set off with a clear head without having to think about the next fill-up! Toyota 4x4s often have large fuel tanks (95L), and some can be fitted with two tanks.

Drive wheels: 4-wheel drive is a must. Beware of SUVs: the term “Sport Utility Vehicle” conceals vehicles that are not always suitable for off-roading. In fact, there are even SUVs with 2-wheel drive, but that’s not enough! You’ll find our selection of the best 4x4s below.

Tires: Check that tires are suitable for track driving (unfortunately, this is quite rare on rental cars). Always check the condition of the spare tire and jack before setting off.

The condition of the car: It may sound strange, but avoid new cars! Indeed, going down winding paths is not without risk for the car’s bodywork: all it takes is a branch to scratch the body. The rental company will be much more forgiving if it notices a scratch on a well-worn car than on a new one!

The best 4×4 rentals for a road trip

Here’s our selection of the best 4×4 rentals. In the right-hand column, these are the 4x4s most frequently found in rental agencies. The right-hand column shows 4x4s of equivalent class (less common in rental agencies). More economical models such as the Renault DUSTER, SUZUKI, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Tahoe, etc. are not recommended if you want total freedom of movement.

Where to rent a 4×4 for a road trip?

What type of rental insurance?

Before you leave, check your credit card travel insurance ! Make sure you’re covered for the category of vehicle rented, the rental period and the country visited. Generally, frequent flyer credit card coverage is limited to collision damage, the amount of which may vary. Of course, don’t forget to bring your insurance documents proving that you have the necessary coverage. Rental companies may require to see them.

If you are not covered, take out the insurance offered by the rental agency. They generally offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) protection, which covers part of the damage to the rental vehicle in the event of an incident. We also recommend that you set aside a small “repair” budget, as a simple puncture can happen very quickly!