Where to Find Hybrid Car Rentals Online

A hybrid car rental can be a great idea, especially if you would like to conduct an extensive road test to discover how they operate.

Of the major car rental companies, Enterprise Rental and Budget Car Rental may provide the clearest online method of searching for hybrid car rentals. Their websites let you quickly scan the metro locations where hybrid cars are available for rent. Among the other major car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, National and Alamo, you first have to specify date, time, and destination information (i.e. initiate an actual reservation) before you can determine if a hybrid car is offered at a certain location.

Will Hybrid Car Rentals Really Save You Money?
It may be true that you're going to spend less money on gas if you rent a hybrid car. However, the price you pay for the actual rental is going to be quite a bit higher than with an economy car, because the hybrids are considered premium rentals. You're also going to find it much more difficult finding a hybrid at many locations across the country, whereas if you go with an economy car, you're going to find a good number of them at every rental location.

Sample Rates by City
In a recent review of rental cars and rates, one driver reported a two-day rental rate for a Toyota Prius in the San Francisco area of almost $200, while a separate driver reported a two-day rate of just under $140 for a Hyundai Accent at the same location. In Seattle, another driver reported a two-day rental of a Prius at $142, while a Hyundai Accent went for only $99.

The Price Difference Explained
The Hyundai Accent is an economy car. As such, you're not going to find automatic locks, a high end stereo or other nice amenities. However, a hybrid such as a Prius is a premium model, so you're going to find a nice stereo, electric locks and mirrors and maybe even heated seats.

If you plan on renting for a very short period of time, but doing a great deal of driving, renting a hybrid may save you a few dollars over an economy car. However, if you plan on renting for a few days, or not doing much driving, you'd be much better off with an economy car.