I think you're asking if you should consider renting items just for a day or two to test them with your baby before you make a choice on what to buy? If so, that seems reasonable, although it's not something I ever thought of. And might be difficult to coordinate with a newborn at home.
If you're talking about renting long term instead of buying, then no. That would be cost prohibitive and you don't know what you're getting.
I made most of my choices based on recommendations from friends/family who were already parents. And then accepting hand me downs. You could always try things in the store too. I personally think most stuff functions pretty similarly and it's just the bells and whistles that make things different. I think most people overthink baby gear.