Best cars for Uber and Lyft drivers in Canada

If you’re planning to embark on your ridesharing journey with Uber or Lyft and are looking for the best car options, you’ll need to consider several factors.

These include operating costs, depreciation, cost to buy, safety features, and comfort. Your vehicle must comply with the platform’s minimum requirements before you can offer services to customers.

Vehicle requirements for Uber

To drive with Uber, your vehicle should:

• Have 4 doors,
• Be in a good condition without cosmetic damage, and
• Pass an inspection by a licensed mechanic

In addition, your car shouldn’t be older than a specified number of years. The precise number of years varies according to your location and the selected vehicle option, such as UberX, UberXL, and Premier to name a few.

You may be eligible to select Uber’s Black or Premier option if you have a luxury vehicle equipped with a leather interior and you maintain a minimum star rating after completing a certain number of rides.

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Vehicle requirements for Lyft

To drive with Lyft, your vehicle should have:

• 4 doors with 5-8 seats,
• Pass an inspection by a licensed mechanic (depending on your city’s requirements)

Vehicle age is province-dependent

The permitted age of your vehicle depends on your location. For example, if you drive in Toronto, your vehicle needs to be 8 years old or newer. However, if you drive in Ottawa, it must be 11 years old or newer.

Factors to consider when choosing your ridesharing vehicle

Your vehicle plays a crucial role in your ridesharing journey. Your comfort, your customers’ reviews, and tips will generally be based on your vehicle. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best car for Uber or Lyft:

Type of car

Buying or using a pre-owned car for ridesharing is a great option from a financial perspective. However, you must ensure that it meets quality and safety standards. Short-term renting can also be an option if you don’t have sufficient funds to buy a car, or your current car needs repairs.

Depreciation

The moment your vehicle steps out of the dealership, it generally loses 15% to 20% of its value. However, keeping up with car maintenance to ensure your car is safe and reliable, will help retain your vehicle’s value in the long run.

Repairs and maintenance costs

Consider a vehicle with the lowest repair and maintenance costs. When buying a used vehicle, inquire about its driving history, accidents, cosmetic damage, or any other red flags you need to be aware of.

Fuel costs

Hybrid or electric vehicles are fuel-efficient, allowing you to spend less on gas and make a higher profit as a rideshare driver.

Safety features

Prioritize vehicles with exclusive safety functions, such as automatic emergency braking, an enhanced traction control system, lane-keep assist, and air bags.

Entertainment features

Keeping your customers happy and entertained throughout the trip can translate to better tips and reviews. Look for vehicles with a big touchscreen, and a nice infotainment system that can play your customers’ favourite podcasts, songs, or audiobooks on the go.

Cars with better earning potential

Finally, select a vehicle that doesn’t take a financial toll on your earnings. Consider choosing the one with the least operating costs so you can make the most out of your gig driving.

Best cars for Uber or Lyft drivers

The following categories will help you find the best car for your Uber or Lyft driving. 

The most fuel-efficient car

Save on fuel costs with the Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid 2024. It offers a fuel economy of approximately 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, and 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres on highways. This hybrid model is eco-friendly as it allows you to switch from gas to electricity, minimizing environmental damage.

The best used car

The Hyundai Elantra 2022 or newer models require minimal maintenance and are packed with exclusive technology, comfort, and top-notch design. The vehicle comes with a reasonable trunk size and offers decent leg room. Its advanced safety and infotainment features will make your ridesharing journey safe and fun.

The best car under $10K

Toyota is known for its reliability, affordability, and longevity. Not only is it available for under $10,000, the Toyota Corolla 2014 is equipped with safety features, including emergency braking, lane tracing assist, and a security mechanism. If you’re aiming for fuel economy, consider choosing its hybrid version.

The best luxury car

If you’re seeking comfort, luxury, and versatility all packed in one car, look no further than the Audi Q7 2024. Equipped with the latest technology and high-end interiors, it lets your customers relax and experience luxury during their trip.

The best SUV 

The Genesis GV70 2023’s basic model offers ample legroom for passengers, or you can choose their advanced trim model for its updated features such as leather seats, remote self-parking, and ambient lights.

The best seven or eight-seater car

The Toyota Grand Highlander 2024 is an eight-seater beast that boasts a huge amount of space, the latest technology, excellent interiors, powerful performance, and advanced driving functions. Its hybrid version achieves a fuel economy of 7 litres per 100 kilometres.This is one of the best cars for Uber XL drivers.

The safest car

The mid-sized Honda Accord 2023 ensures safety and security. Its enhanced safety features, including collision warning and a mitigation braking system, minimize the chances of collisions or crashes.

The car with the best resale value 

If you want to buy a vehicle with great resale value, the Toyota Camry 2023 is your go-to choice. It has the lowest recall rates and is one of the top sellers on the market. 

For more information on how to adhere to personal and vehicle requirements, and do your taxes as a gig driver, take a look at our dedicated guide for gig drivers in Canada. 

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