Key Takeaways
- Opt for fuel-efficient, reliable vehicles like Toyota Prius and Honda Civic for UberX.
- Consider spacious and comfortable cars such as Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for Uber Comfort.
- Luxury models like Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are ideal for Uber Black.
- Choose SUVs like Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer for higher-capacity UberXL rides.
Driving for a rideshare platform like Uber can be an excellent way to earn extra money in 2024. But if you plan to sign up, there are certain requirements you’ll have to meet.
First, you’ll need a car that meets Uber’s size, age, and condition requirements. It’s not like you can pull up and start driving people around with any old car you have in your garage.
Your vehicle is the service you’re offering to the table. Your customer’s experience, satisfaction, and, most importantly, your income rely on this decision.
But don’t worry. In this post, we’re walking you through the best cars for Uber. Let’s help you pick the right vehicle that works best for you and one that aligns with Uber’s guidelines.
Importance of Choosing the Right Vehicle
There’s a common misconception among rookie Uber drivers that choosing the best-looking car would earn you more income. That’s not entirely true.
If you want a solid income stream, you must balance your upfront cost and operational expenses. So, you’ll have to consider fuel economy and reliability besides appearance.
Second to gas mileage, think about space and comfort—for you and your passengers. Providing a cozy riding experience to passengers is crucial to earning good ratings.
Don’t forget your auto insurance. As you know, not all cars are equal. If you’re eyeing luxury rides, know that they typically come with higher insurance rates than SUVs or sedans.
Uber does provide coverage to its drivers. But only when they’re active and driving passengers. When your driver app is off, your car insurance will apply in case of an accident.
Of course, Uber also has a general vehicle guideline you should follow for each category. Generally, every Uber should be a four-door car and not older than 15 years.
Best Cars for Uber: Categories and Recommendations
If you plan on joining the growing ranks of ride-share drivers on our roads, it’s best to determine which category you want to get into.
Here’s a list of the best Uber cars for each category and why you should consider them.
Economy Category (For UberX)
UberX is the most economical form of transport the platform offers. Eligible vehicles should have at least five seats and four doors.
Toyota Prius
The Prius has long been an iconic car for Ubers and rideshare drivers. Bearing the Japanese brand renowned for exceptional durability, the Prius is a reliable companion on the road.
Introduced in 1997, this Toyota classic is one of the cheapest units you can get to start your hustle. A redesign in 2021 also made the newer models better in terms of features and power.
What makes the Prius an excellent choice is its impressively high gas mileage. Boasting an average MPG of 49 to 57, you won’t have to worry about driving that extra mile for a passenger.
It’s plenty spacious, too. The Prius can seamlessly fit a reasonable number of people with 27.4 cubic feet of space at your disposal.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the best choices for passenger comfort and cost-effectiveness. Manufactured in 1972, it remains one of the most popular vehicles to hit the road.
As an Uber, the Civic is a dependable and economical vehicle that comes in a range of sleek designs. And like most Honda units, they won’t cost thousands of bucks to maintain.
The interior is outstandingly comfortable, with supportive seats and ample legroom. It has an insulated cabin, reducing road noise for a more peaceful ride experience.
Then there’s passenger safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Civic the highest safety rating, making it a true champ in the rideshare space.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s Sonata is a great choice for your daily commute with an excellent price-performance ratio. But it also makes a terrific rideshare vehicle owing to its incredibly roomy interior.
The Sonata provides more room than most mid-size sedans. Riders won’t complain about getting cramped with its 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space.
What about fuel economy and maintenance? Well, the Sonata can rack up 36 MPG effortlessly and boasts an inexpensive maintenance cost that won’t exceed a couple hundred dollars.
Mid-Range Category (For UberX and Uber Comfort)
Uber Comfort is the go-to for riders who want that extra comfort without paying as much as an Uber Black. For this rideshare offer, your vehicle should have more room and be in a better condition.
Honda Accord
While not as flashy as a Mercedes-Benz, the Honda Accord is a flawless rideshare option for its roomy interior. And with its recent redesign, Honda managed to provide even more legroom.
The car can accommodate up to five tall adults with a cozy 105.6 cubic feet of passenger space. The seats are supportive and comfy, perfect for longer Uber trips. It comes with a generous trunk size and can easily fit several suitcases.
Besides its space efficiency, the Honda Accord’s fuel economy is another clincher quality. It can run up to 32 miles per gallon of fuel, making it one of the most budget-friendly Uber rides you can own.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry’s reliability and low operating costs make it a superb investment for an Uber hustle. And its 2018 redesign only made it better, with Toyota boosting the Camry’s comfort and performance.
The Camry offers a quiet and smooth ride performance, which is certainly a plus if you’re going to spend long hours driving riders.
The interiors are simple but well-built, with a supportive and comfy row of seats, providing over 38 inches of leg and headroom for back passengers. The door openings are wide, making entering and exiting effortless.
The Camry is also available in a hybrid model, which provides better gas mileage. But a 32 MPG combined shouldn’t burn a hole through your gas money.
Mazda 6
Mazda 6 is a rare sight as an Uber, but it doesn’t mean it’s less of a champ than the others. And its appearance certainly delivers a more luxurious feeling than most midsize sedans.
Sure, some might find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine less appealing, but the car’s 6 drives and refined dynamics certainly make an attractive case. It offers superior handling than most sedans at this purchase price, ensuring a ride quality that would satisfy a prickly rider.
Peaking at its interior, the Mazda 6 prides itself on an upscale, mature design. The materials are high-quality, with newer models featuring leather upholstery colored to match the classy exterior.
Luxury Category (For Uber Black)
Uber Black is the platform’s luxury commute service designed for passengers who prefer professional drivers riding high-end cars. Only black SUVs and luxury vehicles can pass as an Uber Black.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a massively popular luxury car for rideshare drivers. And while preferences can vary, many riders appreciate the style and comfort of a luxury car like the Mercedes-Benz.
Premium riders, in particular, are likely to choose Mercedes-Benz vehicles solely for the sophistication associated with the German brand. After all, who wouldn’t feel extraordinary sitting in a cabin that feels and looks expensive?
Of course, there’s more to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class than prestige. Under the hood are advanced features focused on providing superior ride comfort, safety, and quality.
From infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and driver-assistant technologies—everything you’ll ever need for a ride.
BMW 5 Series
The 5 Series is a bestseller executive-class vehicle from BMW. As an Uber Black ride, you’ll have a roomy, tech-filled cabin with some of the best passenger accommodations.
This German car flaunts sporty driving dynamics thanks to its sharp chassis and rear-wheel drive. Sharp corners and slippery roads are no match for this masterpiece, making rides smoother and enjoyable for yourself and your riders.
The 5 series comes equipped with BMW’s flagship and luxury segments. Inside the cabin is a 12.3-inch infotainment system, surround-sound audio, and a plethora of other features to make a top-notch rider experience.
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an exciting pick for an Uber Black ride. Boasting a futuristic and elegant aesthetic, the A6 delivers a striking and powerful look you can rarely find in other sedans.
Appearance aside, the vehicle comes packed with high-tech comforts inside the spacious cabin. Tall drivers and passengers can sit snuggly throughout each trip with plenty of room adjustment options.
The A6 flaunts as many advanced features as its super-luxurious sibling, the Audi A8. The only difference is it comes wrapped in a cheaper package.
With the A6, you’ll enjoy a four-zone climate control, a 12.2-inch virtual cockpit, a 10-inch touch display, hands-free parking, and a 360 camera. And that’s merely scratching the surface!
SUV Category (For UberXL)
UberXL is a step up from Uber Black in terms of passenger space. Generally speaking, you’ll need a ride that fits a whole entourage of six to seven riders.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is a capable unit favored for its 8-seat cabin. Thanks to its impressive capacity, it qualifies for both regular and XL Uber tasks.
Aside from its passenger space, the Highlander gives you an expansive 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Housing riders with bulky luggage would be a breeze.
The main attraction for the Highlander, however, is its upgradeable powertrain. Install a hybrid powertrain, and you’ll only spend $2.52 per 25 miles for fuel, saving you considerable bucks.
Honda Pilot
With its terrific standing for dependability and resale value, the Honda Pilot is a no-brainer pick for an UberXL gig.
This Honda has a cavernous cabin capable of seating eight passengers. Behind its rugged appearance are practical and family-friendly features, including infotainment displays, climate controls, cupholders, and low seat cushions for children.
The fuel economy of a Pilot is excellent, too. Opting for the front-wheel drive model would give you 27 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city.
Ford Explorer
This broad-shouldered beauty is a full package as an Uber SUV. Favored for its blend of performance, capability, and comfort, the Ford Explorer is the perfect vehicle for versatile drivers.
More than aesthetics, the Explorer’s cabin focuses on function and comfort. It comes with practical button-controlled seat-adjustment mechanisms that make moving around easier.
Riders will have an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment all to themselves. Every Explorer model comes installed with a voice-activated navigation feature for a convenient, hands-free experience.
Hybrid/Electric Category (Eco-friendly Options)
Uber Green is a low-emission ride option for environment-conscious riders. Signing up for this service requires a fully electric vehicle.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s Model 3 is an affordable choice for an Uber Green ride. With an average power usage of 13.9 kWh/100 km, the Model 3 is one of the most efficient electric cars you can get.
A Tesla Model 3 is considerably cheaper than your manual rides in terms of maintenance. While it lacks some advanced perks of its more luxurious siblings, the Tesla Model 3 is a great option to kickstart your Uber gig.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Electric car buyers care about two aspects: its range and charge time. Chevrolet’s Bolt EV excels in both and more.
For an affordable car, the Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts a remarkable range capable of competing with pricier models. On a single full charge, the 200-horsepower ride can run 259 miles.
The Bolt EV also offers abundant room for passengers and cargo. Behind its rear seats is a cozy 17 cubic feet of space that expands 57 cubes when you fold the seats.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
If you’re looking for fuel economy in an electric car, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid should be at the top of your list.
The RAV4 Hybrid is a superb unit to drive on the road, delivering a perfect blend of utility and cost-effectiveness. The cabin is massive, with an evident emphasis on practicality over style.
Under its compact build is an 18.1-kWh battery pack capable of racking dozens of miles in cities or highways. Its charging time takes two and a half hours when plugged into a 240-volt source.
Financial Considerations
Rushing to a buying decision without assessing your budget is a recipe for financial disaster. So, here are a few financial considerations to keep in mind when choosing your Uber ride:
Running Cost
Maintenance and fuel efficiency are the aspects you want to focus on. For this, you’ll want a car with a clean record (if used) and a high MPG to avoid burning your profit on repairs or gas.
A hybrid or lightweight vehicle is always a wise choice for its fuel economy. Running the unit you’re eyeing in CarFAX provides a complete report of its history.
Value Depreciation
Cars lose their value over time. Many brand-new vehicles drop by around 15% to 30% of their worth in the first year alone.
Fuel-efficient hybrids, SUVs, and other mid-sized retain most of their value. And while you can earn more with higher Uber categories, luxury cars typically depreciate the most.
Maximizing Earnings with the Right Car
Uber doesn’t pay for its drivers’ gas, which means fuel costs will take a considerable chunk off your income. That’s why optimizing fuel efficiency should be one of your primary priorities.
Mid-sized and hybrid models are your best options to maximize economy. Any vehicle with an MPG between 40 and 70, such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, or Hyundai Sonata, is ideal.
However, the issue with such lightweight rides is that they limit you to Uber’s lower fare tier. So, while they’re surely easy on the wallet, you won’t be earning as much as with Uber Black or XL.
Switching up to Uber’s luxury services provides better earning opportunities. Full-sized SUVs like the Highlander, Pilot, or Explorer offer plenty of room for more riders and earnings.
While higher in upkeep, driving luxurious vehicles and catering to riders looking for a premium experience leads to better ratings and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Used Car is the Best Option For Uber?
A Toyota Prius is a great option when eyeing a used vehicle as an Uber car. Besides its budget-friendly qualities, a Prius can retain most of its value better than any vehicle in the same price range.
What is the Best Luxury Car for Uber?
One of the best luxury cars for Uber is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Known for its high-quality interiors, superior performance, and advanced technology features, the E-Class is an icon of prestige on the road.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a suitable Uber ride is a crucial decision regardless of your experience. As an Uber driver, owning the right car can mean the difference between earning or losing money.
Remember to look beyond appearance and prioritize fuel efficiency, rider comfort, and maintenance costs.
By aligning these factors with market demands and your financial goals, you can ensure a lucrative experience as an Uber driver.
