America’s Summer Road Trip Revival: What EconomyBookings.com Data Reveals About 2025 Travel Trends
If it Driving feels like everyone you know is either at the airport, standing in a rental car line, or already on the highway this summer, you’re not imagining it. Road trips are staging another major comeback in 2025, and the latest numbers suggest they are here to stay. According to new booking trends released by EconomyBookings.com, one of the fastest-growing global car rental platforms, Americans are choosing comfort, flexibility, and practicality as they hit the road this season.
And the biggest surprise? While SUVs remain wildly popular, the Toyota Corolla — a compact sedan long known for its reliability and affordability — has taken the top spot as the most rented model of summer 2025. It edges out last year’s champion, the Toyota RAV4, with the Volkswagen Jetta close behind. This subtle but notable shift signals that travelers are rethinking what they want in their rental cars: a balance between efficiency and comfort, rather than size alone.
The Road Trip Resurgence: Why 2025 Looks Different
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a defining season for road travel. Several factors are fueling the trend:
- Rising airfare prices: While air travel is rebounding strongly post-pandemic, higher ticket costs and crowded airports are motivating many families and groups of friends to seek alternatives.
- Flexibility of the road: A rental car allows travelers to adapt itineraries, make spontaneous stops, and avoid the rigid schedules of flights.
- New destinations in demand: Beyond theme parks and beach resorts, mountain regions, national parks, and scenic road trip routes are experiencing a surge in popularity.
“Americans want cars that can keep up with their summer,” says Alen Baibekov, CEO of EconomyBookings.com, which operates under The Booking Group Corporation. “That means roomy enough for bags and friends, reliable for long drives, and fuel-efficient enough that they don’t regret choosing the open road.”
What America Is Driving: Corolla, RAV4, and Jetta Dominate
The Corolla’s rise to the top spot marks an interesting evolution in consumer choice. While SUVs like the RAV4 remain in demand for family vacations and outdoor trips, the Corolla’s combination of fuel efficiency, affordability, and ease of handling is appealing to solo travelers, couples, and cost-conscious renters.
The Volkswagen Jetta, a perennial favorite, continues to hold strong in third place, offering a slightly more stylish alternative without sacrificing space. Together, these models illustrate how Americans balance practicality with personal preference when choosing rental cars.
In terms of vehicle classes, SUVs, full-size sedans, and midsize vehicles continue to dominate booking volumes. Larger groups want room for luggage and passengers, while smaller groups gravitate toward fuel-efficient compact cars that handle well in both city and highway driving.
Where They’re Headed: Denver, L.A., and Orlando Lead the Pack
Rental location data adds another layer of insight into travel behavior. The top three rental hubs for summer 2025 are:
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
This is a slight shuffle compared to 2024, when Orlando held the top position. Denver’s rise reflects America’s growing fascination with national parks, road trip loops through the Rockies, and cooler mountain destinations. L.A. remains a gateway to classic West Coast drives — from the Pacific Coast Highway to desert escapes — while Orlando continues to attract families bound for Disney, Universal, and Florida’s beaches.
Add-Ons That Matter: Peace of Mind on the Road
Beyond the car itself, Americans are investing in extras that make long drives less stressful. EconomyBookings.com’s data reveals that the top add-ons for the past two summers have remained consistent:
- Full Coverage Insurance — giving travelers confidence that they’re protected from unexpected costs.
- Roadside Assistance — especially important for long drives through rural or mountainous regions.
- Last-Minute Cancellation Options — catering to travelers who value flexibility in uncertain times.
- Additional Driver Packages — popular with couples and groups, allowing travel partners to share both the drive and the playlists.
These add-ons suggest that travelers are not only hitting the road in greater numbers but also making smarter, risk-conscious decisions about how they travel.
How Long Are They Driving? More Than Just Weekend Getaways
Contrary to the idea that road trips are mostly short escapes, data shows that the average rental length this summer is a full 7 days, with registered users often booking even longer. This highlights two key trends:
- Americans are using more vacation time — after years of shorter trips, workers are finally taking extended breaks.
- The road trip is central to the vacation itself — not just a means to an end. Travelers are deliberately building itineraries around the driving experience, exploring multiple destinations along the way.
The Bigger Picture: Travel as Freedom and Discovery
The road trip revival isn’t just about cars; it’s about the cultural meaning attached to them. Baibekov emphasizes that travel in 2025 is no longer just about flights and hotels:
“It’s about freedom, discovery, and the thrill of the road. We’re seeing people plan smarter, drive further, and make the journey part of the adventure.”
This shift is visible everywhere: couples documenting cross-country drives on social media, families planning multistop itineraries through national parks, and solo travelers combining work and leisure in week-long drives. The road has become both a destination and an experience.
Beyond Summer 2025
With bookings showing no signs of slowing, EconomyBookings.com expects the road trip trend to extend into the fall. Cooler months often mean fewer crowds at national parks, cheaper accommodation, and a different kind of scenic beauty — from New England foliage drives to desert landscapes in the Southwest.
As for what comes next, expect a few continuing patterns:
- Fuel-efficient models like the Corolla will remain popular as travelers weigh rental costs against fuel expenses.
- SUVs will dominate family and adventure travel, thanks to their versatility and comfort.
- Booking extras will rise in importance, with travelers seeking both convenience and security.
- Travel hubs will diversify, with airports near secondary destinations (Salt Lake City, Seattle, Phoenix) gaining traction as road trip gateways.
A Season of RAV4s, Corollas, and Jettas on the Highway
So whether your summer plans include driving through the Rocky Mountains, coasting down Highway 1 in California, or navigating Orlando’s theme park traffic, you’ll likely notice a pattern: highways full of RAV4s, Corollas, and Jettas. Each car will be packed with coolers, playlists, family games, and memories in the making.
And while the vehicles may differ, the spirit is the same. Summer 2025 is a celebration of movement, exploration, and the enduring American love affair with the open road.
