Well that depends where you’re planning to head. Downtown Elista, about 5 miles from Elista Airport (ESL-Elista Intl.), can be a challenge to drive around. Make things easier by renting something compact, fuel-efficient, and simple to handle. That said, Elista is a good base to explore some of the steppes around Republic of Kalmykia. If your journey is more about clocking up those miles, then you may prefer something with a little more comfort and room to move about. What about an SUV or a full-size car?