Everyone wants a cheap car rental in Knoxville — but the lowest sticker price at the airport counter is rarely the lowest total. By the time the concession fees, facility charges and coverage upsells are added, that "cheap" rate has climbed. There's a simpler, genuinely cheaper way to get on the road here.
Cruise Knoxville Car Rentals is a locally owned host on Turo. You book a specific, well-kept car online, we hand it off near the airport or deliver it, and the price you see is the price you pay — no counter markup.
Where the "cheap" rate quietly gets expensive
At a traditional counter, the headline price is the start of the negotiation, not the end. The extras that pad a bill:
- Airport concession & facility fees — a flat surcharge just for renting at the airport.
- Coverage upsells at the desk, sold under time pressure.
- Fuel policies that charge a premium if you don't return it exactly full.
- Vehicle licensing and "recovery" line items you didn't see online.
We don't have a counter, so we don't have counter fees. Protection is chosen up front at Turo checkout, and the total is clear before you book. More on that comparison on our Turo vs. the rental counter page.
Our most affordable cars
The real savings on a Knoxville trip is fuel — a Smokies week is a lot of miles. Our fleet is built for it:
- 2020 Hyundai Elantra — easy on gas, easy to park, one of the cheapest ways to get around town.
- 2018 Kia Soul — small, simple and economical, great for solo trips and city driving.
- 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid — a step up in comfort that still keeps the fuel bill low on mountain miles.
How to keep it even cheaper
- Rent longer. Weekly and monthly bookings get better per-day rates — see monthly & long-term rentals.
- Book early. Prices rise as availability tightens, especially summer and leaf-season weekends.
- Pick the fuel-efficient car. On a week of Smokies driving, MPG saves more than the daily rate does.
- Skip the airport add-ons. Delivery to your hotel or cabin can cost less than a week of airport surcharges.
Cheap doesn't mean a beater
Every car in the fleet is clean, well-maintained, and backed by 5-star Turo reviews. You're getting an affordable rate and a car you'll actually enjoy driving — from a local who wants your trip to go well. Browse the fleet or see how it works.
Common questions
What's the cheapest car you rent in Knoxville?
Our most economical options are the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Soul — both easy on gas and ideal for getting around town or to the Smokies. Exact rates depend on your dates and trip length; longer trips get better per-day pricing.
Are there hidden fees like at the airport counter?
No. Because we're a local host on Turo and not an airport counter, there are no concession recovery fees or facility surcharges. Your price and protection options are shown up front at checkout.
Is it cheaper to rent by the week or month?
Yes. Weekly and monthly bookings earn better per-day rates than daily rentals. If you need a car for an extended stay, see our monthly and long-term rental page.
Does delivery cost extra?
Delivery to the airport, your hotel or a cabin is available for a fee that's often less than a week of airport add-ons. Message us your details when you book and we'll quote it.
Are the cheaper cars still reliable?
Every car is clean, well-maintained and backed by 5-star reviews. Affordable here means no counter markup — not a lower-quality car.