Need a Car Hire for a Bear Run? Consider a Large SUV

Going to a Bear Run is part of our yearly rituals, and traveling by car with friends is an economical way to get from Home to Fun while enjoying yourself along the way.

Renting a car is a smart way of seeing the sights in style and comfort, rather than putting the miles on your personal smart but cramped car. How about renting a large SUV so you and your mates can travel with plenty of room and share the costs?

A Large SUV is defined as an SUV that is built on light truck platform and generally has a third row of seats. For all intents and purposes, it has towing capacity just like a truck, often has a V6 engine if not a V8 engine and effectively is a truck without the open bed.

I recommend renting a large SUV for your road trip to a Spring / Summer Bear run because it will have plenty of room for you, your buddies and all your stuff without that cramped feeling that may accompany even a midsize SUV. At the rental car lot, you may even find a deal when renting a large SUV because these large SUVs are not as popular as midsized or smaller cars, so be sure to ask. 

Keep in mind, however, that your gasoline / petrol costs will be more because these large vehicles drink more. But your comfort will be more as well.

Here are my top picks for Large SUVs to consider when renting (at an affordable price):

Chevy Tahoe: The thing I really like about the Tahoe is that you can literally hop in it – and go.  Syncing your phone to the navigation system and preparing yourself for the drive can be done in almost less than a minute. There are plenty buttons and knobs and no need to talk to Artificial Intelligence unless you want to. But remember, these vehicles are the big boys. You will have plenty of room for you, your friends, your gear.  The road is your friend but also it is something you must protect and respect. Those animals who will cross your path will make a nice crunch if you run over them.

Ford Expedition: This Large SUV is ranked Number 1 by U.S. News and World Report, and in the All-Around category, you can’t go wrong. Style meets comfort and practicality with the Expedition, and on top of all that, it too is easy to operate, just like the Tahoe (or the Chevy Suburban, which is almost identical though I prefer the Tahoe). The cabin is great for men over six feet tall, and when you fold down the third row of seats, there is about 75 cubic feet of cargo room.

Nissan Armada: The Armada truly is almost as big as the original Spanish ship but that means there is room for all your booty.  The twin-turbo V6 will give it more power than you will need for your road trip, but that extra boost will make you feel as though you are large and in charge. Should you feel the need to tow a little trailer of stuff (if, say, you are a vendor), that can be done easily. Just be sure to prepare properly and wisely.  Just as in in real life, these big boys can get away from you quickly – and then the real men in uniform may be on your tail. 

Toyota Sequoia: The Seqouia does not get much love among internet reviewers, and that’s a shame. To many, it feels dated, but for a road trip, I feel it would be quite practical (and at rental counter, you may be able to get a good rate for it). It is quite comfortable and stylish while the cleanup of spilled brisket or nachos would be easy. As Bears, we don’t need The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but we do like comfort and ease and to be able to clearly hear all the lyrics of Mumford & Sons or Lady Gaga. 

(For my husband Paul and I, our wedding vehicle was the Toyota Sequoia, so this large car has a special place in our hearts. Our wedding music was Gloria Estefan, ABBA and the soundtrack from Sister Act, and that sounded great as well.)

Here are links to what U.S News and World Report and Edmunds.com think. Please do some research and compare prices, but most importantly, have a good and safe time this Bear Run season.  Go and meet that Bear of Your Dreams, whether or not the Bear Run ends at the Justice of the Peace or an STD clinic.

You only live once, twice if you are lucky. Make it worthwhile – and have that extra corndog while you are at the concession stand.

No one but you and your primary doc need to know about anything.