Hertz vs Avis: 2026 Head-to-Head Comparison
Hertz and Avis are the two oldest and largest premium rental brands in the US — head-to-head competitors at virtually every major airport. The choice between them often comes down to loyalty program preference, specific fleet availability for your trip, and which app you find less frustrating.
Quick verdict by category
| Category | Hertz | Avis | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refuel charge | $9.49/gal | $9.50/gal | Hertz |
| Base rate | 8-15% above market | 5-10% above market | tied |
| Loyalty | Gold Plus Rewards | Avis Preferred | Depends on tier |
| Fuel option | FPO | FSO + EZ-Fuel | More options = more flexibility |
| Positioning | premium | business premium | — |
| Parent | Hertz Corporation | Avis Budget Group | — |
Hertz
- Largest premium fleet
- Best loyalty perks for Five Star+
- Newest cars on average
- Higher base rates
- Aggressive fuel charges
- Slower customer service for low-tier members
Avis
- Strong corporate program
- Skip-the-counter for Preferred
- EZ-Fuel option in select cities
- Older fleet on average
- Aggressive damage claim policies
- Mid-tier loyalty perks
Pick Hertz if you...
- Value a largest premium fleet
- Value a best loyalty perks for five star+
- Value newest cars on average
- Are flying into a major airport where Hertz has high inventory
- Are a mid-to-high tier Gold Plus Rewards member already
Pick Avis if you...
- Value a strong corporate program
- Value skip-the-counter for preferred
- Value ez-fuel option in select cities
- Are renting a 3+ day trip where the base rate matters more than perks
- Are a Avis Preferred member already
The fuel math: Hertz vs Avis
Both brands use the same trick — return below full and pay $9.49 to $9.50 per gallon (about 3× retail). On a 15-gallon tank returned half-empty:
- Hertz: 7.5 × $9.49 = $71.17 in refueling charges
- Avis: 7.5 × $9.50 = $71.25 in refueling charges
- Self-fill (either brand): 7.5 × $3.65 = $27.38 at the pump
Both brands' refueling fees can be avoided by returning the car at the right fuel level. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons to add for any brand and any vehicle.
For more detail on each brand's fuel options:
One-way rental fees: Hertz vs Avis
Hertz and Avis have different parent companies and different one-way fee strategies. Enterprise Holdings brands tend to have the most flexible one-way policies (especially for in-state returns), while Avis Budget Group and Hertz Corporation typically charge higher one-way fees.
For long one-way trips, the one-way fee can dwarf the base rental rate. See the full one-way rental fee guide for the latest rates by route.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hertz or Avis cheaper for refueling?
Hertz is cheaper by approximately $0.01 per gallon. Hertz charges around $9.49 per gallon, Avis around $9.50.
Which has better loyalty rewards: Hertz or Avis?
Both Gold Plus Rewards and Avis Preferred offer free days, upgrades, and faster pickup, but neither waives fuel charges. Top-tier Gold Plus Rewards tends to offer guaranteed upgrades and free additional drivers more reliably than equivalent Avis Preferred tiers.
Are Hertz and Avis owned by the same company?
No. Hertz is owned by Hertz Corporation, while Avis is owned by Avis Budget Group. They compete directly in most US markets.
Which brand has newer cars?
Hertz tends to have the newer fleet on average. Premium classes at both brands are typically newer; budget classes are where the age difference shows. Always photograph the odometer at pickup.
Does either Hertz or Avis have a flat-fee fuel option?
Avis offers a flat-fee fuel option (FSO + EZ-Fuel) in some markets. Flat fees are only worth taking on very short rentals (under 50 miles total) where you will return the car nearly empty.
Can I dispute charges from either brand?
Yes — the dispute process is identical at both. Respond in writing within 30 days, include timestamped pickup photos as evidence, request the damage estimate. If unresolved, file a credit card chargeback within 60 days of the statement date.