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SUV rental in Urbandale, IA

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Rental cars in Urbandale

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Urbandale, EN

SUV rental Urbandale for exploring Iowa's heartland

Urbandale offers suburban charm with easy access to Des Moines' vibrant downtown scene and Iowa's scenic countryside. You'll discover tree-lined neighborhoods, excellent shopping districts, and proximity to state parks that showcase Iowa's natural beauty. An SUV rental gives you the space and comfort needed for family adventures while providing the versatility to navigate both city streets and rural roads. The elevated seating position lets you take in Iowa's rolling landscapes, and the cargo space accommodates everything from shopping finds to outdoor gear for exploring the state's recreational areas.

Recent reviews

Guy
BMW X5 2023

Ramon and Marilene were such wonderful hosts, and I would highly recommend them! The X5 was in perfect condition and we had an absolute blast of a trip because of it! If I had to complain about anything at all, I would say that the ride was too addictive and nothing prepares you for the goodbye! I have nothing but high praise for them and their BMW X5! We plan on booking another reservation with them in the future!!

Guy
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Lexus
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2025

Excellent experience! Communication and vehicle were great. Will 10/10 rent again.

Lexus
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BMW X3 2019

Easy! Wonderful communication and great car. Thank you for making my vacation easy.

Lindsay
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Chevrolet Suburban 2015

Tim's vehicle was meticulously clean. He was so easy to work with. He had fast responses to my questions and he made the entire process super enjoyable. Most definitely would rent from him again!

Zachary
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Erica
Chevrolet Equinox 2013

Very good on gas mileage. Had a mechanical issue but host got it fixed asap and was very accommodating and nice! Would rent again. Vehicle was also very clean and as described.

Erica
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Toyota Land Cruiser 2025

The car was all i needed it was very clean i love it i will definitely rent it again the location was easy to found and the host was always on time to respond when I needed him overall I enjoyed the car.

nyantoe
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Honda HR-V 2026

John is a great host, the car was very clean and pick up was easiest pick up I've ever experienced. Thank you for the opportunity to use this vehicle I will definitely be referring my friend and family to this site thank you again

Bridget
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Honda HR-V 2025

Easy to communicate, got me in last minute. Car was amazing

Jasmine
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Shawnese
Honda CR-V Hybrid 2024

The silver bullet is a clean, smooth riding machine! Brad is an awesome host. 10/10 experience every time.

Shawnese
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Diane
Subaru Outback 2023

John’s car was in fantastic condition and served us well. He was very responsive and willing to go to extra mile.

Diane
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BMW X5 2023

Absolutely loved this car! It was amazing booking so fast and host being so accommodating ! Definitely reccomend

Abbey
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Danielle
Tesla Model Y 2023

Very clean and the owner was very accommodating. Communication was amazing. I would recommend to others.

Danielle
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Rachel
Dodge Durango 2018

Al was so amazing to work with. He had to cancel my trip one day before I left because of a mechanical issue he had to deal with from the previous renter. He went above and beyond to work with Turo Customer Service, Joseph, to get the issue fixed fast and get me on my way the next day!! The car was very clean and fit my little family perfectly in it. We are so grateful and I will be returning 🙏🏻

Rachel
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Adnan
Nissan Murano 2016

Great car and clean thank you abraham for your service

Adnan
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Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2026

Car was clean and drove smooth! Easy pickup and drop off.

Nicholas
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Laura
Kia Sorento 2026

Very clean. Car came with a water bottle and multi port charging cord--those were a nice touch. Super easy pick up and drop off. Very happy.

Laura
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Chris
Chevrolet Suburban 2015

Tim was an excellent host. He was very accommodating. The suburban I rented was very clean and ran very well. If I could give him more than five stars I would have. Thank you Tim for a wonderful ride and for the great service!

Chris
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Erica
Nissan Rogue 2016

Nice car. Gets very cold inside. Very clean and no issues. Host was available if I needed anything

Erica
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BMW X5 2023

The BMW is an awesome machine. I hated to give it back Fantastic Host as well.

Steven
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Thomas H.
Chevrolet Suburban 2017

The car was a good vehicle and good price. The renter was very responsive to my messages throughout the rental. Would rent again the car needed some maintenance, including an oil change and perceived alignment. The renter told me these issues would be taken care of asap

Thomas H.
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Things to do and places to see in Urbandale

Urbandale serves as your gateway to central Iowa's attractions, from the bustling entertainment districts of nearby Des Moines to the peaceful trails of state parks. You can explore the Historic Valley Junction for unique shopping and dining, visit the Iowa State Capitol building, or venture to Saylorville Lake for water activities. Having a rental SUV lets you easily move between Urbandale's suburban amenities and the greater Des Moines metro area's cultural offerings, plus gives you freedom to discover Iowa's charming small towns and scenic byways at your own pace.


Historic Valley Junction shopping and entertainment district

This restored historic district features over 100 specialty shops, antique stores, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. You'll find ample street parking throughout the area, making it easy to explore the various boutiques and cafes on foot. The district hosts seasonal festivals and events, so your rental SUV provides convenient transportation for any purchases or supplies you might need for outdoor celebrations.


Saylorville Lake recreational area

This expansive lake north of Urbandale offers swimming beaches, hiking trails, and excellent fishing opportunities across its 5,950 acres. Multiple parking areas around the lake give you access to different recreational zones, from quiet coves perfect for fishing to busy beach areas ideal for families. Your rental SUV makes it simple to transport water sports equipment, picnic supplies, or camping gear to various access points around the lake.


Iowa State Capitol building and grounds

The stunning gold-domed capitol building in nearby Des Moines features free guided tours and beautiful surrounding grounds perfect for walking. Visitor parking is available on the capitol complex, and the building offers impressive architecture and Iowa history exhibits. The elevated position of an SUV gives you great views of the capitol dome as you approach, and the spacious interior accommodates any souvenirs or materials from your educational visit.


How to get to Urbandale

You can reach Urbandale by several transportation methods:
• By plane: Fly into Des Moines International Airport, located just south of the city
• By car: Take Interstate 35 or Interstate 80, which intersect near Des Moines and provide direct access to Urbandale
• By train: Amtrak does not currently serve the Des Moines area, making SUV rental the most practical option for ground transportation


Top tips for renting an SUV in Urbandale

Book your SUV rental early on Turo to secure the best vehicle for Iowa's diverse terrain and weather conditions. Look for rental SUVs with all-wheel drive for confidence during winter months, and consider features like heated seats for cold Iowa mornings and a backup camera for easier parking in Des Moines' downtown areas. Choose vehicles with ample cargo space if you plan to explore Iowa's farmers markets or antique shops, and consider family-friendly features like keyless entry and Apple CarPlay for convenient navigation around the greater Des Moines metro area.

Frequently asked questions in Urbandale

Why choose an SUV for your Urbandale adventure?

SUVs provide excellent visibility and comfort for exploring Urbandale's suburban neighborhoods and nearby Iowa attractions. The elevated seating position helps navigate West Des Moines traffic while offering ample cargo space for day trips to Winterset or shopping excursions. These vehicles handle Iowa's varied weather conditions effectively, from summer storms to winter snow, making them ideal for year-round Urbandale exploration.

How do you handle an SUV on Iowa roads?

Iowa's well-maintained highways and city streets in the Des Moines metro area are perfectly suited for SUV driving. Practice smooth acceleration and braking, especially when transitioning between Urbandale's residential areas and busier corridors near the airport. Allow extra space when parking at popular destinations, as SUVs require more room than standard cars in shopping centers and entertainment districts.

What weather challenges should SUV drivers expect in Urbandale?

Iowa experiences four distinct seasons, with winter bringing snow and ice that can affect driving conditions throughout the Des Moines area. SUVs offer better traction and ground clearance during adverse weather, particularly helpful when traveling between Urbandale and surrounding communities. Summer thunderstorms can create sudden downpours, so maintain steady speeds and use headlights for visibility during these brief but intense weather events.

Which destinations near Urbandale are perfect for SUV road trips?

The scenic drive to Winterset showcases Iowa's rolling countryside and historic covered bridges, perfect for SUV exploration. West Des Moines offers excellent shopping and dining venues easily accessible with an SUV's comfortable seating and storage capacity. The greater Des Moines area features numerous parks, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities that benefit from an SUV's versatility and passenger comfort.

Should families or adventure seekers pick different SUVs in Urbandale?

Families benefit from larger SUVs with three rows of seating for trips around the Des Moines metro area and beyond to attractions in Iowa. Adventure seekers might prefer mid-size SUVs that offer better gas mileage for exploring Urbandale's surroundings while maintaining cargo space for equipment. Both options provide the safety features and reliability needed for Iowa travel, from airport transfers to weekend getaways in the region.

What SUV safety features matter most for Urbandale drivers?

All-wheel drive capability proves valuable during Iowa's unpredictable weather, especially when traveling between Urbandale and the Des Moines airport during winter months. Advanced braking systems and stability control help navigate wet roads common during spring and fall in the Des Moines area. Good visibility features like backup cameras and blind spot monitoring are essential for safely maneuvering in busy parking areas around West Des Moines shopping centers and Urbandale's commercial districts.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

What documents and paperwork do I need to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

Is there long term car rental on Turo?

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You'll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.