Cars Cache

Automotive Reviews For Cars, Bikes, Trucks

Car Guide

9 Best Cars for Uber Drivers (Rideshare With Comfort & Efficiency)

9 Best Cars for Uber Drivers in USA

If you are thinking of starting a side hustle by becoming a driver for rideshare platforms like Lyft or Uber, then you need to own the best car for Uber drivers in the USA.

Are you considering becoming a driver for rideshare platforms like Lyft or Uber to earn extra income? If yes, you must have the best cars for Uber and Lyft drivers. People wanting a side hustle to increase their income is nothing new. So, if you wish to use your free time wisely, becoming a rideshare driver is one of the best jobs you can take.

  • Being an Uber or Lyft driver gives you control and flexibility. You decide when, where, and how much you work in a day. You only get paid for the hours you work, so there is no room for feeling scammed.
  • Becoming a rideshare driver seems terrific; however, it can become a nightmare, especially if you do not have the right vehicle.

Thus, to ensure you are comfortable spending hours inside your car and simultaneously make your customers feel relaxed and welcome, you must find great cars for Uber or Lyft.

Whether you are an absolute newbie or an experienced rideshare driver, we present this list of the nine best cars for Uber and Lyft. These cars will increase your popularity among your customers and help you earn five stars on every ride.

Keep reading to learn how a significant car can help you flourish in your side hustle.

Rideshare Cars For Uber and Lyft Drivers in USA 2024

Based on all the factors or criteria mentioned above, we have done thorough research, and our experts have found the nine best cars for Uber drivers in the USA. We have taken information from top resources like J.D. PowerEPANHTSA, and more.

We have the best models for Uber drivers whether you want to drive a sedan or SUV. You can buy these listed models in the brand-new and used car markets.

Explore each ride below to learn what you can expect from it, compare, and find one that suits your style, comfort, and budget.

1. Toyota Prius

best car for uber driver s in american market

Toyota Prius is one of the cars that will be fuel-efficient for Uber drivers in 2024. This compact hybrid car is powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine mated with continuous variable transmission, producing 150 hp to either front- or all-wheels.

You can buy the base trim of the latest 2024 Toyota Prius for a starting price of $27,950 only.

However, if buying the latest 2024 Prius is out of your budget, you can always find the previous year’s models in the used car market, easily costing under $20k. Prius is one of the best Toyota models, offering a spacious interior and cargo space, a fuel-efficient engine, gentle ride quality, and plenty of standard tech and safety features.

Suggestion: Cars With Non-Interference Engines List

Thus, whether you frequently book out-of-town trips or airport runs, this ride is a great partner.

In addition, the average yearly maintenance cost for a Toyota Prius in the USA varies from state to state. However, on average, maintenance and repairs will cost you around $4,000 during the first ten years of ownership.

Furthermore, the average cost to insure this hybrid car also varies from insurer to insurer. But on average, choosing a good insurance company will cost you at least $100.

Toyota Prius Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: Up to 57 city / 56 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 75
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $4,000
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $23 to $147 monthly 

2. Honda Civic

best car for uber black

When there is talk of reliable, good cars for Uber, there is no better name than the Honda Civic.

Honda Civic is another compact car with lively handling, luxury grade spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and many standard features. This five-seater ride’s interior is about minimal aesthetics and elegant design, covered with high-quality cloth or leather upholstery.

Both rows are roomy and comfortable for your passengers to relax and enjoy their ride.

The 2024 Honda Civic is the latest model you can get your hands on. The base trim costs as low as $23,950. The best part is that you can easily find this sedan/hatchback in the used car market.

Also Check: Most Common Subaru Forester Problems Every Buyer Should Know

The average cost to insure this great car for rideshare drivers is less than $144 monthly. Lastly, the average ten-year maintenance cost to own a Civic is around $5000.

Honda Civic Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: Up to 33 city / 42 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 83
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $5,000
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $24 to $144 monthly

3. Toyota Camry

great cars for uber driver

Camry is one of Toyota’s most successful model lineups, second to Corolla in the American automotive market. The Toyota Camry is a comfortable mid-size sedan that offers balanced and pleasurable driving as compared to pirus. It is among the best daily commuters, making it ideal for your Uber driver side hustle.

Camry’s interior is spacious and comfortable, and the seats provide a nice balance of support and comfort. The 7″ touchscreen is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you can keep your passengers entertained while you take them to their destination.

The latest Camry model is the one for model year 2024. You can buy the base variant for an initial price of $26,420. One of the best things about this vehicle for Uber is that you can quickly get its used variant for under $15k.

In addition, the average 10-year maintenance cost for a Toyota Camry in the USA is around $4,203. Furthermore, you can insure your Uber Camry for less than $170 monthly.

Toyota Camry Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: Up to 28 city / 39 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 83
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $4,203
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $11 to $170 monthly (full coverage)

4. Toyota Corolla

toyota best car for uber driver

Another Toyota that is the 2024 best car for Uber drivers is the Corolla model lineup. This compact is available in many colors, from dashing red, classic white, elegant green, vibrant blue, and more.

You can buy the latest 2024 Toyota Camry for a starting price of $22,050, making it the third most affordable ride on this list. Also, if you are exclusively looking for the best car for Uber under $5k, you can find Toyota Corolla models for this price in the used car market that are over five years older.

The Corolla is a well-built, versatile car with good fuel economy that can move you from one place to another without much fuss. The interior of the Corolla is well-built, ergonomic, and spacious in two rows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of head and legroom.

Popular: 2024 Hot Rod Power Tour Announcement – Final Road Trip Details

The 8″ touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple and Android connectivity, Bluetooth, USB charging ports, and 6-speaker audio system will keep you and your passengers entertained throughout the ride. If you buy a Toyota Corolla, you must pay at least $120 for good insurance. The average ten-year cost to own a Corolla is $4,087, equivalent to buying a ten-year-old second-hand Corolla.

Toyota Corolla Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: Up to 32 city / 41 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 83
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $4,087
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $11 to $199 monthly (full coverage)

5. Chevrolet Bolt EUV

great cars for uber

Another 2024 good car for Lyft and Uber drivers in the USA is the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. This is an ideal vehicle for drivers who wish to own a large, spacious ride that can easily seat multiple passengers.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an electric sport utility vehicle with an affordable price for its class, an impressive electric driving range, a spacious and feature-filled interior, and fun-to-drive dynamics.

The interior of this SUV is lovely, filled with high-quality finishes. This ride is well insulated, the seats are well cushioned to offer good support, and ample passenger space exists in both rows. You have a fantastic ride when you add the huge cargo hold, 10.2″ touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, wireless device charging, two USB ports, Wi-Fi hot spot, and a six-speaker audio system.

The 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV is the latest brand-new model you can buy this year. The base model starts at $27,800, but you can easily get used variants for under $21k.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: 125 city / 104 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 79
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $6,000
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $126 to $149 monthly (full coverage)

6. Nissan Sentra

good cars for uber driver

The Nissan Sentra is another compact car that can be the best vehicle for Uber drivers. This ride has a stylish, sleek exterior, good-looking interior, and cushy seats.

The 2024 Sentra is the latest brand-new model you can buy, and it will cost you only $20,890 for the base-level trim. In the used car market, the prices quickly go under $12k.

Suggestion: How To Settle A Car Accident Claim Without A Lawyer In 2024?

The interior of every Nissan Sentra is spacious and well-cushioned and can keep you and your passengers comfortable for hours. Top features like ambient interior LED lighting, moonroof, push-button start, 7″ touchscreen, Apple & android integration, and more ensure a smooth riding experience.

Nissan Sentra is one of the best cars for Lyft and Uber that you can trust.

Nissan Sentra Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: Up to 30 city / 40 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 79
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $5,441
  • The average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $24 to $138 monthly

7. Kia Forte

best car for uber driver

Kia Forte is another best cars for Uber under $10k in the used car market. But if you want nothing but the brand-new model, check out the 2024 Kia Forte, which can be yours for a starting price of $19,990.

Forte is a reasonably priced everyday compact car with a high-quality cabin, excellent fuel economy, an intuitive infotainment system, and one of the nicest interiors in the class.

Kia Forte has an attractive design, excellent build quality, and comfortable seats with plenty of head and leg room. In addition, you get 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest trunks in the compact car class.

Kia Forte Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: Up to 30 city / 41 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 83
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $4,648
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $71 to $142 monthly

8. Honda Accord

best vehicle for uber driver

This next ride on this list of the best sedans for Lyft and other rideshare drivers is again from the well-known Japanese car brand, Honda.

The Honda Accord is a mid-size car and one of the best rides you can choose to start your ridesharing journey. You can easily buy the used variant for the previous five to ten years for under $20k.

And if you want a brand new one, you will have to spend at least $27,895 for the base 2024 Honda Accord. You can be a cab driver, owning a great ride that attracts more customers. The Accord model lineup is top-rated because it offers competent handling, swift acceleration, smooth ride quality, high-class interior design, and user-friendly tech.

The Honda Accord’s interior is attractive and comfortable. It has spacious seating for five people, and the trunk is big enough to hold bulky luggage.

You can drive your rideshare clients comfortably to their destinations without worrying about them getting cramped or annoyed in the back.

Honda Accord Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: 29 city / 37 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 81
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $5,412
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $44 to $109 monthly

9. Mitsubishi Mirage G4

best cars for uber and Lyft Drivers

The next 2024 great car for Uber drivers, whose brand new variant costs as much as the used variants of the other cars on this list, is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a four-door sedan with excellent fuel economy, an affordable price, easy handling, a decent interior build, and good head and legroom. This compact car is ideal for anyone seeking a brand-new car on a tight budget. It has spacious and comfortable seats in both rows, but the cargo space is limited.

Suggestion: Do You Need To Pay Sales Tax On Cars In New Jersey?

For entertainment, the 7″ display screen is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a 4-speaker audio system, and more.

In the used car market, you can easily get a Mitsubishi Mirage G4 for under $10k, making it one of the best cars for Lyft.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Key Factors

  • Fuel Economy: 35 city / 41 highway
  • J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 76
  • Average 10-year cost to own: $5,254
  • Average cost to insure (least to full coverage): $136 – $465 monthly 

What Is The Best Uber Black Car For Riders?

Uber Black is a particular portal of Uber that matches its riders with top-rated drivers driving premium vehicles for a higher price. So, if you are going out for special events like an anniversary, a crucial business meeting, and more, Uber Black is here to give you a five-star experience.

Not every Uber driver is a black driver. If you desire to be one of the exclusive or premium Uber drivers, you must fulfill certain requirements.

Uber Black Requirements

  • Vehicles

Your vehicle should be among the eligible vehicles mentioned by Uber. Its model year should not be older than six years, and the ride must have a black exterior and a black vegan or black leather interior.

  • Ratings

To become an Uber Black driver, you must maintain a rating of 4.85 or above. This rating is based on your most recent 500-rated trips.

  • Documents

You must be a professional driver with commercial auto insurance and have all the permits your city requires to operate a commercial livery vehicle. Having personal auto insurance does not qualify.

What Are The Known Cars for Uber Comfort?

Uber Comfort is another segment of Uber rideshare that connects riders with drivers who own newer and more spacious cars. If you wish to be eligible to receive trip requests with Uber Comfort, there are specific criteria you need to fulfill.

Uber Comfort Eligibility Criteria

  • You must have completed at least 100 trips with Uber
  • You maintain a minimum rating of 4.85
  • Drive an eligible model vehicle. The minimum year requirement differs by vehicle make and model, so check it before buying a ride-sharing car.

Different Factors To Consider When Buying the Great Car for Uber Drivers

Before you start looking for the best car to drive for Uber or Lyft and make a final purchase, you first need to understand what makes a car ideal for rideshare compared to its counterparts. Many factors include comfort, style, fuel efficiency, reliability, insurance, etc.

“Please understand that you will be responsible for maintaining your ride and paying taxes and insurance.”

Whether you are an absolute newbie considering ridesharing or are already a driver for Uber or Lyft and are planning to get a new set of wheels, whether from the brand new or used car market, check out the factors below to ensure you get a rideshare car that will not drag you down.

1. Price

The most crucial factor you need to consider when buying the best car for an Uber driver is price. It does not matter if you purchase a used or new vehicle; never buy one out of your means. Your expense for a ride does not end with buying it. If you take a loan for it, you will have monthly EMIs to pay.

Thus, go for a vehicle you can easily afford without breaking your bank balance, as there will be other expenses besides the buying cost you will have to bear.

2. Fuel Efficiency

On average, ridesharing quickly adds up to 1,000 extra miles weekly on your ride. So, go for a ride with solid fuel efficiency numbers. 

A fuel-efficient ride will help you save on fuel and give you more miles on less gas. To learn accurate MPG/MPGe numbers for a gasoline or electric ride, visit the EPA’s website.

3. Style, Comfort & Space

How a vehicle looks and how comfortable it is to sit and spend time is another crucial factor for you to consider when looking for a car for Uber drivers in the USA. People who use Uber and Lyft rideshare platforms widely prefer the looks and comfort of the cabs they book.

Thus, it would be best to look for an automobile that looks good and is spacious enough to offer decent comfort. Do not forget the trunk space. As a cab service, you must have enough room to carry your passengers’ luggage.

People will rate your ride quality based on your behavior and how well & comfy your ride is.

Thus, do not neglect the importance of style, comfort, and space.

4. Repair & Maintenance Cost

During your search, you will come across many of the best cars for Uber XL in terms of price and efficiency; however, they are still not great choices if their yearly maintenance costs are expensive.

In the USA, routine car maintenance costs around $800 a year, or about $66 a month. So, never buy a ride that costs more than the average maintenance cost in the USA.

A vehicle with high repair and maintenance charges is a burden. Also, avoid buying vehicles over ten years old. They might be cheap, but they will cost you a lot in maintenance.

5. Insurance Cost

The costlier the vehicle, the more expensive it will be to insure. You need car insurance for brand-new and used cars. You need to get additional coverage when you use your vehicle for rideshare, like Uber or Lyft. So, calculate how much you can spend on car insurance after calculating the buying, fuel, and maintenance costs.

If the resulting number can include the insurance cost for the vehicle, then it is the best vehicle for Uber or Lyft rideshare. However, if not, look for another ride.

Lastly, simply because you will be becoming an Uber driver will not ensure your safety from accidents. So, have a list of the best car accident lawyers at your disposal.

6. Safety & Reliability

A vehicle is a great purchase only if you can rely on it, even in the worst times. A reliable ride does not break down often, requires little upkeep, and offers excellent miles per gallon. In addition, when accidents occur every day, you need a vehicle that can keep you safe even in the worst scenarios.

Thus, look for a vehicle with at least basic safety features and one you can rely on without thinking twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state is best for riders for deliveries/rideshare in the USA?

According to the ranking revealed for the best places to be an Uber driver in 2023, the state of Minnesota has topped the list, followed by Michigan and Oklahoma. New Mexico, Oregon, Wisconsin, and New York have ranked as the top four worst states to be an Uber driver.

The ranking on this list was scored based on four key aspects:

  • The drivers’ earning potential
  • Average journey fares
  • Customer demand
  • Living costs
Which Toyota car is best for Rideshare?

Of all the brilliant Toyota models, the Toyota Prius is the best model you can drive for rideshare, Uber, or Lyft. This hybrid car has an impressive fuel economy of 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway.

Also, the buying price of new releases from recent model years is under $30k, and the cost of used ones is under $20k, making Prius highly affordable.

The Toyota Prius is easy to drive, comfortable, spacious, and easy on your pocket.

Does Uber pay well in the USA?

An average Uber Driver in the USA gets paid approximately $20.41, about 18% higher than the national average. 

Thus, if you are looking to become a rideshare driver full-time or part-time, you can earn slightly more than your peers hourly.

Conclusion

Ridesharing is a great way to use your vehicle and earn money. Driving for platforms like Uber or Lyft is no longer a part-time job, as many people are working as cab drivers full-time. This article covers the tpp vehicles for ridesharing, Uber or Lyft, along with a closer look at Uber Black and Uber Comfort.

Kevin Williams is an automotive enthusiast and expert writer with a passion for all things related to cars. With a wealth of knowledge in the world of vehicles, Kevin's mission is to provide informative articles that empower car enthusiasts to make informed decisions about their automotive interests. With extensive experience, Kevin has contributed numerous articles to Cars Cache, covering a wide spectrum of topics from vehicle reviews to maintenance tips and more.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.