Are SUV Rentals Taking a Back Seat to Hybrids and Compacts?
It’s no secret that with stratospheric fuel prices hitting consumer wallets nationwide, few are hurrying to buy a guzzler. But a recent ABC News piece about car-rental companies trying to steer customers towards larger vehicles suggests drivers don’t even want one on a temporary basis. According to ABC, car rental companies have resorted to “free upgrades” of SUVs and mini-vans to get the gas-thirsty vehicles moving off the lot, and customers complain that even when they’ve reserved a compact or hybrid, they’re often told their choice isn’t available at pick-up time or are pressured to take a “free upgrade” to a gas hog. While an upgrade to a larger car has long meant paying more, are companies now moving small and large vehicles into the same territory, price-wise, in order to push their SUVs? We did a spot-check, and at the time we took a look, Alamo was willing to hand us the keys to a big boy for just a couple bucks more per day, while National would do it for a mere $7. Below are
