Should You Rent a Car for Your Summer Trip? There Are Pros and Cons

Rising car and gas prices are pushing some Americans to consider renting a car for their summer road trip instead of driving their own vehicle.

Car Rental Gateway, an online car rental platform headquartered in London that also operates in the United States, reported that during peak travel times, it handles around 3,000 car rental availability searches per second. The website also reported seeing a 16% increase in electric and hybrid car rentals in March, as gas prices began to climb after the start of the Iran war.

Additionally, Hertz Rental Car said its research shows 64% of Americans are planning to take at least one road trip this summer. The company said it expects rental pickups will peak just ahead of the holiday, with Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22 likely to be the busiest days.

Even before gas prices started rising, Car Rental Gateway said it had seen evidence of a shift among some Americans toward a preference for having access to cars via traditional rental or on-demand car-sharing companies like ZipCar when needed rather than solely driving their personally owned vehicles.

“For decades, owning a vehicle was seen as a symbol of independence, financial success, and social status,” the website said in a September 2025 blog post. “Today, however, shifting consumer priorities and technological innovations are transforming the way people view mobility.”

“The concept of ‘access over ownership’ is gaining momentum, particularly in the car rental and subscription markets, where flexibility and convenience often outweigh the burden of long-term ownership,” the website continued.

The findings come as gas prices rose to an average of $4.55 per gallon on May 20, according to AAA. That’s up from a national average gas price of $2.98 on Feb. 28, the day the United States first launched military strikes against Iran. Additionally, the average price for new cars in April 2026 was $49,461, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book.

Pros of Renting a Car for Your Summer Road Trip

Here are four pros for renting a car for your next road trip:

Cost savings on gas: The website CarRentalLab.com said drivers who opt to rent for their summer trips can choose more fuel-efficient models than their normal rides. “If your daily driver is a GMC Yukon that gets 17 mpg combined, consider leaving it parked and renting a fuel-sipper for your road trip,” the website said. “Rent a newer Toyota Prius instead, and you’ll get up to 57 mpg combined, on average. That means you can go more than three times the distance on a single gallon of gas.”
Cost savings on maintenance: The website said drivers can put the mileage of long trips on someone else’s car instead of their own. “A long road trip can inflict costly damage on your car, even if you don’t notice it right away,” the website said. “Every mile results in a certain amount of wear and tear to the engine, the tires and other moving parts.”
Access to newer technology: The average age of cars that operate regularly on U.S. roads in 2025 was 12.8 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Most rental cars are less than five years old, so drivers who rent will have access to newer technology than they might have on a daily basis in their older cars.
More cargo room: AAA said drivers who opt for rentals for their road trips can get cars with much more cargo room. “Maybe your compact, fuel-efficient car is ideal for work commutes but less than perfect for a longer road trip,” the website said. “Take a hard look at your storage needs. Is anyone going on this trip a serious overpacker?”

Cons of Renting a Car for Your Next Road Trip

Here are four potential cons for renting a car for your next road trip.

Rental costs add to the price of the trip: “Depending on the location and the type of vehicle, rental costs can add up quickly,” the Car Rental Lab website said. “For example, renting a car in a tourist-heavy area like Miami during peak season can be significantly more expensive than in the off-peak months.”
Additional insurance and fees: “Navigating insurance options can be confusing. Some companies may offer basic insurance, while others might pressure you into purchasing additional coverage. This can lead to unexpected costs,” the website said.
Parking challenges: “In urban areas, finding parking can be a hassle and often comes with fees,” the website said. “Cities like New York or San Francisco have limited street parking and expensive garages, which can negate the benefits of having a rental car.”
Age restrictions for younger drivers: Most rental companies either require drivers to be at least 25 years old or charge an additional fee for drivers younger than 25. “Many rental companies, including Enterprise and Hertz, impose a ‘young driver surcharge’ for those under 25,” the website said. “This can add an extra daily fee to your rental.”