5 Best Vehicles for Uber Drivers

If you’re going to make some extra money on the side or just want a low-key gig, rideshare driving is a great option. You’ll be able to drive on your free time to make extra money or create your own full-time schedule based on your lifestyle. Not only do you get to be your own boss, but you get to also meet some interesting people along the way. Plus, you’re already driving everywhere, so why not make some money while you’re at it?

If you plan on being a rideshare driver, you may be wondering "what kind of car would be best for the job?". While you can easily use any car on the approved Uber vehicle list, some vehicles are better suited for rideshare driving than others. Choosing a car that provides better gas mileage, has more room, and is easier and more convenient to drive will all help enhance your driving experience. It may even positively impact your reviews! Keep in mind that different cars will qualify for different levels of various ridesharing companies, which might influence your earnings. 

If you’re only thinking about driving for Uber short-term or don’t want the commitment of buying a new car for any other reason, Uber car rental or a "Rent to Own" car plan may be ideal for you. For example, you can rent a Kia Sportage for $289 per week from Splend, an Uber car rental company that’s helped thousands of drivers in Australia and the UK earn a flexible income.tai

Here’s a helpful list of a few of the best vehicles to drive when working as a rideshare driver:

Honda Accord

The basic entry-level sedan is a favorite for many families given it comes with everything needed for a comfy ride for both drivers and passengers. It features sporty performance, amazing gas mileage, a hybrid option and tons of cabin space for your passengers. The Accord features 40.4” of legroom in the back and 55” of hip room, so three adult passengers in the rear won’t be squished together. Plus, there’s plenty of room in the trunk! The 2019 Honda Accord gets 30/38 mpg city/highway mileage and goes for about $24,000.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a top-notch vehicle that’s perfect for ridesharing given it has 36/40 mpg city/highway mileage and retails for under $21,000. Like the Honda Accord, the sedan is very roomy in the rear and provides a comfy ride for all passengers. The upscale interior provides a luxurious feel that you get with high-end cars, while the exterior is easy on the eyes and will impress all! Plus, it has a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, which is key for keeping your passengers safe while you drive.

Kia Sorento

If you want to drive for UberXL or Lyft Plus, you’ll need an SUV to qualify and the Kia Sorento is perfect for the price! About $26,000 gets you an entry-level Sorento that offers tons of comfort and a luxurious interior that your passengers will love. There’s about 40” of rear set legroom and more than 55” of hip room, creating a spacious rear for passengers with large parties or families. There’s also a third-row seat, allowing you to fit up to 7 passengers, including car seats. The car gets 29-mpg highway miles and the top-of-the-line infotainment system makes driving so much more enjoyable.

Ford Escape

Another great compact SUV for ridesharing is the Ford Escape. Passengers will love the comfy and handsome interior that offers plenty of room, including 55.2” of hip room. The eager powerplant makes driving fun and provides enough power to make driving fun, while its poised handling makes it easy to drive. It has lots of cargo space, which makes it perfect for when you’re driving to and from local airports. It gets 21-mpg city miles and 29-mpg highway miles.

Toyota Sienna

You can never really go wrong with driving a van, especially when you’re a rideshare driver! The Toyota Sienna is a favorite among families because of all the room it offers, boasting 150-square-feet of combined passenger and cargo space. It seats seven passengers comfortably and has lots of cargo storage space for their baggage. It gets 18/25 mpgs city/highway mileage and comes with all-wheel drive, which is what gives the van a smooth ride for all. The new 2019 model sports some new exterior looks that make it appealing and the creature comforts like Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility are fun extras that will make driving more enjoyable for you. The basic model starts at about $31,000, but pre-owned models go for $25,000 and under.  

For more information on becoming an Uber driver and the steps you will need to complete visit this help article.