[Walkabout]

Hi there

I'm going on a roadtrip with 2-3 friends in July next year, from San Francisco to Miami, and we're about to book a rental car. We're in the market for a mid-size or full-size SUV, and we've got four offers so far:

Toyota 4Runner: 2000 USD
Nissan Pathfinder: 2150 USD
Nissan Armada: 2650 USD
Chevrolet Suburban: 2950 USD

We're probably thinking that a Chevy Suburban is worth the extra cost, although we haven't drove any of the above mentioned cars before. Seems like a large vehicle with a big engine (V8, about 350 hp). Do any of you guys have any input here?

Also other tips regarding car rental in the US is much appreciated.

[KingOfJericho]

You'll want the extra space for a trip that long with that many adults. For me, that would rule out the 4R and Pathfinder. Between the Armada and Suburban, I would go for whichever is more fuel efficient. Also, make damn sure the one you get has captains chairs instead of a bench for the second row. You'll thank me later.

[Delta0311]

The prices, is that just the rental or rental plus insurance. Normally you would use your own insurance for the rental but since you are not from the US you will need to buy insurance from the rental company.

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

The prices, is that just the rental or rental plus insurance. Normally you would use your own insurance for the rental but since you are not from the US you will need to buy insurance from the rental company.

The prices are rental plus insurance.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Walkabout

The prices are rental plus insurance.

Ok then go with what King just said.

[MikeRR]

I would go for the Chevy. But anyway my experience with rental cars in the US is that they always mention a certain car as an example and that they try to give you what they have left in stock of the same size once you are in the parking lot.
The last time I got a free upgrade because I was really pissed with that.

[dkmesa]

I'd probably just do a minivan. More fuel efficient and comfortable (and probably cheaper than all those options). Equipped with captain's chairs in the middle row, it'd seat 4 adults fine.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by dkmesa

I'd probably just do a minivan. More fuel efficient and comfortable (and probably cheaper than all those options). Equipped with captain's chairs in the middle row, it'd seat 4 adults fine.

4 american adults which is like 6 europeans or 8 asians

[TomD335xicoupe]

Go Minivan , better room and flexibility of seating in most. I guess you asked but if one way may be an extra fee , also several toll roads ask about their easy/fast pass options, most companies have something but very expensive, look into tolls on your route, some in CA and Fl have no cash toll booths, could get expensive if you run them, have a great trip.

[Eriphill]

You can try Enterprise luxury rentals. Ferrari California cross country

https://exoticcars.enterprise.com/en...francisco.html

[dkmesa]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

4 american adults which is like 6 europeans or 8 asians

haha, great point

[smrtypants44]

Pathfinder is a crossover so probably has a more comfortable ride. I imagine the cargo space is acceptable for 3 adults (leave the third row folded down). Plus it probably gets a bit better fuel economy than the burb.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

Pathfinder is a crossover so probably has a more comfortable ride. I imagine the cargo space is acceptable for 3 adults (leave the third row folded down). Plus it probably gets a bit better fuel economy than the burb.

I agree.. Chevrolet Suburban is great if you are going to be raiding a crack house, there are plenty of those here in the US.

[dkmesa]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

Pathfinder is a crossover so probably has a more comfortable ride. I imagine the cargo space is acceptable for 3 adults (leave the third row folded down). Plus it probably gets a bit better fuel economy than the burb.

Maybe not. My wife had one as a rental car last year and averaged 17-18 all highway at 75mph...I would bet a Suburban could better that. Might have just been a fluke, but she expected a lot better.

[msan]

Use this website, always gives the cheapest prices...

Carrentalsavers.com

[Alfisti]

Minivan, minivan, minivan.

Absolute no brainer.

[F36_CB1K]

Recently completed a 2500 mile road trip with 3 people in an Expedition EL with 3.5 eco boost engine. Almost 20mpg combined and the thing moved like no 3 tonne SUV has the right to.. just my 0.2

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

4 american adults which is like 6 europeans or 8 asians

Or 1 New Jersey governor.

[Walkabout]

Thanks everybody. We went for the Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon, it was almost the same price as a mini van. It feels better to be driving a large V8 SUV when roadtripping in the US than some family mini van. The last two days in Miami we're replacing the SUV with a Camaro SS. Total price including full liabiliy waiver for both cars was around 3200 USD, quite happy about the total cost.

Thanks!

[RedOctober]

We've done both in the past.
Norfolk to Chicago to Seattle to Alaska to Arizona to Norfolk.
The Suburban will outdrive anything on the road and pass everything except a gas station. Great excuse to get out and see the C-Store at Flying J.

The ride of the minivan is SUBSTANTIALLY better and after a few thousand miles, you'll appreciate that - especially those unfortunates who are stuck in the back. And the mileage difference will add up quickly.

With just 3-4 people, unless you're built like Chris Christie, then I'd really take the soccermom route.

[wuufer001]

i rented a Tahoe from AVIS for a full month 2 months back. was my first time in a Tahoe. i really like it. was hauling wife and 2 toddlers, rented 2 car seats also. very comfortable and big enough for all our luggages as we were there for holiday

[RJ_]

Originally Posted by Walkabout

Thanks everybody. We went for the Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon, it was almost the same price as a mini van. It feels better to be driving a large V8 SUV when roadtripping in the US than some family mini van. The last two days in Miami we're replacing the SUV with a Camaro SS. Total price including full liabiliy waiver for both cars was around 3200 USD, quite happy about the total cost.

Thanks!

Good choice. Driving a big American SUV with a V8 will only add to the experience. My family had one growing up, they're very roomy and perfect for road trips.