Canada is a vast and diverse country with stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture. Whether planning a road trip across the Rockies, a business trip to Toronto, or a family vacation to Niagara Falls, you will need a reliable and affordable car rental service to get around. But how do you choose the best car rental company for your needs?
There are many factors to consider when renting a car in Canada, such as the car rental companies’ availability, price, quality, and customer service. You also need to be aware of Canada’s driving rules and regulations, such as the speed limits and traffic laws. You don’t want to end up with a bad deal, a faulty car, or a hefty fine.
In this blog post, I will share Canada’s 8 best car rental companies’ features, benefits, and drawbacks and help you find the best one for your travel needs. Whether you are looking for a luxury, budget, or family car, we have you covered. Read on to find out more!
8 Best Car Rental Companies in Canada
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of Canada’s biggest car rental companies, providing car rental services across major cities and airports. Here are some features, pros, cons, and customer reviews of Enterprise Rent-A-Car:
Features
- A wide range of vehicle options include economy, compact, midsize, full-size, SUV, and luxury vehicles.
- Multiple locations across Canada make picking up and dropping off rental vehicles easy.
- 24/7 roadside assistance is available for all rental vehicles.
- Flexible rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
Pros
- Competitive pricing for all vehicle types.
- Excellent customer service, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Easy booking process through the company’s website or mobile app.
- Clean and well-maintained rental vehicles.
Cons
- Additional extra fees include GPS, child seats, and other drivers.
- Limited availability of specific vehicle types during peak seasons.
- Some customers have reported long wait times at rental locations during peak seasons.
Customer Reviews
- “I rented a car from Enterprise and was impressed with their customer service. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the rental process was quick and easy.” – John D.
- “I had a great experience renting a car from Enterprise. The vehicle was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was accommodating.” – Sarah H.
- “I was disappointed with the additional fees that were added to my rental bill, but overall, the rental experience was good.” – David L.
Overall, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a reliable and trustworthy car rental company offering various competitive vehicle options. With multiple locations across Canada and excellent customer service, it is a great option for anyone renting a car for their travels.
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2. Avis Car Rental
Avis is a well-known car rental company that operates across Canada. Here are some features of Avis Car Rental:
- Avis has a diverse fleet of well-maintained vehicles catering to budget-conscious travellers and those looking for luxury.
- They also offer convenient pickup and drop-off options at airports and downtown locations.
- Avis Car Rental offers many vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, luxury cars, and vans.
- Avis has a user-friendly website that allows you to book your car rental online easily.
Pros:
- Avis has a large selection of vehicles to choose from.
- They offer convenient pickup and drop-off options.
- Avis has a user-friendly website.
Cons:
- Avis Car Rental can be more expensive than some other car rental companies in Canada.
- Some customers have reported long wait times at pickup locations.
Customer Reviews:
- According to Clever Canadian, Avis Car Rental has a consumer rating of B+ and a rating of B+.
- CarRental.Deals has ranked Avis Car Rental as Canada’s second-best car rental company in 2023.
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3. Hertz Rent a Car
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, renting a car from Hertz Rent a Car can be a great option. Hertz is one of Canada’s largest and most well-known car rental companies. Here are some of the features, pros, cons, and customer reviews of Hertz Rent a Car:
Features
- There is a wide range of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, SUVs, and more.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off locations throughout Canada.
- 24/7 customer support is available.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program offers exclusive benefits and rewards for frequent renters.
Pros
- Hertz has a reputation for providing high-quality vehicles and excellent customer service.
- The company offers various rental options to suit different budgets and needs.
- Hertz has an extensive network of locations throughout Canada, making it easy to find a rental car no matter where you are.
- The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program allows frequent renters to earn points and access exclusive benefits.
Cons
- Hertz can be more expensive than some competitors, especially for luxury or premium vehicles.
- Some customers have reported issues with the cleanliness or maintenance of rental cars.
Customer Reviews
- “I’ve rented from Hertz several times and have always had a great experience. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the cars are always clean and well-maintained.” – John D.
- “I had a minor issue with my rental car, but Hertz’s customer service team quickly resolved it and made things right. I appreciated their responsiveness and willingness to help.” – Sarah K.
- “I found Hertz to be a bit more expensive than some other car rental companies, but the quality of the vehicles and the level of service made it worth the extra cost.” – Michael L.
Hertz Rent a Car is a reliable and reputable car rental company that can be an excellent choice for your next trip to Canada. With a wide range of vehicles, convenient pickup and drop-off locations, and excellent customer service, Hertz is worth considering when looking for a rental car.
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4. Budget Car Rental
Budget Car Rental is one of the largest car rental companies in Canada. It has 258 rental car locations in 148 cities across Canada. Below are some of the features, pros, cons, and customer reviews for Budget Car Rental:
Features:
- Budget Car Rental offers various vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, SUVs, and trucks.
- You can book a car online or through their mobile app.
- Budget Car Rental offers various discounts and deals for customers, including small business discounts, long-term rentals, and prepay discounts.
- You can add additional drivers to your rental for an extra fee.
Pros:
- Budget Car Rental offers competitive rates and a wide range of vehicle options.
- The company has many rental locations across Canada, making picking up and dropping off your rental car easy.
- Budget Car Rental offers 24/7 customer service support.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with the cleanliness of the rental cars.
- Budget Car Rental charges a fee for additional drivers, which can add up if you plan to have multiple drivers.
Customer Reviews:
- “I have rented from Budget Car Rental multiple times and have always had a great experience. The rates are competitive, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.” – John D.
- “I rented a car from Budget Car Rental for a weekend trip, and the car was not very clean when I picked it up. Overall, the rental process was easy, but the cleanliness of the car was disappointing.” – Sarah M.
Overall, Budget Car Rental is a reliable and affordable car rental option in Canada. While some customers have reported issues with the cleanliness of the rental cars, the company’s wide range of vehicle options and competitive rates make it a popular choice for many travellers.
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5. Discount Car and Truck Rentals
Discount Car and Truck Rentals is a Canadian car rental company founded in 1980. It operates in more than 300 locations across Canada, including major airports and cities. Here are some of the features, pros, cons, and customer reviews of Discount Car and Truck Rentals:
Features:
- Offers various vehicles, including economy, compact, intermediate, standard, full-size, premium, luxury, SUV, minivan, and cargo vans.
- Provides 24/7 roadside assistance and customer support.
- Offers optional add-ons, such as GPS, child seats, additional drivers, and winter tires.
- Provides long-term rentals and corporate rentals for businesses and organisations.
Pros:
- Affordable rates for budget-conscious travellers.
- Flexible rental options include one-way, weekend, and monthly rentals.
- Easy online booking and reservation system.
- Rewards program for frequent renters.
Cons:
- Limited international coverage, with only a few locations in the United States.
- Some customers reported issues with vehicle cleanliness and maintenance.
- Limited selection of luxury and premium vehicles.
Customer Reviews:
- “Discount Car and Truck Rentals provided me with excellent service and a reliable vehicle for my trip. The rates were affordable, and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
- “I had a bad experience with Discount Car and Truck Rentals. The vehicle I rented was not clean, and the customer service was unhelpful when I reported the issue.”
- “I have been using Discount Car and Truck Rentals for years, and I have always been satisfied with their service. The vehicles are well-maintained, and the rates are unbeatable.”
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6. Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental is an excellent option if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable car rental company in Canada. Thrifty has been operating in Canada for many years and has established a reputation for excellent customer service. Here are some of the features, pros, cons, and customer reviews of Thrifty Car Rental:
Features
- Thrifty has rental car locations across Canada, from Vancouver International Airport to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and many areas in between.
- Thrifty offers diverse vehicles, ranging from economy cars to SUVs.
- Thrifty offers a rewards program called Blue Chip Rewards, which allows you to earn points for every rental and redeem them for free rentals.
- Thrifty offers a mobile app that allows you to book and manage your rentals.
Pros
- Thrifty is known for its affordable prices and frequent discounts and promotions.
- Thrifty has a large fleet of vehicles, so you’ll likely find the car you want.
- Thrifty has a reputation for excellent customer service, with many customers praising the friendly and helpful staff.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with the cleanliness of the rental cars.
- Some customers have reported long wait times at rental locations, especially during peak travel times.
Customer Reviews
- “I’ve rented from Thrifty several times and have always had a great experience. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are unbeatable.” – Jane, Toronto.
- “I had a bit of a wait when picking up my rental, but the staff was apologetic and made up for it with excellent customer service.” – Mike, Vancouver.
- “I was disappointed with the car’s cleanliness I rented from Thrifty. It wasn’t terrible, but it could have been better.” – Sarah, Montreal.
Thrifty Car Rental is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable rental car in Canada. With a large fleet of vehicles, excellent customer service, and frequent discounts and promotions, Thrifty is a solid choice for your next rental.
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7. Alamo Rent a Car
Alamo Rent a Car is one of Canada’s top car rental companies. Here are some features, pros, cons, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision:
Features:
- Alamo offers various vehicles ranging from economy cars to luxury SUVs.
- They have over 24 locations across Canada, including major airports and downtown areas.
- Alamo offers a rewards program where you can earn points for every rental and redeem them for free rentals, upgrades, and other rewards.
Pros:
- Alamo is known for their competitive prices and often has special discounts and promotions.
- They have a user-friendly website and app, making booking and managing your rental easy.
- Alamo has a reputation for excellent customer service and a hassle-free rental experience.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported long wait times at pick-up, especially during peak travel times.
- Alamo’s fuel policy requires you to return the car with a full tank of gas, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a rush.
Customer Reviews:
- “I’ve rented from Alamo several times and have always had a great experience. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the cars are clean and well-maintained.” – Jane S.
- “I had to wait over an hour to pick up my car, which was frustrating. However, the customer service representative was apologetic and gave me a discount on my rental.” – Mike L.
- “Alamo’s prices are unbeatable, and I love their rewards program. I’ve earned several free rentals already!” – Sarah M.
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8. National Car Rental
National Car Rental is worth considering if you’re looking for a car rental company with a wide variety of vehicles. Here are some features, pros, cons, and customer reviews for National Car Rental:
Features
- National Car Rental offers many vehicles, including economy, full-size, and luxury sedans.
- You can rent a car from National Car Rental at one of their 1,500+ locations worldwide.
- National Car Rental has a loyalty program, Emerald Club, that offers benefits such as expedited service, free rental days, and exclusive rewards.
Pros
- National Car Rental is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website.
- The Emerald Club loyalty program is a great way to save money on rentals and get special perks.
- National Car Rental has many vehicles so that you can find the perfect car for your needs.
Cons
- National Car Rental can be more expensive than some of its competitors, especially for luxury vehicles.
- Some customers have reported issues with the cleanliness of the vehicles they rented from National Car Rental.
Customer Reviews
- One customer on Car Rental Deals said, “National Car Rental has always been my go-to choice for car rentals. Their customer service is top-notch, and I’ve never had any issues with the vehicles I’ve rented.”
- Another customer on Clever Canadian said, “I’ve used National Car Rental a few times now, and I’ve always been happy with their service. Their website is easy to use, and the vehicles are always in good condition.”
If you’re looking for a reliable car rental company with a wide range of vehicles to choose from, National Car Rental is worth considering.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are the top players in the Canadian car rental market?
The top players in the Canadian car rental market include Enterprise, Alamo, Routes Car Rental, National, and Discount Car & Truck Rentals. These companies have a wide range of vehicles, including fuel-efficient and luxury options, and are known for their excellent customer service and convenient locations throughout the country.
What are some of the most popular car rental companies in Canada?
Some of Canada’s most popular car rental companies include Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National. These companies offer various rental options, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, and have locations in major cities and airports throughout Canada.
Which car rental companies have the largest fleet in Canada?
Enterprise, Avis, and Budget have some of the largest fleets in Canada, with a wide range of vehicles to choose from. These companies offer everything from compact cars to luxury SUVs and have locations throughout the country.
What is the market share of the leading car rental companies in Canada?
Enterprise is Canada’s largest car rental company, with a market share of approximately 40%. Avis and Budget are also significant players, with around 20% and 10% market shares, respectively.
What factors should I consider when choosing a car rental company in Canada?
When choosing a car rental company in Canada, you should consider price, location, vehicle options, and customer service. Look for a company that offers competitive rates, convenient locations, and a wide range of vehicles. Additionally, ensure the company has a good reputation for customer service so you can be sure you’ll have a positive rental experience.
Are there any up-and-coming car rental companies in Canada that I should know?
While there are no major up-and-coming car rental companies in Canada at the moment, several smaller companies offer unique rental options. These companies include Zoom Rent-A-Car, which offers electric and hybrid vehicles, and Discount Car & Truck Rentals, which specialises in truck and van rentals.
Conclusion
Canada’s biggest car rental companies provide high-quality and reliable services catering to a broad range of customer needs. Whether you are looking for a car rental for a business trip or a family vacation, there is a company that can suit your needs.
You can expect excellent customer service, a wide selection of vehicles, and competitive prices by choosing one of the top car rental companies in Canada, such as Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Discount, and National.
It is essential to do your research before selecting a car rental company, as prices and policies can vary. Look for companies that offer flexible cancellation policies, unlimited mileage, and a variety of pickup and drop-off locations.
Overall, renting a car in Canada can be a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the country. With Canada’s biggest car rental companies, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a reliable and safe vehicle for your travels.
