TORONTO — Car rental rates in Canada are expected to see modest increases over the next year, according to the newly released Ground Monitor 2025–26 from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).

The report forecasts Canadian rental prices will rise by 2.5% to 3.0% in the year ahead, reflecting a stabilizing market following years of volatility.

While the Canadian market remains more balanced than many global counterparts, local factors continue to drive pricing trends. Amex notes that GBT Consulting Canada’s expected increases outpace those in the U.S., where rates are projected to rise by just 1.5% to 1.9%. However, the forecast suggests a slower rate of increase than the previous year, pointing to a gradual return to pricing stability.

“Strong supply in North America should keep a lid on rental price rises,” the report states, adding that “this forecast could be blown off course by the impacts of trade tariffs on the wider US economy and the car rental sector.”

The annual outlook, based on economic modelling and travel industry data, highlights a global trend toward stabilization. However, pricing remains variable across regions. Countries like the Netherlands and the Nordics are expected to see little to no increase (up to 2.0%), while the UK, France and Australia face more significant pressure. Rates in the UK could climb 5.0% to 7.0%, France up to 5.0% and Australia as much as 7.0%, largely due to supply-demand imbalances and evolving fleet management strategies.

“After years of disruption, we’re now seeing car rental prices begin to stabilize across many countries,” said Sara Andell, Director of Consulting Strategy at Amex GBT Consulting. “But the picture isn’t uniform. Local conditions vary, and fast-moving geopolitical and economic developments still have the potential to shift pricing quickly.”

For Canadian businesses, the Ground Monitor 2025–26 report outlines several strategies to control costs and adapt to shifting traveller needs:

• Strengthening partnerships with car rental suppliers to secure availability during peak travel periods
• Aligning rental and fleet operations across departments to gain visibility and improve value
• Incorporating ride-share options to align with traveller preferences and improve data collection
• Preparing for the integration of autonomous vehicles and the resulting implications on policy, risk and insurance

To read the full Ground Monitor 2025–2026 report, click here.