Moab is a red rock and sandstone wonderland that calls out to all kinds of adventurers. The popular off-roading trails in this part of the country have inspired numerous adventures with people from all around the world arriving to share in some of the fun.

One of the best ways to experience these trails for yourself is by renting out a 4x4 vehicle. That way, you can explore at your own pace and to your heart’s content. You can comfortably plan your itinerary, decide which trails to try out and which interesting sites to visit.

In addition to having some great restaurants and accommodation facilities to cater to every taste, Moab also has a range of rental companies specializing in leasing out 4x4 vehicles. These range from heavily modified Jeeps and trucks to RZRs.

Choosing the Right Off-Roading Vehicle

If you’re planning on heading out into the Moab desert to take on some challenging terrain, you might want to drive a vehicle with a bit more ability to navigate off-roading trails. For a great time, choose a vehicle that meets your needs and driving experience.

Here are some of the things you should be on the lookout for when renting a 4x4 vehicle for off-roading in Moab:

• Match the vehicle to the terrain.

Even though 4x4s are tough vehicles, not all of them are built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. You need to get one with a powerful engine, plenty of torque and with a chassis frame that’s designed to take some abuse.

Also check that the rig is equipped with tires and treads that match the surface you’ll be driving on whether that’s mud, sand, rock or dirt. It’ll also need to have adequate ground clearance and the right suspension to bounce over rocks and ruts without compromising driving quality. Keep in mind that the features that make these vehicles ideal for off-roading might make them unsuitable for driving on pavement.

• Check the safety features.

Another thing to check on your potential 4x4 rental is the kind of safety features it has. After all, you’ll be rock crawling, squeezing into tight notches and other daring activities so you need to ensure that the vehicle has the right safety standards to keep you safe. Other than airbags, check to see that the braking system, steering, traction control, etc., all check out.

• Familiarize yourself with the vehicle.

Furthermore, you should familiarize yourself with the rig before taking it out on the trails. Ensure you know how to use the 4x4 system and controls and check that the spare tire and the jack are in place and you can use them when needed. Also learn the lowest point of the vehicle’s clearance so that you can better judge the approach and departure angles to use when rock crawling or getting over other obstacles.

4x4 Rental Companies in Moab

Now that you know what to look for, let’s see where you can rent the vehicles.

Here are some of the rental companies in Moab that specialize in fully-equipped off-roading rigs that can handle the tough Moab trails and terrain.

• Twisted Jeeps

Twisted has entire fleet of upgraded Jeeps for rent at our convenient, central Moab location. Whether you need one Jeep or ten - Twisted has you covered!  At Twisted Jeeps, they pride themselves in having the largest fleet of outfitted two and four-door Jeeps in Moab. Designed with optimal performance, off-road handling, and safety in mind - their Jeeps are perfect whether you're a beginner or a Moab vet! 

• Barlow Adventures

Barlow Adventures have year-round rental operations meaning you can get a 4x4 regardless of the season. However, if you want to enjoy the trails minus the crowds, you might want to consider visiting Moab during the offseason.

With Barlow Adventures, you can rent a variety of custom-built and capable Jeep Gladiator rentals and trail-prepped Wranglers. These come with suspension lifts and heavy-duty off-roading tires to help you easily access the trails you want. Additionally, trail maps, area information, driving tips, and operating instructions are also part of the package.

• Canyonlands Jeep Adventures

Canyonlands Jeep Adventures has been providing Jeep rentals in Moab since 2004 and has only gotten better over the years. This locally owned and operated 4x4 rental company in Moab offers a range of Jeeps from Wranglers, Rubicons and Gladiators. Some of these have been modified to better take on the terrain. The minimum age to rent a vehicle with this company is 25 years and they do restrict which trails inexperienced drivers can take their Jeeps on. Hardcore trails such as Hell’s Revenge, Moab Rim and Behind the Rocks are out of bounds if you don’t have years of experience under your belt.

• Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals

If you’re looking for a little more variety, look no further than Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals. Other than modified Jeep rentals, they also have Toyota Tacoma trucks and Polaris RZRs for their clients. This opens up the range of trails that you can explore since the RZRs can boldly go on the highest rated trails where no trucks or Jeeps dare to venture. These vehicles are available on a daily rental basis so you can take charge of your adventure and go at your own pace.

Before driving off with the RZRs, you’ll be instructed on their use and safety procedures as well as be given free helmets and trailers.

• Outlaw Adventure Tours & Rentals

This 4x4 rental company specializes in custom-built Jeeps fully decked out to tackle Moab’s rugged terrain. These Jeeps come with full-body armor, upgraded and modified suspension systems as well as power steering systems. Both 2-seater and 4-seater Polaris RZRs are also available for rent. To rent the RZRs, the driver must be at least 21 years old with a valid driving license. All vehicles can be rented for a full or half-day, depending on your needs.

Renting a 4x4 vehicle in Moab gives you the freedom of taking your off-roading adventure into your own hands. This way you can explore trails to your heart’s content and go wherever you wish to without the limitations of a tour guide or group.

If you need advice on the right vehicle for your trip, which trails to check out or just want to talk shop, don’t hesitate to visit the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive 4x4 auto shop in Moab.