Business travel can be a bit boring at times, however, it doesn’t have to be that way, at least with your car. In this article, we are going to go over all of our favorite rental vehicles on the market today, and which one you should be choosing for your next trip! While renting, you don’t have to think about things like reliability (you aren’t doing the maintenance), but you will want to have something usable for what you need, so stay tuned till the end for our complete guide to choosing the right rental on your next business trip.
That said, here are the top 11 vehicles for business travel! Each of these are generally easy to find at different rental agencies during your travels. Each is categorized by what it is great for, so that you know which might fit your next trip the best!
Table of Contents
- 1. Toyota 4Runner – Best Overall Option
- 2. Tesla Model S – Best Electric Vehicle
- 3. Mitsubishi Mirage – The Cheap Option
- 4. BMW 5 Series – The High Tech Option
- 5. Ford Ranger – Best Truck to Rent
- 6. Toyota Corolla – Best for Gas Mileage
- 7. Jeep Wrangler – Going off-road option
- 8. Ford Mustang Convertible – The Fun Option
- 9. GMC Yukon Denali – Traveling in Luxury
- 10. Audi R8 – The Expensive Option
- 11. Chrysler Pacifica – Best for Families
- What do you need to pay attention to in a good business travel vehicle?
- What don’t you need to pay attention to in vehicles for business travel?
- Conclusion
1. Toyota 4Runner – Best Overall Option
The Toyota 4Runner is a great choice for business travel. It’s comfortable, has plenty of space for your gear, and is awesome for those times when you might want to take the evening to enjoy some off-road adventures.
The 4Runner comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can make hands-free calls and stream audio from your phone, however technology is one of its biggest downsides as the current generation of 4Runner came out over a decade ago, and it is starting to show. It lacks basic features such as backup sensors, and wireless charging.
I have had a chance to rent a current 4Runner, and found it to be an incredibly capable vehicle. It was very stable on the road, we had not problems with the vehicle, and felt very planted to the road, making it very easy to drive.
If you can get past the lack of technology, and the iffy gas mileage (19mpg on the highway), this is my favorite vehicle for business travel.
2. Tesla Model S – Best Electric Vehicle
If you are wanting to drive something completely different from what you are used to, mixed with a bit of luxury, then the Tesla Model S should be near the top of your list. Outside of it being a completely electric luxury sedan, It has many features that make it an ideal vehicle for business travel, including a large range, fast charging, and a comfortable minimalist interior.
The large range of the Tesla Model S means that you can travel long distances without having to stop to recharge, which is ideal for business travel. The fast charging feature means that you can charge the vehicle quickly, which is also very convenient for business travel.
Finally, the comfortable interior of the Tesla Model S makes it a great choice for business travel. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of space to work in this full size sedan if you need to stop on the side of the road, making it a great option for business travel.
3. Mitsubishi Mirage – The Cheap Option
Not only is the Mitsubishi Mirage a great budget car for your next business trip, but it actually was the cheapest car on the market for quite some time. While it is by no means a luxury vehicle, or even a basic vehicle, it is small and lightweight, so it’s easy to park and maneuver in city traffic.
The fuel economy is excellent (up to 43mpg on the highway), so you won’t have to worry about filling up too often on long trips. And the Mirage comes with a variety of helpful tech features, like voice-activated controls and hands-free calling, that will make your travels more efficient.
If you’re looking for an affordable car that’s packed with features designed for business travelers, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a great option.
4. BMW 5 Series – The High Tech Option
This is the epitome of a high quality rental vehicle, and for good reason! It has all the features you need to stay connected and productive on the road. The car has Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected to the internet even when you’re on the go. It also has a hands-free calling system, so you can make calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
You can’t go wrong showing up to a meeting in a BMW 5 Series, I mean, they don’t have to know it is a rental right? The 5 Series is well regarded as one of the best sedans on earth at the moment, and its high quality and esteem definitely show. Don’t forget though, it is fun to drive as well.
5. Ford Ranger – Best Truck to Rent
When it comes to choosing a pickup truck for business travel, the Ford Ranger is a great option. Its features include a comfortable and spacious interior, plenty of storage space, and a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds.
It’s also available with a number of different engines, including a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder option. Plus, its SYNC 3 infotainment system includes features like hands-free calling and Siri Eyes Free integration. Whether you’re hauling equipment or towing a trailer, the Ford Ranger is a great choice for business travel.
The Ranger is also a mid-size pickup, meaning it will not only be capable, but it can fit into parking spots whenever you need it to.
6. Toyota Corolla – Best for Gas Mileage
The Toyota Corolla is a great car for business travel. It gets excellent gas mileage (up to 41mpg on the highway), and its features make it ideal for business use. The Corolla has plenty of space for luggage and other business supplies, and its comfortable seats make it perfect for long drives. In addition, the Corolla comes with a variety of safety features that will keep you and your belongings safe on the road.
Overall, the Toyota Corolla is a great choice for business travel. It’s reliable, efficient, and loaded with features that will make your travels easier. So if you’re looking for a car to take on your next business trip, the Corolla should be at the top of your list.
7. Jeep Wrangler – Going off-road option
The Jeep Wrangler is a great off-road vehicle for business travel, and its features make it an ideal choice for those who need to travel on unpaved roads. Its four-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability, while its high ground clearance and short wheelbase make it easy to maneuver over obstacles.
Additionally, the Wrangler’s removable doors and fold-down windshield give it a unique level of flexibility that can be handy when traveling in remote areas. And with its spacious interior and roomy cargo area, the Wrangler can comfortably accommodate all of your business needs.
I have rented multiple Jeep Wranglers over time, and have been extremely impressed with the ability to remove the top whenever you want. This gives you the safety and seating position, but the convertible top of a… well convertible. I will say though, Wranglers have a tendency to be a bit all over the place on the road, and takes a bit of getting used to. However, the fun factor definitely outweighs this.
Whether you’re looking for a rugged and reliable off-road vehicle or simply need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain, the Jeep Wrangler is an excellent choice.
8. Ford Mustang Convertible – The Fun Option
The Ford Mustang Convertible is a great fun option for business travel, and its features make it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the open road. Its four-cylinder (and up) engine delivers plenty of power for what you need, and its six-speed automatic transmission makes it easy to get up to speed.
The convertible top is easy to operate, and it provides a great view of the scenery (no matter where you go). The interior is comfortable and sporty, and the infotainment system is user-friendly. The Mustang Convertible also has a number of safety features, making it a safe choice for business travel.
Overall, the Mustang Convertible is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the open road while still being able to stay connected and safe. I mean, who wouldn’t want to drive a Mustang right?
9. GMC Yukon Denali – Traveling in Luxury
The GMC Yukon Denali features a spacious (massive really) interior with plenty of room for passengers and luggage, and the seats are comfortable for long trips. The Denali also has a powerful engine that provides plenty of power for towing and hauling, and the suspension is smooth and comfortable for driving on long distances.
If you need a ton of space for the open road, or have a few extra passengers, the Yukon Denali is extremely luxurious with many, many feature to match it. These vehicles look great, make a great impression and are very high quality.
10. Audi R8 – The Expensive Option
With its sleek design and advanced features make it a popular choice for business executives who want to make a good impression, and surprisingly, you can rent one of these from your normal rental company. The R8 is also known for its comfort and performance, making it a good choice for long-distance travel.
Its quattro all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and handling, and the engine delivers plenty of power when needed (starting at 562 horsepower).
In addition, the R8 is the best everyday supercar, as it has spacious interior and frunk (front-trunk) make it a good choice for carrying luggage and equipment (that said, it is still a supercar, so don’t expect too much).
Overall, the Audi R8 is an excellent choice for business travel. It’s combination of style, comfort, performance, and features makes it a popular choice among business travelers that want to push the envelope a bit and enjoy the drive.
11. Chrysler Pacifica – Best for Families
The Chrysler Pacifica is a great option for business travelers who need a comfortable and spacious vehicle for their family. It has a variety of features that make it ideal for business travel, including an onboard vacuum cleaner, DVD player, and rear-seat entertainment system.
The Pacifica also has plenty of storage space for luggage and backpacks, and the seats are comfortable and easy to adjust. If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable family car for business travel, the Chrysler Pacifica is a great option.
I have been a huge fan of the Pacifica since it was announced (years ago), and if you are looking to go on a business trip with the family, this one stands out as one of my favorite vehicles that is also rented by rental agencies.
What do you need to pay attention to in a good business travel vehicle?
Cargo Space
The first thing you need to consider is the amount of cargo space you’ll need. If you’re traveling with a lot of gear, you’ll need a vehicle with plenty of space to store it all. If you’re only traveling with a few items, you can get away with a smaller vehicle. The last thing that you will want is to get a rental vehicle for your business trip that isn’t able to handle what you need from it in terms of cargo space. That R8 is fun to drive, but it isn’t going to carry your display for the show.
Comfort
Another important consideration is comfort. You might be spending a lot of time in your vehicle, so you need to make sure it’s comfortable. Look for features like heated seats and a sunroof to make your travels more enjoyable.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is also important for business travel. You’ll be doing a lot of driving, so you need a vehicle that won’t guzzle gas. Look for vehicles with good fuel economy ratings to save money on gas. Now, if you are only traveling short distances, this might not be a factor, and if you opt for the electric vehicle above, it definitely isn’t a concern.
Ease of Driving
Finally, you need to consider how easy the vehicle is to drive. You’ll be doing a lot of driving, so you need a vehicle that’s easy to handle. Look for features like automatic transmission and power steering to make your life easier.
What don’t you need to pay attention to in vehicles for business travel?
Reliability
While our favorite vehicle on this list, the 4Runner, is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road, it isn’t a factor for us when it comes to business travel. You won’t be performing maintenance on this rental vehicle, and they will handle any issues if it comes up. This is your chance to enjoy that unreliable vehicle you have always wanted to try!
MSRP
Surprisingly, the MSRP of a vehicle doesn’t always determine the rental rate. For example, you will often see an F-150 be much less expensive than a sedan. This comes down to demand, and whichever style of vehicle is more in-demand determines the rental rate of that vehicle.
Build Quality
There are plenty of vehicles on the road today that are fun to drive, yet lack in the build quality department. While you may not want one of these in real life, on a business trip, it would be a perfect thing to try out now.
Conclusion
For busy professionals who spend a lot of time on the road, choosing the right vehicle is essential. The right car, truck, or SUV can make all the difference in terms of comfort, convenience, and productivity. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
However, by keeping a few key factors in mind, anyone can find the perfect vehicle for their business travel needs. Comfort, storage space, and fuel efficiency are all important considerations, and each person’s needs will vary. By taking the time to find the right vehicle, business travelers can set themselves up for success on the road.