Slippery roads, poor visibility, and waterlogged roads can turn even a short trip into a challenge. Picking the monsoon car rental for your trip can mean discomfort—or worse, safety risks. For instance, an analysis found that the fatality rate increased to 32% (source: News Indian Express) during heavy rain in Kerala.
That’s why choosing the right car for monsoon travel is so important. You need a vehicle that offers good ground clearance, reliable traction, and a strong wiper and lighting system. Additionally, you should be 60% more careful while driving during the monsoon compared to other seasons.
In this blog, we’ve listed the top 9 safe monsoon car rentals perfectly suited for India’s rainy season—comfortable, safe, and ready to handle tough weather conditions. Let’s help you find the perfect monsoon-ready ride!
9 Best Rental Cars for Monsoon Trips in India (with Ground Clearance)
The best cars for monsoon driving in India are typically SUVs, which have high ground clearance. You could also rent a sedan or a hatchback, but only if you are sure that the road will be smooth enough for them, which is rare.
Here are some safe monsoon car rentals that have high ground clearance and are suitable for your monsoon travel.
Mahindra Thar (226 mm)
This pretty popular “mountain fighter” is designed to tackle the most difficult terrains of India. It is a highly practical and popular choice for adventure-oriented rental trips regardless of the season. You can easily cross the rocky bed rivers of Dharamshala to the muddy roads of Ranthambore with Thar. Here are some key safety features of the latest Thar that make it safe for the monsoon rental trip:
- 650mm (2.1 feet) of water-wading capacity
- Sturdy build + 4×4 drivetrain
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats
- 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating
- 4-Low mode to multiply torque in deep mud
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Anti-Roll-Over Mitigation
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Hill Hold Control (HHC) & Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Integrated Roll Cage for protection during overturn/rollover
The Mahindra Thar is one of the best high ground clearance cars in India and is easily available as a self-drive or chauffeur-driven car rental in many cities.
Toyota Fortuner (225 mm)
Fortuner is a household car name in India and is known for easy off-roading driving in any season. Fortuner is one of the best cars for monsoon driving and hilly areas. It’s an ideal car to take your family on a weekend monsoon getaway in Khandala hills. Here are a few main features that make the latest Toyota Fortuner safe for a monsoon road trip car hire:
- Robust body-on-frame construction
- 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating
- ISOFIX anchors for child seats
- 4×4 Drivetrain with Low Range Transfer Case and Differential Lock
- 700mm (2.3 feet) of water-wading capacity
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)/Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist (BA)
- Traction Control System (TRC / TCS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Honda Elevate (220 mm)
The Honda Elevate is a city-focused SUV with a good set of safety features for a safe monsoon trip. It’s not an extreme off-roader like a Thar or Fortuner, but it maintains control in slippery conditions. Honda Elevate is one of the highest safety-rated (JNCAP) high ground clearance cars in India. Here are the key safety features of the latest Honda Elevate that make it safe for monsoon driving:
- 5-star Japan NCAP safety rating
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) & Traction Control (TCS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)
Maruti Grand Vitara (210 mm)
The Maruti Grand Vitara is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment with a blend of modern features, fuel efficiency, and safety. Here are the core safety features of the latest Grand Vitara that make it safe for monsoon driving:
- ALLGRIP automatic AWD System
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- 4-star Global NCAP safety rating
- Hill Descent Control
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Also read: How are Droom Rental Services Safe For You?
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (210 mm)
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is designed to be a comfortable and fuel-efficient urban SUV, but it also packs decent safety features. Here are its key safety features that make it safe for your solo or family monsoon trip:
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- 4-star adult occupant protection Global NCAP safety rating
- Hill Descent Control (HDC) in AWD variants
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)
Maruti Suzuki Jimny (210 mm)
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny stands out as a purpose-built off-roader in a market dominated by urban SUVs. It’s a rugged car with all-terrain capability. It may not seem like it, but Jimny is one of the best cars for monsoon driving. Here are the main safety features of the Jimny for your individual or family monsoon trips:
- ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 System with Low Range Transfer Case
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- 3-star Euro NCAP safety rating of 2018
- Ladder Frame Chassis & Rigid Axle Suspension
- Brake Limited Slip Differential (Brake LSD Traction Control)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold Control (HHC) & Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)
Tata Nexon (209 mm)
The Tata Nexon has set a benchmark for safety in the Indian compact SUV segment. Its robust build quality and comprehensive safety features make it a reliable companion for a monsoon trip, even into challenging hilly terrains. Here are the core features that make the Nexon safe for a monsoon road trip car hire:
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP safety ratings
- Front Fog Lamps with Cornering Function
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Roll-Over Mitigation
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Corner Stability Control (CSC) / Brake Assist (BA)
Tata Safari (205 mm)
The latest Tata Safari is known for its strong road presence, comfortable cabin, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. It is a prominent contender in the 6/7-seater SUV segment in India. It’s a great monsoon family rental car to visit Jog Falls in Karnataka. Look at the key features that make this car safe for your group or family, monsoon car rental:
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP safety rating
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with 17 Added Functionalities
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough & Wet)
- Hill Hold Control (HHC) & Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- Rain-Sensing Wipers & Automatic Headlamps
- Front Fog Lamps with Cornering Function
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Level 2
Kia Sonet (205 mm)
Kia Sonet’s electronic aids and structural integrity provide considerable safety. See the list of the key features that make the Sonet safe for your monsoon rental car trip:
- All-Wheel Disc Brakes
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Level 1
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) & Traction Control System (TCS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)
More options to consider:
Toyota Land Cruiser (235 mm), Force Gurkha (233 mm), Land Rover Defender (228 mm), Tata Harrier (205mm), and Mahindra XUV700 (200 mm).
It is advisable to choose a rental car with a ground clearance of at least 200 mm if you want to ensure safety for you and your family. Plus, you should also select a car with other supporting safety features like ABS with EBD, ESP/VSC, and Traction Control.
Common Monsoon Road Trip Destinations in India
India is home to a wide variety of wonderful natural attractions, and many people leverage the pleasant monsoon weather to take a road trip. Many destinations transform into lush green spaces, misty air, and beautiful waterfalls. Here are some common car rental outstation trips for people in different cities during the monsoon.
- Delhi NCR to Dehradun & Mussoorie, Rishikesh & Haridwar, Kasauli, Nainital & Bhimtal, Bharatpur, and Ranthambore.
- Bangalore to Kodagu, Chikmagalur, Wayanad, Sakleshpur, and Shivanasamudra Falls
- Pune to Lonavala & Khandala, Malshej Ghat, Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani, Igatpuri, Alibaug/Coastal Konkan, and Tamhini Ghat
- Jaipur to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Bundi, and Ranthambore National Park.
- Chandigarh to Kasauli, Shimla, Chail, Dehradun & Mussoorie, and Dharamshala
- Bhubaneswar to Puri & Konark, Chilika Lake, Gopalpur-on-Sea, Keonjhar (hills forest), and Kandhamal
- Ahmedabad to Saputara (hills), Polo Forest, Mount Abu, Wilson Hills, and Gir National Park.
- Kolkata to Mukutmanipur (hills), Jhargram (Ketki falls), Bakkhali (beach town), and Digha.
- Chennai to Mahabalipuram (temples), Yelagiri (hills), Kodaikanal (hills), Tada Falls, and Nagalpuram Falls.
7 Tips To Rent an Ideal Car For Your Monsoon Trip
Monsoon season in Northern India, while picturesque, presents unique challenges for road travel, including slippery roads, reduced visibility, and potential waterlogging. Choosing the right rental car and adopting safe driving practices are paramount. Here are some monsoon travel car tips:
- Rent the right car for you (and the monsoon): Consider a car’s overall build and safety technologies beyond just ground clearance. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control (TC) reduce crash chances significantly.
- Ensure the rental car is functioning well: Book from a reliable car rental service and carefully inspect it for any faults before the journey. For instance, tire tread depth should be good for hydroplaning (slip) resistance.
- Book with 24/7 support: Ask about the car rental company’s 24/7 support and read their terms carefully. A quick response in a remote, rainy environment can be a lifesaver.
- Keep the emergency kit with you: Consider carrying monsoon-specific kit items like waterproof bags, flashlight, shovel, reflective vest, rope, etc.
- Drive cautiously: Reduce speed, increase braking distance by 30-50%, use low beam/fog headlights, and be extra vigilant.
- Take necessary breaks: Fatigued driving can impair judgment. Take short breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch, rehydrate, rest your eyes, or wait for better weather.
- Avoid waterlogged & dangerous routes: Follow the news or contact local acquaintances for any road advisories in monsoon before deciding your route.
Conclusion
Renting a safe monsoon car rental makes a huge difference in your riding experience. Choose from the above monsoon car rentals with good ground clearance, solid grip, and reliable wipers—these features matter more than you think when roads get tricky.
SUVs and crossovers often handle wet roads better. Always check the tire condition and brakes before you hit the road. Stay safe, stay dry, and travel smart this monsoon.
Browse our list of monsoon-ready rentals and book the perfect ride for your journey today.