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Car Rental vs. Van Rental: How to Choose

A practical guide to picking the right vehicle class for your trip, group size, and budget.

Riverside Auto Rental offers four vehicle classes — from a fuel-efficient intermediate car to a 15-passenger van that can move an entire sports team. The right choice depends on three things: how many people are going, how much stuff you're bringing, and what makes financial sense.

Your four options at a glance

VehiclePassengersDaily FromWeekly
Intermediate Car5$55/day$315/wk
Full-Size Car5$65/day$350/wk
7 Passenger Minivan7$78/day$450/wk
15 Passenger Van15$135/day$750/wk

When to rent a car

  • 1–5 people — Both car classes seat 5 comfortably.
  • Car in the shop — Most affordable way to stay mobile during repairs.
  • Lowest daily rate — Starting at $55/day for local use.
  • Fuel efficiency — Up to 37 MPG on the intermediate car.

Intermediate vs. Full-Size: The intermediate is smaller and more fuel-efficient. The full-size offers more legroom and trunk space. The daily price difference is just $10.

When to rent a minivan (7 passengers)

  • 6–7 people — Keeps everyone in one vehicle without going to a full-size van.
  • Families with kids — Sliding doors, room for car seats, strollers, and luggage.
  • Airport runs — Fits everyone plus luggage for pickups at MSP, La Crosse, or Eau Claire.
  • Insurance replacement for an SUV — Adjusters often authorize a minivan when the damaged vehicle was a larger family car.

When to rent a 15-passenger van

  • 8+ people — One van keeps everyone together.
  • Sports teams — Traveling to tournaments or games with the whole squad.
  • Church groups — Youth retreats, volunteer trips, community outings.
  • Family reunions — Airport pickups or shuttling between event locations.
  • Wedding parties — Moving the bridal party or guests between venues.
  • Tourist groups — ATV trips, State Forest excursions, Driftless Region road trips.

One van or two cars? The cost comparison

10 People, 7 Days

2 INTERMEDIATE CARS

$630

$315 × 2 cars. 2 drivers. 2× gas. 2× parking.

1 PASSENGER VAN

$750

Fits 15. 1 driver. Half the gas. Only $120 more.

For just $120 more per week, one van keeps everyone together, uses half the gas, needs one parking spot, and eliminates the coordination problem. For most groups, the van wins.

Quick decision guide

  • 1–2 people, short trip → Intermediate Car ($55/day)
  • 3–5 people, road trip or extra comfort → Full-Size Car ($65/day)
  • 6–7 people or family with kids → 7-Passenger Minivan ($78/day)
  • 8+ people, teams, events, reunions → 15-Passenger Van ($135/day)

Still not sure? Call us at 715-396-1466 — we'll ask a couple of questions about your trip and recommend the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

For 5 or fewer, a car is most affordable. For 6–7, the minivan is the sweet spot. For 8+, the 15-passenger van is the only practical option — and often cheaper than renting two cars.

One van is almost always the better deal. Two intermediate cars cost $630/week. One 15-passenger van is $750/week and carries 15 people — plus you save on gas, parking, and coordination.

Intermediate cars (5 passengers), full-size cars (5 passengers), 7-passenger minivans, and 15-passenger vans. Daily, weekly, long-term, and insurance replacement rentals available for all.

When your group is 8+ people, or when you need significant cargo space. The 15-passenger van is ideal for sports teams, church groups, family reunions, and wedding parties.

Related Articles

Daily vs. Weekly Car Rental Rates: Which Saves You More? →

Once you've chosen a vehicle class, run the daily-vs-weekly math to lock in the best deal.

What You Need to Rent a Car — A First-Timer's Guide →

Three documents and a quick walkthrough so you know what to bring before pickup.

7 & 15 Passenger Van Rental in Black River Falls →

Going big? Our 15-passenger van is one of the only of its kind in western Wisconsin.

Need Help Choosing?

Tell us your group size and trip details — we'll recommend the perfect vehicle.

Call 715-396-1466