Compared to traditional taxi cabs or other modes of private transportation, rideshare services offer plenty of advantages for consumers. From greater flexibility and more choices to affordable pricing and the convenience of a dedicated mobile app – companies like Uber and Lyft remain quite popular for those looking for a ride to their destination.
Even better, driving for a rideshare service is an outstanding way to get some supplemental income while helping folks get where they need to be. Rideshare driving can also help you offset the costs associated with your vehicle, such as your monthly payment, insurance, or maintenance costs. However, the first step to becoming a successful rideshare driver is to pick the right type of vehicle that will help you stay profitable and popular with your customers. The Germain Motor Company has assembled this handy guide that helps you find the perfect vehicle for your rideshare driving needs. We’ve compiled a list of the top choices as selected by top names including U.S. News & World Report and others.
What to Look for in a Rideshare Vehicle
There are plenty of factors in selecting the perfect vehicle for your rideshare driving needs. Take a moment to evaluate some of these aspects of a successful rideshare vehicle before making your purchasing decision.
Fuel Efficiency
Choosing a model that delivers excellent fuel economy is a great way to boost your bottom line and pick up more passengers. Nobody enjoys wasting their hard-earned money at the gas pump! You might be surprised to learn that the difference between getting 20 MPG and 30 MPG can be as much as $1,000 per year.
Interior Room
Stand out from the competition by choosing a roomy and spacious vehicle, giving you the ability to carry more passengers along with their luggage or gear. Your riders will appreciate the extra room to stretch out and get comfortable. Happy riders mean positive reviews and driver ratings!
Reliability/Low Maintenance Costs
The more money you have to spend on maintenance and repairs, the less earnings you’ll get from your hard work driving for a rideshare service. Picking a particular brand or model that’s known for reliable performance and low maintenance costs makes a huge difference.
Safety Features
Since both Lyft and Uber maintain high standards for vehicle safety, consider choosing a model that’s equipped with driver-assist technologies and other safety features. Especially if you plan to drive in harsh weather conditions, features like accident avoidance, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and adaptive cruise control can be beneficial.
Best Lyft Economy / Uber Green Vehicle – Honda CR-V Hybrid
Restricted to hybrid or electric models that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, Uber Green and Lyft Economy categories remain in high demand. If you plan to drive in either of these two categories, the top choice for this segment is clearly the dynamic Honda CR-V Hybrid. As a compact SUV, the CR-V Hybrid offers a confident driving position for you along with easy ingress and egress for your passengers. Other key convenience features include its power liftgate, opening with a touch of a button to reveal up to 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space inside the cabin. Best of all, you’ll enjoy up to 43 MPG city fuel economy to help boost your profitability when you drive a Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Best UberXL / Lyft XL Vehicle – Ford Expedition
If you plan to drive within the UberXL and Lyft XL categories, you’ll need a large vehicle that’s ready for the job. Engineered for exactly this type of task, the proven Ford Expedition delivers spacious three-row seating for up to up to 8 passengers. Unlike its primary competitors which use thirsty V8 engines, the Expedition is equipped with a potent yet economical twin-turbo V6 that’s ready to help you go the distance. You can also upgrade to the Expedition MAX, an extended-length version of the Expedition that boasts up to 123.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Other advantages of the Ford Expedition include an available B&O® Unleashed Sound System with 22 speakers, Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Open/Close and Power Sunshade, and Ford Co-Pilot® 360 2.0 safety technologies.
Best Uber Black / Lyft Lux Vehicle – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Prestige, sophistication, and refinement are three essential elements of any successful Uber Black or Lyft Lux rideshare experience. Naturally, the legendary Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the ultimate choice for individuals who plan to cater to the unique needs of these two rideshare services. E-Class shoppers have their choice of an efficient 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder or a muscular 3.0L turbocharged inline-6, both of which offer seamless operation to keep things serene and comfortable inside the cabin. Since the clientele of these categories expect nothing but the best, the E-Class stands out with available amenities like heated/cooled/massaging front seats, a power-opening rear trunk lid, active noise cancellation, ambient interior lighting, and plenty of charging ports to keep everyone’s devices charged up and ready to go.
Best Uber Black SUV / Lyft Lux Black Vehicle – Cadillac Escalade
Often considered the industry benchmark for the modern full-size luxury SUV, the iconic Cadillac Escalade is the clear choice for drivers looking to cater to the needs of Uber Black SUV and Lyft Lux Black categories. Along with its instantly recognizable styling, the Escalade is powered by a proven 6.2-liter V8 engine that provides seamlessly smooth power delivery that will impress your passengers. Impeccably refined, the Escalade features a cabin equipped with second-row captain’s chairs, an available rear entertainment system, and climate-controlled rear seating to let everyone personalize their temperature preferences. Generous headroom and legroom measurements help the Escalade lead its class in terms of overall space and comfort – two essential characteristics of a luxury rideshare vehicle.
