The 5 Best Cars For Uber [From A Driver’s Perspective] [OLD]

1. Toyota Camry: Top Pick for UberX and UberComfort

The Toyota Camry offers comfort with a spacious interior and plenty of legroom. 2015 models and newer have forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems. It’s also recommended as one of the best fuel-efficient vehicles, making it a good choice for Uber drivers.

Another plus is that it comes equipped with the latest technology features, such as a wireless charging pad. It also has a navigation system that gives drivers access to real-time information on the traffic flow in the area to avoid any potential congestion on the road.

2. Nissan Versa: Runner Up

Nissan offers a wide variety of top-class vehicles that can easily qualify for Uber. Out of these, our favorite is the Nissan Versa.

This premium sedan is known for its agile performance, generous interior space, and powerful efficiency. It also comes equipped with advanced safety technology, such as your choice of Siri voice control or Android Auto and wireless charging. It also features the Nissan Safety Shield® 360.

3. Honda Odyssey: Best for UberXL

Vehicles for UberXL must seat at least six passengers, making the 8-seat Honda Odyssey the perfect choice. Yet, that’s not the only reason. This high-value car repeatedly receives top scores in safety and reliability.

Another nice feature is that it’s pretty fuel efficient, but only if it’s filled. Otherwise, its average rate of 19 mpg won’t be as cost-effective.

4. Lexus ES: Best for UberSELECT/UberPLUS

Offering the choice of upscale cars, UberSELECT/UberPLUS costs more than the standard UberX. As a result, this service draws in fewer rides, making it a bit more exclusive.

Nevertheless, for those who wish to ride in style and have no problem paying a bit extra, the Lexus ES is one of the top vehicles on this list. It’s praised for its reliability on the road with its 8-speed automatic, linear power delivery, and prompt throttle response. Additionally, the plush leather interior offers a high level of comfort.

5. BMW 7 Series: Best for UberBLACK

All BMWs have pretty much been categorized as sub-limousine for ages. However, with the 7 Series, things are taken to a whole new level.

Equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the V8 engine is impressive. Yet, passengers won’t feel the power thanks to the solid noise insulation in the frame of the car. Add to that the vehicle’s cushy, leather interior, and high-tech built-ins that ensure that riders will ride in style.

Best Electric and Hybrid Options

Here’s a list of five of the best electric and hybrid cars for Uber rideshare drivers. They’re all known to offer spacious cabins and high-quality comfort.

The best part is that they’re fuel and energy-efficient, which can have a great impact on driver earnings. So, you can be sure that they won’t make too much of a dent in your potential earnings.

Yet, the main reason drivers choose to go with an electric or hybrid car is for its environmental benefits. They help reduce greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions, which are the main culprits of smog. These cars mean cleaner air and, consequently, better health for entire communities.

Check out our selection of the best electric and hybrid cars for Uber:

1. Mazda2 Hybrid: a small, but comfortable, plug-in hybrid ideal for UberX
2. Honda Accord: fully electric vehicle ideal for UberX and UberComfort
3. Volkswagen ID4:  a  fully electric hatchback ideal for UberX and UberComfort
4. Chevrolet Bolt EUV: a fully electric hatchback ideal for UberX and UberComfort
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Hatchback: a fully electric 2022 recipient of three World Car Awards ideal for UberX and UberComfort
6. Kia Niro: a plug-in hybrid crossover-hatchback ideal for UberX and UberComfort
7. Ford Fusion Hybrid: a plug-in hybrid version of the gas-powered Ford Fusion midsize sedan ideal for UberX and UberComfort
8. Audi A8: a plug-in hybrid ideal for UberBLACK
9. Chrysler Pacifica: a spacious 8-seat plug-in hybrid ideal for UberXL and UberBLACK
10. Tesla Model S 60: a fully electric sedan ideal for UberSELECT/UberPLUS and UberBLACK

Criteria for Selecting the Best Uber Cars

While the criteria for Uber cars differ slightly from city to city, the general requirements are the same wherever you are in the world.

1. Insurance

The most common criterion is that all Uber drivers must have a personal insurance policy in accordance with state and local laws.

On top of that, Uber also provides all their US rideshare drivers with automobile liability insurance.

This is what’s known as Transportation Networking Company (TNC) policies and they’re available whenever rideshare drivers are on the job. Yet, they don’t offer coverage when they’re not working.

2. Passenger Perspective

Another thing to consider is what the passenger is looking for in a rideshare vehicle. Usually, clients just want to get to where they’re going as conveniently and timely as possible.

Speediness and comfort, or lack thereof, are what make the difference between getting a nice tip or a 5-star review and no tip at all or, even worse, a bad review.

Features like working heat/AC, power windows, and plenty of legroom are a good place to start. You should also think about getting a car with backseat US ports for added convenience.

According to insurance companies, the more safety features your vehicle has, the lower your insurance premiums will be.

So, that’s something to keep in mind when looking for a car that can help you lower costs while boosting your safety rating on Uber.

3. Other Basic Vehicle Must-Haves

Here are the basic must-haves for all vehicles:

• The vehicle must be 16 years old or newer
• It must be a 4-door vehicle
• There must not be any commercial branding on the vehicle
• The interior of the vehicle must be in good condition
• The vehicle must have no cosmetic damage and must pass a full vehicle inspection

4. Cosmetic Guidelines

Below are some of the cosmetic features that could prevent a vehicle from qualifying to be an Uber car.

• Full-body wraps like large advertisements
• Taxi-style decals or paint
• Different colored doors and/or hoods
• Window tinting except if it complies with CA regulations
• Any sort of aftermarket modification
• Paint oxidation
• Holes in the exterior body of the vehicle
• Significant damage to the interior of the vehicle, such as permanent stains, torn seats, or strong odors

Understanding Uber’s Vehicle Requirements

Uber offers a wide range of services to its clients with each one catering to various needs, such as affordability, number of passengers, spacious trunk, and luxury.

Below are the vehicle requirements of the five most common Uber services.

UberX Vehicle Requirements

UberX is the most common service of all the Uber services so much so that it describes it as ‘everyday cars for everyday use.’

At the same time, it asserts that this service promises to be ‘better, faster, and cheaper than a taxi.’ Uber holds up these claims through the following requirements:

• Must seat at least four passengers, not including the driver
• Vehicles must be 2000 models or newer in several California cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County
• In Chicago, vehicles must be 2001 or newer
• In Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, vehicles must be no older than 16 years and have Uber mileage requirements of 100,000 miles or less
• In New York City, cars must be 2011 or newer
• In the majority of US cities, vehicles must have been manufactured in 2005 or later

UberComfort Vehicle Requirements

Think of UberComfort as UberX but with more legroom. Customers who opt for this service know they’re getting a relatively newer, but still mid-size, car model.

In addition, the drivers are some of the top-rated on Uber with plenty of experience working as rideshare partners.

Take a look at the eligibility requirements for this particular service:

• Vehicles must have completed no less than 500 trips
• Vehicles must be no older than 7 years
• Legroom space in the second row must be at least 91 cm

UberXL Vehicle Requirements

The best-known feature of UberXL is its extra cabin space and its higher fare price than the more affordable UberX. It’s a service primarily for those who own a minivan or SUV as these vehicles are the ones with the most interior space.

The requirements for such vehicles are the same as the typical UberX, especially when it comes to the model of the qualifying cars.

The biggest difference between the two is that all cars for UberXL must seat at least six passengers, not including the driver.

UberSELECT/UberPLUS Vehicle Requirements

UberSELECT/UberPLUS is a premium service, which is available only in a handful of select states and cities. However, Uber promises to gradually expand this amenity to more locations.

Being a premium choice, it’s more expensive than the two choices above to correspond with the higher level of service. As such, the requirements for the UberSELECT/UberPLUS service are more rigorous than UberX and UberXL.

• Vehicles must be a four-door entry-level luxury sedan
• The interior must be made of leather
• Vehicles must seat a minimum of four passengers, not including the driver
• Vehicles must be no older than 16 years

UberBLACK Vehicle Requirements

UberBLACK is often seen as the more luxurious version of UberX. Those who choose this level of service expect to be picked up in an elegant black-on-black sedan or SUV.

Since this level of service is above what’s normally required, drivers who are approved for UberBLACK are required to ‘dress to impress’ and be more well-mannered than regular Uber drivers at all times.

Here are some of the requirements set up specifically for UberBLACK:

• Must seat four passengers comfortably
• Vehicles must be a luxury sedan or, in rare cases, an SUV
• The model and year requirements of the car vary from city to city, but the consensus is that it should be no older than 6 years
• Vehicles must have a black exterior with a black interior
• Vehicles must be in immaculate condition both indoors and out
• Vehicles must meet the luggage policy of 2–3 large suitcases or 3–4 medium suitcases

Cost-Benefit Analysis of New vs. Used Cars for Uber

Now that you know the best cars for Uber and the criteria required for each service, it’s time to choose the right one. This begs the question, “Should I buy a new car or simply make do with a used one?”

While buying a new car, even if using a loan for purchasing your vehicle, is certainly exciting, it’s not necessarily the best value for your budget. After all, new vehicles cost more than used ones. They also come with high monthly payments and higher insurance premiums.

The alternative is to buy a high-quality pre-owned car. The trick, however, is to find one that provides the best value, is fuel-efficient, and has low operating costs.

Here are a few factors to consider when buying a used car for Uber:

• Fuel Efficiency: look for cars with a low mile per gallon (MPG) like a lightweight car or a hybrid, to help increase your profit rather than spend all your money on gas
• Maintenance: run the car’s VIN on CarFAX to ensure it has a clean vehicle history report (VHR)
• Value Depreciation: it’s a well-known fact that the majority of assets, cars included, lose their value over time, so your best option is to pick cars that hold their value for as long as possible

Insurance and Warranty Considerations

Unfortunately, driving for Uber can nullify the warranty on your personal vehicle in most cases.

That said, Uber offers a couple of alternative options, such as an extended warranty called ‘Protect my Uber,’ as well as vehicle service contracts that could prove beneficial.

Just make sure you read the fine print on these warranties to make sure they’re worth the extra money.

Insurance Coverage Provided by Uber

Uber drivers are provided with insurance coverage each time they clock in. It’s designed to offer drivers the necessary protection in case something happens when they’re transporting passengers.

The $2 million work insurance covers several elements, including:

• Liability coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Contingent collision
• Commercial coverage

Additional Insurance Coverage

The insurance provided by Uber is available only when each of the factors mentioned above is also included in the driver’s personal policy. This means rideshare drivers should also get separate insurance coverage in addition to that provided by Uber.

And since drivers are required by law to have auto insurance that includes both liability and comprehensive coverage, this makes having additional ‘rideshare’ insurance that much more beneficial.

Maintenance and Upkeep Tips

Every Uber driver wants their car to look spic and span as they shuttle passengers back and forth.

So, to keep their source of income in good operating condition at all times, they need to set up a maintenance schedule for their cars. This way, they won’t get distracted and forget to get their vehicles properly inspected.

Check out these upkeep tips that can help keep your car running smoothly on the road no matter what type of vehicle it may be.

• Keep the manual close by: the car’s user manual contains plenty of valuable information that you can use for maintenance routines and other care upkeep procedures.
• Pay attention to the brakes: brakes that make loud, screeching noises are a sign that something needs to be inspected or repaired, and they tend to give passengers the wrong impression
• Look after the gas tank: avoid leaving the tank until near-empty or overfilling it because they can damage the gas tank as well as the evaporation separator.
• Keep an eye on fluid levels: check the car’s fluid levels, like oil, transmission, and coolant levels, each week to ensure that everything is operating as it should

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Knowing which models make the best cars for Uber drivers is a great way to embark on your rideshare business. Whether you’re driving around full-time or part-time to make some extra cash on the side, ridesharing is here to stay.

So, why not make the most of this relatively hassle-free money-making opportunity with its flexible hours and autonomy, and become part of the gig economy as a rideshare driver?