Did you know that the global car rental industry is expected to exceed $120 billion by 2025, driven by the growing demand for flexible travel solutions and eco-friendly options?
A trusty set of wheels is a must, but with a gazillion car rental companies out there, it can be tough to pick the right one.
But don’t worry! We’ve done the homework for you. In this article, we’ll compare the top car rental companies worldwide, explore their unique offerings, and share tips to help you choose the perfect service.
What Makes a Car Rental Company the Best?
Car rental satisfaction can vary based on location, customer preferences, and specific services. According to the 2023 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, customer satisfaction hinges on key factors such as reservation processes, pick-up experience, and vehicle quality. The top qualities we prioritized in our ranking:
- Fleet Variety: Can you choose from SUVs, EVs, and luxury models?
- Pricing: Competitive rates with transparent policies.
- Customer Service: Responsive, friendly support, and smooth issue resolution.
- Global Coverage: Reliable service whether you’re in Tokyo, Cape Town, or Los Angeles.
The Best Car Rental Companies in 2025
1. National Car Rental: Best for Business Travelers
National Car Rental continues to evolve in response to the growing demand for eco-friendly options, adding more electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids to their fleet. Additionally, they are expanding their offerings to accommodate business travelers even more with enhanced booking features and personalized services.
Key Benefits:
- Emerald Club Loyalty Program: Skip the counter and enjoy expedited service with National’s Emerald Club, which offers access to preferred vehicles and a faster rental experience.
- Premium Vehicles: Choose from a wide selection of premium and luxury vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and trucks, ensuring you get the perfect car for your needs.
- International Availability: National operates in over 50 countries, making it easy to rent a car anywhere you travel.
- Business Focus: National’s services are tailored to the needs of business travelers, including discounted rates, dedicated corporate accounts, and customizable billing options.
Fun Fact:
National Car Rental was ranked #1 in J.D. Power’s 2024 North American Rental Car Satisfaction Study, scoring 736 out of 1,000, showcasing its strong focus on customer satisfaction.
Current Deals:
- Loyalty Rewards: As a member of the Emerald Club, you can earn free rental days and access exclusive discounts after just a few bookings.
- Customers can take advantage of “Last Minute Specials,” offering discounted daily, weekend, and weekly rental rates at participating locations.
- Business Discounts: National offers special rates for corporate clients and frequent travelers, making it easier for companies to manage travel expenses.
- Flexible Cancellation: Enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation on most bookings, allowing you to adjust plans as necessary.
2. Enterprise: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
With availability in over 85 countries and flexible payment options, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an excellent choice. Its reputation for superior customer service makes it a top pick for family vacations, business trips, and long-term rentals. Following National in the rankings was Enterprise with 729 points, then Sixt with 708 points.
What’s New in 2025?
Enterprise is expanding its presence in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, catering to the rising demand for car rentals in these regions. This growth underscores Enterprise’s global commitment to providing reliable rental services in diverse locations.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive Fleet: From compact cars for solo travelers to spacious vans for families, Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicle options.
- Flexible Plans: Long-term rentals, one-way trips, and weekend specials cater to varying travel needs.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles are part of its sustainability efforts.
- Enterprise Plus® Loyalty Program: Earn points for free rentals and enjoy exclusive discounts.
Fun Fact:
Enterprise pioneered car-sharing programs, supporting urban commuters and environmentally conscious customers.
Current Deals:
- Weekend Specials: Discounted short-term rentals.
- Long-Term Rates: Tailored for extended trips.
- Replacement Rentals: Convenient options when your car is in the shop.
3. Sixt: Best for Luxury Rentals
Sixt has built a reputation for providing top-tier luxury vehicles and exceptional customer service, making it a go-to choice for travelers who want to combine style, performance, and convenience. Known for offering a premium car rental experience, Sixt specializes in high-end vehicles like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, catering to both business and leisure customers.
What’s New in 2025?
Sixt continues to innovate with enhanced mobile app features, allowing customers to reserve and unlock their car directly through their phones. Additionally, the company is expanding its fleet to include more electric vehicles (EVs), responding to the increasing demand for sustainable travel options.
Key Benefits:
- Luxury and Performance: Sixt offers a range of high-end vehicles, from sports cars to luxury sedans, perfect for travelers who want to experience top-quality performance on the road.
- Global Presence: With locations in over 105 countries, Sixt is available in major cities and airports around the world, making it convenient for travelers no matter where they are.
- Mobile App: The Sixt app allows users to reserve, select, and unlock their rental car from their smartphone, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Sustainability: Sixt is increasingly focusing on electric vehicles, adding more EVs to its fleet to offer eco-conscious travelers a sustainable option without sacrificing style or performance.
Fun Fact:
Sixt was one of the first car rental companies to integrate a fully mobile experience, allowing customers to manage their bookings and unlock cars via their smartphones.
Current Deals:
- Discounts for Prepaid Reservations: Save up to 20% by booking in advance and paying upfront.
- Sixt Express: Sign up for Sixt Express to enjoy fast-track services, exclusive discounts, and more.
- Weekend Deals: Special weekend rates make Sixt an affordable option for short-term rentals.
4. Budget Car Rental: Best for Affordability
Budget Car Rental lives up to its name, offering cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or service. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, Budget ensures you can hit the road without breaking the bank.
What’s New in 2025?
Budget is introducing a “Pay Now, Save More” program, allowing customers to lock in significant discounts when paying upfront. This initiative makes it easier to plan trips while staying within a budget.
Key Benefits:
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates designed for families, solo travelers, and business customers.
- Extensive Network: Operates in 120+ countries, making it accessible worldwide.
- Diverse Fleet: From economy cars to larger vehicles, Budget has options for any trip.
- Fastbreak Loyalty Program: Skip the counter, enjoy priority service, and earn rewards for free rentals.
Fun Fact:
Budget began in 1958 with a mission to provide “a better deal for the cost-conscious renter” and remains true to its origins today.
Current Deals:
- Weekend Savings: Special discounts for short-term rentals.
- Long-Term Rental Plans: Affordable rates for extended trips.
- Partner Discounts: Savings for AAA, AARP, and military members.
5. Hertz: Best for Road Trips
Hertz is a trusted name in the car rental industry, known for its extensive network and innovative offerings. Whether you’re planning a road trip, need a car for a weekend getaway, or require long-term rentals, Hertz has something for everyone.
What’s New in 2025?
Hertz is at the forefront of the EV revolution, offering electric vehicles like Teslas at numerous locations. Their push toward sustainability aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly travel solutions.
Key Benefits:
- Wide Network: Available in over 150 countries, making Hertz one of the most accessible car rental companies.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Enjoy perks like faster checkouts, vehicle upgrades, and free rental days.
- Specialized Options: Offers unique services like one-way rentals and long-term lease programs.
- Innovative EV Rentals: Access to electric vehicles at competitive rates, promoting sustainable travel.
Fun Fact:
Hertz has partnered with Uber and Lyft, providing their drivers with affordable, long-term car rental solutions.
Current Deals:
- Early Booking Discounts: Save up to 20% by booking early.
- Hertz Triple Points: Earn triple rewards on select bookings with the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.
- Weekly and Monthly Rates: Affordable plans for extended rentals.
6. Fox Rent A Car: Best for Budget-Friendly International Travel
Fox Rent A Car is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking affordable car rental options, especially for international destinations. With a focus on low costs and straightforward services, it’s an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers and young drivers.
What’s New in 2025?
Fox Rent A Car is expanding its presence in underserved international markets, giving travelers more options when abroad. They also continue to prioritize competitive pricing and simplified rental processes.
Key Benefits:
- Affordability: Offers some of the lowest daily and weekly rental rates in the industry.
- International Coverage: Operates in over 30 countries, catering to a global audience.
- Young Driver-Friendly: Reduced underage fees make it a popular choice for younger renters.
- Simplicity: Transparent pricing and hassle-free bookings ensure a smooth experience.
Fun Fact:
Fox Rent A Car offers some of the most budget-friendly options for long-term rentals, ideal for extended trips or temporary vehicle needs.
Current Deals:
- Prepay Discounts: Save significantly by paying for your booking upfront.
- Weekly Specials: Reduced rates for week-long rentals.
- Student Discounts: Tailored deals for college students and young renters.
7. Avis Car Rental: Best for Convenience and Premium Options
Avis has long been a leading name in the car rental industry, known for its high level of customer service, quality vehicles, and variety of flexible rental options. Whether you need a car for a few days, weeks, or a long-term trip, Avis provides the vehicles and services that make every journey easier.
What’s New in 2025?
Avis is investing heavily in digital tools, including enhancing their mobile app and website features, making it even easier for travelers to book, modify, and manage their rentals.
Key Benefits:
- Wide Availability: Avis operates in over 165 countries worldwide, ensuring that you have access to rental cars no matter where you’re traveling.
- Loyalty Programs: Avis Preferred allows you to bypass the counter, earn rewards points, and enjoy exclusive benefits such as car upgrades and expedited service.
- Flexible Rental Options: Choose from a range of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and luxury options, as well as one-way rentals and long-term rentals.
- Convenient Locations: Avis has convenient locations at major airports, city centers, and train stations, making it easy to pick up and drop off your vehicle.
Fun Fact:
Avis was one of the first car rental companies to introduce the concept of car leasing, which revolutionized the industry by offering travelers flexible, long-term options.
Current Deals:
- Prepaid Discounts: Save up to 35% by paying upfront when booking.
- Weekend Specials: Enjoy discounts on weekend rentals, making it perfect for short trips.
- Flexible Cancellations: Avis provides flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to adjust your travel plans if needed.
Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals
Rental car prices have been significantly impacted by inflation, increasing more sharply than other sectors. While the general price hike for summer 2024 is about 23%, rental car prices have risen by 29%, surpassing pre-COVID levels. So, we’ve found some tips for saving money:
- Book Early: Booking well in advance can help you secure the lowest rates.
- Use Membership Discounts: Check for savings through organizations like AAA or AARP.
- Avoid Airport Locations: Rentals at airports come with additional surcharges, so renting off-site is often cheaper.
- Compare Prices: Use aggregator websites to easily compare rates from different providers.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Avoid paying for unnecessary insurance if your credit card or personal auto insurance covers rentals.
- Avoid Extra Add-ons: Extras like GPS or car seats can add up quickly; consider alternatives like apps or public transport.
- Mind Fuel Policies: Ensure you return the car with the same fuel level to avoid fuel charges.
- Rent During Off-Peak Times: Rates are lower when demand is lower, typically during weekdays or outside peak travel seasons.
- Consider Smaller Cars: Compact cars are cheaper to rent and more fuel-efficient.
- Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Many rental companies offer rewards and discounts for frequent renters.
Conclusion
The best car rental company for you in 2025 depends on your needs and preferences. Start by exploring your options and booking early for the best deals. Remember, a well-planned rental can turn any trip into an unforgettable adventure. Choose wisely, and enjoy the freedom that comes with hitting the open road!
