posted on October 21, 2026
Planning to hit the slopes at spots like Colorado’s Aspen Snowmass, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole or Snowbird in Utah? Chances are you’ll need a reliable set of wheels to tackle the winding mountain roads leading up to your ski resort. When it comes to the best cars to rent for a ski trip, the right choice depends on your group size, how much gear you’re bringing, and the road conditions you’ll encounter.
Snow driving demands a vehicle that can handle freezing temperatures, wet roads, snowy parking lots, and steep terrain. Whether you’re traveling with the whole family, hitting the slopes with your partner, or hauling a hefty amount of gear, discover which vehicle you should rent for your next ski trip.
In this guide:
- What to consider before booking your ski trip rental
- Best all-around car for a ski trip
- Best car for a couple’s ski trip
- Best car for a family ski trip
- Best car for a group ski trip
- Best car for hauling ski gear
- Best car for snowy mountain roads
- Frequently asked questions about renting a car for a ski trip
- Book your ski trip rental car on Turo
What to consider before booking your ski trip rental
Renting a car is a great way to secure a vehicle that’s purpose-built for ski season. Rather than squeezing the extended family into a compact car, renting on Turo lets you filter for vehicles that match your exact needs (from extra seats to cargo space, and even sliding doors to easily move gear in and out).
To help narrow down your rental car search, here are a few must-have features to consider before hitting the mountain roads:
- Drivetrain capabilities: All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive offer helpful added traction when driving along steep, snowy roads.
- Winter tires: While all-weather tires are sufficient for most occasions, it can be helpful to look for cars with dedicated snow tires (particularly if you know you’ll be venturing through heavy snow).
- Cargo space and ski racks: From skis and snowboards to helmets and boots, renting a vehicle with roof racks ensures you have plenty of room for heavy winter gear.
- State traction laws: Each state has vastly different rules for winter driving. For example, Colorado tends to have some of the strictest laws, with the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law running from September 1st to May 31st, mandating all cars to have the appropriate drivetrain and tire configuration (or carry snow chains).
- Interior space and comfort: Consider features like heated seats, all-weather rubber floor mats, and cabin sizing (particularly if you’re traveling in a large group with multiple adult passengers).
Keep reading and dive into our complete guide on what to look for in the best cars for ski season.
Best all-around car for a ski trip
If you only read one section of this entire guide, make it this one. When it comes to the top all-around car for a trip this ski season, the car makes and models below are reliable choices to get you to the best ski areas in the country.
Top pick overall: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Best for: Ski trippers who want the combination of fuel economy even in cold weather conditions
- Standout feature: Standard AWD, solid ground clearance, wagon-like handling with SUV-like cargo space, and strong fuel economy relative to larger SUVs
The RAV4 Hybrid is the definition of “can’t go wrong”: capable enough to handle snowy switchbacks and parking lots, while never feeling excessive for a weekend trip. Add in fuel savings that add up over a long highway drive to the mountains, and it’s easy to see why this is our top all-around pick.
Looking to rent a RAV4 Hybrid? Browse Toyota rentals to find cars available to rent near you.
Highly commended vehicles overall
- Subaru Outback: For travelers who want a wagon’s low-slung handling with an SUV’s ground clearance, the Outback delivers both. Plus, AWD comes standard across every trim, so you’re never picking between comfort and confidence on the snow.
- Honda CR-V: The CR-V is dependable and comfortable on long stretches, making it a safe bet for a ski trip rental.
- Mazda CX-5: If you want your rental to feel a little more special than a standard economy SUV, the CX-5’s upscale cabin and confident handling make it a smart choice.
Best car for a couple’s ski trip
Setting off on a romantic winter getaway? For couples, the best car for ski trips is usually compact and easy to maneuver in crowded resort lots, has enough cargo space for two sets of skis, and offers heated seats to warm you both up after a long day on the slopes.
Top pick for couples: Hyundai Tucson
- Best for: Couples looking for a compact, easy-to-park AWD crossover with just enough cargo room for two.
- Standout feature: Standard AWD on most trims, generous cargo space for its class, and comfortable interior tech for long highway stretches.
If you’re looking for a compact crossover built for two, the Hyundai Tucson checks every box. Its AWD system handles slippery mountain roads with ease, and even with two sets of skis loaded in, there’s still room to spare for weekend bags and boots, all without the bulk of a bigger SUV.
Highly commended vehicles for couples
- Subaru Crosstrek: Traveling as a couple means you can get away with a little less cargo space than a large SUV. The Subaru Crosstrek’s X-Mode offers superior traction control on steep, slippery inclines, while its compact design is ideal for winding alpine roads.
- Chevrolet Equinox: A roomy option for couples who want extra cargo flexibility without stepping up to a full-size SUV rental. Standard AWD keeps things steady on snowy resort roads.
- Volkswagen Tiguan: With a slightly more upscale cabin and confident handling, the Tiguan is a great pick for couples who want a bit more comfort on the highway stretch to the mountains.
Best car for a family ski trip
Taking the kids to the slopes? For families heading on a ski-season vacation, cabin space matters as much as trunk space. Kids, gear, and snacks to keep everyone happy add up fast. These rental cars are ideal for families hitting the road with teens, little ones, or rows of siblings in tow.
Top pick for families: Kia Telluride
- Best for: Three-row families needing max cargo + passenger flexibility
- Standout feature: Best-in-class cargo space behind the third row, standard AWD available
With a commanding highway presence, the Kia Telluride’s three rows comfortably accommodate large families (up to eight passengers). Parents: you’ll love the Passenger Talk intercom, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers to reach little ones in the back rows.
Ready to rent a Telluride? Browse Kia rental cars available to book.
Highly commended vehicles for families
- Honda Pilot: With dedicated Snow Mode, the Honda Pilot can minimize wheel slip even on slick surfaces. Plus, the smart second row lets you easily switch between a captain’s chair and a bench configuration (without compromising access to the back).
- Subaru Ascent: A reliable option for families of all sizes, the Subaru Ascent can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers and tackle snowy conditions with confidence (thanks to X-MODE’s traction control and torque split, built for slippery inclines).
- Kia Sorento: Don’t need a third row and traveling with lots of gear? Consider the Kia Sorento. Fold down the third row to open up a spacious cargo area, ideal for bulky winter gear.
Best car for a group ski trip (6–8 passengers)
Rally the troops and get ready for the group ski trip of a lifetime. With the right rental car, you can avoid splitting your group in two. One spacious car often works out cheaper per person and is easier to coordinate, keeping your entire crew together for the duration of your ski resort trip.
Top pick for groups: Chevrolet Suburban
- Best for: Groups looking for 6–8 passenger capacity with cargo room to spare
- Standout feature: Massive cargo volume even with all seats occupied
As far as group ski trips go, you won’t find a better vehicle than the Chevrolet Suburban. The cabin comfortably accommodates nine adults, with plenty of legroom and cargo space to spare (ideal for groups bringing their own ski gear to the slopes).
Secure the perfect car for your group trip by browsing Turo for Chevrolet rental cars near you.
Highly commended vehicles for groups
- GMC Yukon: Expect a similar size to the Suburban, with slightly more upscale interiors and impressive hauling capabilities. Look out for the XL versions if you need even more cargo space.
- Toyota Sequoia: Want to keep everyone warm on long winter drives? Along with spacious seating and robust towing capacity, the Sequoia offers heated first- and second-row seats.
- Ford Expedition Max: For a huge amount of cargo area behind the third row, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more spacious vehicle than the Ford Expedition Max.
Best car for hauling ski gear
When comparing ski trip rental cars, trunk space is only one consideration. The best cars for hauling ski gear also offer roof rails or roof racks, allowing you to keep wet, sharp ski gear out of the cabin and leave more room for passengers, luggage, and warm layers.
Top pick for hauling gear: Subaru Forester
- Best for: Built-in roof rails and flat-folding rear seats for boards/skis
- Standout feature: Standard roof rail system across all trims, generous cargo volume for its size
Almost every trim of the Forester comes with built-in roof rails, ideal for carrying skis, snowboards, or heavy-duty ski gear. This leaves more room in the trunk for luggage, boots, helmets, and anything else you need for your ski trip.
Head to Turo to explore Subaru rental cars with roof racks available for your next ski trip.
Highly commended vehicles for hauling gear
- Subaru Outback: With wagon-like cargo flexibility, roof rails made for mounting ski or snowboard racks, and all-weather cabin materials (ready to handle melting snow), the Outback is a strong contender for anyone traveling with plenty of gear.
- Toyota 4Runner: Mount ski and snowboard racks to the roof or use the roll-down rear window to squeeze in extra long or awkward-shaped gear.
- Honda Pilot: Expect an impressive 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space and flexible flat-folding seats that can be easily reconfigured to suit your ski trip setup.
Best car for snowy mountain roads
Whether you’re winding through the Rockies, tackling the scenic North Cascades Highway, or traversing the high alpine plateaus near Yellowstone National Park, you need a car that gives you confidence in winter conditions. Ground clearance, stability, and good visibility are crucial when driving along snowy mountain roads.
Top pick for snowy roads: Toyota 4Runner
- Best for: Higher ground clearance and stability on steep, snowy resort approach roads
- Standout feature: Standard 4WD on most trims, strong visibility, and stable ride height in snow
High ground clearance? Snow mode Crawl Control? Rugged body-on-frame build? Tick, tick, tick! The 4Runner is ideal for steep, snowy roads, with intelligent 4WD and Active Traction Control that detects wheel slip and sends extra power and traction to keep you stable.
Highly commended vehicles for snowy roads
- Subaru Forester: With standard AWD, the Forester also has a strong reputation for stability in snow with good visibility.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee’s available 4WD systems are built for winter traction, with a comfortable ride for longer mountain road trips.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car for a ski trip
What is the best car to rent for a ski trip?
The best car to rent for a ski trip depends on your group size, gear, and the roads you’ll be driving. If you don’t fit neatly into one category, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a strong all-around option, but couples, families, and larger groups may be better served by one of the picks above.
Do I need AWD or 4WD to drive to a ski resort?
AWD and 4WD both offer added traction on steep, snowy roads, which makes them a smart choice for winter mountain driving. That said, requirements vary by state; some, like Colorado, have specific traction laws in effect during winter months, so it’s worth checking local requirements before you go.
What size car do I need for a ski trip with gear?
For a couple with two sets of ski gear, a compact AWD crossover is usually enough. Families or groups traveling with multiple sets of skis, snowboards, and luggage will want a three-row SUV or a vehicle with roof rails to keep gear out of the cabin.
Can I rent a car with a ski rack on Turo?
Yes, you can easily filter by vehicle listings that feature ski racks on Turo. Plus, you can use the snow tires filter to quickly find ski trip-ready vehicles available to rent near you.
Is it better to rent an SUV for snowy mountain roads?
An SUV or crossover with AWD tends to offer more clearance and stability on snowy roads, making it a popular choice for mountain driving. That said, the right pick still comes down to your group size and how much gear you’re bringing.
Book your ski trip rental car on Turo
Whatever your group size, gear list, or road conditions, the right rental car makes the difference between a stressful mountain drive and a smooth ride to the lift line. Browse available cars on Turo and filter by features like AWD, snow tires, or roof racks to find a vehicle that’s ready for winter conditions before you even leave the parking lot.
From compact crossovers built for two to full-size SUVs that keep the whole crew together, you’ll find a wide range of vehicles from hosts across ski country. Start browsing for rental cars on Turo to lock in your ski trip rental today.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
