Renting a car can be a daunting task between hidden fees, a lack of appealing vehicles and time spent waiting in line at rental counters. USA TODAY Cars tried out Turo’s peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace to see how it differed from a traditional rental car service.
Turo’s app gives users the ability to choose the type of vehicle they want, where they want it delivered and it has transparent pricing so drivers know exactly what they’re signing up for before getting into the vehicle.
Here’s what USA TODAY Cars learned from using a Turo vehicle for a Route 66 and national park road trip.
Turo Lets You Choose the Exact Type of Vehicle You Want to Drive
While most major car rental companies allow you to choose a vehicle segment (small car, large SUV, etc.), Turo allows drivers to filter between brands, segments, model years and powertrains using the Turo app. You can choose your desired pickup location (including airports) and search for the type of vehicle that matches your trip’s needs.
USA TODAY Cars needed a spacious and rugged SUV to explore historic Route 66 and Zion National Park, so a Turo host’s Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid SUV was a great option for cabin space, cargo space and terrain.
The ability to hand-pick the type of vehicle you can use for your rental experience eliminates second-guessing whether the vehicle will be properly equipped for your trip. The Wrangler’s 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space was ideal for luggage. Its Falken WildPeak All-Terrain tires made driving on tricky terrain easy and enjoyable instead of terrifying.
Turo Pickup Is a Quick and Contactless Experience
Instead of struggling to find a car rental company’s designated area, we followed step-by-step instructions that included images to locate the exact location of the trip vehicle. Once at the location, access to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe was as simple as sending a message to the host via the Turo app’s chat messenger.
The vehicle was remotely opened within seconds and the Wrangler 4xe’s key was easily found thanks to directions from the SUV’s host. Like Airbnb, Turo simplifies the check-in process for guests and users with easy-to-follow instructions that lean on technology for communication rather than in-person interactions.
There are no lines for Turo users since each user pre-books individual vehicles. Drivers are certain of the exact vehicle they’ll be driving before ever seeing it in person.
Why Turo Might Be a Better Option Than Car Rentals for Some Drivers
If you want or need a specific type of vehicle for a trip and want to bypass pickup lines, Turo offers a much more streamlined and personal experience than traditional car rental companies. Going on a road trip? There’s a filter for hybrid vehicles. If you’re exploring an area known for its charging infrastructure, there’s an option to choose electric vehicles as well.
If you have no vehicle preference, traditional car rental companies may seem more appealing for some drivers, but the ability to choose the exact type of vehicle you want to drive from hundreds of different options makes a world of difference.
Tips for First-Time Turo Users
Using any peer-to-peer marketplace like Airbnb or Turo can have drawbacks, but the majority of those potential drawbacks can be avoided by following some best practices.
How to Have the Best Turo Experience
- Read reviews and use highly-rated vehicles
- Read terms and conditions of the rental experience to understand costs
- Communicate with the host for help with questions
- Use Turo’s customer service options if needed
Like trying out a new restaurant for the first time, reviews go a long way when it comes to choosing the right vehicle and host for your trip. The Turo app allows guests and hosts to grade each other and leave detailed reviews of their experiences.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, read the costs and potential costs (additional mileage, gas convenience fee) before confirming your booking. Hosts respond to questions and often provide detailed directions for the pickup process.
If you do have an issue regarding a booking, you can contact a Turo team member for support within the app who can call your mobile number to resolve issues. Drivers who stick to vehicles with high ratings and great reviews, thoroughly read terms before agreeing, and communicate with hosts should have positive experiences.
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