What Is The Difference Between Lyft Car Types?

When Calling a Lyft, Can You Specify the Type of Car?

When booking a ride with Lyft, you cannot specify the exact make or model of the car. However, Lyft allows you to choose from different ride modes based on your needs, such as Economy, Luxury, Extra Seats, and Assisted.

Within these categories, you have the option to select services like Wait & Save for a reduced rate or Priority Pickup for faster service at a higher price.

Although you can select the ride mode that best fits your requirements, Lyft does not offer the option to request a specific car or driver through their app.

An Overview of Lyft Ride Types

1. Lyft Standard (Lyft)

This is the standard and budget-friendly option offered by Lyft. It’s an excellent ride-hailing alternative because of its affordability.

People who order Lyft Standard benefit from the service without breaking the bank. At the same time, drivers can make a decent amount of money by driving people to their desired destinations.

Fares also vary during different times of the day due to demand, but Lyft Standard still offers economic ride-hailing solutions.

When you order Lyft Standard, you can expect compact cars and sedans with four doors and a minimum of five seatbelts. These include:

• Chevrolet Impala
• Ford Taurus
• Honda Accord
• Honda Civic
• Kia Optima
• Mazda 6
• Toyota Avalon
• Toyota Camry

You can request Lyft from the website or the smartphone app—and the Standard option appears as the first one. The app is free to download and is also available for iOS users.

Requesting Lyft Standard

Lyft Standard is easy to use. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the app and ensure you’re logged into your account.
2. Enter the pickup location and destination.
3. Select Lyft Standard from the options.
4. Check the estimated fare.
5. Confirm your ride and a driver will accept your request. You’ll receive an update about the driver’s expected arrival time.

Lyft Priority Pickup and Wait & Save

The app will also notify you of the updated waiting time and the additional cost.

If you aren’t in a hurry, however, you can pick the Wait & Save option. It allows you to enjoy a reduced cost of a Lyft ride when you wait longer for pickup.

Both options aren’t available at all locations or at all times though.

Green Ride

This is another type of ride that isn’t still widely available. When you pick Green, the app will match you with a driver who owns an electric vehicle or a hybrid.

This option works for people who prefer low-emission rides and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Quick note: The Green option appears only in areas where these vehicles are available.

2. Lyft XL

When you need more storage space for luggage or extra passengers, you can order Lyft XL. It works when Lyft Standard doesn’t suit your needs.

With Lyft XL, passengers get more space, for instance. So it’s more suitable for families or people traveling with luggage. It’s preferable for group outings, travelers, and families with kids as well.

The main difference between Standard and XL, as such, is the size and type of vehicles. When ordering XL, riders expect to ride minivans, SUVs, and large-capacity vehicles to accommodate up to six passengers.

This additional space guarantees more comfort, so it also works for a smaller group traveling for a longer distance.

Naturally, Lyft XL rides cost more than standard rides. The exact price depends on the distance, demand, and time of the day.

Yet, for most users, the higher price is good value for money because of the extra room. Plus, the cost is less per person when multiple people travel together.

Lyft XL drivers receive orders for both standard and XL rides too. So, you can get a Lyft XL vehicle even if you don’t request one during low-demand time slots.

In that case, you’ll pay the standard price because the app decided to pair you with the nearest driver. This means that you can enjoy more room for a budget-friendly price.

Requesting Lyft XL

You can order a Lyft Xl ride using these steps:

• Open the app and follow the steps of ordering Lyft’s standard service.
• After entering your pickup and delivery points, check the available ride options.
• Select the Lyft XL ride and wait for your driver.  

3. Lyft Lux

Lyft Lux is the elite version of Standard—with more requirements that every driver must meet.

This premium service works for those looking for a luxurious experience while traveling. It’s the option that most riders consider during special occasions, where elegance, cleanliness, and comfort are paramount.

Some standard vehicles don’t have top-notch cleanliness for example, or the sound system can be a bit frustrating. This won’t be the case with Lyft Lux.

Vehicle owners make more money with this service, so they go the extra mile by cleaning and maintaining their cars. Drivers who own luxurious sedans and high-end SUVs are those who can safely list their vehicles on Lux. 

As such, Lux service is tailored for travelers, business professionals, and people celebrating special occasions. They’ll follow the same steps, but choose the Lux option from the drop-down menu after entering their ride’s details.

Passengers can also expect leather seating, advanced sound systems, and an overall feeling of elegance. Only the best drivers with positive feedback provide this service, guaranteeing its quality. Tipping is always suggested—even with such a high-end service.

4. Lyft Lux Black and Lyft Lux Black XL

For those interested in a high-end experience, Lyft Lux Black and Lyft Black XL provide various riding options to facilitate the selection.

These are the most expensive services provided by Lyft, and both hire the best drivers with luxurious cars to offer you a ride. As a result, the service price will be higher than all the previous options.

After all, Lyft Lux Black and Lyft Lux Black XL are elite services that elevate your ride-hailing experience. Both options offer new, well-maintained, luxurious black vehicles that only people looking for the best service will choose.

Leather seating, state-of-the-art amenities, and excellent driving and navigation skills are also essential for drivers to list their vehicles for this service.  

The main difference between these two, however, is that Lux Black accommodates up to four passengers in a luxurious black sedan or compact car, while Luxt Black XL has room for up to six passengers.

These types of vehicles usually include:

• Acura TLX
• Audi A6
• BMW X3 and 5 Series
• GMC Yukon Denali
• Infiniti Q50
• Jaguar XF
• Lexus ES and ES
• Infiniti Q70
• Lincoln MKZ and Navigator
• Cadillac Escalade
• Mercedes-Benz GLS

As expected, drivers go through detailed screening to help maintain the quality standard. They’re also specifically trained to provide riders with the best experience.

All drivers must maintain a rating of 4.7 or higher to offer this service as well. So, expect unmatched hospitality and an exceptional level of professionalism.

These two options are available at selected locations too, and won’t be available all day. You should check your Lyft app before requesting a ride or contact Lyft customer service to know if premium services are available in your city.

5. Lyft Shared

Lyft Shared was a convenient ride-sharing option where people could share rides with others. The company developed this idea to encourage people to use the app more while saving money.

This service was initially available in selected cities and offered the following benefits:

• Better ride fares by splitting the cost among several riders.
• Less environmental impact by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
• Riders can enjoy the flexibility of standard rides while still maintaining their privacy.

Despite these benefits, Lyft decided to discontinue this service in 2021. The company’s managers felt that riders went out of their way during shared rides and weren’t as comfortable.

Many of them believed that despite the cost savings of the carpooling service, riders had several concerns.

Tips for Choosing the Right Lyft Car Type

Lyft is currently available in Canada and the US, but some options won’t be available in your city.

Plus, some riding options can be in high demand, so they won’t appear when you request a ride.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right Lyft car type:

1. Consider the Number of Passengers

If traveling solo or with another passenger, picking a standard ride will be an excellent option. As for XL, choose this option when more people are traveling to enjoy a comfortable ride.

2. Think About Your Luggage

Even if you’re alone or riding with a single companion for a long distance, an XL or Lux XL ride will work better because there’s more luggage room. It’s the best option for people ordering a Lyft from or to the airport.

3. Evaluate Your Budget

Several budget-friendly options are available when requesting a ride, like opting for the Wait & Save feature. If many people are traveling, you can choose the Lux option to save money.

Yet, if you don’t mind spending extra money, you can order the Lyft Lux Black XL—which offers a premium service to up to six riders.

4. Consider the Occasion

Think about the nature of your trip and who’s traveling. Ordering a trip to run errands isn’t like requesting a ride to drive you and your partner on a special occasion.

For casual outings and everyday commutes, you can choose between the Standard and XL rides, depending on the number of travelers. You can even order the Green option to enjoy a ride with fewer carbon emissions.

5. Assess Preferences

Do you prefer a spacious car even if you’re traveling alone? You can order a luxurious or bigger car depending on your personal preferences.

Some people are willing to pay more for a premium or faster service. Lyft can provide all these options.

Understand Service Availability

All Lyft options won’t be available in every city. You must check the app before ordering a ride to learn about the options in your area.

Other Services That Lyft Offers

Lyft offers a variety of transportation options beyond traditional car rides to accommodate different needs and preferences. These include:

1. Lyft Scooters

Lyft scooters are an engaging way to explore cities, available for rent through the Lyft app. It costs $1 to unlock a scooter, followed by a per-minute charge ranging from $0.20 to $0.39, with the possibility to keep the scooter for up to 12 hours.

2. Lyft Bikes

Lyft bikes are a more recent service, but one that are available randomly thoughout the United States.

This two-wheeled transportation option can be unlocked for $1, then used at a rate of $0.34 per minute. Bikes are accessed through the Lyft app by scanning a QR code.

3. Lyft Car Seat

Lyft Car Seat is available for parents or caregivers in New York City, providing a secure way to travel with a baby. Standard Lyft vehicles equipped with a properly installed car seat in the backseat are used for this service.

Vehicles that can offer this service include models like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Focus, and Honda Accord.

4. Lyft Access

Designed for passengers who use motorized wheelchairs, featuring vehicles large enough to accommodate and secure the wheelchair during transit.

This service is not available in every city, but Lyft provides resources for accessible rides where it’s not offered. Suitable vehicles include the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Sienna.

5. Lyft Assisted

Tailored for individuals who need assistance getting into and out of the vehicle, or with mobility devices. This service cannot be requested directly by passengers; instead, it must be arranged through their healthcare provider.

The vehicles used for Lyft Assisted vary to meet different needs and include cars and SUVs like the Chevrolet Impala and Honda Civic.

How Do Lyft’s Car Options Compare to Ubers?

Lyft and Uber both offer a range of car options catering to various passenger needs, allowing for direct comparisons between their services:

• Private Rides: Both Lyft and Uber X provide private ride options.
• Shared Rides: Lyft Shared and Uber Pool offer more economical choices by picking up additional passengers along the route.
• Comfort Rides: Lyft Preferred and Uber Comfort enhance the comfort level of your journey, giving passengers more control over their ride experience.
• Luxury Rides: For those seeking an upscale vehicle, Lyft Lux and Uber Select are available.
• Black Car Service: Lyft Black and Uber Black offer rides in vehicles with a sleek black exterior.
• Rides for Groups: To accommodate more passengers at once, Lyft XL and Uber XL services are provided.

The similarity in service offerings between Lyft and Uber means passengers have the flexibility to choose based on price and driver availability, effectively shopping around for the best option to suit their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Navigating Lyft’s Services with Confidence

Lyft allows people to browse different services and choose the suitable one. Once you enter your ride’s details, the app lists all the options, and you can select the one that suits you.

You should understand the differences between these options to choose what works for your ride, the number of passengers, and the occasion.

Think about your needs as well, and you’ll find a convenient alternative. Refer to this guide before requesting your ride to help you pick the best vehicle.