Uber is a major name in car service when it comes to finding gig work as a rideshare driver, or hailing a high-end ride right from your fingertips so you can arrive in ultra comfort and style.
Global behemoth Uber offers its peer-to-peer rideshare service in over 10,000 cities around the globe. It brings affordable rides to all, even servicing areas that don’t have consistent taxi or public transportation service.
But it’s not just one Uber fits all. Uber drivers can offer a range of different service options, with the ability to adjust earnings based on the type of vehicle and service they provide. Different Uber service options include Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Uber Comfort, Uber WAV, UberX, or Uber XL.
In this review article, we’ll focus on UberX and Uber XL, two of the app’s most popular ride options. We’ll explain key differences between the two options, including vehicle type, passenger capacity, pricing, and total earning potential.
This article should arm you with enough information for you to choose between the two, or even consider other options like Uber Select or uberPOOL.
What Is UberX?
UberX is the rideshare company’s basic, everyday rideshare service. When people talk about calling an Uber, they’re generally referring to UberX.
This popular option offers private comfort in a sedan with space for up to four passengers. Rides are private, meaning you and any members of your party are the vehicle’s only passengers.
This economy-class ride is cheaper than a taxi and is available in nearly every market in the U.S. It’s the most popular choice for both passengers and drivers.
When passengers log into the app and request a ride, by default, Uber X ride options are what drivers are shown.
UberX can save riders time, money, or both. Since the ride is given in a non-luxury car (or better), rates are already affordable. And a passenger can opt to wait an additional 15 minutes for their Uber ride to save a few extra dollars.
Approved Uber X cars are four-door, mid-sized sedans or larger. Common vehicle makes include the Toyota Prius Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Ford Escape.
What Is UberXL?
This service is quite similar to UberX, except drivers have larger vehicles. To be an UberXL driver, you must drive an approved SUV or van that holds six (6) or more passengers.
Some groups may use this option if they prefer an Uber SUV or have a large party, or if they need extra room for their luggage or items that would not fit in a mid-size sedan.
While not considered a luxury vehicle, this is still a more premium ride as passengers are requesting and paying for additional space.
UberX vs UberXL
In terms of vehicle types and passenger capacity, we’ve covered the basic differences, but there are further details to note.
Requirements
For either UberX or Uber XL, drivers must have valid insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements, pass a vehicle inspection, have a valid state driver’s license, clean driving record, and pass a background check.
Neither vehicle is specifically designated as a limited-mobility vehicle, but Uber requests that drivers make a reasonable effort to accommodate any passenger with a disability.
Passengers with a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility issues are directed to use UberWAV for optimal accessibility, but some of these passengers may also request transportation in an UberX or UberXL car.
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Pay
Uber XL drivers can expect to earn more money, per trip, than an UberX driver. Both the base fare and the trip mileage rates are higher.
Uber XL trips have a base rate of $3.00 with a minimum fare of $9.05. This is over 39% higher than the minimum trip fare of $6.50 on UberX.
Per mile, Uber XL drivers earn a higher rate because they are driving a larger vehicle. How much more you can earn varies based on market, demand, and driver availability. On driver forums, many claim you can make at least 40% more, but our editorial team found that the fare difference could be much greater.
When checking rates for a 20-mile trip to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, our editorial team found that an Uber XL ride would be nearly twice as much. An Uber XL driver would be available for $50.22 compared to the standard UberX fare of $27.45.
Additionally, Uber XL drivers report that the surge pricing rates are much better for Uber XL than with regular Uber X. Here, surge prices can more than double the ride cost.
Demand
There’s generally less demand for Uber XL than for a regular Uber X ride. There are more sedans on the road than SUVs or vans, thus most Uber drivers are more likely to drive a sedan. Also, many passengers are solo travelers who just want the cheapest possible ride and do not need the extra space.
This shortage of Uber XL vehicles does mean that it can be lucrative when there is demand. During peak travel times, passengers will face longer waits and pay higher rates for an Uber XL ride.
Number of Passengers
An UberX car must be able to accommodate four (4) passengers. Typically, the vehicle must have at least four doors.
An Uber XL-approved vehicle must be able to transport six (6) or more passengers.
Types of Vehicles
Below is a list of commonly approved vehicles for UberX and Uber XL. You may note that some of the cars or SUVs are eligible for either service. Additionally, there are gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles on both lists.
These are two lists of commonly approved vehicle types as of the date of the article’s publication. The eligibility of vehicles below may change, and they are also subject to passing an Uber vehicle inspection and meeting minimum model year requirements. There may also be other approved vehicles that are not on the lists.
UberX Cars
- Acura: ILX, MDX, RDX, RL, TL, TLX, TSX
- Audi: A3, A4, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q5, Q7, RS7, S4, S6, S7, S8, SQ5
- Bentley: Flying Spur, Mulsanne
- BMW: 3-Series Gran Turismo, 5-series, 5-series Gran Turismo, 6-series, 6-series Gran Turismo, 7-series, ActiveHybrid 5, Alpina B7, M5, M6 Gran Coupe, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6
- Buick: Enclave, Encore, Envision, LaCrosse, Lucerne, Regal, Verano
- BYD: e6
- Cadillac: CT6, CTS, DTS, Escalade, SRX, STS, XTS
- Chevrolet: Captiva, Cruze, Equinox, HHR, Impala, Malibu, SS, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Traverse, Trax
- Chrysler: 200, 300, Aspen, Cirrus, Concorde, LHS, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring, Town and Country, Voyager
- Dodge: Avenger, Caliber, Caravan, Charger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Nitro
- Fisker: Karma
- Ford: C-Max, C-Max Hybrid, Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, Flex, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Taurus X
- Honda: Accord, Accord Crosstour, CR-V, Civic, Crosstour, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Pilot
- Hummer: H3
- Hyundai: Azera, Elantra, Equus, Genesis, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Sonata, Tucson, Veracruz
- Infiniti: JX, M, Q50, Q70, QX50, QX56, QX60, QX80
- Jaguar: F-PACE, XF, XJ
- Jeep: Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Renegade
- Kia: Amanti, Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, K900, Optima, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, Sportage
- Land Rover: Discovery, LR3, LR4, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport
- Lexus: ES, GS, GX, HS, LS, LX, NX, RX
- Lincoln: Continental, LS, MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX, MKZ, Navigator, Town Car
- Maserati: Ghibli, Quattroporte
- Mazda: CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, MAZDA 3, MAZDA 5, MAZDA 6, MAZDA SPEED 3, Tribute
- Mercedes-Benz: C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, E-Class Wagon, G-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class, ML-Class, Metris, R-Class, S-Class
- Mercury: Grand Marquis, Mariner, Milan, Mountaineer, Sable
- Mitsubishi: Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport
- Nissan: Altima, Armada, Maxima, Murano, NV Passenger, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Xterra
- Pontiac: G6, G8, Torrent, Vibe
- Porsche: Cayenne, Macan, Panamera
- Saab: 9-4X, 9-7X
- Saturn: Aura, Outlook, VUE
- Subaru: Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, WRX, XV Crosstrek
- Suzuki: Grand Vitara, Kizashi, XL7
- Toyota: 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Prius, Prius V, RAV4, Venza
- Volkswagen: CC, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Routan, Tiguan, Touareg
- Volvo: S60, S80, XC60, XC70, XC90
Uber XL Cars
- Acura: MDX
- Audi: Q7
- Buick: Enclave
- Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
- Chevrolet: Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse
- Chrysler: Aspen, Pacifica, Town and Country
- Dodge: Caravan, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey
- Ford: Expedition, Explorer, Flex
- GMC: Acadia, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Yukon XL Denali
- Honda: Odyssey, Pilot
- Hyundai: Santa Fe, Veracruz
- Infiniti: JX, QX56, QX60, QX80
- Jeep: Commander
- Kia: Borrego, Sedona, Sorento
- Lincoln: MKT, Navigator
- Mazda: CX-9
- Mercedes–Benz: E-Class Wagon, GL-Class, Metris
- Mercury: Mountaineer
- Mitsubishi: Outlander
- Nissan: Armada, NV Passenger, Pathfinder, Quest
- Saturn: Outlook, Relay
- Subaru: Tribeca
- Suzuki: XL7
- Tesla: Model X
- Toyota: Highlander, Sequoia, Sienna
- Volkswagen: Atlas, Routan
- Volvo: XC90
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common FAQs that drivers have when comparing UberX vs Uber XL.
Is it better to drive Uber XL?
It depends. Per ride, a driver can make more money driving for Uber XL. However, there is less demand for Uber XL overall. If you stick with just Uber XL, you will have fewer rides and diminished earning potential. Many drivers feel it’s best to prioritize Uber XL drives if they are eligible and to pick up Uber X rides otherwise.
This means you can probably let the eligibility of your current car determine whether or not you want to do all Uber X or a blend of both Uber services.
What is UberX Share for drivers?
UberX Share is a more economical way for drivers and passengers to use the Uber app. Passengers heading to the same destination or in the same direction can share a ride.
The Uber app will automatically find the most optimal route and rides along the way. This means more driving time and less waiting around time for the driver, as well as increased fares and tips.
Can You Drive for UberX and Uber XL at the same time?
Yes! You can drive for multiple Uber services at the same time, including UberX, Uber XL, and even Uber Black — as long as your vehicle meets the requirements for each of the services, like having a luxury vehicle for luxury rides or a 6-passenger vehicle for UberXL.
You don’t need to switch among the different service options. As the requests come up, you can see the different rates and select the best-paying trip.
Can you take six people in an Uber XL?
Yes, an Uber XL vehicle is required to be a minivan or SUV that can fit six (6) or more passengers. Riders who select this option are commonly families who need a ride to or from the airport. Note sometimes smaller groups will request a regular Uber X and receive an Uber XL vehicle for the Uber X rate. This is an exception and not the norm. If you need extra space, order an Uber XL.
What is the Lyft version of Uber XL?
Lyft has a similar version called Lyft XL. Lyft XL cars are large vehicles that can accommodate at least five (5) passengers. Like Uber XL, availability for Lyft XL varies by market and Lyft XL drivers can earn more money per ride.
UberX vs Uber XL: Which Should You Drive For?
You should drive for both. Uber XL is a higher-paid type of Uber ride, but there is less demand for it and it will be heaviest in big cities with large groups of travelers like New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
UberX is a reliable stream of passenger customers who need a ride from Point A to Point B, with minimum fares and rates you can rely on. There is more consistent demand.
For either UberX or UberXL, ride demand can slow down, so it may also be a good idea to drive for Uber Eats as well to make sure you have the best coverage and highest earnings. Or you may want to diversify outside of Uber, in case your account goes haywire, and get an account with Lyft or a non-passenger delivery app.
