What Kind of Car Should I List on Turo to Make the Most Money?

This is by far one of the most common questions we hear from new and aspiring Turo hosts:

“What car makes the most money on Turo?”

It’s a great question — but the real answer? It depends. There is no one-size-fits-all vehicle that works in every market, every season, and every price range.

First: It All Comes Down to Your Market

What works in Los Angeles might flop in Boise. What’s hot in Miami could sit for weeks in Minneapolis.

Some markets thrive on affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles. Others demand luxury, SUVs, or electrics. The key is to understand local demand before making a purchase.

Start by asking:

• Is your area tourist-heavy, commuter-heavy, or both?

• Do renters want daily drivers or special experiences?

• Is your climate a factor (AWD, convertibles, etc.)?

Vehicle Categories That Perform Well on Turo

Here’s how each category plays out — and what type of host they’re best suited for:

1. Economy Cars (Best for Consistency & Volume)

Think: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus

Pros:

• Lower cost to acquire & maintain

• High booking rates in nearly every market

• Great for new hosts to learn the platform

• Less stress over minor wear & tear

Cons:

• Lower daily rate ($25–$55/day on average)

• Needs volume to see higher profits

• Can be price-compared easily by guests

✅ Best for: Hosts who want consistent income, high utilization, and low startup risk.

2. Electric Vehicles (Best for Tech-Savvy Renters & Urban Areas)

Think: Tesla Model 3/Y, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf

Pros:

• High guest interest in major cities

• Can charge more for experience + features

• Savings on gas & maintenance

• Extra upsell potential (charging cords, prepaid charging, etc.)

Cons:

• Charging anxiety (especially in less EV-friendly cities)

• Guests unfamiliar with EVs may need more support

• Higher up-front costs unless buying used

✅ Best for: Hosts in EV-friendly cities with accessible charging networks (L.A., NYC, Orlando, Austin, etc.)

3. SUVs & Crossovers (Best for Families & Road Trip Markets)

Think: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee

Pros:

• Year-round demand

• Good for airport delivery and families

• Can charge higher daily rates than sedans

• Often used for longer trips (higher mileage)

Cons:

• Higher maintenance/fuel costs

• Wear and tear can add up quickly

• More competitive listings in some markets

✅ Best for: Hosts in vacation or outdoor destinations, or with access to airport delivery.

4. Luxury Vehicles (Best for High-End Markets)

Think: BMW 5-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus RX, Audi A4

Pros:

• Higher daily rates ($80–$200/day)

• Attract business travelers or special occasion renters

• Great for premium extras like delivery, prepaid refueling, etc.

Cons:

• Higher risk of claims, damage, and picky guests

• More expensive to insure and maintain

• Lower booking frequency unless you’re in the right area

✅ Best for: Hosts in large metro areas or luxury travel hotspots (Miami, Vegas, L.A., NYC)

5. Exotic & Specialty Vehicles (Best for Niche Experiences)

Think: Lamborghini, Corvette, McLaren, Dodge Charger Hellcat

Pros:

• Very high rental rates ($300+ per day)

• Great for weddings, events, and content creators

• Guests often book for “the experience,” not just transportation

Cons:

• Extremely high risk and insurance cost

• Often require hands-on check-ins

• Must be marketed intentionally to succeed

✅ Best for: Experienced hosts with the time, capital, and market to support high-end rentals.

📊 Want the Best ROI? Start With These Principles:

1. Buy below market value — Take your time to look for deals, don’t overspend. Buying cars at auction or finding a great deal on a vehicle is the best time to buy.

2. Stick with reliability — Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundais are winners. Fiat 500's are another great option that provide a high ROI.

3. Think resale — Can you offload the car easily if needed? In any business, you need to plan an exit strategy.

4. Research local demand — Use the Turo app to see what’s renting near you. RentCentric is a great tool for analytics.

5. Start simple — Begin with a low-risk car and upgrade over time. You will learn so much within your first year on that platform and it's better to start small then grow.

There’s no magic car that guarantees profit — but there is a smart way to approach it.

Start by understanding your local demand, your budget, and your risk tolerance. For most new hosts, a fuel-efficient economy car or small SUV is the safest bet. Once you’ve learned the ropes, you can scale into EVs, luxury, or even exotic vehicles with more confidence.

Whatever you choose, make sure you can:

• Afford to maintain it

• Keep it available for bookings

• Deliver a smooth, 5-star experience

Need help analyzing your market or a specific car? Join our Turo Hosts – Tips & Tricks Facebook group and let the community weigh in.