Three Giants, Very Different Strengths
Enterprise, Hertz, and Europcar collectively operate hundreds of thousands of vehicles across the globe. But they aren't interchangeable — each has distinct strengths, pricing philosophies, and ideal customer profiles. Here's how they stack up.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Enterprise | Hertz | Europcar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1957, USA | 1918, USA | 1949, France |
| Global Locations | 9,500+ | 10,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Strongest Region | North America | North America & Europe | Europe & Australia |
| Loyalty Programme | Enterprise Plus | Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Privilege Programme |
| Typical Price Point | Budget–Mid | Mid–Premium | Mid |
Enterprise: Best for North America and Value
Enterprise is the world's largest car rental company by fleet size and excels in the North American market. Their neighbourhood locations (not just airports) are a major differentiator — particularly useful for local rentals or longer trips. Enterprise is often praised for strong customer service and a large fleet of well-maintained vehicles at competitive rates.
- Best for: US/Canada road trips, value-conscious travellers, those needing neighbourhood pick-up
- Watch out for: International coverage is thinner outside North America; Europcar handles Enterprise's European operations in many markets
Hertz: Best for Frequent Renters and Airport Speed
Hertz is a premium brand that rewards loyalty heavily. Their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards programme is one of the most generous in the industry — frequent renters can skip the counter entirely and go straight to their car. Hertz also offers the widest range of premium and luxury vehicles through their Dream Collection.
- Best for: Frequent business travellers, premium car seekers, those who value speed at the counter
- Watch out for: Base rates can be higher; Hertz emerged from bankruptcy in 2021 and has been working to rebuild fleet consistency
Europcar: Best for European Trips
Europcar is the dominant brand in continental Europe and offers excellent coverage across EU countries, with particularly strong operations in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. Their one-way rental flexibility between European countries is a strong advantage for multi-country road trips.
- Best for: European road trips, cross-border rentals, travellers in Australia and New Zealand
- Watch out for: Less competitive in North America and Asia; their franchise model means quality can vary by location
How to Choose
- Match to your destination: Enterprise for North America, Europcar for Europe, Hertz works well in both.
- Check loyalty status: If you have status with one, stick with them for the benefits.
- Compare total prices: Always get quotes from all three (plus brokers) for your specific dates — promotional pricing can reverse the typical pecking order.
- Read the fine print: Cross-border policies and excess amounts vary significantly between companies and countries.
The Verdict
There's no universally "best" rental company — the right choice depends on your destination, how often you rent, and what you value most. Use comparison tools to check current pricing, but keep in mind the qualitative differences highlighted above when making your final decision.