The rise of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is transforming the automotive industry, with services like ridesharing and car-sharing growing quickly. This shift, expected to surpass $1 trillion in market value by 2027, is reducing urban car ownership and prompting automakers to adapt their designs. MaaS also contributes to lowering congestion and environmental impact, with autonomous vehicles projected to further revolutionize the space.
Key Considerations for Rideshare Drivers
For those who rely on MaaS as a means of employment, it’s important to choose the right car for rideshare services. Factors include the following:
Affordability
The first thing on the list is a car that’s affordable and won’t kill your balance books before you even get started. Balancing upfront cost with long-term value is important so that it doesn’t cut into your profit margins.
Fuel Efficiency
A crucial factor for keeping operational costs low, rideshare drivers want to select a vehicle that’s good on mileage which in turn means less overhead costs. In 2022, gasoline prices reached record highs, with prices exceeding $4 per gallon in the U.S., peaking during mid-2022. Despite some decreases in late 2022 and early 2023, the global average price of gasoline has risen consistently, and trends suggest continued instability in fuel prices in the coming years.
Comfort and Space
Anticipating the type of clients who will be hailing rideshares is important. While sedans may be cheap to operate, you also have less cargo capacity which will limt passengers who are bringing along items that require a larger vehicle. Additionally, the location of where you’ll be operating is important. If you’re in a hustle and bustle metropolis, chances are you’ll be taking a lot more short rides.
Reliability and Maintenance
Choosing a reliable vehicle means minimizing downtime for repairs. European vehicles typically require more laborious upkeep compared to Japanese counterparts and servicing costs are lower by comparison.
Technology Features
Rideshare driving means that your car is your office. Bells and whistles such as navigation, smartphone integration, and safety may be a consideration, but many people have smartphones nowadays which carry the same functions.
As an added bonus, modern cars come equipped with essential safety features like automatic emergency braking to prevent collisions, lane departure warnings and lane-keeping assist to help drivers stay within their lane, and adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
From a driver’s perspective, a safe vehicle may reduce risk for everyone involved. Unfortunately, vehicle accidents can occur at anytime and if you experience an injury in a car driven by someone else, hiring a rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the process.
The Best Cars for Rideshare Drivers
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius remains a top contender for rideshare drivers and is well-regarded for several key reasons that make it an excellent choice.
Thanks to its legendary fuel efficiency and reputation for low maintenance costs, it’s a no brainer that the Prius will give you top value for mile travelled. With its hybrid powertrain, the Prius allows drivers to log long shifts without frequent stops for gas, which is ideal for those in urban environments.
While the Prius is not necessary premium quality, it does have a spacious interior that passengers will find comfortable during their rides.
The Prius is a testament to longevity, so much so that taxi company fleets are commonly stocked with these vehicles. That should tell you something.
Honda Accord Hybrid
The older sibling to the globally renowned Civic, the Honda Accord is for those seeking a bit more luxury in a hybrid sedan, offering a smooth, quiet ride with excellent fuel economy.
Even though it comes with an ICE engine and has done so for many years, newer models are a perfect match for drivers who prioritize passenger comfort while also benefiting from hybrid efficiency.
This well-optioned is renowned for its comfort and spaciousness with plenty of rear-seat legroom for passengers while the trunk provides generous storage capacity with a wide, easy-to-access opening. Overall, the Accord is an appealing choice for drivers who want reliability, fuel savings, and a premium feel.
Toyota Camry
The Camry is also one of the OG sedans that is very popular for its reliability, price, and performance.
The 2024 version is no exception, and certain models such as the XSE and TRD not only come with of the features that made it so well-known, but also now have the luxury and comfort of higher end vehicles with sportier performance.
Camry’s are plentiful on the market, both new and used. It’s a comfortable vehicle and doesn’t break the bank, making it ideal for those spending the majority of their days driving. With advanced safety features and good fuel economy, particularly in the hybrid version, it’s a great all-rounder for rideshare work.
Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a compact SUV that combines sleek design with impressive performance and advanced technology, making it a great choice for rideshare drivers.
With great fuel economy, a spacious interior, and Mazda’s i-Activsense safety features, it offers passengers a comfortable and upscale experience. The cargo hatch has plenty of room for stowing capacity.
Mazda’s reliability is a bit less than Toyota, but is still well-regarded. Rideshare drivers will find that the CX-30 is a contender in the subcompact SUV segment.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best selling SUVs and checks all the marks for efficiency, comfort, and reliability. This SUV offers ample room for both luggage and passengers, making it a top choice for airport runs and larger groups.
It comes in various trims including hybrid and the sportier XSE version. The hybrid version of the RAV4 is a consumer favoriate for its fuel economy coming in at roughly 5.3L/100km which is around 45MPG.
It comes in AWD and comes with safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert. With its versatility and performance, there’s a reason why there are so many of these on the roads.
Kia Soul
The 2024 Kia Soul delivers a unique blend of style, practicality, and affordability, making it a strong contender for rideshare drivers. Its boxy shape allows for a spacious interior despite its compact size, giving passengers more headroom and legroom than you’d expect from a subcompact crossover. The cargo area is also notable, providing up to 62 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, which is convenient for drivers needing to transport luggage or packages.
In addition to its roomy interior, the 2024 Soul offers a smooth ride, with good fuel efficiency, averaging around 35 MPG on the highway. The infotainment system is user-friendly and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, allowing drivers to easily navigate and stay connected. Safety features such as forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist provide added security for both drivers and passengers.
If you want an aesthetic looking car that delivers great features and performance while being relatively affordable, the Kia Soul starts at $20,190 USD.
