Best Cars to Rent for Different Dubai Trips (City, Desert, Business & More)

July 25, 2025 get-moving-to-get-healthier-7

To get your perfect ride, we have broken down the best cars to rent for all kinds of Dubai trips. One minute, you're weaving through traffic near the Dubai Mall. The next, you're watching the sunset over sand dunes with barely a soul in sight. That’s the thing about this city, it doesn’t stay in one lane. And neither should your car rental.

I’ve been in everything from compact hatchbacks that park like a dream in Marina, to SUVs that saved me from being stranded in soft sand. Trust me, your experience hinges a lot on what you’re driving.

So instead of listing every car under the sun, let’s talk real-life scenarios and what works best for each.

1. City driving car: Compact & Fuel Efficiency

Renting a city driving car helps you with Quick errands, tight lanes, and late-night shawarma runs.

If you’re sticking to the usual suspects, Downtown, JLT, Business Bay, do yourself a favor: go small.

Try:

Kia Picanto

Toyota Yaris

Nissan Sunny

They’re easy to park, light on fuel, and let you slide into a tight street-side spot without turning it into a three-act drama.

Rent tip: Don’t overthink it. You don’t need horsepower when all you want is air conditioning and somewhere to plug in Google Maps.

2. Best SUVs for Mountain Drives and Desert Adventures:

Renting SUVs will make you think of dunes, wadis, gravel, and zero room for error.

Going to Hatta, Jebel Jais, or deeper into Liwa? You don’t want a car, you want a tank with personality.

Take:

Toyota Land Cruiser
Mitsubishi Pajero
Nissan X-Terra

These beasts don’t flinch on rocky climbs or soft sand. And when your picnic turns into a camping night? You’ve got room for gear, friends, and that one person who always overpacks.

Reminder: If the road looks like Mars, your Corolla isn’t going to cut it.

3. Rent Executive & Stylish Sedan For Business Trips

Airport. Meeting. Repeat.

If you're in Dubai for work, you want a car that blends in but still makes a statement.

Go for:

Toyota Camry
Lexus ES
BMW 5 Series

They’re the sweet spot between sleek and subtle. You’ll appreciate the quiet cabin when you're catching up on calls, and the extra legroom never hurts.

True story: I once closed a deal in a Camry because the client said it made me “look punctual.” Take that as you will.

Rent Convertible and Luxury Cars For Romantic Trips

Dinner in JBR, beach cruise in Umm Suqeim, rooftop selfies near the Frame.

Let’s be honest, you’re not renting a convertible for practical reasons. You’re doing it for the vibe.

Roll with:

Mustang Convertible
Audi A5
Mercedes C-Class Coupe

These cars don’t just drive, they pose. Ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or that post-date Reel you won’t admit to filming.

5. Rent Spacious Vans & SUVs for Family Trips

Also known as a family trip.

If you’re hauling strollers, water bottles, bags, snacks, more snacks, and maybe a grandparent or two, get something that fits the chaos.

Recommended:

Toyota Previa
Kia Carnival
Chevrolet Tahoe

Sliding doors = a blessing. Backseat screens = life-saving. Space = peace of mind.

Tip: Don’t forget to ask for a child seat. Most rental companies have them; you just need to tick the box.

6. Rent Compact Sedans & Hatchbacks For Budget-Friendly Travelers:

Smart choices never go out of style.

You want to explore Dubai, but also not spend more on the car than you did on your flight.

Look at:

Hyundai Accent
MG 5
Toyota Corolla

These aren’t luxury rides, but they’ll get you from A to B with the AC blowing cold, and really, what more do you need?

7. Rent Best Eye-Catching Cars For Influencers & Social Media Content Creators

You didn’t come to blend in. You came to pop.

Whether you're shooting content for TikTok, running a vlog, or just have a great camera roll, your car needs to match your aesthetic.

Choose:

Lamborghini Urus
Range Rover Sport
Tesla Model 3

Pull up to Palm West Beach or Al Seef in one of these and you’ve already got your thumbnail.

Hot tip: Even a one-day rental can fuel a week of content.

Rent Best Fuel-Efficient & Comfortable Cars

Here for a month or more? You'll want something that doesn't eat your budget or your patience.

Great for this:

Toyota Corolla
Nissan Altima
Hyundai Tucson

They’re not flashy, but they’re reliable, fuel-efficient, and offer decent comfort for the long haul. Plus, AutoRent does monthly plans that don’t break the bank.

So, Why AutoRent?

Honestly, it’s less about the cars and more about how easy they make it.