Sixt and Avis both offer a range of rental options and loyalty programs, but potential customers should be aware of inconsistent customer service and the possibility of hidden fees. Avis has a larger global presence, while Sixt may offer more competitive pricing. Customer satisfaction is mixed for both, so carefully reviewing terms and conditions is crucial.
| Attribute | Sixt | Avis |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Car Variety | Economy cars, compact cars, full-size cars, SUVs, luxury cars, convertibles, and vans. Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Cadillac. | Economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio), compact cars (e.g., Kia Soul), intermediate cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla), standard cars (e.g., Volkswagen Jetta), full-size cars (e.g., Toyota Camry), SUVs, premium cars (e.g., Toyota Crown), luxury cars (e.g., Genesis G70), convertibles, passenger vans, and pickup trucks. |
| Pricing Transparency | Competitive rates, but extra fees for GPS, child seats, and insurance upgrades can increase the overall cost. Review terms and conditions to avoid hidden charges. | Avis aims to make its car rental process simple and transparent, avoiding jargon and hidden extras. However, some reviews mention unexpected charges and fees. Taxes, airport surcharges, young driver fees, and add-ons like GPS or additional drivers can increase the final price. |
| Customer Service | Mixed ratings. Some locations have friendly and helpful staff. Some customers have experienced rude or unhelpful staff, long queues, and difficulties resolving billing issues. | Avis has received high marks for responsiveness and commitment to customer satisfaction. They strive to resolve complaints within 5 to 30 working days, depending on the nature and location of the rental. However, some customer reviews indicate poor communication and unhelpful staff. Avis uses AI-powered digital assistants to handle 70% of inquiries. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness & Maintenance | Generally good scores for age, condition, and mileage. Many customers report receiving new or almost new cars. Some reviews mention dirty or damaged cars. | Avis vehicles are, on average, under 6 months old and undergo regular maintenance and service checks. Some reviews confirm that Avis cars are fairly clean. However, some customers have reported receiving dirty cars and encountering unexpected cleaning fees. |
| Pick-up and Drop-off Process | Often quick and easy, with courteous staff. Digital tools like scanners can simplify the car return process. Some reviews mention long pick-up times. Drop-off locations may not always be straightforward. | Avis Preferred members can often bypass the rental car counter and go straight to their car. Dropping off Avis cars is generally quick and easy. However, some reviews mention long wait times and issues with car availability. |
| Geographic Availability | Approximately 2,000 locations in over 100 countries. Almost 500 stations in Germany. | Operates in over 165 countries with more than 5,450 locations worldwide. |
| Loyalty Program | SIXT Advantage Circle with four tiers: Express, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Benefits include discounted rentals, free additional drivers, and car upgrades. | Avis Preferred is a free loyalty program that allows members to earn points toward future rentals and bypass the rental counter. Higher tiers like Avis Preferred Plus and Avis President's Club offer additional benefits such as upgrades and bonus points. |
| Insurance Options | Liability coverage, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), personal accident coverage, and supplemental liability insurance. Premium Protection packages multiple insurance products. | Avis provides various insurance options, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and Additional Liability Insurance (ALI). Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) relieves renters of financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Prices vary depending on the coverage type, rental location, and rental period. |
| Cancellation and Modification Policies | 'Pay Later' reservations can be canceled or changed anytime without a fee. Prepaid reservations may incur cancellation charges. No rebooking fee for changing a prepaid reservation, except when switching to a higher-cost vehicle. | Cancellation policies vary based on the reservation type. "Pay Now" reservations may incur cancellation fees, while "Pay Later" reservations typically allow cancellations without penalties. A processing fee may be charged for canceling prepaid reservations. |
| Additional Driver Policies | Allows up to 9 additional drivers per booking. Gold, Platinum, or Diamond members may add one additional driver free of charge (US residents only). All additional drivers must have their licenses verified. | All additional drivers must meet the same age and licensing requirements as the renter. An additional driver fee may apply, but exceptions exist for spouses, domestic partners, employers, or fellow employees on company business. |
| GPS and Add-on Equipment | GPS navigation systems and other extras like child seats. 'SIXT Connect' provides Wi-Fi, GPS, and other services. | Avis allows customers to customize their reservations with add-ons such as GPS and child seats. |
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | Customer satisfaction score is 61. Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 18, with 57% promoters, 4% passives, and 39% detractors. Ranked 3rd overall in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. | Avis' customer service has received mixed reviews. While they have received customer loyalty accolades, some surveys indicate below-average customer satisfaction. |