The best Uber car isn't the cheapest to buy. it's the one that costs the least per kilometre while keeping passengers comfortable enough for 5-star ratings. We ran the numbers.
Uber Vehicle Requirements (Australia 2026)
- UberX: 4 doors, 5 seats, manufactured after 2014 (varies by city), valid rego + insurance
- Uber Comfort: Must be 2020 or newer, extra legroom, higher-rated drivers
- Uber Black: Must be a luxury vehicle (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, etc.)
- Uber Green: Must be hybrid or fully electric
Best Overall: Toyota Camry Hybrid, From $39,490
The Camry Hybrid is the Uber driver's best friend. 4.2L/100km means fuel costs of $0.08/km. Rear seat legroom is excellent. passengers rate it highly for comfort. Toyota reliability means fewer days off the road for repairs. And the boot fits 2 large suitcases for airport runs.
At 40,000km/year (typical for full-time rideshare), fuel costs just $3,192/year. A petrol sedan doing the same km costs $6,000+.
Best for UberX (Budget): Toyota Corolla Hybrid, From $33,490
If you want the lowest possible running costs, the Corolla Hybrid at 4.2L/100km is the cheapest non-EV to fuel. It's smaller than the Camry (passengers notice), but for short city trips it's adequate. Annual fuel at 40,000km: $3,192.
Best for Uber Green: Tesla Model 3, From $54,900
The Model 3 qualifies for Uber Green (premium rates) and costs just $0.04/km in electricity when charged at home. That's $1,680/year at 40,000km. half the Camry Hybrid. The catch: higher purchase price and insurance. But the per-km profit is the best of any rideshare car.
Cost Per Kilometre Comparison (40,000 km/year)
| Car | Fuel/km | Service/km | Deprec/km | Insurance/km | Total/km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $0.04 | $0.02 | $0.15 | $0.06 | $0.27 |
| Camry Hybrid | $0.08 | $0.03 | $0.10 | $0.04 | $0.25 |
| Corolla Hybrid | $0.08 | $0.03 | $0.08 | $0.04 | $0.23 |
| Kia Cerato | $0.13 | $0.03 | $0.09 | $0.04 | $0.29 |
| Toyota Camry (Petrol) | $0.14 | $0.03 | $0.11 | $0.04 | $0.32 |
The Corolla Hybrid has the lowest total cost per km ($0.23), but the Camry Hybrid earns higher ratings from passengers due to rear legroom. leading to more Uber Comfort trips at premium rates.
Annual Profit Estimate (Full-Time, 40,000 km/year)
| Car | Gross Revenue | Running Costs | Uber Fees (25%) | Net Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry Hybrid (Comfort) | $72,000 | $10,000 | $18,000 | $44,000 |
| Corolla Hybrid (UberX) | $60,000 | $9,200 | $15,000 | $35,800 |
| Tesla Model 3 (Green) | $78,000 | $10,800 | $19,500 | $47,700 |
| Kia Cerato (UberX) | $60,000 | $11,600 | $15,000 | $33,400 |
The Tesla Model 3 generates the highest net profit ($47,700) thanks to Uber Green premium rates and ultra-low fuel costs. The Camry Hybrid is the safest bet. lower upfront cost, lower insurance, and Toyota reliability.
5 Tips for Rideshare Drivers
- Buy a hybrid at minimum. the fuel savings at 40,000km/year are $2,000-3,000 vs petrol. This compounds every year.
- Keep the car immaculate. 5-star ratings get you Uber Comfort/Premium access. A clean car with water bottles and phone chargers = higher earnings.
- Consider a novated lease. if you also have a PAYG job, a novated lease on an EV can save $5,000-10,000/year in tax.
- Track every expense. fuel, insurance, phone, car washes, tolls. all tax deductible against rideshare income.
- Don't forget depreciation. at 40,000km/year, your car depreciates 2-3x faster than average. Factor this into your profit calculations.
Compare fuel costs for any car on CarSorted. adjust the km slider to 40,000 to see real rideshare running costs.
Compare these cars yourself
200+ specs, fuel costs, safety ratings, braking distance, and speed vs range calculator.
Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!