SUV vs. UTE: Which Rental is Best for Your WA Adventure?

Western Australia has pretty beaches, bright flowers, and long red roads that go on and on. If you want to go on a road trip here, you might ask: Which car should I rent for driving?

Most people pick between two cars – SUVs and UTEs. Both are good, but they are for different trips. Before you drive away, let’s see which one is best for your adventure.

Why People Love SUVs

SUVs are like the Swiss Army knife of road trip vehicles. They’re comfortable, practical, and handle most driving conditions like a breeze.

Comfort Is King

We all know that WA isn’t small. A trip from Perth to Broome is over 2,000 km, and you don’t want your passengers complaining about cramped legs or sore backs halfway there. If you want to rent a suv, it is a smart choice as SUVs give you space to stretch out, and most models seat five to seven people comfortably.

Packing up? No worries. The boot space in an SUV can swallow up all your suitcases, camping gear, and maybe even a surfboard or two if you pack smart.

Handles Almost Anything

Most rental SUVs these days come with AWD or 4WD, which means they’re fine on sealed roads and can handle light off-road adventures too. Thinking of taking that bumpy gravel road down to a secret beach? An SUV has you covered.

Bonus Features

Touchscreens, reversing cameras, climate control for every row, SUVs often come loaded with features that make long drives much less stressful. Plus, they tend to sip fuel more gently than you might expect for their size.

But What About a UTE?

Now let’s talk UTEs, the Aussie workhorse that’s also a rising star for road trippers.

Built Tough

If your WA adventure involves more than just cruising highways, a UTE might be your new best mate. Heading into the outback? Tackling rough tracks to reach that remote fishing spot? A UTE’s higher ground clearance and stronger suspension are built for just that.

Carry It All

Here’s where UTEs really shine. That open tray in the back can handle just about anything – camping gear, bikes, kayaks, even a small fridge if you’re planning to go off-grid. Dual-cab models mean you still get a comfortable cabin for passengers while having serious cargo space in the back.

Need to Tow?

This one’s simple: UTEs usually beat SUVs hands-down for towing capacity. So if you’re bringing a trailer, caravan, or boat, a UTE is the smarter pick.

Let’s Talk Costs

Pricing is always part of the equation, right?

• SUV rentals tend to cost a little more per day, especially if you’re eyeing a premium model. But they make up for it with lower fuel use, which adds up if you’re driving long distances.
• UTE rentals, on the other hand, might be a bit cheaper upfront. Just remember, if you load them up or do a lot of towing, they can drink fuel faster.

Which Should You Pick?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Choose an SUV if:

• You’re traveling with family or a group.
• Comfort and in-car features matter.
• You’re sticking mostly to sealed roads.

Go for a UTE if:

• You’re heading into remote or rugged areas.
• You’ve got bulky gear or need to tow.
• You want a tougher vehicle that can handle anything.

At the end of the day, think about where you’re going, how many people are coming with you, and what you need to carry. That’ll tell you which one’s right.

The Final Word

Western Australia is more than just a place, it’s a big adventure waiting for you. You might be watching sunsets on the Coral Coast or driving on the rough, dusty roads in the Kimberley. For any trip, having the right car is very important.

If you want a comfy and flexible ride, an SUV is a great choice. But if you’re going on bumpy roads or carrying heavy stuff, it’s better to hire a UTE in Perth and get ready for a real adventure.

Dream Car Rental has both SUVs and UTEs ready for your WA road trip, so you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your ride.