A Guide to Choosing the Right Rental Vehicle for Your Vancouver Trip
What’s a trip to Vancouver if there isn’t a road trip involved? Even a short time in the city, whether it’s for work or play, can be improved with a set of wheels at your disposal. Whether you want to imbibe the scenic ocean views, escape to the mountains, or explore Vancouver’s vibrant urban life, the right rental car can make all the difference. Whatever your destination, Ascent Car Rentals has the right vehicle to make the journey memorable.
Here’s our handy guide to picking the right car for hire from our extensive fleet so you are comfortable, safe, and have fun throughout.
How to Pick The Right Drivetrain
Before booking, consider your travel plans. Even more so if you’re traveling beyond the city and off the beaten path. The type of vehicle and drivetrain will matter.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Meant for city-driving and short trips on paved roads. Choose this for fuel efficiency.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Adds grip on wet roads and light snow. Ideal for spring or fall visits to Whistler and surrounding areas.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Best for remote trailheads, snowy alpine roads, or rough terrain. It’s more capable in challenging conditions giving you the traction you need.
If you’re planning scenic drives along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, or exploring gravel forestry roads, upgrading to AWD or 4WD will give you added comfort.
If you’re unsure of the drivetrain you need for your explorations, our team is happy to guide you.
Choosing the Right Vehicle Based on Your Itinerary
Apart from the terrain you’ll be driving in, answering these questions will help you narrow down your choice of rental car even further:
- How many people are traveling with you?
- How much luggage are you bringing?
- Will you be carrying any sports or camping gear?
Rental Car Size Guide
How big or small your rental car is matters depending on the length of your trip, the number of people you’re travelling with, and where you will spend the majority of your time.
Compact Cars – Perfect for City Explorers
Sticking to downtown Vancouver? A compact car is the ride for you. Easy to park and fuel efficient, they curb the road rage while navigating tight urban areas.
Perfect for:
- Solo travellers or couples
- Light luggage
- Budget-conscious trips
Sedans – A Step Up in Space and Comfort
A mid-size or full-size sedan is perfect for those who need that extra legroom or comfort during a long road trip. They are perfect for business trips, small families, or weekend getaways outside the city.
Great for:
- Small families
- Business travellers who prioritize comfort between meetings
- City-to-suburb travel
SUVs – Great for Mountain Drives and Outdoor Getaways
SUVs offer the space, power, and traction you need for a weekend in hard terrain. They’re powerful, give you the traction you need, and are fun to drive. Many come with AWD or 4WD options.
SUVs are ideal for:
- Snowy mountain roads
- Camping trips or ski weekends
- Travelling with sports gear or bulky luggage
And yes, we offer winter tires when required—so you’re always prepared for BC’s changing weather.
12- and 15-Passenger Vans – Keeping Groups Together
Passenger vans are the way to go if you are travelling with a large group you want to keep together. 12 or 15 seater passenger vans offer plenty of perks for when you’re travelling with a large family, school group, or sports team.
Popular uses include:
- Wedding parties and family reunions
- Group ski trips
- Tour groups and team events
Additional Features and Accessories
The ability to add on extra features and accessories is another huge reason why hiring a rental car (even if you live in Vancouver!) for your road trip is a great idea. At Ascent Car Rental, safety is paramount, which is why we offer winter tires on all our vehicles in the colder months. We have optional extras like car seats, roof and bike racks, and more at your disposal to make your journey easier.
Why Rent with Ascent Car Rental?
As a Vancouver-based car rental company, we want you to have the best experience possible on our home turf. That’s why we make sure our fleet includes a variety of cars, drivetrains, and accessories to keep your travels enjoyable, safe, and comfortable.
View our full fleet and book your rental today.