How to Rent a Car From a Toyota Dealer

The Rent a Toyota program works much like a traditional rental agency but has a few limitations.

Lindsay Martell | 

Apr 10, 2024 | 3 min read

Toyota

Ever wondered if it's possible to rent a car from a dealership?

If you're a fan of Toyota vehicles, the company's Rent a Toyota program could be a great option for you. It allows you to drive new models from the automaker.

Rent a Toyota Can Put You Behind the Wheel of a New Toyota

Rent a Toyota works much like any other car-rental agency but is operated directly by participating Toyota dealerships. Renters can peruse a selection of popular Toyota vehicles, including trucks, hybrids, minivans, and SUVs, to find the perfect match for their needs. Availability will vary from dealer to dealer.

Toyota claims its rates are competitive with those of other rental agencies, but it's worth shopping around to confirm. As a point of reference, a search of rates in Charlotte, North Carolina, for dates in mid-April 2024 found a daily price of about $50 for a Camry, while a Tacoma would run you about $75 per day. Rates will vary by location.

Cars offered through the program are in rental service for just four months, so you'll always be driving a low-mileage, current model. And if you fall in love with it, you might be able to buy it. Vehicles used in the program are available for purchase after their brief stints as rentals.

Booking a Toyota Rental Car Can Be Done via an App

There are several ways to book through Rent a Toyota, all of them relatively straightforward.

If you're using a mobile device, you can download the Toyota app, available on the App Store or Google Play store, where you'll find a Rent a Toyota option. From there, you'll be prompted to select a participating dealer in your area, choose your dates for pickup and drop-off, and select the vehicle you'd like to rent.

At that point, you'll be taken to a reservation confirmation page that details where you'll pick up your vehicle and provides a breakdown of your costs. There's also a spot for adding in the driver's name, license number, and insurance information. The app allows you to change or modify your rental prior to pickup within certain limitations.

If you don't want to download the app, you can go to the Rent a Toyota site. After you type in your ZIP code, you'll see a list of dealers in your area that offer rentals. From there, you'll have the same options as in the app.

If you prefer to work with a human, some dealers offer in-person reservations, but it's best to check ahead of time with the rental dealers in your area.

Toyota Rental Cars Come With Some Restrictions

While renting from Toyota is simple, there are a few limitations. Vehicles must be picked up and dropped off at the same location, drivers must be at least 21 years old and have their own insurance, and the rental program is restricted to the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Canada. Cars may not be driven into Mexico.

It's also important to note that rental services, including pickup and drop-off, typically are available only during the dealership's normal business hours. If you need other accommodations, you should consult the dealership before you book.

Lindsay Martell

Lindsay Martell is a Charlotte, NC-based journalist, copywriter, and voiceover artist. She writes about everything from automotive tech to adult ballet to competitive cheerleading. Her work has appeared nationally across various automotive and entertainment outlets. Her skills are turning complex tech terms into simple, palatable pieces of information. She has covered technology since 2000, and thrives on covering innovative tech trends.