Planning a family vacation is certainly in many ways more complicated than planning a solo trip. All the more so, if you have small kids with you. Especially if you’re traveling to a country like Georgia that looks small on the map, but is known for its diverse landscape. You can find yourself driving through a modern city, through a highway, and through off-road terrain all in the same day.
Choosing the right vehicle can make or break your travel experience. In our guide, we’ll break down which type of car is best suited for each type of traveler, while accounting for the fact that they have to make choices that account for the comfort and safety of an entire party, some of them likely quite young.
A sedan is an excellent choice for smaller families that aren’t planning to venture far from the country’s urban center. These vehicles aren’t ideal for family road trips in Georgia but are not only perfectly fit to explore a city like Tbilisi and nearby historical sites but might even make it easier to navigate crowded city streets and parking in tight urban spaces. If you’re a family of 3-4 planning to spend a few days in Tbilisi, you aren’t likely to need much else.
Modern sedans typically feature ample trunk space for luggage and good fuel efficiency. They're very popular among couples with one or two children who expect to have a more leisurely itinerary. If you're planning to stay primarily within the capital and the furthest you plan to venture are visits to places like Mtskheta or Uplistsikhe, you can easily rent a car in Georgia for your family without worrying about off-road capabilities.
Before choosing the best car for family travel in Georgia, it's important to understand what road conditions you'll encounter. Georgia's infrastructure varies dramatically depending on your destination. Major routes connecting Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi feature well-maintained highways suitable for any vehicle type, making sedan rentals perfectly adequate for city-to-city family trips. However, reaching popular family destinations like Kazbegi, Sighnaghi wineries, or David Gareja monastery often involves secondary roads where higher ground clearance becomes beneficial. Family road trips in Georgia during summer months typically face fewer challenges, but spring and autumn can bring unexpected rain that turns unpaved roads muddy and difficult to navigate. Winter family travel requires even more careful vehicle selection, especially if visiting ski resorts like Gudauri or Bakuriani. Understanding the difference between renting a family car in Tbilisi for urban exploration versus selecting the best rental car for Georgia mountain roads will help you avoid uncomfortable situations and ensure your children's safety throughout the journey.
Front-wheel drive SUVs are typically considered to be among the best rental cars for families. These vehicles offer increased interior space and higher ground clearance compared to sedans, they can typically comfortably accommodate larger families of 5-6 people, provide extra cargo space, and offer more flexibility in movement.
Front-wheel drive SUVs strike a balance between comfort and practicality. They handle paved and concrete roads well, are more durable than sedans, and provide better visibility due to their elevated seating position. For families planning to explore multiple cities but don’t intend to stray far from main highways, these vehicles are pretty much as close to an ideal choice as can be. And they’re not as expensive as the word “SUV” may indicate. In fact, there are plenty of options at our budget car rental in Georgia you could choose from.
As family car rentals in Georgia go, AWD SUVs are frequently the go-to choice among those planning extensive travel. All-wheel drive SUVs offer the perfect combination of comfort, safety, and versatility, and are great for multi-day, multi-city trips. For example, if you plan to travel through Tbilisi, Telavi, and Batumi, but would like to leave the option of exploring a natural wonder or two nearby open without worrying about roads being paved - an AWD SUV is the way to go.
These vehicles excel at handling the country’s varied road conditions and would guarantee peace of mind for travelers who like to be flexible with their itineraries. We’d still advise you to read our guide to renting a car in Georgia, so you and your family are protected on all fronts, but an AWD is almost always the right choice if you’re going on a multi-day, multi-destination trip.
Unsurprisingly, all-wheel drive SUVs are particularly popular during the winter months. But even in summer and autumn, there’s always a chance the weather will turn capricious. And these cars provide excellent stability on wet or slippery roads while maintaining the comfort levels needed for extended family road trips in Georgia.
If you’re including visiting mountainous regions like Svaneti or Khevsureti on your itinerary, renting a proper 4x4 vehicle becomes essential regardless of your family size. These regions are criss-crossed with unpaved roads and challenging terrain that require vehicles with serious off-road capabilities.
True 4x4s come equipped with features specifically designed for mountain driving, including higher ground clearance, robust suspension systems, and specialized drive modes for difficult terrain. They’re comparatively more expensive to rent and operate, and if you’re looking to hire the best car in Tbilisi - certainly an overkill, but they're a must when traveling through more remote and mountainous areas.
The key to ensuring your family road trip in Georgia will be successful lies in matching your vehicle choice to your specific travel needs. Consider the number of people, intended destinations, and the season to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Planning a family adventure in Georgia? Our diverse fleet includes sedans, SUVs, and 4x4 vehicles to match any itinerary. Get expert advice on choosing the right car for your family's needs and travel plans.
