Best Cars to Rent for Summer Road Trips in India (AC, Mileage & Comfort)

Indian summer road trips are an adventure of their own, be it the chilly mountains of Himachal Pradesh, the beaches of Goa, or the temples of Rajasthan. However, when the temperatures are more than 40C in most regions of the country, then having the appropriate car can be the difference. An ideal road trip vehicle must possess a strong AC, good mileage, ample boot space to carry luggage and comfortable seats for a long journey.

The following is a realistic strategy on the most appropriate cars to drive on your summer road trip in India.

1. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – Best with Family Groups

The most popular road trip car in India is the Ertiga, and rightfully so. It has a seating capacity of 7 persons and has a spread-out AC system that cools down the entire cabin effectively and gives about 20 km/l on highways. The ride is comfortable, the boot space is functional, and it can be used on highways as well as hilly roads. This is a good choice, especially when you are travelling with family or 5-6 people.

2. Hyundai Creta - Best in comfort and features

The Creta has gained a reputation for being one of the favourite SUVs in India. It is provided with a powerful AC, front seats that are ventilated in the upper models, and a higher ground clearance that tackles bad roads without any drama. It has a mileage of approximately 17-18 km/l on the highway, which is not bad in an SUV. It is perfect for a couple or small group who desire a comfortable, well-equipped car that does not sacrifice on power.

3. Toyota Innova Crysta – Best in long-distance comfort

When you are going long distance – say, Delhi to Manali or Bangalore to Ooty – the Innova Crysta is difficult to resist. The cabin is very roomy, the rear seats are very comfortable even on 8-10 hour journeys, and the diesel engine is highway-geared. The AC is sufficiently engineered to cool the whole 7-seater cabin within the shortest time possible even during the hottest summer season. Mileage is approximately 14-16 km/l, and this is acceptable due to the size and power.

4. Maruti Suzuki Swift – Best for Solo or Couple Travel

The Swift is a good option for solo travellers or couples. It is quick in traffic and parking lots; on highways, it achieves about 22-24 km/l, and its AC is surprisingly good considering its size. It is also more pocket-friendly than the SUVs. In case you have to travel across a city and also have highway runs, the Swift can cope with them. It has a lack of boot space, but that is the only negative.

5. Tata Nexon: Best Low-Cost SUV

The Nexon has sneakily emerged as one of the value-for-money SUVs in India. It is rated at 5 stars on safety, has good AC, has good ground clearance in case of uneven roads, and has good performance of about 17-18 km/l on highways. It is more comfortable and commanding than hatchbacks, but at a more affordable price. The diesel model is especially good on long highway commuting.

6. Honda City Best Highway Cruiser

The Honda city is a sedan, which is more than its size in terms of comfort on the highway. It is non-rough, stays silent at speed, is fuel-efficient (approximately 18.19 km/l), and has one of the best AC systems in the segment. To those who would rather drive an SUV than a sedan, the city will provide a luxury experience with a truly comfortable back seat. It works best on well-maintained roads but not on rough roads.

7. Kia Carens – The best in a larger group on a budget

The Kia Carens is a newcomer which has rapidly become popular as a road trip vehicle. It is comfortable, with a seating capacity of 6-7, good AC including rear vents, a large cabin and good infotainment. It is comfortable, and the diesel version offers approximately 19-20 km/l on highways. It is an excellent compromise between the Ertiga and the Innova in regard to cost and comfort.

Things to Check Before Picking Your Road Trip Car

Whichever car you choose, remember to consider these points before you make up your mind:

• AC performance — Check the AC performance prior to beginning the trip, particularly when travelling through Rajasthan, UP or other hot-belt areas.
• Tyre condition - Hot roads cause tyres to wear quicker. Ensure that the tyres are in good condition and they have the right pressure.
• Engine oil and coolant – Engines are labouring more in summer. Before heading out on a long drive, it can be a good idea to check out what is up in a second.
• Boot space – Estimate your luggage. It is not fun to ride in a cramped cabin on a 10-hour drive.
• Ground clearance – When you are going on a road that has a lot of hills or is in bad condition, then take an SUV instead of a sedan.

Where to rent a self-drive car to go on a road trip

If you don’t have a suitable car for long drives or want a better vehicle for your trip, renting a self-drive car is a smart and practical option. With Rentrip, you can easily rent a car anywhere in India and enjoy the freedom to drive at your own pace. The platform offers a wide range of well-maintained cars across major cities, allowing you to search by location, compare prices, and book effortlessly. Whether you're planning a short getaway or a long intercity road trip, the process is simple, convenient, and designed to give you a hassle-free travel experience.

Final Thoughts

The car to take on a summer road trip will depend on the size of your group, your budget and the type of roads you want to be covering. An Ertiga or Carens suits the family well; a Creta and Nexon suit the small family wishing to travel in an SUV; and a Swift or City is ideal when travelling alone or as a couple on good roads. Whichever one you select, ensure that the AC functions properly, the car is well maintained and that you have pre-planned your fuel stops.

Be hydrated; pack some water and snacks; drive in the cooler times of the day when you can; and have fun on the ride.

Happy road tripping!