Thanks to this forum recommenders we'll stay at Yosemite View Lodge for 4 nights Sept. 14. We'll do our best to see less crowded areas outside of Yosemite valley. We can handle moderate to strenuous hikes of about 10 miles round trip.
Is it helpful or at all necessary to rent an SUV or 4-wheel drive while there? We'll use the same vehicle to drive to SFO for the next 4 days of the trip so gas mileage will be an issue. Thanks!

No, you don't need a 4 wheel drive in Yosemite during the summertime. Most rental companies that rent SUVs specify they are not to be taken off road anyway.

All roads open to the public in yosemite are paved.

You'll regret having an SUV due to the price of gas. For the same amount of money the that you would spend on an SUV, I'd recommend getting a convertible. Putting the top down really lets you see the high granite walls.

Plus it will be roasty toasty that time of year.

You definitely do NOT need an SUV or 4-wheel drive in September.

No...when I went up, I took my convertible. A lot more fun than a 4 wheel drive in Yosemite!

As previous posters said, winter is another story, but Sept should be nice.