The 7 Best Rental Cars in 2022 According to U.S. News
Renting a car isn’t always the easiest process. Trying to decide which company to rent from, which vehicle type and size to choose, and how to get the best deal can feel like a big hassle. Knowing the most popular car rental options is a good starting point.
These seven sedans, hatchbacks, and muscle cars (yes, muscle cars) are some of the best in the business. They’re affordable, conveniently sized, and there’s something for everyone.
2022 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul may be shaped like a toaster, but it’s no square. Well, it kind of is. But not like that.
The Soul offers tons of cargo room (24.2 cubic feet in the back, 62.1 cubic feet with the seats folded) and a low step-in height, which makes it perfect for shorter or older drivers. The interior feels a little cheap, but not more than any other basic rental car. As a bonus, the 2022 Soul comes with plenty of standard features and fuel-efficient to boot.
2022 Honda Accord
Duh. Of course the Honda Accord would be on the list. It’s consistently one of the most highly awarded sedans in its class—and among sedans, period. The Accord is pretty attentive to the driver. Its 1.5-liter turbo is peppy and fun and makes nearly 200 horsepower.
You won’t mistake it for a sports car, but you can throw it around on your drive without much complaining. Take it on a trip across state or just on your errands, and it’ll get the job done. It’s also plenty fuel-efficient, with up to 38 mpg on the highway.
2022 Chrysler 300
There’s an old joke that if you don’t look too hard at a Chrysler 300, you could mistake it for a Bentley. But, there’s some truth to the jab. The 300 is a big, bold, and spacious full-size sedan with a giant grille and a lot of attitude.
It offers a spacious back seat, great for carrying additional passengers or tossing in a set of suitcases. Though, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, packing it up shouldn’t be too hard. The infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, and the 300’s standard 3.6-liter engine delivers almost 300 horsepower.
2022 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is not a full-size rental car, but it still packs a punch. It’s cheap to rent and cheap to re-fuel, and its 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space should be enough for your basic rental trip.
The Corolla is comfortable and easy to drive, with a no-fuss-no-frills approach to things. However, the Corolla does offer plenty of standard features for the price. It’s not the most exciting car, but if you want an easy and stress-free trip, the 2022 Corolla is one of the most reliable used vehicles—even as a rental.
2022 Hyundai Elantra
Don’t discount the Hyundai Elantra when looking for the best rental car. It’s practical, convenient, and cheap. And the latest 2022 model is a much snappier dresser than previous generations.
The Elantra sedan provides spacious passenger room and an unexpectedly smooth ride for the price. Want to stay connected on your trip? Business or pleasure, you can—wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the Elantra.
2022 Chevrolet Camaro
Wait, the Chevy Camaro is on this list?! Yup—it may be a little hard to track down, but you can rent a muscle car from most major rental companies.
You’re most likely to find a 2022 Camaro on a rental lot with its base engine, a 275-horsepower turbo. But even this entry-level engine provides sharp and enjoyable handling, and its design will catch attention all over town. The Camaro gives a convenient nine cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which isn’t bad for a muscle car. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
2022 Ford Mustang
Can’t find a Camaro? You may be able to find a Ford Mustang in your chosen company’s rental fleet. Why rent a Mustang? It’s fun, it’s aggressive, and it’s cheaper than you might think.
The only downside of a 2022 Mustang rental is that it may be hard to find. U.S. News points out that you’re more likely to find a four-cylinder turbocharged Mustang rather than a V6 pony or any kind of Shelby. The silver lining is that this base Ford muscle car can see up to 32 mpg on the highway.
What are the best car rental companies?
Knowing which companies will give you what you need—and which car rental companies to avoid—can save you a lot of hassle.
According to TripSavvy:
- Avis has the best car rental discounts
- National has the best car rental customer service
- Dollar has the best car rental rewards program
- Budget is the best car rental company for paying upfront
- Hertz has the best airport locations
So, at the end of the day, what type of car rental is best? The one that gets you where you need to go, doesn’t charge too much, and doesn’t send the cops after you by mistake.
Choose one of these seven best rental cars, and you’re more likely to have a smooth trip.
