Tarlen has more than 120 unique car models listed by everyday South Africans earning an extra income through carsharing.
You’ll find everything from fuel-efficient hatchbacks for city trips to comfortable SUVs for lengthy family adventures and spacious vans for bigger groups.
We dug into our booking data to see which cars renters keep choosing and what those choices say about travel trends in South Africa. Knowing what people want helps you list the right car, attract better guests, and earn more consistently, even during quieter seasons.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top cars renters booked the most on Tarlen in 2025, why these models are so popular among renters, and what you can do as a host to increase your own bookings and income.
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Why does the type of car matter on Tarlen?
South Africa’s car rental market is competitive, and renters aren’t just looking for “any car.” They want something that fits their needs for that exact trip.
Some renters need an economical car for daily commuting. Others want something stylish for a weekend getaway.
And many want SUVs or all-wheel-drive vehicles for outdoor adventures and road trips.
Understanding what renters in your area are searching for, how demand changes with the season, and which brands people trust the most will help you stay fully booked throughout the year.
When you list a car that matches local demand, earning consistently on Tarlen becomes much easier.
Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid has been one of the most booked cars on Tarlen since the day hosts started listing it.
Renters in Johannesburg and Cape Town love this little “micro-SUV” because it hits the sweet spot: affordable, slightly bigger than a standard hatchback, light on fuel, and easy to drive.
If you own a Kwid, you’re sitting on one of the simplest cars to earn with on Tarlen. It’s the kind of car that fits into almost every renter’s life, which keeps demand steady all year round.
Hyundai Staria
The Hyundai Staria may look like something from a sci-fi movie, but for families and larger groups, it’s an easy first choice. It’s spacious, comfortable, and flexible enough for any kind of trip.
Travellers with three or four kids book the Staria often because they don’t want to feel cramped while exploring places like Cape Town. Hosts also use smart pricing to boost earnings, with many offering up to 30% off on month-long bookings to attract longer stays.
If you’re looking to bring in premium, long-duration renters, a Staria is one of the strongest assets you can list on Tarlen.
Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 stands out as a favourite in the premium category on Tarlen. Renters choose it when they want a luxury experience without the price tag of the ultra-high-end brands. It’s popular for special occasions, longer road trips, and business travel.
One thing renters mention often is Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It gives the Q5 enough capability to handle mild off-roading and rougher gravel roads, which makes it a solid choice for anyone traveling out of the city.
Business travellers like it because it has presence. Couples like it because it makes their weekend away feel a little more special. If you want to attract renters who appreciate comfort, adventure, and quality, the Q5 is a strong earner.
Mini Cooper Countryman
The Mini Cooper isn’t just a car. It has a vibe and is very polarizing. People either love it or avoid it. For the ones who love it, they really love it.
The Countryman is the most popular Mini on Tarlen because it keeps the classic Mini feel but adds more space and practicality.
It’s the car renters can imagine themselves in when they picture themselves making an afternoon coffee run in Cape Town, a cute drive along the Atlantic Seaboard, or a weekend wine tasting trip to the winelands.
Expect strong weekend demand and lots of bookings from content creators and lifestyle-focused travellers who want something fun, stylish, and a little different.
BMW 320i
The BMW 3 Series has been the standard for sedans for years. It sits right at that sweep spot where luxury meets everyday liveability.
BMW called it the “ultimate driver’s car” for people who care about how the car feels whether driving long distance or sitting in traffic.
On Tarlen, professionals often book the 320i for long trips or multi-day stays. It’s popular for business travel because it puts people in the right headspace, focused, calm, and collected.
If you want a car that appeals to serious travellers who value both style and practicality, the 320i stays in steady demand.
Volkswagen Polo
South Africans have a soft spot for the Polo. Many of us grew up with it in the family, and for a lot of new graduates, it’s the first car they buy when they start working.
That familiarity plays a huge role in why the Polo stays one of the most rented cars on Tarlen.
Renters trust it. They know exactly how it drives, how it feels, and what to expect. Volkswagen also kept the Polo consistent over the years. They didn’t reinvent it, they simply kept refining it. Solid build, simple controls, a steady and reliable drive.
That consistency is its superpower. It makes the Polo a safe, high-demand choice for hosts who want predictable bookings year-round.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 is what you’d call a quiet standout. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it carries itself with a calm confidence that renters appreciate. It’s clean, polished, and dependable, the kind of car that makes people feel they’re in good hands.
Renters book the A4 for business meetings, date nights, airport pickups, and any moment where they want to make the right impression without trying too hard.
It performs well in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, where professionals prefer cars that feel classy, comfortable, and trustworthy.
If your goal is to attract mature, professional renters, the A4 brings strong, consistent demand.
Make your car standout
Your car is only one part of getting steady bookings on Tarlen. If you’re already listed on Tarlen but not seeing the activity you want, here are a few simple changes that can help:
Take better pictures: Renters book with their eyes first. Clear, well-lit photos that show your car from all angles make a massive difference. A bit of effort here can bring in far more bookings. Read our guide on taking better pictures.
Offer delivery: Renters want convenience. In the last 6 months, more than 80% of renters requested delivery to their hotel or the airport. Hosts who don’t offer delivery miss out on a big portion of potential bookings.
Respond quickly: Fast, friendly replies make renters feel taken care of, increasing their trust. Quick responses also boost your search ranking because the system rewards active, reliable hosts.
Keep your calendar open: Update your availability often, especially for weekends, holidays, and big events. The more open your calendar is, the more your car appears in search results.
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