Which Is the Best Rental Car Company?

FINN’s experts took a deep dive into the rental car market, reading through customer reviews, comparing daily rates, and curating accurate and timely information. After careful consideration and research, the team arrived at the following results: 

• Best Overall: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Best For Young Drivers: Hertz Car Rental
• Best Rental Car Alternative: FINN
• Best Long-Term Car Rental: Avis Car Rental

Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis represent three of the largest car rental companies nationwide. In addition to its main holdings, Enterprise also operates Alamo and National Car Rental companies. Hertz holds Thrifty and Dollar, while Avis and Budget are part of the same car rental conglomerate. 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Unsurprisingly, Enterprise made the list of the best rental car companies, especially given how wide a reach it maintains. With several thousand locations scattered across the globe, Enterprise continues to set the bar for competitive rental rates, discounts, loyalty rewards, and perks. This rental car company checks several boxes for travelers looking to make the car rental process as swift and painless as possible.  

While most car rental companies don’t allow you to rent a car for someone else, Enterprise includes spouses or domestic partners as authorized drivers at no additional charge, provided they are present at the time of renting the car, meet the minimum age requirements, and hold a valid driver’s license. 

Pros:

• One of the largest selections in the industry 
• Enterprise Plus rewards program is free to sign up 
• Offers one-way rentals 
• Competitive rental rates 
• Add an authorized driver for free 
• Various discounts (military, veteran, government employees)

Cons: 

• Doesn’t always offer the lowest rates
• $25 per day additional rate for drivers younger than 25

Hertz Car Rental

It costs more to rent a car if you’re younger than 25 unless you book with Hertz. This rental car company only charges $19 per day in addition to the advertised rental rate if you haven’t passed your 25th birthday. As you can see from the chart below, most other car rental companies charge $25 or more per day extra. 

Choosing between an economy vs. a compact car can feel like choosing between your two least favorite vegetables. However, Hertz stands out with its luxury car selection with pricing that rivals other heavy-hitters in the industry. Hertz’s loyalty program also rewards you based on how many times you rent or how much you spend with the company to bring you upgrades, fast service, and a wider selection of vehicles. 

Pros:

• Low daily rates for younger drivers  
• Offers luxury and electric models for rent
• Hertz Gold Plus, Five Star, and President’s Circle loyalty programs 
• Maintains a reputation for clean vehicles
• Wide selection and availability

Cons: 

• Rates aren’t necessarily the cheapest 
• Spending required for higher loyalty program tiers

FINN

Weeding through car rental rates, additional fees, and various rental restrictions can have you reaching for a bottle of aspirin. Avoid the headache of comparing rental car companies with a FINN car subscription. As a rental car alternative, FINN offers a set monthly payment that includes practically every cost except for gas. FINN’s wide selection of vehicles also includes trucks, electric cars, sedans, and SUVs. 

When you subscribe to a car with FINN, you can choose the number of miles you need and the length of your subscription. Choose up to 1,500 miles per month for six or 12 months at a time. Upon expiration of your subscription, you can begin the process anew with a new vehicle. As a prime rental car alternative, FINN offers the convenience, flexibility, and selection you need to travel your way, no matter where the road leads you. 

Avis Car Rental 

If you plan on renting a car for more than a few days, Avis offers some of the most competitive rates. You can rent up to 11 months at a time with daily rates comparable to Hertz and Enterprise. Join the Avis Preferred Rewards loyalty program to earn points that you can redeem for accessories and rentals. 

In addition, Avis For Business can help your small business make ends meet with discounted rates. Those savings continue through various upgrades and discounts available for individuals on the Avis website. Customers can also select from a fleet of electric, performance, and luxury vehicles ready for the road ahead. 

Pros:

• Competitive rates for long-term rentals 
• Avis Preferred Rewards loyalty program
• Exceptional value through deals and promotions  
• Fleet includes electric and performance cars  

Cons: 

• Charges the most for young drivers under 25 
• Fewest locations  

Below is a quick reference table comparing each of the top car rental companies based on daily rates, locations, fees for drivers younger than 25, and loyalty programs:   

Note that each car rental company charges an additional fee for drivers younger than 25. Minimum driving age requirements and rates vary based on company and location.  

Enterprise ranks as the best car rental company overall, with competitive rates, valuable rewards programs, an impressive selection of vehicles, and the convenience of picking you up. While Enterprise doesn’t always offer the cheapest rates, customer satisfaction surveys indicate a company-wide dedication to superior service and value. Enterprise also offers discounts for veterans, military members, and government employees. 

Hertz and Avis are not far behind, offering customers similar car rental perks, availability, and loyalty programs. Hertz charges the least for young drivers under the age of 25, while Avis stands out among long-term car rental options. However, with the increased demand for rental cars after the pandemic and inflation, renting a car can be costly no matter which rental car company you choose. 

If you’re tired of asking yourself, “What’s the best time to rent a car?” or “What do I need to rent a car?” consider FINN. A FINN car subscription streamlines the process by offering simple terms, several popular makes and models, and the chance to have your new subscription delivered straight to your door. Prequalify in a few simple steps without impacting your credit score to see if a FINN car subscription is right for you.