Why Travelers Prefer SUV Rentals in Dubai for City & Desert Trips

Here's something you'll notice within 5 minutes of landing in Dubai - everyone drives big cars. And we're not talking about sports cars. We mean SUVs. Big, comfortable, spacious SUVs. There's a reason for this. Dubai isn't built for small cars. The roads are wide. Parking spots are huge. Families are big. And honestly, when fuel is cheaper than bottled water in some places, why squeeze into a tiny sedan? We've been renting out SUVs at 24baba for years now. And we've seen it all - families stuffing 8 people into a 5-seater (please don't), tourists trying to take sedans into the desert (also please don't), and smart renters who pick exactly what they need. Let us help you become a smart renter.

Why Everyone in Dubai Drives an SUV

The Roads Here Are Different

Dubai roads have speed bumps. Lots of them. If you're driving a low car, you'll hear that scraping sound every few minutes. Not fun. SUVs just roll over these bumps like they're not even there. Plus, the roads are so wide that driving a big car actually feels easier than driving a small one.

You'll Probably Go to the Desert

Even if you're just visiting for a week, someone will suggest a desert trip. It's what people do here. And you can't take a regular car into the sand. You'll get stuck in 5 minutes. SUVs, especially ones like the Pajero or Land Cruiser, are built for this. They have the power and the height to handle sand dunes without any drama.

Space Matters More Than You Think

Going to the supermarket? You'll buy more than you planned. Trust us, everyone does. Going to the airport? You'll have more bags than you thought. Picking up friends? There will be more people than expected. An SUV just handles all of this without stress. The boot is huge. There are plenty. You're not playing Tetris with luggage.

The Heat is Real

This sounds silly but it's true. SUVs have better air conditioning. The AC in a Land Cruiser will freeze you in 2 minutes. In a small car, you're still sweating after 10 minutes. When it's 45 degrees outside, this matters a lot.

What Type of SUV Do You Actually Need?

Small SUVs (For 4-5 People)

Cars like the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail, or Kia Sportage. These are perfect if you're 2-3 adults, maybe with a kid or two. A hyundai tucson rental dubai will cost you around AED 120-150 per day. It's comfortable, easy to drive, and doesn't drink too much fuel. You can park it easily in tight spots too. The boot fits 2-3 big suitcases. Good enough for most trips.

Medium SUVs (For 5-7 People)

This is where you get cars like the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Hyundai Santa Fe. These are 7-seaters but let's be honest - the back row is tight. If you have 2 adults and 3 kids, this works great. If you have 5-6 adults, everyone except the back row will be comfortable. The back row is more like an emergency option. Looking for a pajero for rent in dubai? Expect to pay AED 180-220 per day. It's our most popular rental because it balances size and price really well. Boot space is good - 4-5 big bags fit easily if you fold down the third row.

Big SUVs (For 6-8 People)

Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Chevrolet Tahoe. These are the kings of SUVs in Dubai. Huge, powerful, and built like tanks. All three rows are actually comfortable. Adults can sit in the back without complaining. The boot is massive even with all seats up. A land cruiser rent in dubai costs between AED 250-350 per day depending on the year and model. Sounds expensive? Maybe. But split between 6-7 people, it's actually cheaper per person than getting two smaller cars. These are also the best for desert driving. The engines are strong and the 4x4 system actually works.

Vans (For 9-10 People)

Toyota Hiace, Nissan Urvan, Ford Transit. These are basically buses but smaller. Need a 9 seater car rental dubai or 10 seater car rental dubai? This is your only option. Great for big family gatherings, wedding groups, or corporate teams. Prices start at AED 200 and go up to AED 400 depending on how fancy you want it. Some come with luxury captain seats and entertainment systems. Others are basic transport. One important thing - these are harder to drive than regular SUVs. They're longer and need more parking space. Keep that in mind.

How to Find Cheap SUV Rental Dubai Without Compromising

Old Doesn't Mean Bad

When people search for cheap suv rental dubai, they usually find older model cars. And that's actually fine. A 2020 Pajero works just as well as a 2024 Pajero. The AC cools the same. The engine runs the same. The seats are comfortable. You're just not getting the newest tech screen or the latest safety features. We keep older models specifically for budget-conscious renters.

Book for Longer Periods

Daily rates are higher. Weekly rates are lower. Monthly rates are the lowest. If you need an SUV for 10 days, you'll save money by booking a weekly rate plus 3 extra days instead of 10 individual days.

Avoid Peak Seasons

December to March is peak tourist season. Everyone wants to rent cars. Prices go up by 20-30%. If you can visit in April-May or September-October, you'll find much better deals. Same cars, lower prices.

Don't Pick Airport Rentals

Renting from the airport is convenient but expensive. Companies charge extra for airport locations. Book online with us and we'll deliver the car to your hotel or apartment. Usually cheaper and more comfortable.

When to Rent Which SUV

You're a Family of 4-5

Get a small to medium SUV. A Tucson or Fortuner works perfectly. You have enough space, the price is reasonable, and parking won't give you headaches. If you're doing a desert safari, make sure to ask us if the car can handle sand. Some smaller SUVs are city-only.

You're a Group of 6-7 Friends

Get a 7-seater SUV but make sure it's a big one like a Land Cruiser or Patrol. The back row needs to fit actual adults, not just kids. Split the cost between everyone and it becomes very affordable. Plus you all travel together instead of coordinating two cars.

You Have a Big Family Visiting

This is when you need to think carefully. Count people AND bags. If you have 8 people and 8 big suitcases, a regular 8-seater won't work. You need either a 10-seater or two separate SUVs. We usually suggest getting a 7 seater suv rental dubai plus a compact SUV. This gives you flexibility and enough space for everything.

You're Moving or Shopping

Even if you're just 2 people, get a big SUV if you're planning to buy furniture or do serious shopping during Dubai Shopping Festival. The boot space in a Land Cruiser is ridiculous. You can fit multiple shopping carts worth of stuff. Way better than making multiple trips in a small car.

You're Doing a Road Trip

Going to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, or even Oman? Comfort matters more than size here. Get an SUV with good seats, working cruise control, and strong AC. Long drives get tiring in uncomfortable cars, no matter how big they are.

Our Most Popular SUV Rentals at 24baba

Toyota Fortuner

The middle-ground champion. Not too big, not too small. Comfortable for families. Can handle some light desert driving. Reasonably priced at AED 180-200 per day. Most of our repeat customers rent this because it just works for everything.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Built for the desert but great on highways too. Slightly cheaper than the Fortuner at AED 180 per day. Super reliable. If you're planning any off-road adventures, this is your car.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The luxury tank. Huge space, powerful engine, drives like a dream. Perfect for big families or long trips. Yes it costs AED 280-350 per day but when you split that between 7 people, it's very reasonable.

Hyundai Tucson

Budget-friendly option at AED 120-140 per day. Great for couples or small families who want SUV benefits without paying SUV prices. Not for desert driving though. This is a city car that happens to be tall.

Toyota Hiace (10-seater)

For when you absolutely need to move a crowd. Weddings, big family events, corporate groups. AED 250-300 per day depending on the configuration. Makes more sense than booking multiple cars. Renting an suv in dubai isn't complicated. You just need to be honest about what you need. Small family? Small SUV. Big group? Big SUV. Lots of luggage? Bigger boot. Going to the desert? Proper 4x4. We've been doing this for years at 24baba. We've seen every situation possible. And we've learned that the best rental is the one that fits your actual needs, not the fanciest or the cheapest. Book Your SUV Today