Renting an SUV at 18 is extremely difficult and often impossible with major national rental companies in the United States. The standard minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21, and even then, drivers under 25 face substantial "young renter fees." While a handful of local or independent rental agencies near certain airports or college towns may rent to 18-20 year olds, they are the exception, not the rule. Expect significantly higher costs, stricter requirements like proof of full-coverage insurance, and limited vehicle choices, with SUVs often being excluded from young renter agreements.
The primary barrier is the high risk associated with inexperienced drivers, which leads companies to implement strict age policies. Major players like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis uniformly enforce a minimum renting age of 21. If you do find a local company willing to rent to an 18-year-old, prepare for a more rigorous process. They will likely require you to be a named insured on a qualifying insurance policy, not just have a driver's license. A security deposit is almost always mandatory.
Your best alternatives are often peer-to-peer car sharing services like Turo. On these platforms, individual car owners set their own rental rules, including minimum age. While many owners also set a minimum age of 21 or 25, it is possible to find some who will rent to 18-year-olds, though a young driver fee still typically applies. Another option is simply waiting until you turn 21, as this immediately opens up access to all major rental companies and eliminates the young renter surcharge, making the process far easier and more affordable.
| Rental Company / Service | Standard Minimum Age | Policy for 18-20 Year Olds | Typical Young Renter Fee (Under 25) | SUV Availability for Under-21 |
|---|
| Enterprise | 21 | Not permitted | $25-$35 per day | No |
| Hertz | 21 | Not permitted | $27-$32 per day | No |
| Avis | 21 | Not permitted | $27-$35 per day | No |
| Budget | 21 | Not permitted | Approx. $30 per day | No |
| Turo (Peer-to-Peer) | Varies by owner | Possible, but rare; owner's discretion | Varies by owner | Possible, but limited selection |
