I looked at 3 major rental car company websites, it seems like no one can indicate a 4WD/AWD SUV. Is this request something I have to call and speak to a live person?

They can provide me a "similar" vehicle. Ok, I don't care if it's a Ford Explorer, GMC Arcadia, Toyota Highlander, or Honda Pilot. I just need the AWD part.

Anyone dealt with this in the past? Please share with me your experiences.

 

No guarantees, but maybe a company like National, where you get your pick of the row/lane/group/etc?

 

If I'm going to a destination that have snow, I maybe SOL.

 

Depending on where you go, sometimes they just don't have the category. Some cities I've visited have AWD vehicles, others don't. Where are you picking up the vehicle?

 

I'd call.

Booked online they may substitute an 'equivalent' vehicle not accounting for you specific need.

You could also try something like, https://turo.com/ .

 

How the fuck did I end up in Car Talk?

 

moving this thread

 

Here's what I always do when going to SLC to ski-rent a mid-size vehicle and pay for it. Then when I get to the counter I'm ALWAYS asked if I want to upgrade. That's where the game begins and I get an AWD vehicle to drive up in the mountains, usually at a decent price difference between what I paid for and what I get.

 

You most likely don't NEED a 4WD vehicle where you're going. Roads will likely be plowed as many people don't have that for their own cars to begin with.

That said, where are you going?

 

I rent from National...usually newest/nicest cars in my experience as they cater to lot of business customers.

They have the Emerald Club where you can snag some nice vehicles if you're lucky. You just pick from a lot of diff vehicles and not get assigned a specific one like many other companies do

Just last night when I was picking up a van...I saw the new gen JL Wrangler, several new gen RAM 1500s...and even a few RAM Rebels....a few Explorers, also saw a XC60 AWD as well....

 

I'm in CA and going to Tahoe in late Dec. Never been there. You guys are right, the roads should be plowed. Where it's not, I probably should not venture there

 

We drove up to Tahoe from Sacramento years ago in my aunt's Camry & had no issues wandering around the area for a day.