So I rented a premium 3 row SUV (Traverse or similar). When I landed I was offered a 2023 Ford Explorer with 2900 miles which to me is effectively a direct competitor to the Traverse. It didn’t specify whether the Explorer was 2wd or 4wd, so I was a bit uncertain and didn’t confirm. I was given the option for three other vehicles, all three had a prominent banner that said Complimentary Upgrade with a star:

- 2021 Kia Sorento 7 passenger FWD with 40k miles
- 2022 Chevy Traverse 7 passenger AWD with 20k miles
-2023 GMC Terrain 5 passenger AWD with 6k miles

Before accepting, I went to the stall of the Explorer and it was AWD, so I took that. Without doubt it was the best of the bunch, unsure why anyone would consider the other options an upgrade. Also, the Explorer itself wasn’t a 1-class upgrade from what I reserved; that’d be a Tahoe or similar. I saw plenty of Tahoes and other slightly more upscale SUVs parked in other stalls…

The Explorer is actually great and still smelled new, but so far I can’t say I’m impressed with my first Avis experience. I walked by the National Executive aisle and saw far better options including a BMW X5, an Infiniti QX80 and higher trimmed Explorers (Platinum vs Limited).

Ultimately, I got what I paid for (no Plus upgrade though and offered only a selection of downgrades); the QR code checkout worked well.