posted on May 7, 2026
Deciding between Turo and SIXT? Both car rental providers give you access to a wide range of vehicles across the US, but the booking experience (and the car you end up driving) can look very different. Turo is a car rental marketplace where you book a specific car directly from a local owner, while SIXT is a premium traditional car rental company with branch locations at airports and cities nationwide.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What is Turo?
- What is SIXT?
- Turo vs SIXT: how they compare at a glance
- Turo vs SIXT: the key differences
- How it works: booking with Turo vs SIXT
- Which is better for you?
- Frequently asked questions
- Key takeaways
What is Turo?
Turo is a car rental marketplace, on a mission to reinvent the car rental experience in the US, Canada, the UK, France and Australia. Instead of booking from a fixed fleet of cars, you can choose from a wide variety of vehicles available locally through the Turo mobile app.
On Turo, there are over 1,600+ unique car makes and models to choose from. The exact car you book is the one you’ll get, with delivery options and thousands of pickup locations available (including pickup at over 100 airport parking lots and garages across the US and Canada). Plus, renting a car on Turo is flexible, with long-term bookings of one month or more available.
What is SIXT?
SIXT is a car rental company operating in over 100 countries worldwide. The company is known for its premium car rental options, with a distinctive fleet spanning economy cars to high-end convertibles and SUVs. On SIXT, you’ll find a mix of upscale brands (like BMW, Volkswagen and Jeep) along with economy cars from Toyota and Nissan.
Car bookings are made online via the SIXT website or app, with vehicles available to pick up from airports and branch locations. Plus, the SIXT ONE loyalty program allows members to unlock savings (such as 20% off member rates) and rewards by earning points.
Turo vs SIXT: how they compare at a glance
| Turo | SIXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Car rental marketplace | Traditional car rental company |
| Vehicle selection | Browse and book the exact car you want from over 1,500+ makes and models | Book by vehicle class; specific model not guaranteed, but SIXT fleet skews premium |
| Locations | Car owners set their own pick-up locations across the US | Airport and city branch locations across the US (55+ airports, 120+ branches) |
| Pricing model | Set by individual car owners; varies by vehicle, location, and trip length | Set by SIXT; varies by location, dates, and vehicle class |
| Booking process | App or web; book directly from a local car owner | App, web, or phone; pick up at a SIXT branch |
| Pick-up/drop-off | Flexible; owner-determined locations, with custom delivery available from some owners | Pick-up and return at SIXT branch locations; one-way rentals available across US branches with unlimited mileage |
| Minimum age requirement | Varies; 18 in most US states (fees may apply for drivers under 25) | 21 for most vehicles; 25 for premium and larger vehicles; young driver fee may apply |
| Membership required? | No | No |
| Loyalty program | No | Yes, SIXT ONE (free to join) |
| EV availability | Available from select car owners on the platform | Available at select locations |
| One-way rentals | Varies by car owner | Available between all continental US SIXT branches; unlimited mileage included; drop-off fees waived on many popular routes |
| Long-term rental | Book by the day, week, or month (with discounts available for bookings of one month or more) | Long-term rentals available; SIXT+ car subscription available (monthly, includes maintenance) |
| iOS/Android app | Yes | Yes |
Source note: Data sourced from turo.com and sixt.com, accurate as of May, 2026. Pricing, availability, and loyalty program details are subject to change; check each platform directly for current information. For Turo trip cost information, visit: https://help.turo.com/en_us/trip-costs-Syxm4NeNq
Turo vs SIXT: the key differences
Is Turo or SIXT a better fit for your car rental needs? The answer comes down to what kind of vehicle you want to drive, the way you want to book your car, and the length of your booking. While traditional rental car companies (like SIXT) offer a diverse fleet of cars, car rental marketplaces (like Turo) can offer more flexible pick-up and drop-off locations, a wider vehicle selection and the ability to book directly from a trusted local car owner.
Vehicle selection: browse and book the exact car you want
If you care about the car you drive, renting a car on Turo is likely your best bet. The exact vehicle you book is the car you’ll drive, with over 1,600+ vehicle makes and models listed on the platform. Each vehicle listing covers the specific make, models, year, color, and specs of the car, along with reviews from real drivers who have rented this exact car before.
Plus, many local owners list unique car makes and models you won’t find in a traditional rental fleet (from classic and vintage cars to sleek convertibles and even luxury electric cars).
On SIXT, you’ll choose from a range of vehicle classes (such as “intermediate SUVs”, “compact SUVs” and “luxury sedans”). This means the specific car model isn’t guaranteed, and you’ll be assigned an available car from this class on pick-up. However, SIXT’s fleet does tend to skew towards more premium car models from luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
Pricing and fees
Curious about how rental prices compare between Turo and SIXT? On Turo, each car owner sets the price of their own vehicle. Cost is influenced by a range of factors, including vehicle type, pick-up location, and the length of the trip. The Turo app makes it easy to filter by cars that suit your budget, with many owners offering discounts for early-bird and long-term bookings.
On SIXT, pricing is set by the company and varies by location, vehicle class, the driver’s age, and rental dates. Filter by “hot offers” to see what cars are available at the best rates, and consider joining the SIXT ONE rewards program to access member discounts.
Pick-up, drop-off, and car delivery options
On Turo, there are plenty of convenient places to pick-up and drop-off your rental car. Local owners offer delivery directly to the parking lots and garages of over 100+ US airports, and custom delivery is often available to various destinations, including train stations, hotels, offices and even your home. Booking on Turo means you’re not limited to collecting your rental car from crowded rental counters or branch locations.
On SIXT, all rental cars are picked up and returned to SIXT branches, dotted across airports, cities and neighborhoods in the US. Make sure to bring a valid driver’s license as well as a valid form of ID (like a passport) if you’re visiting from outside of the US.
Both Turo and SIXT offer one-way car rental, meaning you can collect your car in one location and return it to another. Make sure to check if this feature is available when booking on Turo, and check if extra fees apply when booking a one-way rental on SIXT.
How the booking experience works
Rental car bookings on Turo happen within the Turo app (or on the Turo website). Create a free account, enter your preferred travel dates and pick-up location to browse available vehicles. Read reviews from previous renters, add-on handy extras (like a GPS or car seat) and confirm your booking in a few taps.
Car rental bookings with SIXT are also available online. Browse real-time car availability, set your preferred pick-up location, select your vehicle class, and add on any additional drivers. Keep in mind that you won’t know the exact car make and model you’ll be driving, as this is assigned on pick-up based on car availability.
One-way rentals and road trip flexibility
Renting a car for a road trip or when relocating from one city to another?
On SIXT, you can book a one-way rental car where you pick up your vehicle in one location and drop it off at another. There are over 120+ SIXT branches dotted across the US, giving you plenty of options and flexibility when setting the pick-up and drop-off locations for your rental car reservation.
On Turo, many owners also allow one-way rentals. Be sure to check the individual vehicle listing to see whether one-way trips are available for that specific vehicle.
Long-term rental bookings
Need a rental car for an extended period of time, but don’t want to take out a rigid car lease? Many owners on Turo offer long-term bookings of multiple weeks or months, without any upfront costs or lock-in contracts. Plus, you’ll often unlock the best car rental deals by booking for one month or more, too.
On SIXT, you can also rent cars for extended periods of time using the company’s long-term and monthly rental options. The SIXT+ car subscription is a handy way to rent cars for 28 days or more, with the option to extend or end the booking at any time.
Both Turo and SIXT are flexible alternatives to traditional car leasing or ownership, with no lock-in contracts, no fixed leases, and full control over the length of your booking.
How it works: booking with Turo vs SIXT
Booking with Turo
- Create a free account on the Turo app or website
- Enter your location, dates, and preferred vehicle type
- Browse individual car listings and filter by make, model, price, features, and reviews
- Book the exact car you want instantly, or send a booking request
- Verify your identity and enter your valid driver’s license details
- Check what protection plans are available to you
- Add a payment method and confirm your booking
Booking with SIXT
- Visit sixt.com or open the SIXT app
- Enter your pick-up location, dates, and times
- Browse available vehicle classes and select the type that suits your trip
- Add any extras (GPS, child seat, additional driver) and confirm your booking
Which is better for you?
Turo may be the better fit if you…
- Want to browse and book the exact car you want: a specific make, model, and specs
- Are looking for a wide range of vehicle types, from everyday cars to specialty or unique vehicles
- Want flexible pick-up and drop-off options beyond traditional branch locations
- Prefer an app-based experience where you can communicate directly with the car owner
- Are looking for options across a range of price points to fit your budget
- Need a car for a day, a week, or longer, without a long-term commitment
SIXT may be the better fit if you…
- Prefer picking up and returning a car at a traditional rental branch, including major airports
- Want access to a premium fleet with a strong selection of luxury and newer-model vehicles
- Are planning a one-way road trip and want unlimited mileage and transparent drop-off pricing
- Rent frequently and want to earn points toward future rentals through the SIXT ONE program
- Are looking for a monthly car subscription as a flexible alternative to car ownership (SIXT+)
Tip from the author: Need an airport rental car? Turo offers a streamlined airport experience where you skip the car rental counter and collect your car directly from the airport parking garage or lot. Local owners on Turo can deliver cars directly to over 100 airports in the US and Canada.
Frequently asked questions about Turo vs SIXT
Is Turo cheaper than SIXT?
Wondering if rental cars are the same price on Turo and SIXT? The best way to check rental car prices is by checking car availability and vehicle costs for your specific travel dates on both platforms. On Turo, pricing is set by individual car owners and varies widely; SIXT pricing varies by location, vehicle class, travel dates and driver age.
What is the difference between Turo and SIXT?
The biggest difference between Turo and SIXT is the booking experience and the car types available to rent.
On Turo, bookings happen through a mobile app, with the ability to set a custom pick-up location, read past renter reviews and chat with the car’s owner using Turo’s in-app messaging. Plus, you’ll find plenty of unique car makes and models on Turo (including classic cars and luxury vehicles that you won’t find in a typical rental car fleet).
On SIXT, bookings happen online through the SIXT website. Cars are booked by vehicle class, meaning you won’t know the exact car make and model you’ll be driving until you receive the keys.
Can I do a one-way rental on Turo?
The short answer? Yes, you can book a one-way rental on Turo. Keep in mind that each car owner decides whether they offer one-way rentals, so be sure to check the vehicle listing when making a reservation.
On SIXT, one-way rentals are also available, allowing you to pick-up a rental car from one SIXT branch and drop it off at a different branch.
What is the minimum age to rent with Turo vs SIXT?
On Turo, the minimum age to rent a car in the US is 18 years old, but can vary. On SIXT, the minimum age is 21 for most vehicles and 25 for premium models. Be sure to read the fine print as a younger driver fee may apply.
Key takeaways
- Turo is a car rental marketplace where you browse and book the exact car you want from local owners across the US; no rental counter, no membership fee, and flexible pick-up options including delivery to 100+ airports.
- SIXT is a premium-positioned traditional car rental company with branch locations at 55+ US airports and 120+ city locations, best suited to drivers who prefer a familiar counter experience or want access to a premium fleet.
- On Turo, you book a specific vehicle (make, model, year, and specs confirmed upfront) whereas SIXT assigns you an available car from your chosen vehicle class at pick-up.
- Both platforms offer long-term rental options and one-way trips, but Turo gives you more flexibility on vehicle choice, pick-up location, and pricing with no membership required.
Ready to book with Turo?
Whether you’re after a specific car for a weekend road trip, need flexible pick-up options, or just want to browse something beyond the usual rental fleet, Turo makes it easy to find the right car for your trip. Explore cars available near you and book the exact vehicle you want, on your terms.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
