Rent SUV or car

[jmartinez1895]

I have been stalking Costco since I originally booked a standard SUV for our trip starting April 30.
I originally got the SUV because that’s what we drive at home, however we have a pilot and the rental was supposed to be a pathfinder or similar. There will be 4 of us ( 2 adults, 15 year old boy who is adult size and a 4 year old). We will have a folding wheelchair, a stroller, a car seat and a fair amount of luggage.
Today I found a car for $100 less and I changed our reservation because the person and bag estimate was the same as the SUV. Now I’m a little worried that in either case we may not fit.
I was thinking that the car might have more trunk space than the suv but I’m nervous now.
Anyone here with similar experience? Also, what is the worst happens and we can’t fit everything? What would anyone recommend at that point? Thanks for the time and advice.

 

[shocker]

Personally, I'd go with the SUV. $100 isn't worth the risk or heartburn. As you know, luggage space in a trunk is finite, but in an SUV is a little more foregiving with being able to build up in an area or slide against the rear wall, etc. It allows for luggage to build up in some areas if needed. I wouldn't worry at all about 4 bodies in either vehicle, but your luggage needs are a consideration.

Also, when it comes to rental car ressie's they don't work exactly like a plane seat or hotel room. So, don't cancel any while still shopping. Shop and book away with any coupons or deals that pop up. Then once the trip gets closer, cancel any you don't want to keep. So, go back and grab an SUV ressie again. Hang on to the car ressie you've got and see if a cheaper SUV options appears in the interim.

If you go with the car and can't fit everything in the trunk, you're left trying to use the third seat in the back for luggage, standing the stroller up behind the passenger seat and putting bags below everyone's feet. Otherwise, you're standing at the rental counter trying to get something you all fit into.

Have a good trip.

 

[kylieh]

I asked a similar question yesterday in the disabilities thread!! https://www.disboards.com/threads/wheelchair-fitting-in-these-rental-cars.3739477/ I've since done some maths and leaning toward the SUV.

 

[Spunky946]

If it’s a pathfinder something similar, you will have the third row to put down like your pilot and that should give you more room. I’d go suv

 

[NYCgrrl]

Compare the storage capacity of the vehicles you are interested in to know if all your gear and passengers will fit comfortably. You can find this info at edmunds.com or individual car's websites. Nothing like a long drive in a vehicle w/o enough space to make for a bad start to a vacation.

Since you already have an SUV at home, trial pack it, check the cubic footage and you'll have a better idea on how much more space you'll need in a rental.

Getting a vehicle with a 3rd row of seats? Make sure it folds back flush to the floor if you plan to use it for cargo.

Check to see if the cargo bed is lower to the ground in one model over another. Saves your back when moving heavy items.

For long distance base camping trips traveling with 2 adults and 2 children, we rented either a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna to carry 2 family sized tents, a folding camp kitchen, 2-3 folding bikes, several coolers and assorted other stuff.

 

[Bullseye]

Op, have you thought about a standard size pickup truck? Dollar has one for a fairly reasonable rate. It will easily handle 4 passengers and you could stow all your stuff in the truck bed.

Apr30 - May 6 (7 days)
$260.02 / week
$347.02 USD Approx. Total Unlimited Miles

Standard Pick up Regular Cab
Dodge RAM 1500 (or similar)
Rate Code: RCW55

• Automatic transmission
• ABS Brakes
• Central Locking System
• Cruise Control
• AM/FM/CD Stereo Radio
• Power Steering / Brakes / Windows
• See Local Policy Information for Debit Card Use
• Seats 5
• Suitcases 4

 

[NYCgrrl]

Forgot the worst happens part of your question, OP.
BTDT and despised the tee shirt.
Rented the right size SUV/mini van, one camping trip, turned it in for a smaller vehicle for the duration of the trip until departure day. Received a much smaller SUV for our return and a nice portion of our stuff didn't fit. Gave stuff away and mailed stuff back home; somewhat annoying and certainly not worth the lower price quoted. After that fiasco only rented from companies that guaranteed a specific car model. Cost more, less hassles.