Sedona is calling. The red rocks, the vortexes, the stunning desert landscapes—all just two hours north of Phoenix. But what's the best car to get you there and make the most of Arizona's most photogenic destination? This guide breaks down your options, from rugged Jeeps to open-air convertibles.

The Phoenix to Sedona Drive

Before picking your vehicle, understand the journey. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona covers about 115 miles and takes roughly 2 hours via I-17 North to Highway 179. The route is paved and well-maintained—you don't need a 4x4 just to get there.

However, what you do in Sedona determines what you should drive. Are you sticking to paved scenic routes? Hitting the famous off-road trails? Cruising with the top down? Each adventure calls for different wheels.

Best Cars by Sedona Activity

For Off-Road Adventures: Jeep Wrangler

If you're planning to explore Sedona's legendary off-road trails—Broken Arrow, Schnebly Hill Road, Diamondback Gulch—a Jeep Wrangler is the gold standard.

Why the Wrangler works:

  • True 4x4 capability with low-range gearing
  • High ground clearance for rocky terrain
  • Removable top for open-air desert views
  • Iconic look that fits the Sedona vibe
  • Rugged enough to handle moderate trails without worry

Rental cost: $120-$180/day on ItWhip

Pro tip: Book a 4-door Wrangler Unlimited if traveling with more than 2 people—the 2-door backseat is tight for adults.

For Scenic Drives: Convertible

Sedona's beauty is best experienced with the wind in your hair. If you're planning to cruise Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, loop the Red Rock Scenic Byway, or just want Instagram-worthy moments, a convertible transforms the experience.

Top convertible choices:

  • Ford Mustang Convertible: Classic American muscle, plenty of power for mountain grades ($130-$170/day)
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata: Nimble handling on twisty canyon roads ($90-$120/day)
  • BMW 4 Series Convertible: Luxury with top-down capability ($180-$250/day)
  • Jeep Wrangler: Remove the top for rugged open-air (best of both worlds)

Best time for convertible driving: October through April. Summer temperatures in Sedona hit 95°F+, making top-down driving less pleasant during midday.

For Family Trips: Mid-Size SUV

Traveling with kids, luggage, and maybe a stroller? A mid-size SUV gives you space, comfort, and enough capability for unpaved Forest Service roads.

Top family picks:

  • Toyota 4Runner: Legendary reliability, true 4WD capability ($100-$140/day)
  • Ford Explorer: Spacious third row available, smooth highway ride ($90-$130/day)
  • Honda Pilot: Comfortable, fuel-efficient, reliable ($85-$120/day)
  • Subaru Outback: AWD standard, great visibility, rugged capability ($75-$100/day)

These vehicles handle the paved roads easily and can navigate moderate unpaved roads like Dry Creek Road to access popular trailheads.

For Luxury Experiences: Premium SUV or Sedan

Sedona attracts luxury travelers—world-class spas, fine dining, boutique resorts. If that's your trip, arrive in style.

Luxury options:

  • Range Rover: Ultimate combination of luxury and off-road capability ($250-$400/day)
  • Mercedes GLE: Refined comfort with AWD confidence ($180-$280/day)
  • BMW X5: Sporty handling, premium interior ($170-$260/day)
  • Porsche Cayenne: Performance SUV with stunning presence ($220-$350/day)

For Budget-Conscious Travelers: Compact SUV or Sedan

You don't need an expensive vehicle to enjoy Sedona. Most attractions are accessible by paved road, and a reliable compact car gets the job done.

Budget-friendly picks:

  • Toyota RAV4: Reliable, fuel-efficient, handles well ($60-$85/day)
  • Honda CR-V: Spacious interior, smooth ride ($55-$80/day)
  • Mazda CX-5: Fun to drive, upscale interior ($55-$80/day)
  • Toyota Camry: If you're staying on pavement, hard to beat ($45-$65/day)

Sedona's Famous Off-Road Trails

Understanding Sedona's trail system helps you choose the right vehicle:

Easy Trails (Any Vehicle)

  • Dry Creek Road: Unpaved but smooth access to trailheads
  • Boynton Pass Road: Graded dirt, passenger cars OK
  • Red Rock Loop Road: Paved scenic drive

Moderate Trails (SUV/Crossover Recommended)

  • Schnebly Hill Road (lower section): Rocky but manageable with clearance
  • Forest Road 525: Access to Palatki Heritage Site

Challenging Trails (4WD/High Clearance Required)

  • Broken Arrow: Sedona's most famous—requires true 4x4
  • Schnebly Hill Road (upper section): Steep, rocky, demanding
  • Diamondback Gulch: Technical terrain, experienced drivers
  • Soldier Pass: Includes the famous "Devil's Kitchen" sinkhole

Electric Vehicles for Sedona?

EVs can absolutely do the Sedona trip. Tesla Superchargers are available in Flagstaff (30 minutes north) and Camp Verde (20 minutes south). The drive from Phoenix is well within any modern EV's range.

Considerations:

  • No DC fast charging in Sedona proper—plan your charges
  • EVs handle highway driving efficiently; mountain grades use more energy
  • Tesla Model Y offers SUV versatility with EV efficiency
  • Rivian R1S (if available) combines EV with serious off-road capability

Check out electric vehicle rentals on ItWhip.

What to Know Before Your Drive

Fuel Up Before Sedona

Gas prices in Sedona run 20-40 cents higher per gallon than Phoenix. Fill up before you leave or in Camp Verde on the way.

Check Weather Conditions

Sedona sits at 4,500 feet elevation—winter can bring snow and icy roads, especially on Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. AWD or 4WD provides peace of mind November through March.

Parking Passes Required

Many Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week). Purchase at visitor centers or self-serve stations.

Book Early for Peak Season

Sedona is busiest October through April. Popular vehicles (Jeeps, convertibles) book up fast during these months. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead.

Sample Road Trip Itineraries

The Day Tripper (Any Vehicle)

  1. Leave Phoenix early morning
  2. Stop at Montezuma Castle (30 min detour)
  3. Arrive Sedona, park at Tlaquepaque for lunch
  4. Drive Red Rock Scenic Byway
  5. Short hike at Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock viewpoint
  6. Return via Oak Creek Canyon (Highway 89A)

The Weekend Explorer (SUV Recommended)

Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona, check into hotel, sunset at Airport Mesa

Day 2: Morning hike, afternoon Broken Arrow Jeep tour (or drive yourself with 4WD), dinner in Uptown

Day 3: Slide Rock State Park, return to Phoenix via scenic route

The Adventure Seeker (Jeep Required)

Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona via Schnebly Hill Road (if dry)

Day 2: Broken Arrow trail, Soldier Pass in your Jeep

Day 3: Drive to Palatki ruins, Diamondback Gulch

Day 4: Return via scenic Oak Creek Canyon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Jeep for Sedona?

No—most Sedona attractions are accessible by regular car. You only need a Jeep if you want to drive the famous off-road trails yourself. Many visitors book Jeep tours instead.

Is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona dangerous?

The main route (I-17 to 179) is a well-maintained highway. The alternate route through Oak Creek Canyon (89A) has steep grades and tight curves—scenic but more demanding.

Can I rent a Jeep in Sedona?

Options are limited in Sedona itself. Renting from Phoenix through P2P platforms like ItWhip gives you more selection and often better rates.

What's the best month to visit Sedona?

October and November offer ideal weather—warm days, cool nights, minimal crowds compared to spring. March and April are busiest but beautiful.

Book Your Sedona Road Trip Car

Ready to hit the road? Browse SUVs, convertibles, and adventure-ready vehicles on ItWhip. Every rental includes insurance, and you'll get the exact car shown in photos—no airport counter surprises.

Phoenix hosts deliver to Sky Harbor Airport, your hotel, or wherever works best. Book now and start planning your Sedona adventure.