Sixt is a German premium car rental company founded in Munich in 1912, making it one of the oldest rental brands in the world. With over 2,000 locations across 105 countries, Sixt has built a strong reputation for premium and luxury fleet quality, a modern digital experience, and competitive rates that frequently undercut Hertz and Avis on premium vehicle classes. Its European roots give it particular strength across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the broader DACH region.
✓ Pros
- Best premium and luxury rates in the market
- Modern fleet with newest average vehicle age
- Excellent app and digital experience
- Strong DACH and European coverage
- Sixt+ subscription for frequent renters
✗ Cons
- Fewer locations than Hertz or Enterprise
- Less competitive on economy vehicle pricing
- Customer service inconsistent outside Germany
- Damage claim process can be contentious
Sixt Car Rental Review
Sixt arrived in the US market with a specific proposition: better cars for a similar or lower price than Hertz and Avis. It has largely delivered on that promise. The fleet runs newer on average than most competitors, the mix leans heavily toward German premium brands, and the digital experience is notably cleaner than legacy American competitors. For travelers who care what they drive, Sixt has built a compelling case.
Fleet: The Defining Advantage
The Sixt fleet is genuinely different. BMW 3-series and 5-series, Mercedes A, C, and E class, Audi A3 and A4, Porsche Cayenne at premium locations, and a growing selection of electric vehicles from BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla make up a substantial portion of the offering. Comparing a Sixt premium rate against a Hertz Prestige rate on the same class of vehicle frequently reveals Sixt as the better value at the top end of the market.
The economy and compact categories are less competitive on price than Budget or Alamo. Sixt's sweet spot is clearly the mid-range and above, where the combination of fleet quality and rate positioning is strongest.
Digital Experience
The Sixt app is among the most capable in the industry. Booking, reservation management, vehicle selection at some locations, and the check-in process are all significantly smoother than the legacy interfaces of Hertz and Avis. For travelers who do everything on their phones, the quality of the digital experience is a real differentiator that reduces friction at every step of the rental process.
Sixt+: Car Subscription
For very frequent renters or travelers who need a car for extended periods, Sixt+ offers a monthly car subscription model, starting from around $500 per month depending on vehicle class and location. Insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance are included. The model is not for everyone, but for frequent travelers who need a car available regularly in a specific city, it presents an interesting alternative to traditional rental structures.
European Coverage
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Sixt operates with a density and quality that surpasses any competitor. Locations at major train stations, city centers, and airports across the DACH region, combined with a strong understanding of local driving requirements and road conditions, make Sixt the recommended starting point for any car rental in German-speaking Europe.
Who Sixt Is Best For
- Premium vehicle renters who want a BMW or Mercedes at a rate below Hertz Prestige pricing
- German-speaking Europe travelers where Sixt's coverage and local expertise is strongest
- Tech-forward renters who want the best digital booking and check-in experience
- EV renters in Europe with access to the growing Sixt electric fleet
Where Sixt Falls Short
Outside its core European markets and a growing US presence at major airports, Sixt's location network has gaps that matter on more complex itineraries. Damage claim disputes are a recurring theme in reviews, with some customers reporting charges they considered unjustified and a claims process that is harder to resolve than with larger competitors. Economy pricing is not competitive with Budget or Alamo. And in markets where Sixt is still establishing itself, service consistency does not yet match what it delivers in Germany.