Long read // From a Dragon rental host
Best car for Tail of the Dragon
Forget badges. Forget horsepower numbers. Here's what actually makes a car good on US-129, and the cars in our fleet that hit each box.
Quick answer
These current cars are recommended for a drive on US-129. Compare the current cars before choosing your dates. Choose Maryville pickup or contactless delivery at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Review the pickup instructions for your confirmed booking before traveling.
Start with confidence behind the wheel
Choose a car you can drive comfortably at legal road speeds. Check the transmission, seating and visibility in the actual listing, and take time to learn the controls before reaching US-129.
A winding road does not require a particular power figure or drivetrain. Smooth inputs, room to stop and a pace that suits visibility matter more than a badge.
Plan for the road conditions
Check the forecast and road conditions before setting out. Rain, fallen leaves and traffic can change the drive. Adjust your plan and leave space for other road users.
Use designated pull-offs for breaks or photographs. Stay within posted limits, keep to your lane and never treat a public road as a timed course.
Compare the current cars
The cars below are current choices for US-129. Their seating and transmission come from each current listing; use those details to choose the right fit for the people and luggage traveling with you.
Open a vehicle to choose your dates and see pricing. A listing in this collection does not promise availability for a particular trip.
Current cars for your trip
See full fleet →Compare prices for your dates
8 current options. Enter your trip times once, then choose a vehicle to check availability.
Earliest pickup: today at 2:30 PM ET.
Estimates include rental taxes. Optional extras and airport exit parking are separate. Your dates carry through to the vehicle page.
2020 Subaru BRZ Limited
4 seats · Manual · RWD
View vehicle & pricing →
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
2 seats · Automatic · RWD
View vehicle & pricing →
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 30th Anniversary
2 seats · Manual · RWD · Convertible
View vehicle & pricing →
2022 Subaru WRX GT
5 seats · Automatic · AWD
View vehicle & pricing →
2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0
4 seats · Manual · RWD
View vehicle & pricing →
2021 Subaru WRX STI Base
5 seats · Manual · AWD
View vehicle & pricing →
2024 Nissan Z NISMO
2 seats · Automatic · RWD
View vehicle & pricing →
1994 Toyota MR2 GT-S
2 seats · Manual · RWD
View vehicle & pricing →Ready to request a trip? You'll create an account, verify your email and phone, and provide your driver's license, a selfie and insurance details before submitting. A request is reviewed before your booking is confirmed.
Need help with seating, luggage or pickup? Ask us before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do you allow Tail of the Dragon driving in your rentals?
Browse the current US-129 choices on this page and review the rental terms. Keep all driving within the law and the conditions of your agreement.
Can I do the Dragon in one day from TYS?
Yes, comfortably. TYS to Deals Gap is about 85 minutes. Run the road two or three times, eat at Tapoco, drive back. Full day, doable as a fly-in.
How do I see pricing and request a booking?
Open a vehicle and select your trip start and end dates and times to see pricing. A listed vehicle is not a guarantee of availability for your dates. Continue from the vehicle page to submit a booking request.
Where do I collect the car?
Choose Maryville pickup or contactless delivery at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Review the pickup instructions for your confirmed booking before traveling. Airport delivery has no separate delivery charge. Customer responsible for airport parking fee upon exit, typically no more than $13
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Current US-129 choices