How To Choose The Right Rental Vehicle For Your Summer Plans
You want to fill your summer road trip with happy memories, not aches and pains from being cramped because of the lack of space. The extra wear and tear on your everyday vehicle might be something you want to avoid as well. The right rental vehicle takes care of these pain points (literally) so you can enjoy your time on the asphalt.
What makes the rental car perfect is a combination of several factors including your itinerary, what you like to do, and where you hire the car from. Here’s our guide to picking the best rental vehicle for your summer travel—whether you’re flying solo, traveling with kids, or heading out with a full crew
When Size Matters
Sedans – Simple, Easy, and Great on Gas
If you’re sticking close to the city or heading out on a quick overnight getaway, a sedan is often all you need. Our favourite feature is how great they are for parking in tight spots (hello, downtown Vancouver). A sedan keeps things simple and affordable when you’ve planned a chill trip to Victoria, Kelowna, or just exploring Vancouver
Ideal For:
- Solo travellers or couples
- City breaks and short, day trips
- Budget-conscious rentals
Keep in Mind:
Limited trunk space. Not ideal if you’re packing bulky beach or camping gear.
SUVs – Room On The Road
SUVs are the rental cars to choose for longer summer road trips. The ample room they provide reduces the probability of hearing the words, “are we there yet” while letting you pack all the essentials that make a road trip epic. They’re also easier to mount roof and bike racks onto for all your camping and sports gear. 4WD and AWDs and higher ground clearance take care of rougher terrain.
Ideal For:
- Family vacations
- Road trips with gear
- Camping or hiking getaways
Pro Tip: Ask about winter tires or all-terrain tires if you’re heading into higher elevations or provincial parks—even in summer, weather can vary fast in BC.
Vans – Everyone Together Throughout
12-seater and 15-passenger vans are your best bet when everyone’s traveling together. You’ll save on multiple rental bookings and avoid the hassle of convoy driving. Plus, there’s room for everything—from coolers and tents to surfboards and paddleboards.
Ideal For:
- Large families
- Group travel or team trips
- Multi-day road trips with lots of luggage
Keep in Mind:
Larger vehicles may require extra care when parking or navigating narrow roads. Choose based on comfort and experience level.
Hybrids and Compact Cars – Eco-Conscious And Budget Travel
If you’re planning to pick up a rental car at the airport and use it to travel around in the city, then think about picking a hybrid car for your travels. Hybrid sedans let you carry some luggage, travel within the city comfortably and save you a tidy sum when it comes to fuel..
Ideal For:
- City and suburban day trips
- Solo travelers or couples
- Eco-friendly drivers
Keep in Mind:
Not ideal for rough roads or heavy luggage. Choose something bigger for adventure-based travel.
Choosing Based on Your Summer Plan
| Trip Type | Best Vehicle | Why It Works |
| Solo trip to Victoria | Sedan or Hybrid | Compact, efficient, easy to ferry and park |
| Camping weekend in Squamish | SUV | Space for gear, better on gravel roads |
| Family vacation to Okanagan | SUV or Minivan | Comfort + room for coolers, strollers, etc. |
| Group road trip to Tofino | 12- or 15-passenger van | Travel together, less coordination needed |
| City hopping and meetings | Hybrid or compact | Saves fuel and perfect for short-distance travel |
How To Choose The Right Rental Car Company
Picking the right rental car company can be tricky. Big brand names tend to impersonal and have lots of paperwork involved when you’re looking to hire a car over summer. Plus, they can get booked up months in advance. Ascent Car Rental is a Vancouver-based car rental company that offers clean, well-maintained vehicles, an easy booking process, and a team that’s always here to help – whether it’s planning your route or picking the right accessories for your trip.
Whether you need a small compact or a van to ferry your soccer team, we have the right vehicle for the job.
Book your summer rental today and explore BC on your own terms—with the right vehicle to match your plans.