Enterprise vs. Hertz: Which Rental Company Should You Choose?

Choosing between Enterprise and Hertz can be a challenge. Below are the key differences between these two leading rental car brands that can help you make a more informed decision. 

Whether renting a car for a road trip or just to get away for the weekend, Enterprise and Hertz can help you make the journey.  

Enterprise and Hertz have been a powerful duo in the car rental industry for quite some time. Besides a few nuances, both rental car companies work from a similar playbook in scheduling, loaning, and receiving rentals nationwide.  

Enterprise

Enterprise entered the rental car scene in the late 1950s but remains a popular and affordable choice over its older competitor, Hertz. Jack C. Taylor founded Enterprise and gave the company the same name as the ship he served on, the USS Enterprise. His fleet of seven cars has now grown to over one million vehicles across the globe. 

Drivers under 25 must pay a $25 per-day fee to rent a car with Enterprise or any of its rental car companies. You must be over 25 to rent an exotic car. Enterprise works with select insurance companies to give drivers 18 or older a rental car while their primary vehicle is in the shop. 

Hertz

Hertz Global Holdings, otherwise known as Hertz, was founded by Walter L. Jacobs just a few years over a century ago. Built off the small fleet of a dozen Model Ts, Hertz now serves customers with hundreds of thousands of vehicles globally. Hertz is one of many rental car companies to add electric cars such as Teslas to their fleet.  

You can rent a car from Hertz if you’re at least 18 in Michigan, 19 in Alabama, or 20 in the other 48 states. Drivers under 25 are subject to a $19 per day fee, one of the lowest in the industry. However, young drivers are limited to specific vehicles that can only be unlocked after their 25th birthday. 

Summary

Hertz and Enterprise allow pets but charge a fine for smoking. If you smoke in your rental car, you’ll pay a $400 fine to Hertz and a $250 fine to Enterprise. Hertz has been in business longer than Enterprise, but the two consistently rival one another for the lion’s share of the rental car market. 

In contrast to these American-made companies, Germany-based FINN enters the scene with a new approach to temporary car ownership. FINN offers car subscriptions with short terms (as low as six months) and an affordable monthly payment. You only pay FINN a security deposit if your credit score is lower than average, but there is no down payment required. 

Individual car rental rates vary depending on pickup and drop-off times and location. Additional features or accessories may cost more or less, given availability and if you upgrade.

Enterprise

Commanding one of the largest rental car fleets nationwide and perhaps globally, Enterprise allows customers to upgrade at specific locations without charge. Rates tend to be more affordable with Enterprise than other rental companies, where customers may rely on promotions and deals to lock in a lower price. When you refuel an Enterprise rental, you can pay the local service fee, refuel the car yourself, or prepay. 

Hertz

Hertz offers a similar refueling policy, which is relatively standard across the market. However, Hertz does advertise electric cars, such as the Tesla Model 3, as part of their extensive fleet. Pricing remains just north of Enterprise, depending on which model you choose. However, deals and promotions can help reduce those rates to bring them into the competitive realm. 

Summary

While Hertz maintains an edge on Enterprise with a distinct luxury lineup, Enterprise has a broader selection available. Both rental car companies offer similar refueling options, resulting in a tie. However, Enterprise does edge out Hertz regarding competitive pricing. 

FINN offers a single monthly payment that includes insurance, registration, depreciation, and maintenance. Insurance rates are standard nationwide and can help you save money if you typically pay a higher rate. While FINN has a smaller fleet of vehicles, you can select your exact make and model, from trim to color. 

Enterprise and Hertz offer loyalty programs to award frequent drivers various perks. Read on to find out which loyalty program best fits your needs. 

Enterprise

Enterprise Plus is the basic tier where most memberships begin. Signing up for Enterprise’s email list, which includes deals and promotions, is free. You can also upgrade to Silver, Gold, and Platinum memberships the more often you use Enterprise. 

Hertz

Similar to Enterprise, Hertz’s Gold Plus membership is free. When you sign up, you can add a driver for free and check in, pick up, and drop off your rental car via your mobile device. Upgrade to Five Star membership when you spend $2,000 or rent 10 times from a Hertz dealer. With $3,000 spent or 15 rentals, you join the President’s Circle membership tier.

At each level, you earn rewards every time you rent a car. You can use those rewards for accessories and upgrades on your next rental. Achieving the President’s Circle tier unlocks a dedicated customer service lane and full access to Hertz’s entire fleet.  

Summary

Enterprise offers a straightforward approach to loyalty programs. However, you must spend more to obtain a higher rewards tier with Hertz. FINN doesn’t offer a loyalty program specifically but waives the disposition fee owed at the end of your subscription if you re-subscribe. 

Customer reviews can help identify quality companies poised to help customers every step of the way. Hertz and Enterprise score well in customer service, offering assistance on their websites, mobile apps, and at the counter. 

Enterprise

Enterprise’s superior customer service relies on a user-friendly website and strategically designed mobile app meant to make checking a rental car in and out easier than swiping your credit card. The staff at Enterprise are friendly and receptive, offering advice and upgrades as necessary. Enterprise crew members will even pick you up to bring you to your rental car. 

Hertz

Known for clean vehicles and transparent pricing, Hertz sets the customer service bar high. Combined with a large fleet, valuable member rewards, and strategic locations just for travelers, Hertz often benefits from curious Enterprise customers looking to see if the rubber is better on the other side. 

Summary

Hertz and Enterprise score well in customer service, which makes sense for the two leading car rental companies. Enterprise offers to pick you up from your location, while Hertz is known for clean vehicles. Similarly, FINN’s customer service team dedicates themselves to providing assistance that helps you ease the path before you. 

A more extensive fleet can improve availability among rental car companies. However, Enterprise and Hertz also stand out with various performance-related sports cars ready to rent. 

Enterprise

Anytime is the best time to rent a car with Enterprise. While loyalty membership can offer discounts, Enterprise also extends cheaper rates to military members, veterans, and government employees. Unlike Hertz, Enterprise operates primarily outside airports to serve suburban, urban, and rural customers. 

Hertz

Drive by any Hertz lot, and you’ll see several cars ready to be rented. Hertz stocks about half as many vehicles as Enterprise, but those vehicles are clean and prepared for their next adventure. You’ll also find more luxury brands among Hertz’s fleet, including exotic cars ready for a night—or day—on the town. 

Summary

Enterprise operates almost 1,000 more global locations than Hertz, giving it the edge on availability. However, Hertz does stock more luxury and performance cars for those who want a taste of the wild side. FINN also offers a wide range of vehicles, from base models in standard colors to upgraded versions with higher trim packages. 

Unlike the Budget vs. Avis argument, Enterprise and Hertz are not the same company. Instead, they’re direct rivals. Naming a winner between the two presents a challenge, but that can make victory even sweeter. 

Customers looking for availability, selection, cheaper rates, and a better overall experience typically find that on an Enterprise lot. However, Hertz comes in close second with the lowest rates for drivers under 25 and plenty of luxury models in its fleet. For some drivers, it comes down to how much time they spend at the counter picking up their rental car. You’ll spend roughly equal time at both counters if you’re not equipped with the mobile app. 

If you’re looking for a rental car alternative, FINN offers a slew of subscriber perks that make driving a new car every six to 12 months possible. FINN car subscriptions let you test-drive cars for an extended period to keep the miles off your current vehicle. Read on to learn how to subscribe to a car with FINN and leave rental car worries in your dust. 

Instead of worrying about what you need to rent a car, you could be driving toward your next adventure with a FINN car subscription. As an affordable rental car alternative, FINN offers the following benefits: 

• An inclusive monthly payment that covers nearly every car expense except for fuel 
• A wide selection of makes and models 
• Select the trim and color of the car you want
• No security deposit required for eligible subscribers 
• Flexible terms that range from six to 12 months 
• Adjustable mileage limits 
• Convenience of driveway delivery

FINN car subscriptions offer several benefits for almost any driver. Are you curious to know if you qualify to sign up for a car subscription? FINN lets you prequalify with no obligation and without affecting your credit score. What adventures will you tackle next with your new FINN car subscription?