Best Cars For Uber Drivers In New York City

The hybrid that finally knocked the Prius off its top spot. Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric, the Ioniq offers great comfort and better-than Prius styling. Yes, the rear seats will take three, but whoever sits in the middle will not be comfortable, and yes, the cargo space is shallow despite the car’s width, but the standard hybrid’s gas and electric motors scoot this car forwards like no other. Expect mpg of around 60 per gas gallon equivalent when using both power sources. On batteries only, that will leap to 90mpg, but the range is just 28 miles. This one sets the bar that other cars for UberX must beat.

Cost: $22,500

Mileage: 50-60 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.6L Gas Electric

Gearbox: 6 Speed Auto

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Average

Comfort: Good

Speed: Faster than a Prius, but no Mustang

Styling: Slick, but nothing extraordinary

Warranty: 5 years 60,000 miles

Best Option: 139hp Hybrid Blue

2. Toyota Prius Hybrid

Even in latest 2019 form, the Prius is still an ugly duckling, but for UberX, it’s a great choice. Ideal for urban driving, it’s first class gas/electric power mix gives great mpg. Combine that with sprightly performance, decent turning circle, roomy interior and a flat floor and you have a car that’s an obvious choice for Uber drivers. However, be prepared for the fact that the rear view is hampered by the split screen and the trunk is not as big as you’d hope. Go for the base L Eco at around $23,700 – it costs less, has a slightly bigger cargo space and gets better mileage than the more expensive models in the range.

Cost: $23,700

Mileage: 56 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.8L Gas Electric

Gearbox: CVT Automatic

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Average

Comfort: Good

Speed: Average, fine for the city

Styling: Not a favourite

Warranty: 3 – 36,000 miles

Best Option: 1.8 VVT-i L Eco

3. Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Toyota has finally put its hybrid version of the world’s biggest selling nameplate on sale in the USA. Using the same tech, powertrain and gas/electric mix as the Prius, it’s virtually the same car as it’s teardrop-shaped cousin – it just looks like a regular sedan. The hybrid only comes in one spec, placing it price wise in between the 2.0L and 1.8L gas powered brothers. As you would expect, mileage is great, which makes up for the average interior and trunk space. Toyota give no 0-60mph figures, but say it’s fast off the mark. That’s good to hear, as the Prius is borderline sluggish.  Marginally less cash than the Prius, it’s the obvious choice for those who want an eco-car but don’t want the whole world to know about it.

Cost: $23,000

Mileage: 52 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.8L Gas/Electric

Gearbox: ECTV Automatic

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Average

Comfort: Average

Speed: Good

Styling: Identical to regular Corolla, which means bland

Warranty: 3 years 36,000 miles

Best Option: Hybrid LE

4. Honda Insight Hybrid

Yes, another hybrid fills our number four slot. Apologies to everyone who loves the sound of a V8, but with New York traffic, and congestion and emission charges coming, a hybrid is the best way to go. The Insight is a direct competitor to the Corolla Hybrid and a good alternative to both the Prius and Ioniq. Looking more like a regular sedan, it’s also pleasing on the eye. The gas/electric power source pushes this car along at a good rate and it is swift away from lights. The base LX, (our choice for price/package), is spartan but still well finished. Typical Honda quality excels throughout. If you don’t want a Toyota and are unsure of the Ioniq, this is the hybrid for you.

Cost: $23,000

Mileage: 50 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.5L Gas/Electric

Gearbox: ECVT Automatic

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Good

Comfort: Good

Speed: One of the best in the hybrid class

Styling: Pretty clean, pretty ordinary

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Best Option: Insight LX

5. Toyota Camry

Giving Toyota three spots in our top five hurts, be we must be honest – they make the best vehicles for UberX in New York. The Camry is the first gas-only choice in our guide and it’s up here challenging the hybrids based on its size, finish and value for money. Camry has been sold in the US for a long time and the 2020 version is one of the best. It may be classed as a mid-size, but it feels like a big roomy car and it drives like a nimble Sportster. Interior and cargo space are both excellent. Build quality is high. The 2.5 litre engine pulls you down the road as fast you’re ever going to need in New York. Mileage is typical. If you don’t want the fuss of a hybrid, this Camry’s the choice of tradition.

Cost: $24,500

Mileage: 32 MPG Combined

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder gasoline

Gearbox: Automatic

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Excellent

Comfort: Excellent

Speed: A 4 cylinder that feels like a 6

Styling: Solid and reserved

Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 miles

Best Option: 2.5L LE

6. Subaru Outback

Permanent four-wheel drive enters the fray in sixth spot with the imposing Subaru Outback. The base model keeps this well-built and exclusive choice under $30k, but still delivers good performance, excellent carrying capacity and typical high-quality finishing. Subaru really know how to bolt a car together. Nice ride height and first-class suspension make driving New York’s clogged and pot-holed streets a breeze – and when the snow comes, hey, that’s what four-wheel drive was made for. If you want something different and can run to almost twenty-seven grand, take this option.

Cost: $26,700

Mileage: 32 MPG Combined

Engine: 2.5L 4 Cylinder Gasoline

Gearbox: Automatic, 4 Wheel Drive

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Excellent

Comfort: Excellent

Speed: Good grip and power but not as quick as Camry

Styling: Car sized SUV that looks brawny

Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 miles

Best Option: 2.5L Base Outback

7. Nissan Altima

Cost: $24,000

Mileage: 32 MPG Combined

Engine: 2.5L 4 Cylinder Gasoline

Gearbox: CVT Automatic

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Good

Comfort: Good

Speed: Up there with the Camry

Styling: Up there with the Camry

Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 Miles

Best Option: 2.5L S

8. VW Jetta

Near the back of the pack we find our first European selection. As you may expect, it comes from mighty VW. Their compact Jetta sedan is good looking, well made and as quick as you need anywhere. The punchy 1.4 liter turbo engine and 184lb/ft torque really move this car along. We give Jetta three stars because the cargo carrying is average and three rear-seat passengers will need to be friendly. Otherwise, with a competitive price, good gas mileage and German heritage, this is a great left-field choice – and as an extra, it comes with the best warranty pack of all.

Cost: $20,500

Mileage: 35 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.4L Turbo Four Cylinder Gasoline

Gearbox: Automatic

Seats: 5 but snug

Cargo Capacity: Good

Comfort: Good

Speed: With good torque, this compact sedan is zippy

Styling: German design, need we say more?

Warranty: 6 Years/72,000 miles

Best Option: Jetta S

9. Chevrolet Cruze

The venerable Chevy Cruze is now in its eleventh year of production. It’s an economical, well- built machine ideal for use as an UberX workhorse. The 1.4 liter engine takes a little while to get going, but if you’re not dragging the lights, it’s more than enough for swift city transport. Surprisingly roomy inside, and with excellent cargo space, it’s only let down by some of the materials used in construction. As a cost-effective choice, it deserves a spot in our top ten guide.

Cost: $18,500

Mileage: 35 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.4L Turbo 4 Cylinder Gasoline

Gearbox: Automatic

Seats: 5

Cargo Capacity: Good

Comfort: Average

Speed: Slow to start, but then good enough

Styling: A match for Japan’s best

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Best Option: 4dr SDN LS

10. Hyundai Accent

Bringing up the rear is the cost-effective Accent SE. Classed as a subcompact, it’s surprisingly roomy inside, although cargo capacity is what you’d expect from a vehicle in this category. Usual brilliant build quality and above average materials make this cheapie seem a lot more expensive than it is. However, even though the 130hp engine can squirt the car along, don’t kid yourself it’s a quick. It isn’t. Otherwise, the upgrade to automatic six-speed is well worth a grand. It shifts like something from a more costly car. As for styling? Like the big boys in Japan, Hyundai really know how to make a boring looking vehicle. Standard teardrop shape and little in the way of muscles make the Accent seem weak. But hey, you’re buying this for UberX, so forget the looks and admire the price tag. Under $17k gets an awful lot of car.

Cost: $16,900

Mileage: 35 MPG Combined

Engine: 1.6L Four Cylinder

Gearbox: 6 speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Seats: 5 but snug

Cargo Capacity: Average for a subcompact

Comfort: Good

Speed: Adequate grunt but no racer

Styling: Smooth, swoopy, so what

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Best Option: Base SE