This article will show you the different uber car types, that way you know what to order.
Uber is a ride-hailing transportation company founded in 2009 and is well known for its taxi phone app of the same name. As of December 2018, Uber was available in 63 countries and over 700 cities worldwide. It also had 91 million monthly active platform consumers and 3.9 million drivers.
Over the years since its launch, Uber has changed the way people view transport by making it fun, cheaper, and way more convenient. Whether you’re running an errand across town, going to an airport, or exploring a city far from home, getting there should be easy.
The 7 Uber Car Types Explained
Uber offers a variety of cars ranging from standard to luxury. Having options to choose from makes it possible for you to request a specific type of ride based on your individual needs. Having a variety of rideshare options puts an end to inconvenience. For example, if you and your friends or family are looking for an SUV to take you into town, you won’t end up trying to squeeze into a sports car.
However, these various ride options can be confusing to some, especially if you’ are new to Uber. If you are not sure which ride is for you, this guide will be helpful. Here are the different rideshare options available.
1. UberX
UberX is the standard Uber ride and the most popular rideshare option for riders. The cars under this service are typically sedans, such as Honda Accord, the Mazda3, Chevy Impala, Ford Fusion, et cetera. Choosing this rideshare option removes most of the variability that comes with requesting a ride. Here’s why:
- UberX vehicles must be able to carry at least four passengers.
- For a car to be eligible as an Uber X ride it must have four doors, such as a sedan or SUV.
Additionally, the type of car responding to an Uber X ride request must meet other Uber car requirements, such as vehicle age limit. However, the age limit for an UberX varies from city to city and is subject to change at Uber’s discretion.
UberX prices may vary due to various factors including geography, increased rider demand, traffic, discounts, traffic delays, or other factors. But basically, the upfront price is calculated using the base rate, plus the per-minute rate and or per-mile rate.
UberX summary
- Transports 1-4 passengers (excluding the driver)
- Typically, 4-door sedans
UberXL
If you need transportation for five to six people, UberXL is the ride for you. Should you request this ride, expect your driver to be driving a minivan or SUV, such as Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, among others.
UberXL is also an excellent choice for someone with a lot of luggage, or someone looking to sprawl out a bit during the trip. Car manufacture year requirements for Uber XL vary by city. For example, currently, in Virginia, uber vehicles must be 15 years old or newer. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be older than ten years in DC.
UberXL summary
- Minivan or SUV rideshare
- Fits six passengers comfortably
2. UberPool
UberPool is the modern concept of carpooling. However, in this version, Uber handles all the pickup and drop-off scheduling details. If you request an UberPool, Uber will compare active routes in the area. And if another rider is in the same general area or headed in the same direction, Uber combines your ride and passes the savings onto the two of you.
Compared to UberX prices, riders that use UberPool usually save about 40% to 55% off on a single ride. The vehicle requirements for both rideshare options are the same. The difference is in the ride time. When Uber combines two routes into one, ride time can increase considerably for both passengers.
Uberpool also has a passenger restriction. Riders that request the service are only allowed to bring one other person with them. The rule ensures there is enough room for everyone during the trip. Uberpool undoubtedly saves you a lot of money, but you never know who ends up in the car with you!
UberPool differs from other Uber rideshare services in that:
- There are several pickups along the way: Uber looks for riders along the same route as you in order to fill the other passenger seats.
- It takes a little longer: having multiple riders with different pickup and drop-off points will impact your arrival time. If you’re in a rush, try uberX.
- It’s better to beat your driver to the pickup: timing your ride right will ensure no one is kept waiting and hence save time.
- The destination cannot be changed: once your trip starts, the driver must stay the course as it makes it easier to figure out which other ride requests he/she should accept and the best route to take.
- You’re only allowed a “plus-one”: if you want to request a ride for you and two other people or have extra luggage, request an UberX or UberXL.
UberPool summary
- Carpool service
- Transports up to 4 passengers
- Uses sedans
3. Uber SUV
Not every day is a carpool day. Sometimes you want space and a dash of style. If you wake up feeling like a rock star, then the Uber Black SUVs are the way to go. This fancy version of the UberXL uses luxury SUVs to get your whole crew wherever you need to be.
Ride in class with high-end vehicles, such as Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, and Hummers. The interior and exterior should be black and in excellent condition. The vehicle age restriction of an Uber SUV is more limited in some cities than it is in others. In New York, for instance, starting January 1, 2020, Uber will enforce a 5-year rolling minimum vehicle year (2015 or newer by 2020) for both UberBlack and Uber Black SUV.
Uber Black SUV driver requirements are another aspect that sets the service apart from other Uber services. Drivers hoping to receive and accept Black SUV ride requests must be registered commercially and have commercial insurance. But hey, if you are driving people around in a Cadillac Escalade ESV you probably want a high-level insurance coverage anyway, right? Uber Black is significantly more expensive than other common Uber rideshare services.
Uber Black SUV summary
- 1-6 riders
- Luxury SUVs
- Black exterior and interior
4. Uber Black
Whether it is for a black-tie affair, a classy date, or a business dinner, you can’t go wrong with an Uber Black. Make a lasting impression by showing up to that major event with this all-black Uber service car. Cars such as Maserati Quattroporte, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the like will surely leave an impression.
Like with the Uber SUV, drivers hoping to respond to Uber Black ride requests must update their registration and insurance to the commercial level. However, this is mandatory for all Uber drivers in some cities. UberBlack drivers must also have airport permits. Although not expensive as Uber Black SUV, Uber Black is still notably expensive.
Uber Black summary
- Seats 4 passengers
- Black interior and exterior
- Professional drivers
Uber Select
Looking for a ride like Uberx, but with an added touch of luxury? Uber Select won’t disappoint. For a vehicle to pass as an Uber Select, it must be considered a luxurious sedan model. We’re talking BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Cadillac, and the like. The vehicles should have leather or vinyl interior.
If Uber Select is available in your city, and you opt to give it a spin, expect a 4-door automobile, a highly rated driver, and an affordable, but higher than usual fare price. Uber Select is not currently available in every state, and vehicles with a 3rd row of seating are ineligible for Select in San Francisco.
Uber Select summary
- 4-door luxury sedan
- Seats up to 4 passengers
- Highly-rated drivers
5. Uber Express Pool
Uber Express Pool is Uber Pool without door-to-door service. When you request Uber’s most affordable option, you’ll do a bit of walking, but save a lot of money.
How to use Express Pool:
Request and wait for your pickup spot
Once you confirm the ride, you’ll have to wait for a few extra minutes so that Uber can find riders along your route. They’ll then map the best trip and show you where to meet your driver.
Walk to your pickup spot
Walking to a corner, helps the driver avoid detours, making the pickups faster. Walk to your pickup spot before the driver arrives so that you do not keep everyone waiting.
Walk to your destination
Uber will pick a convenient drop off spot so that you don’t have to walk for too long to your destination.
Uber Express Pool summary
- The rider walks to and from the pickup and drop off points.
6. Uber Lux
The Uber Lux is the most expensive Uber ride that you could request. The ride option features only the crème de la crème of the luxury cars in the market. Vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Porsche Panamera, Lexus LS, among others. All vehicles used in the Uber Lux service must be considered full-size luxury vehicles. Uber Lux drivers are top-rated and are required to obtain commercial registration and insurance.
Uber Lux summary
- Full-size luxury vehicles
- Seats up to 4 passengers
- Professional drivers
7. Uber WAV
In selected cities, riders who use motorized wheelchairs or scooters can request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). WAV drivers are certified by a third party in safe driving and assisting persons with disabilities.
If you’re concerned about a WAV ride being expensive, don’t be. The ride costs the same as it would on an UberX, the standard ride option.
To use the Uber app:
Create an account
To sign up for an account, you will need an active email address and a phone number. You can then request a ride from the Uber website or the Uber phone app. To download the app, go to the official Apple App Store or for Android phones navigate to Google Play.
Enter your destination
Uber automatically detects where you are using a geolocation feature. All you need to do is to type in where you’ are going in the “Where to?” text box. The app will then suggest a pickup point and ask you to confirm before matching your ride request to an Uber driver near you.
Meet your assigned driver
You will be asked to pick the type of vehicle that picks you up. You may only need a small car to transport just yourself. Or you may need a bigger vehicle to transport multiple people. More on this in a moment. Once you pick the vehicle type, a driver will get assigned to pick you up. Track their arrival on the map to know when they’re close so that you can be at the pickup spot on time.
Check your ride
When your ride arrives, ensure it is the right car with the right driver before getting into the car. Make the confirmation by matching the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with the details displayed on the app. If the vehicle and or driver identity doesn’t match the information provided, don’t get in.
Buckle up, sit back, and enjoy the ride
Once you arrive at your destination, paying for your fare is easy. Depending on your region, there are various payment options available. You could opt to pay cash or use an alternative payment method like credit cards or Uber Cash balance.
Rate your driver
At the end of each trip, you’ll be able to rate your driver from 1 to 5 stars. Once you provide a rating, you’ll have the option to add a tip. But you can tip the driver directly using cash.
Top FAQs for Uber
How much is a ride with Uber?
Uber booking fees vary in range from around $1.75 to $1.95 per mile depending on the city. The charge is always included in your upfront fare (the fare you see in the app when you are requesting a ride).
How much is a 45 minute Uber ride?
You can figure out your cost by multiplying the number of miles from pickup to destination times the cost per mile. So if you are going eight miles and Uber in your area charges $1.75 per mile, the calculation would be 8 x $1.75 or $14. Don’t forget to tip.
Can you order an uber from a computer?
Yes, you can use Uber from a computer. First, navigate your browser to m.uber.com. This will take you to the mobile version of Uber’s website but you can access it from a desktop or laptop. It is the same version of the Uber app but it runs on your browser window instead of your phone.
Can I call uber customer service?
Uber customer service is available 24 hours a day. To speak directly with an Uber agent on the phone, go to the Help tab in your Uber Driver app and tap or click Call Support.
How much does a 30 minute Uber ride cost?
You are not charged based on time in an Uber ride. You are charged based on mileage. I once was stuck in traffic jam and the Uber driver was not happy as he told me he makes no money to sit in traffic. On the contrary, he is losing money because it was preventing him from dropping me off and getting the next rider.
How do I estimate an Uber fare?
Use your phone to open the Uber app. Then input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate will be shown for each ride type. Choose your ride type to see final cost.
How far can you take an uber?
Currently there is not a mileage limit to the distance you can take in an Uber vehicle. However, there can be a time limit. According to Uber’s site, “While Uber doesn’t limit the distance you can travel on a trip, trips may automatically end after 4 hours.”
Does Uber cost more at night?
Uber, like most companies, operate on the theory of supply and demand. When demand goes up for their service, so does their pricing fees. The same can happen when there is a shortage of drivers for Uber. Less drivers means more demand on the drivers who are working. Fares may also increase during peak driving times such as rush hour, during public events and late at night. This surge pricing can boost the cost of rides to multiple times the normal rate.
Is Uber cheaper than a cab?
A taxi can be a better option when demand is high for transportation. Even without Uber’s surge pricing, UberX can be more expensive than taking a taxi, especially for shorter trips.
Do you tip Uber?
Uber has expressed a pro-tipping stance and publicly stated that tipping is a way to “say thank you to drivers for going the extra mile to make your ride enjoyable,” according to an Uber spokesperson. But you should know that tipping is completely optional. Also, remember you may get that same driver again if you have an extended stay. A little appreciation can go a long way.
Conclusion
Uber rideshare services are specific to a region. Therefore, some options mentioned in this article may not be available where you are. Similarly, the article might not discuss some Uber services offered in your country, state, or city. So for more details on types of Uber cars where you are, visit https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/
I hope this article has given you the knowledge you need to enjoy the use of Uber. If you have not used Uber yet, give it a try. I have used it many times and have enjoyed some terrific conversations with local drivers who are very knowledgeable about where to eat and what to see while visiting.
References
https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/how-it-works/
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