When looking to rent a car for your next trip or vacation, two big names you’ll likely encounter are Avis and Thrifty. As major players in the car rental industry, Avis and Thrifty compete aggressively for customers. But if you’re trying to decide between Avis vs Thrifty, which comes out on top?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Avis and Thrifty across several factors including pricing, vehicle selection, reward programs, locations, reputation and more.
By seeing how Avis and Thrifty stack up, you can make an informed choice on your next rental car booking.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Avis | Thrifty |
| Locations | 5,500+ worldwide | 1,000+ worldwide |
| Fleet Vehicles | More luxury and specialty vehicles | Mainstream brands only |
| Pricing | Higher base rates but competitive sales | Cheap base rates but hidden fees |
| Loyalty Program | Points earning toward free rentals | Discount membership pricing |
| Customer Service | Mediocre, long waits reported | Poor marks for cleanliness and tactics |
| Best For | Global coverage, premium experience | Budget pricing seekers |
Overview of Avis Car Rental
Founded in 1946, Avis is one of the most established and globally recognized brands in the rental car market. Headquartered in New Jersey, Avis operates over 5,500 locations across 165 countries.
Avis is positioned as a premium brand focused on quality customer service and reliability. While not the absolute cheapest option, Avis aims to deliver superior value at competitive prices.
Their fleet ranges from economy cars to luxury vehicles, SUVs, trucks and vans.
Key Pros
- Worldwide presence with airport and local branches
- High-quality fleet of vehicles from top automakers
- Loyalty program rewards frequent customers
Potential Cons
- Pricing usually higher than deep discount brands
- Reports of long waits and disorganization at some locations
- Website and app lag competitors in user experience
Overview of Thrifty Rental Car
Thrifty Car Rental was founded in 1958 with over 1,000 rental locations globally. Headquartered in Florida, Thrifty is owned by Hertz Global Holdings which also operates Hertz, Dollar and Firefly.
Positioned as an affordable, value-focused brand, Thrifty caters to budget-conscious travelers looking for a good deal. However, they still aim to deliver quality cars and service. The Thrifty fleet ranges from small economy vehicles to trucks, vans and SUVs.
Key Pros
- Hundreds of airport locations worldwide
- Deep discounts and partnerships for members
- Straightforward online booking process
Potential Cons
- Vehicles may be older with more wear and tear
- Additional fees can raise final pricing
- Mixed reviews for customer service and cleanliness
Comparison Between Avis And Thrifty
Location Network and Coverage
One of the most important factors when choosing a rental car provider is access to convenient pickup and dropoff locations. Here is how Avis and Thrifty compare when it comes to their location reach:
With over 5,500 rental spots globally, Avis has one of the largest location networks in the industry across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Africa and the Middle East. Thrifty has around 1,000 rental sites concentrating heavily on North American airports.
For U.S. airport coverage, Avis and Thrifty have similar availability. Internationally, Avis dominates with a far greater global presence. Avis also has more neighborhood locations for local rentals. For location accessibility, Avis is the clear winner.
Also Read: Differences Between Sixt And Hertz.
Fleet Selection and Vehicle Classes
In addition to location accessibility, the types of rental vehicles available is a key consideration when comparing rental car brands.
Both Avis and Thrifty offer rental fleets spanning economy cars to full-size SUVs and vans. However, Avis provides greater choice of luxury vehicles and specialty cars that Thrifty lacks. You can rent premium brands like Volvo, Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes and more through Avis.
Avis gives renters many more options when it comes to vehicle selection, features, and accessory add-ons. For the widest range of makes, models and vehicle types, Avis easily beats Thrifty.
Also Read: Differences Between Dollar And Thrifty.
Cost Comparison and Discounts
For most travelers, rental car pricing is going to be a major factor in choosing a provider. Here is how the rates and discounts of Avis and Thrifty compare:
As a premium brand, Avis rental rates tend to run higher than deep discount companies like Thrifty. However, Avis offers competitive pricing that targets mid-tier brands, as well as promotions and partnerships that lower costs for members.
By contrast, Thrifty positions itself as a budget-friendly value brand with cheap base rates. But many renters report getting hit with numerous hidden fees that drive up the final bill significantly.
When factoring in all costs, Avis delivers greater overall value and price transparency. For the best rental pricing, Avis is the winner over Thrifty.
Loyalty Programs Comparison
Car rental reward programs provide repeat customers the ability to earn free rentals, upgrades, and bonus savings. Here are the programs offered by each brand:
- Avis Preferred – Earn points toward free days. Status levels provide upgrades, expedited service, and more.
- Thrifty Blue Chip – Member-only rates and priority counters. Higher tiers add confirmed upgrades and free add-ons.
Both programs offer some nice basic perks for members like express lines and check-in. But Avis Preferred provides far greater rewards earning potential with points for every dollar spent. For benefits, Avis offers the superior loyalty program.
Customer Service and Satisfaction
Providing quality customer service is important for any rental car brand. Unfortunately, neither Avis nor Thrifty score very well when it comes to consumer satisfaction and reviews.
Avis garners numerous complaints about organizational issues, long waits, and problems with reservations. Thrifty also gets poor marks for pushy upsells, dirty vehicles, and misleading fees.
When comparing Avis vs Thrifty for customer service, Avis tends to rate moderately higher based on third-party review aggregators. However, both have room for improvement. For service and support, Avis just barely beats Thrifty.
Also Read: Differences Between Thrifty And Alamo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As a globally recognized premium brand, Avis focuses more on quality service and vehicles rather than bottom barrel pricing. Budget built their reputation on ultra-low costs. But Avis offers competitive pricing if you shop sales.
Thrifty is owned by Hertz but positions itself as a budget brand, so quality and service levels don’t match premium Hertz rentals. Reviews indicate Hertz maintains their fleet better while Thrifty vehicles may be older and more worn.
According to consumer satisfaction surveys, top rental car brands include Enterprise, National, Alamo, and Avis. These companies score highly for location accessibility, vehicle selection, pricing transparency and customer service reputation.
Thrifty and Hertz are sister brands owned by Hertz Global Holdings. However, Thrifty operates as a separate budget brand while Hertz is the premium flagship. Their fleets, pricing, and service levels differ significantly.
The Verdict
After looking at the key decision factors for renting a car, how do Avis and Thrifty compare overall? Here’s a quick summary:
Avis Pros
- Far larger worldwide location network
- Broader selection of luxury and specialty vehicles
- Competitive pricing with promotions and partnerships
Thrifty Pros
- More budget-friendly base rental rates
- Simple booking for airport rentals
- Partnerships to earn hotel points
Based on the full evaluation, Avis comes out ahead as the better overall rental car provider for most renters. Avis simply outperforms Thrifty in the areas that matter most – convenient locations, vehicle selection, transparent pricing and rewards for loyalty.
Thrifty can still be a good option strictly based on finding the cheapest base rate possible. But Avis delivers greater overall value and a quality rental experience befitting their premium brand image.