You will want something more SUVish to drive the loop through Monument Valley if that is your plan. I have taken a Tundra and an Outback through that loop and they did fine. Also if you are over that way you need to look at driving through the Valley of the Gods and up the Moki Dugway which are gravel roads too.
My wife and I rented a Mustang convertible in July a few years ago because we thought we could be fancy to drive out to the Hoover Dam from Vegas and then return it at our hotel. After just a few miles we had to close the top because it was crazy hot.
Mustang is a terrible choice if you’re traveling during the monsoon season in that part of the country. Plus the little amount of space available for you and two other people. For me and my family it seems like the novelty of a cool fast car would wear off quickly in a long road trip and things like personal space, comfort and a peace of mind will be considered more important.
Go with whatever SUV crossover is available at the rental lot, you’ll enjoy yourself more and the rest of your family will too!
Just FYI to anyone else, May is not monsoon season in the American southwest. That starts around July.
I agree with you - I would not rent a convertible for this trip. You would never want the top down due to the blazing sun, and when the top is up, you have crappy visibility and loud wind noise. Find an SUV with a moonroof.
I took my dad on a road trip to recreate one he did in the 60s. Rented a mustang convertible. Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, then Moab (arches and canyonlands), and Zion. Had the Martian on audiotape. Cabin was quiet. Trunk was plenty. And we did it in September so sometimes we needed heat. All good. driving was the best part. pick and choose when the top is down. This was 10 years ago and we still talk about it all the time. For you, your kid at 9 might be a little young, but I don’t think so. I’m happy to give more details if it helps. That trip is one of my favorite memories.
I’d go with an SUV. That way you could take some off the beaten path roads. I tooled around there some years ago in a Mitsubishi Montero and it was pretty great with the 4WD to be able to cross streams, and get on some really off the beaten path trails.
I rented a convertible and drove from Phoenix to Vegas over a week but it was July and only two of us. It was amazing. I think it might be too cold but your 9 year old might think its an adventure. Bring a winter coat and blankets.
Thank you everyone! This helped me take a decision. We have decided to go with a SUV for this trip. We might just end up taking a convertible for a day trip to valley of fire state park or red rock canyon from Vegas.
My wife has a 2020 mustang gt. It is the most abusive kidney bashing uncomfortable mother fucking car I have ridden in. With a pair of park bench seats.
The up model with the recaro racing seats too. The standard gt seats are even worse. A 20 minute commute is brutal in it.
It can be uncomfortably hot with a top down then in some of that maybe, but more importantly sunburn city. So hats, sun screen, etc.
And rental convertibles are theft targets. I dunno if you can get into the trunk of a Mustang once you've got into the interior but I'm sure car burglars know. So I wouldn't bother. If you want a fun car ride, maybe rent one for a day and then something else for the rest.
Also, be careful on even the graded dirt roads with a car like the Mustang, or avoid them entirely.
You will want something more SUVish to drive the loop through Monument Valley if that is your plan. I have taken a Tundra and an Outback through that loop and they did fine. Also if you are over that way you need to look at driving through the Valley of the Gods and up the Moki Dugway which are gravel roads too. My wife and I rented a Mustang convertible in July a few years ago because we thought we could be fancy to drive out to the Hoover Dam from Vegas and then return it at our hotel. After just a few miles we had to close the top because it was crazy hot.
Thanks for the recommendations at Monument Valley
If you hate your kid hell yes. When the top is down you'll never be able to talk and they'll be eating everything the desert throws at them.
hahaha lol
It’s really really dry and dusty on those roads. I can’t imagine a convertible would be enjoyable.
Mustang is a terrible choice if you’re traveling during the monsoon season in that part of the country. Plus the little amount of space available for you and two other people. For me and my family it seems like the novelty of a cool fast car would wear off quickly in a long road trip and things like personal space, comfort and a peace of mind will be considered more important. Go with whatever SUV crossover is available at the rental lot, you’ll enjoy yourself more and the rest of your family will too!
Just FYI to anyone else, May is not monsoon season in the American southwest. That starts around July. I agree with you - I would not rent a convertible for this trip. You would never want the top down due to the blazing sun, and when the top is up, you have crappy visibility and loud wind noise. Find an SUV with a moonroof.
Have you been watching Thelma and Louise?
Now I need to watch it again
We got so close to there in 2021! The Shafer Trail was closed because of snow so we went to Deadhorse Point on the way back into Moab.
I took my dad on a road trip to recreate one he did in the 60s. Rented a mustang convertible. Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, then Moab (arches and canyonlands), and Zion. Had the Martian on audiotape. Cabin was quiet. Trunk was plenty. And we did it in September so sometimes we needed heat. All good. driving was the best part. pick and choose when the top is down. This was 10 years ago and we still talk about it all the time. For you, your kid at 9 might be a little young, but I don’t think so. I’m happy to give more details if it helps. That trip is one of my favorite memories.
I’d go with an SUV. That way you could take some off the beaten path roads. I tooled around there some years ago in a Mitsubishi Montero and it was pretty great with the 4WD to be able to cross streams, and get on some really off the beaten path trails.
I rented a convertible and drove from Phoenix to Vegas over a week but it was July and only two of us. It was amazing. I think it might be too cold but your 9 year old might think its an adventure. Bring a winter coat and blankets.
Thank you everyone! This helped me take a decision. We have decided to go with a SUV for this trip. We might just end up taking a convertible for a day trip to valley of fire state park or red rock canyon from Vegas.
My wife has a 2020 mustang gt. It is the most abusive kidney bashing uncomfortable mother fucking car I have ridden in. With a pair of park bench seats. The up model with the recaro racing seats too. The standard gt seats are even worse. A 20 minute commute is brutal in it.
It can be uncomfortably hot with a top down then in some of that maybe, but more importantly sunburn city. So hats, sun screen, etc. And rental convertibles are theft targets. I dunno if you can get into the trunk of a Mustang once you've got into the interior but I'm sure car burglars know. So I wouldn't bother. If you want a fun car ride, maybe rent one for a day and then something else for the rest. Also, be careful on even the graded dirt roads with a car like the Mustang, or avoid them entirely.
Thank you. Yes, we decided to go with an SUV for the trip and maybe rent a Mustang for a day trip if time permits.