Garden City, located in the heart of Long Island, New York, offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City while still providing close access to the city’s vibrant culture and attractions. Whether you’re planning a visit to nearby beaches, exploring local parks, or making a trip into Manhattan, an SUV rental in Garden City is the perfect way to ensure comfort, space, and flexibility during your stay. In this guide, we will walk you through the reasons to rent an SUV in Garden City, top rental options, and important things to consider to make the most of your experience.
Garden City is well connected to several scenic drives and nearby attractions, including the picturesque North Shore and South Shore of Long Island, the famous Hamptons, and Jones Beach State Park. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or just need to get around the local area, an SUV provides the extra space and comfort needed for long drives. With spacious seating, ample legroom, and generous cargo space, SUVs ensure a smooth, comfortable ride for families, groups, or solo travelers.
An SUV is perfect for larger families or groups of friends visiting Garden City. With seating for up to seven or eight passengers, SUVs can accommodate everyone comfortably while leaving room for luggage or shopping bags. This is especially useful for trips to Roosevelt Field Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the area, or a family day out at the Long Island Children’s Museum.
An SUV provides extra safety and stability, which is particularly helpful when driving on unfamiliar roads or through unpredictable weather. Many SUVs come equipped with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, and rear-view cameras to enhance driving confidence. Whether you’re navigating busy streets in Garden City or making your way through the suburbs and surrounding natural areas, the added security and high driving position of an SUV can be a game changer.
Garden City is located in a region with numerous parks, nature reserves, and outdoor attractions. If you’re a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, renting an SUV gives you the flexibility to transport outdoor equipment such as bicycles, kayaks, or hiking gear. Additionally, SUVs are often designed with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities, making them ideal for off-road excursions or exploring rugged terrain outside the city.
Renting an SUV in Garden City is easy, thanks to the variety of rental agencies available, offering options to suit different budgets and preferences. Below are some of the top rental companies in the area:
Enterprise is a trusted name in car rental and provides a wide selection of SUVs suitable for any traveler. With several locations in the area, including at JFK Airport and Garden City, Enterprise makes it easy to rent an SUV and start your adventure. Known for their excellent customer service, Enterprise also offers flexible rental periods and a variety of SUV options.
Popular SUV Options at Enterprise:
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Explorer
Toyota Highlander
Nissan Rogue
Hertz offers a broad range of SUV rentals in Garden City, with convenient locations at JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and other points across Long Island. Hertz provides both budget-friendly models and higher-end luxury SUVs for travelers seeking a more premium experience. Their website also offers a quick booking process, making it easy to reserve your vehicle in advance.
Popular SUV Options at Hertz:
Chevrolet Tahoe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nissan Pathfinder
BMW X5
For budget-conscious travelers, Budget Car Rental offers competitive rates on SUVs in Garden City. Budget’s options are perfect for families or individuals who want the space and comfort of an SUV without breaking the bank. With locations at JFK Airport and across Long Island, Budget makes it easy to find an SUV that fits your needs and budget.
Popular SUV Options at Budget:
Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota RAV4
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Avis is another excellent option for those seeking premium SUV rentals. Whether you’re looking for a luxury SUV for a business trip or a more practical model for a family vacation, Avis offers a range of vehicles. Avis has multiple locations, including JFK and Garden City, providing convenient pickup and drop-off options.
Popular SUV Options at Avis:
Ford Edge
Chevrolet Traverse
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Toyota 4Runner
Alamo Rent-A-Car is known for providing affordable rates without sacrificing quality. They have several locations on Long Island and are a popular choice for tourists. Alamo offers a variety of SUVs that cater to both small and large groups, ensuring a comfortable ride for any occasion.
Popular SUV Options at Alamo:
Chevrolet Traverse
Ford Expedition
Toyota Highlander
Subaru Outback
The first thing to consider when renting an SUV is how much space you need. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, a compact SUV like a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V should suffice. For families or larger groups, you may want to consider larger models with third-row seating, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition, to ensure everyone has enough room.
SUVs generally consume more fuel than smaller vehicles, which can add up quickly, especially if you plan to do a lot of driving. If fuel economy is important to you, look for more fuel-efficient models, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid. These models offer the space and performance of an SUV while also delivering better gas mileage.
While Garden City itself is a more suburban area with ample parking, if you plan to venture into Manhattan or other parts of New York City, you should be prepared for limited parking spaces and expensive parking fees. It’s often a good idea to look for a smaller SUV to make parking easier in the busy streets of NYC.
Most rental agencies offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Liability Insurance, but be sure to review the insurance options before you rent. Some credit cards may also offer rental car insurance, so it’s worth checking with your card issuer. You want to make sure you’re adequately covered in case of an accident.
Pricing for SUV rentals can vary depending on the time of year, rental duration, and the specific vehicle you choose. For the best rates, try to book your SUV rental in advance, especially during busy seasons like the summer or holiday periods. Many agencies also offer discounts for extended rentals, so renting for a longer period might provide savings.
Renting an SUV in Garden City opens up a range of exciting destinations, both locally and in the surrounding areas. Here are a few must-visit places to consider during your stay:
Jones Beach State Park – A beautiful spot for beach lovers, offering miles of coastline and outdoor activities.
The Hamptons – Escape to this exclusive getaway known for its beaches, charming towns, and vineyards.
Roosevelt Field Mall – A massive shopping complex that’s perfect for a retail therapy session.
Nassau County Museum of Art – Explore beautiful exhibits, gardens, and art collections just a short drive from Garden City.
Long Island Wine Country – Take a scenic drive to the vineyards and wineries in North Fork for wine tastings and picturesque views.