The world has changed quite a bit over the last few years. More people have found innovative ways to either earn a living or simply to make more money on the side. One way people are doing this is by becoming drivers for Uber and other driving services.
In case you’re living under a rock, Uber is a service that operates from an app. It allows potential passengers to request rides with people who are Uber drivers. The passenger pays through the app and can even tip and rate the driver. Uber has been around since 2009, but it has only been over the last several years that it seems to have become so widespread. The company is not without controversy, but they are still typically the top choice for most riders.
When it comes to driving for Uber, you have to have your own car. This must be a vehicle that’s reliable and also one that you are okay with using to carry strangers. It is also important to use the right car if you want to get the most out of your earnings. This means you’ll want to use a car that doesn’t use too much gas as you’ll be driving a lot, and you also want a car that will be comfortable for drivers.
This is because your rating on the Uber app matters and using a vehicle that’s either too small or that perhaps isn’t clean could cause passengers to give you a low rating.
We did a little research into the best car for Uber drivers. Unsurprisingly enough, this honor goes to the Toyota Prius. Specifically, models from 2014 and beyond. But why?
Fuel Economy is the Biggest Reason
One of the biggest reasons to opt for or against an Uber vehicle is fuel economy. This is because you’ll use the same money you earn to fuel your ride, and if this is a gas guzzler, you may end up spending more than you make. It is for this reason then you need a fuel-efficient vehicle like the Toyota Prius.
According to Fueleconomy.gov, this option from Toyota gets 49 mpg in the city and 46 on the highway. For people who have never driven a hybrid before, this may sound a bit inflated. However, it’s true, and this is why you see so many Uber drivers behind the wheel of the Toyota Prius.
It’s not only about not spending more buying fuel than what you earn. It’s also important that as an Uber driver, you’re practically always ready to go. In order to earn as much money as possible, you don’t want to waste precious time refueling, or worse, you’d never want to have to get fuel while you have a passenger in your vehicle. Not only does it make you look unprepared, but it also slows down the travels of the passenger.
The fuel economy is the biggest reason why the Prius is the best car for Uber drivers, but there are others that matter almost as much.
The Prius Is Seen As Safe And Reliable
Since the beginning of the Prius on the car market, it has been held in very high regard. Like most Toyotas, it’s super reliable, it’s powerful enough, and people seem to love driving them. This is another reason why this is such a usual choice for Uber drivers. Perception matters, and when prospective passenger sees that you’re driving a Prius, they can feel at ease that their journey will commence without any hiccups that may come from a less reliable car. Simply put, driving a Toyota Prius could lead to more customers selecting you.
According to Autoblog, the NHTSA gave the Prius a five out of five for its crash test. It received four out of five for the frontal impact. This makes the Prius a pretty safe car in the case of an unfortunate car accident. This is important because the safety of prospective riders needs to be of the utmost importance.
The Prius Makes Sense For Uber
Many cars would be awesome options to use for Uber. It just needs to be something that won’t burn too much fuel, one that makes the riders feel safe, and also a car that you can rely on. This is why so many people choose the Toyota Prius.
The Toyota Prius has a long history of not only saving people money at the gas pump but also simply being a great car. The Prius is often the first vehicle anyone thinks of when it comes to either electric or hybrid vehicles, which also means it has helped move the electric car industry forward. This car may not be everyone’s first choice, but none of us can deny that it feels almost as though it was designed with people who drive for services such as Uber in mind.