Georgia isn't one kind of road. In a single day you can go from a smooth highway to a potholed mountain pass to a gravel track that makes you question your life choices. The car you pick matters more here than in most countries.
These are the six cars our renters book the most — and honest notes on where each one shines and where it doesn't.
🚙 Subaru Forester
Best for: Mountain roads, Svaneti, Kakheti, families with luggage
A four-wheel drive crossover that was basically designed for Georgian terrain. Reliable as a real Japanese car. Fearless like a samurai. And honestly — if you don't try the boxer engine now, when will you?
The Forester is the single most popular car on TakeCars in Georgia, and the reviews explain why. It handles Svaneti gravel roads that make you wonder if you took a wrong turn, carries a family's worth of luggage with room to spare, and sips fuel compared to a full-size SUV.
What renters say:
"I've never driven on such hard gravel roads as this time in Svaneti, and wasn't sure if this car could take it, but it did!" — Boris 🇰🇬
"The car was unexpectedly large enough for all the stuff we had to carry. Also has a sunroof for even better ventilation." — Anantaporn 🇹🇭, 10-day road trip with photography gear
"We traveled almost all over Georgia in a Subaru Forester. No deposit, four-wheel drive. Everything is fast, clear and to the point." — Marina 🇷🇺
Good to know: Most Foresters on TakeCars are 2008–2016 models. They're not new, but they're proven. Ask the owner about tire condition if you're heading to the mountains in winter.
🔋 Toyota Prius
Best for: Highway trips, Tbilisi–Batumi runs, budget-conscious renters
The Japanese eco-friendly hybrid. Large trunk, spacious interior, and fuel consumption so low it feels like a cheat code. Great for city driving and long highway stretches. A combination of quality, ergonomics, and comfort — even a long trip won't tire you out.
The Prius is the go-to economy car in Georgia. Owners love it because fuel is expensive here, and this car barely drinks. Renters love it because it's cheap and roomy. Just don't take it off-road.
What renters say:
"The car corresponds to its price. This is the cheapest rental I found in Tbilisi. The technical condition, price, and service were all great." — Maksym 🇵🇱
"The lessor explained that fuel is expensive in Georgia, and the Prius is much more economical — and he was right." — Andrei 🇧🇾
Good to know: You'll see many Priuses on the road in Georgia — it's practically the national car. Fuel savings are real: renters report 4–5L/100km on highways. Not suitable for mountain roads or off-road routes.
🏔️ Mitsubishi Outlander
Best for: Svaneti loops, mixed terrain, groups of 4–5
A Japanese crossover with serious off-road ability. Dynamic, maneuverable, spacious interior — ideal for traveling. It handles steppe and mountain roads without breaking a sweat. The rear seats fold flat and turn into a full double bed — handy if you're the adventurous type.
What renters say:
"We took a 2017 Outlander for a 4-day Kutaisi–Martvili–Mestia–Ushguli–Tbilisi trip. Over 1,000 km. No issues at all — very comfortable and surprisingly fun to drive on the scenic Georgian roads." — Max 🇵🇱
"Very good prices, significantly lower than other offers. I compared!" — Alexander 🇷🇺
Good to know: The Outlander sits between the Forester (more rugged) and the RAV4 (more refined). It's the Goldilocks choice for renters who want 4x4 capability without committing to a hardcore off-roader.
🛞 Mitsubishi Pajero IO
Best for: Tusheti, Ushguli–Lentekhi, serious off-road
A smaller version of the flagship that brought Mitsubishi world fame. Most of them in Georgia are 12+ years old, seat 5, and come with 4x4. Almost all were imported from Japan, which means the steering wheel has been moved from right to left — you'll notice some quirks (turn signal lever on the wrong side, mirror controls in odd places).
The Pajero IO is for renters who know they're going somewhere rough. It's not pretty, it's not quiet, but it goes where other cars can't.
What renters say:
"We took a Pajero IO for trips in the mountains. In the most difficult places, four-wheel drive was turned on, and the car did not fail anywhere." — Victor 🇷🇺
"I would not recommend an all-wheel-drive vehicle for Tusheti such as Subaru. It was nice to have a real 4WD and also the more horsepower compared to some Pajeros." — Jason 🇬🇪, who drove the Tusheti road
Good to know: These are old, honest workhorses. Expect cosmetic wear. The converted steering wheel takes a day to get used to. But if your route includes Tusheti or the Ushguli–Lentekhi road, this is the car that actually gets you there.
🛣️ Toyota RAV4
Best for: All-rounders, long trips, Tbilisi–Kutaisi–Batumi with mountain detours
A reliable crossover with enough ground clearance for Georgian roads but comfortable enough for long highway stretches. Designed for unforgettable adventures and long trips — both driver and passengers stay comfortable over big distances.
The RAV4 is the most mentioned car in Georgia reviews — 58 times. It's the safe, sensible choice when you want a bit of everything: some off-road ability, good comfort, reasonable fuel economy.
What renters say:
"The car was perfect for us: reliable, comfortable, and handled Georgian roads very well." — Dmitrii 🇩🇪
"The four of us sat together with rather big luggage and felt comfortable." — Maryna 🇧🇾, 6-day trip around Georgia
Good to know: RAV4s on TakeCars range from 2010 to 2019 models. Newer ones come with better safety features. A solid choice if you're not sure what you need — it handles 80% of Georgian routes comfortably.
👑 Lexus GX470
Best for: Large groups, premium comfort, off-road with style
A reliable premium SUV for a family or large group. Ideal for comfortable everyday driving and off-road trips alike. Eats fuel like a tank — expect 18–22L/100km — but you get a V8 engine, leather interior, and the feeling that Georgian roads can't touch you.
What renters say:
"This car can drive ANYWHERE — we drove it on the roads of Ushguli–Lentekhi and Okatse canyon. We were 6 adults plus luggage. They even provided a roof box so everything fit." — Andrey 🇷🇺, 11 days
"We had a great time in Georgia, especially with the Lexus GX470 that we rented for 3 weeks." — Alexander 🇳🇱
Good to know: This is the premium choice. Budget extra for fuel — you'll spend noticeably more than with any other car on this list. But if you're 5–6 people with luggage heading to the mountains, nothing else comes close in comfort.
How to choose
Just driving highways? → Toyota Prius. Save money, skip the 4x4.
Mountains + highways mix? → Subaru Forester or RAV4. Both handle it well.
Svaneti loop (Kutaisi–Mestia–Ushguli)? → Outlander or Forester. You need ground clearance and 4x4.
Tusheti or Ushguli–Lentekhi road? → Pajero IO. Don't mess around with lighter cars.
5–6 people with luggage? → Lexus GX470. Expensive to fuel, but nothing else fits your group.
Not sure? → RAV4. It does 80% of everything well.
