Rising car and gas prices are causing some Americans to consider renting cars instead of driving their own cars for summer road trips.
Car Rental Gateway, an online car rental platform headquartered in London with operations in the United States, reported processing approximately 3,000 car rental availability searches per second during peak travel times. The website also reported that rentals of electric and hybrid vehicles increased by 16% in March as gasoline prices began to rise after the start of the Iran war.
Additionally, Hertz Rental Car said its research shows that 64% of Americans are planning at least one road trip this summer. The company said it expects rental pickups to peak just before the holidays, with Thursday, May 21st and Friday, May 22nd likely to be the busiest.
Even before gas prices started rising, Car Rental Gateway said it was seeing a trend among some Americans, preferring to use cars when needed through traditional rentals or on-demand car-sharing companies like ZipCar, rather than only driving their own cars.
“For decades, owning a car has been seen as a symbol of independence, economic success, and social status,” the website said in a September 2025 blog post. “But today, changing consumer priorities and technological innovations are changing the way people view mobility.”
“The concept of ‘access over ownership’ is gaining traction, especially in the rental car and subscription markets, where flexibility and convenience often outweigh the burdens of long-term ownership,” the website continued.
The findings were released as gas prices rose to an average of $4.55 per gallon on May 20, according to AAA. This is an increase from the national average price of gasoline of $2.98 on February 28, the day the United States launched its first military strike against Iran. Additionally, the average price of a new car in April 2026 was $49,461, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book.
The USA TODAY Cars team weighed the pros and cons of renting a car for your summer road trip.
What are the benefits of renting a car for a summer road trip?
Here are four benefits of renting a car for your next road trip.
- Gas cost savings: According to the website CarRentalLab.com, drivers who choose to rent for a summer trip can choose a model that is more fuel efficient than a regular car. “If your daily driver is a 17mpg GMC Yukon, consider leaving your car parked and renting a gas station for your road trip,” the website says. “If you rent a new Toyota Prius instead, you’ll get an average of 57 mpg combined, meaning you’ll go more than three times as far on every gallon of gas.”
- Reduced maintenance costs: According to the website, drivers can use the mileage for long-distance trips in someone else’s car instead of their own. “Long-distance road trips can cause significant damage to your vehicle, even if you don’t notice it right away,” the website says. “Every mile you drive puts some wear and tear on the engine, tires, and other moving parts.”
- Access to new technology: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average age of vehicles regularly on U.S. roads in 2025 was 12.8 years old. Most rental cars are less than five years old, so drivers who rent them have access to newer technology than they routinely use in older cars.
- More cargo space: AAA said drivers who choose to rent for a road trip can get a car with more cargo room. “Your compact, fuel-efficient car is great for commuting, but it may not be the best choice for long road trips,” the website says. “Take a close look at your storage space needs. Are any of you going on this trip seriously overpacking?”
What are the disadvantages of renting a car for your next road trip?
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Here are four potential disadvantages of renting a car for your next road trip.
- Rental fee will be added to the trip price: “Depending on your location and car type, rental prices can quickly add up,” Car Rental Lab’s website states. “For example, in a tourist-heavy area like Miami, renting a car during the peak season can be significantly more expensive than during the off-season.”
- Additional premiums and fees may apply: “Selecting insurance options can be confusing. Some companies offer basic insurance, while others pressure you to purchase additional coverage. This can lead to unexpected expenses,” the website states.
- Parking can be difficult, especially if you have a car you’re not used to.: “Finding parking in urban areas can be a hassle and often incurs a fee,” the website states. “Cities like New York and San Francisco have limited on-street parking and expensive garages, which can negate the benefits of owning a rental car.”
- Young drivers may not be able to rent a car. Most rental companies either require drivers to be at least 25 years old or charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. “Many rental companies, including Enterprise and Hertz, charge a ‘young driver surcharge’ for drivers under the age of 25,” the website states. “This may result in an additional daily fee being added to your rental price.”
