10 Best Cars for Uber

2017 Ford Fusion Energi Profile ・ Photo by Ford

Choosing the best car for Uber or Lyft depends on a number of factors, including acquisition, maintenance, and fuel costs, along with geographic location. The vehicle with the highest mile per gallon (MPG) rating may not always be the best choice for your needs. It pays to do the research (and the math). Buying a smaller vehicle based on a lower MSRP may be detrimental to your Uber driver rating. Riders do not want to ride in cramped back seats. A comfortable rider is a happy rider.

Go CPO

You will take a significant hit on depreciation when you buy a new car to use for ride-sharing. This is compounded by the high number of miles you roll up on a day-to-day basis. That’s why a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle may be your best bet to use for Uber. CPO vehicles are typically low-mileage, late model lease turn-ins, covered by extended factory warranties. CPO acquisition costs are considerably lower than new cars. We’ve included a range of choices for use with both UberX and UberXL. An UberXL vehicle accommodates the driver along with six passengers and will generate a higher amount of revenue per mile. Minivans are the most convenient vehicles to use for UberXL. You can always use an UberXL vehicle for UberX, as well.

2016 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius hybrid is an extremely popular choice for UberX. Many drivers consider it to be the best car to use for Uber, and this may be true if day-to-day operating costs are your paramount factor. Although the Prius might not be the most luxurious ride for your riders, it’s highly efficient for city use and is easy on the wallet at fill-up time. The 2016 Prius gets significantly better gas mileage than the previous generation. The 2016 Toyota Prius has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 54 city/50 highway/52 MPG combined.

Photo by Toyota

2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI

The Volkswagen Passat TDI sedan may be a controversial choice as an Uber vehicle, given Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal, but it’s very roomy and fuel efficient on the highway -- which is important for long-distance airport runs. Your riders will give you high marks for comfort and if you remove the TDI badging, they may never know that they’re riding in a diesel-powered vehicle. If diesel's not your thing, take a look at the conventional gasoline-powered Passat 1.8T.

Want something a bit smaller? Consider the zippy Jetta Turbo Hybrid (one caveat: it requires expensive premium fuel). The 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 31 city/42 highway/35 combined.

Photo by Volkswagen of America

2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is stylish, roomy, and fuel efficient. The Government Services Administration auctions are brimming with older Fusion Hybrids at very reasonable prices. The 2017 Fusion Hybrid Energi plug-in model (shown) delivers a whopping 610 miles of range and may be eligible for federal and state tax incentives, and there are good factory deals available on earlier models. The C-Max Energi plug-in is another attractive choice. The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 44 city/41 highway/42 combined.

Photo by Ford

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a great car to use for UberX, with an upscale appearance that complements its high level of fuel efficiency. Hyundai’s 100,000-mile warranty brings peace of mind. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (shown) offers 27 miles of pure electric driving, with a 3-hour rechage time on a Level II charger. The Sonata ECO is another great choice. The ECO is bit less fuel efficient than the Sonata Hybrid, but is attractively priced. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 40 city/44 highway/42 combined.

Photo by Hyundai

2017 Chevy Bolt

Ready to go electric? The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is the first reasonably priced electric vehicle (EV) with a 200-mile range. The interior is roomy, despite its compact size. This makes the Bolt one of the best cars to use for Uber and Lyft in urban areas. With General Motors' recent investment in Lyft, we expect to see special deals on the Bolt EV for Lyft drivers. If you’re considering the Bolt for ride-sharing use, make sure you have the ability to charge it overnight. The Bolt takes nine hours to fully charge from empty with a 240-volt charging unit.

Photo by General Motors

2016 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester offers a roomy interior, comfortable seating, and standard all-wheel drive. While the Forester doesn’t qualify for Uber SUV or UberXL use, it's one of the best smaller vehicles to use for UberX in areas with snowy winters and is one of the most affordable AWD vehicles available today. Upgrade to the Forester 2.0XT for its zippy turbocharged angine and to a Limited or Touring model for leather upholstery. The 2016 Subaru Forester has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 24 city/32 highway/27 combined MPG when equipped with the 2.5-liter boxer engine and automatic transmission.

Photo by Subaru

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica replaces the venerable Town & Country in Chrysler’s 2017 lineup and sets the new standard for minivans. It’s a great choice for use with Uber. All Pacificas are FlexFuel capable and a plug-in hybrid model is on the way, as well. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid stands out as the most fuel-efficient minivan on the market. Like the Honda Odyssey, the Pacifica is offered with an on-board vacuum cleaner system. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 18 city/28 highway/22 combined MPG.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan

Searching for the Uber minivan with the most bang for the buck? A previously owned Dodge Grand Caravan offers the lowest acquisition cost for UberXL when you know where to look. Hint: the Government Services Administration auctions are packed with oodles of low-mileage minivans. While it’s the least fuel-efficient minivan on our list, you can get into a used Caravan for a song and a dance. All late-model Grand Caravans are FlexFuel capable. Stow 'n Go seating offers the highest degree of interior flexibility for airport trips. The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 17 city/25 highway/20 combined MPG.

Photo by Dodge

2016 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey minivan is widely praised for its smooth ride, roomy cabin, and versatile cargo area. The third row seats fold into the floor to accomodate lots of luggage for those all-important airport runs. You'll want to choose a higher trim level to accomodate seven passengers (plus the driver). Consider the Odyssey your UberXL customers' home away from home. Pack the optional built-in cooler with complimentary bottled water, and you're sure to be a hit with your riders. An on-board vacuum system will help you keep your Odyssey spic and span while you’re on the road. The 2016 Honda Odyssey has an official EPA fuel economy rating of 19 city/28 highway/22 combined MPG.

Photo by Honda