do rental cars have gps systems

Question

LaAlana · Accepted Answer

Most major rental car companies offer GPS navigation systems, but they are typically an optional extra that comes with an additional daily fee. Relying on your smartphone's maps app is often a more cost-effective and updated solution.

The availability of GPS units varies by company, location, and vehicle class. You generally won't find them in economy cars unless specifically requested. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from major US rental agencies:

Rental Company	GPS Availability	Typical Daily Fee (USD)	Key Consideration
Enterprise	Yes, upon request	$10 - $15	Often pre-installed in higher-end vehicles; must be requested for others.
Hertz	Yes, often standard in higher classes	$11.99 - $15.99	Available through the Hertz NeverLost system in select vehicles.
Avis	Yes, upon request	$12.99 - $16.99	Known as "Avis Turn-by-Turn Navigation"; subject to availability.
Budget	Yes, upon request	~$13.99	Similar to Avis; not available in all car classes.
National	Yes, often in premium cars	$10 - $15	Emerald Club members may find it more readily available.

The main disadvantage of rental GPS units is the cost. Over a week-long rental, you could pay over $100 for a system that may not be as intuitive or up-to-date as the free Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone. Rental GPS devices often lack real-time traffic updates without an extra subscription, a feature standard on most smartphone apps.

Before you rent, check your phone's compatibility with your car's infotainment system (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). Using your phone through the car's display offers the best of both worlds: a familiar, large-screen interface with live data. If you’re traveling to an area with poor cell service, consider downloading offline maps on your phone beforehand as a reliable backup, making a rented GPS largely unnecessary for most trips.

BentleyFitz · Answer

In my experience, it's a mixed bag. You can definitely get one, but you have to ask for it, and it’ll cost you extra every day. I usually just use my phone. It’s way easier, it’s free, and it knows about traffic jams right away. The rental GPS feels clunky and outdated by comparison. I only ever consider it if I'm going way off the grid where I know I won't have a cell signal.

MiaLee · Answer

Always assume the car won't have GPS unless you specifically reserve and pay for it. It's not a standard feature like air conditioning. The fees add up quickly, making it an expensive convenience. A better plan is to ensure your rental has a USB port or Bluetooth. Then you can use your smartphone's navigation projected onto the car's screen via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This gives you a superior, live-updating map for free.

MichaelAnn · Answer

I learned this the hard way on a business trip. I assumed a midsize sedan would include navigation, but it didn't. I was stuck trying to use a paper map for a critical meeting. Now, I have a simple checklist. First, I check my phone's maps app for the area. Second, I call the specific rental location to confirm GPS availability. Third, I pack a car phone mount. The rental GPS is a backup plan for me now, not a primary option.

McTheo · Answer

Yes, they are available, but the more important question is whether you need one. For most people, the answer is no. Your smartphone is a more powerful navigation tool. The real advantage of a dedicated rental GPS was in the past, when data plans were limited. Today, with unlimited data being common, your phone's navigation is simply better. Save your money on the daily GPS fee; it's an unnecessary upsell for the vast majority of travelers in the modern age.