Differences Between UberX UberXL UberSelect UberBlack UberSUV UberLux
There are many different levels of service on the Uber Platform and it may be very confusing to decide which one you want to drive on and which one you qualify for. There are some cars that qualify for all tiers of Uber service while most cars only qualify for one level of Uber service, which is UberX.
UberX is the lowest level of service and accepts the most amount of cars. Almost any 4 door vehicle that can seat 5 total passengers that is 2003 or newer qualify for UberX. UberXL is the 7 passenger version of UberX that can seat 6 passengers, 7 including the driver. UberSelect accepts only premium cars like BMW and Audi
Sign up for Uber Today!
If you think your car qualifies to drive for Uber, you can use my referral link to sign up for Uber and get an Uber signup bonus:
Below is a quick summary of the various Uber car requirements for each platform. This is the most generous Uber vehicle requirements. Mostly, the uber car requirements for age will change depending on the city.
Differences between UberX UberXL UberSelect UberPOOL UberBlack UberSUV UberLUX
- UberX seats 4 passengers. UberX cars are typically regular 4 door sedans like a Prius or Toyota Corolla.
- UberXL seats 6 passengers. UberXL cars are SUVs and minivans. UberXL is typically about 1.3-1.6x more expensive than UberX.
- UberSelect is Uber’s premium service that seats up to 4 passengers. UberSelect cars are typically BMW, Mercedes, and Audis
- UberPOOL is a shared ride with another Uber passenger going in the same direction.
- Express POOL is like UberPOOL, but you are required to walk to a nearby pickup location
- UberWAV – a level of Uber service that caters to Uber riders and passengers who use motorized wheelchairs or scooters (wheelchair-accessible vehicle WAV). uberWAV driver-partners are certified by a third party in safely driving and assisting people with disabilities. Only in certain cities.
- UberBLACK – the original Uber. This is now Uber’s luxury service with commercial livery insurance. UberBlack cost about twice as much as UberX. No longer accepting new applications.
- UberSUV – This is the 6 passenger version of UberBlack that also has commercial livery insurance. It is about 1.5x the cost of UberBlack. No longer accepting new applications.
- UberLUX – this is Uber’s ultra luxury version of Uber. It typically has cars like Tesla and Maybachs. It cost about 4 times as much as UberX and is only in limited markets.
- UberTaxi – Request a Taxi with the Uber Passenger App. Works the same way as UberX but cost based on distance and time at Taxi rates. Only in very limited markets.
Below is a table that quickly gives you an idea of what car would be at each level:
Year | Car | Fare Cost | |
UberX/UberPool | 2003 | Toyota Prius | 30.17 |
UberXL | 2003 | Toyota Highlander | 39.38 |
UberSelect | 2007 | BMW 3 Series | 56.64 |
UberBlack | 2011 | BMW 5 Series | 67.80 |
UberSUV | 2011 | Cadillac Escalade | 87.60 |
UberLUX | 2012 | BMW 7 Series | 100.81 |
The fare cost was a calculation between Santa Monica and LAX to give you a sense of how much each type of trip pays.
How to Choose a Different Uber Tier with Uber Passenger App
When you are on the Uber Passenger app, you can choose the level of service once you choose your pickup and dropoff locations. You will be able to choose the different Uber Tiers of service by swiping left and right through the different options. You will see every Uber level of service available in your city. Not every Uber service tier will not be available in every city. The chosen option will be light up like the pictures below.
Uber has split up their services into four main tiers:
- Economy – Express Pool, UberPool, UberX
- Premium – UberSelect, UberBlack, UberLux
- Extra Seats – UberXL, Black SUV
- More – Espanol, Assist, WAV
What is the Cost of an Uber?
The Uber Passenger app will show up the cost of an Uber before you reserve the ride. This is called Upfront Pricing. The price of an Uber is calculated based on distance and time in addition to a base fare and a safety fee charged directly to passengers.
Note that these numbers can change dynamically due to Upfront pricing. This is where Uber changes the prices based on demand and can be independent of any kind of surge pricing for drivers.
What is the Cost Difference Between UberX, UberXL, UberSelect, UberBlack, UberSUV, and UberLUX?
The price can vary drastically based on the type of Uber service you choose. You may have seen major differences between just UberX and UberPool, but there are significantly more expensive tiers. Below is the pricing differences between each of the tiers. This is a comparison of fares between Santa Monica and LAX.
Economy | Price |
Express Pool | 11.19 |
UberPool | 13.16 |
UberX | 30.17 |
Premium | |
UberSelect | 56.64 |
UberBlack | 67.8 |
UberLUX | 100.81 |
Extra Seats | |
UberXL | 39.38 |
UberSUV | 87.50 |
More | |
Espanol | 30.17 |
Assist | 30.17 |
WAV | 26.17 |
Uber Car Requirements – Age
The Uber car Requirements for age varies by cities. For most markets, the Uber Vehicle Requirements for age is:
- 15-year-old vehicle or newer (2003 or newer)
Below are the markets that do not conform to the above Uber car Requirement:
- Baltimore (12-year-old-vehicle or newer)
- Birmingham (model year 2002 or newer)
- Connecticut (12-year-old-vehicle or newer)
- Huntsville, AL (model 2007 or newer)
- New Orleans (8 model years, or 2010)
- New York City (2006 or newer)
- Olympia, WA (2008 or newer)
- Peoria, IL (1o year old or newer)
- Portland, OR (1o year old or newer)
- Seattle, WA (2008 or newer)
- Tacoma, WA (2008 or newer)
Differences between UberX UberXL UberSelect UberPOOL UberBlack UberSUV UberLUX
Each level of service has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below is each level of Uber service in detail:
uberX – Regular Uber
UberX is the default service level for Uber and it is also the most popular option for Uber passengers.. This tier can carry up to 4 passengers in the same request. Most newer 4-door cars qualify to drive with uberX.
UberX drivers are self employed contractors that drive their own personal vehicle. There is no requirement for commercial livery insurance, but a select few have commercial insurance to accept cash rides outside of Uber and to keep the safety fee. UberX drivers must be 21 years of age with at least a year of driving history and must pass a background check and driving record check.
You can see more details about Uber Driver requirements here:
Uber vehicle requirements for UberX
- 4-door vehicle in good condition
- Seat at least 4 passengers in addition to the driver
- Working windows and air conditioning
- No full-sized vans
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
Cars model year 2003 or newer qualify to drive with uberX. View our list of popular models, but others may qualify based on the above Uber car requirements.
Popular UberX vehicle models
- Chevrolet – Cruze, Equinox, Impala, Malibu
- Chrysler – 200, 300
- Dodge – Avenger, Dart
- Ford – Focus, Fusion, Edge, Escape
- Honda – Accord, Civic, Element
- Hyundai – Elantra, Sonata, Tucson
- Kia – Optima, Sorento
- Mazda – Mazda3
- Mitsubishi – Lancer
- Nissan – Altima, Sentra
- Toyota – Corolla, Camry, Prius
- Volkswagen – Jetta, Passat
- Volvo – S40, S60
UberPool – A Share Uber Ride – Cheapest Option
Uberpool is a segment of Uberx where you will share the ride with one to three groups of passengers. The other Uber passengers are paired with you based on which direction you are heading.
Uberpool only pays 75% of the fare for Uber Drivers. This is to account for a longer trip. Every UberPool pickup is an extra dollar and Uber believes that Uber drivers will make more money with this fare structure. In my experience, I barely make as much as a regular UberX trip so I often ignore UberPool requests.
UberPool has the same vehicle requirements as UberX.
UberWAV – Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
This is a level of Uberx that caters to passengers in wheelchairs. UberWAV is a vehicle that has special features to accept wheelchairs. This is only available in limited markets.
uberXL – Uber for 6 Passengers
UberXL is a level of Uber service that can seat up to 6 total passengers, two more than an UberX. Typically, UberXL fares range between 1.3 to 1.6x the rate of a regular UberX ride. The higher fare and earnings pay for a larger car that can carry 6 or more passengers in your car.
Uber vehicle requirements for UberXL
- 4-door SUV or minivan with independently opening doors
- Seat at least 6 passengers in addition to the driver
- Working windows and air conditioning
- No full-sized vans or trucks
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
Most SUVs with a third row qualify to drive with uberXL. See our list of popular models, but others may qualify based on the above Uber car requirements.
Popular UberXL vehicle models
- Chevrolet – Traverse
- Chrysler – Town and Country
- Dodge – Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey
- Ford – Explorer, Flex
- GMC – Acadia
- Honda – Odyssey, Pilot
- Hyundai – Santa Fe
- Kia – Sedona
- Mazda – CX-9
- Mercury – Mountaineer
- Mitsubishi – Outlander
- Nissan – Pathfinder, Quest
- Subaru – Tribeca
- Toyota – Highlander, Sienna
- Volkswagen – Routan
UberSELECT – Premium Uber
UberSelect is a mid-tier luxury level of service on Uber that command higher fares. See the below list of eligible vehicle models, but in rare circumstances other models may qualify based on the below Uber car requirements.
Uber vehicle requirements for UberSelect
- Model year 2007 or newer
- Leather or vinyl interior with no tears
- Seat at least 4 passengers in addition to the driver
- Working windows and air conditioning
- No full-sized vans or trucks
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
Eligible UberSelect vehicle models
Most models must be 2007 or newer, unless otherwise specified (click to enlarge):
Only the ones on the list qualify for UberSelect, even though there may be many other cars that meet the above Uber car requirements. Uber does not make exceptions to vehicles that are not on this list.
UberBLACK – The Original Uber
This is the original Uber level of service. This Uber service tier offers luxury rides in black cars that have commercial livery insurance. UberBlack used to have a lot of Lincoln Towncars but now it comprises of mostly Cadillac SUVs.
The market for UberBlack has dropped dramatically over the past few years due to the rise of popularity of Uberx.
Uber vehicle requirements for UberBlack
- Commercial insurance
- Model year 2011 or newer
- Black exteriors in excellent condition
- Black leather or vinyl interiors with no tears
- Seats for at least 4 riders in addition to the driver
UberSUV – Luxury Uber for 6 Passengers
UberSUV is the 6 passenger version of UberBlack. This is the most luxurious level of Uber service that can carry 6 or more passengers. Typically, it is a newer Cadillac Escalade.
Uber vehicle requirements for UberSUV
- Commercial insurance
- A model year of 2011 or newer
- Black exteriors in excellent condition
- Black leather or vinyl interiors with no tears
- Seats for at least 6 passengers in addition to the driver
Eligible UberSUV Vehicle Models
Most models must be 2011 or newer, unless otherwise specified:
- Chevrolet – LTZ
- Chevrolet – Suburban
- Chevrolet – Tahoe
- GMC – Yukon
- GMC – Yukon XL
- Cadillac – Escalade
- Cadillac – Escalade EXT
- Ford – Excursion
- Ford – Expedition
- Ford – Explorer
- Lincoln – MKT
- Lincoln – Navigator
- Acura – MDX
- Infiniti – QX60
- Infiniti – QX80
- Mercedes-Benz – GL-Class
- Lexus – GX
- Lexus – LX
- Audi – Q7
UberLux – the Ultra Luxury Uber
This tier of service was meant to be even higher than UberBlack by offering a ride in the most expensive cars on the market. It follows similar rules as UberBlack in that they need to have commercial insurance and must be in excellent condition.
UberLux Age Requirements
UberLux vehicles must be at least 2009 or newer, subject to the below restrictions:
- 2009 or newer: Indianapolis
- 2010 or newer: South Florida
- 2012 or newer: Los Angeles
Below is the list eligible cars, subject to the above age requirements:
Eligible UberLUX Cars:
- Audi-A8
- Bentley- All 4-door models
- BMW-7 Series
- Jaguar-XJ
- Land Rover- Range Rover
- Lexus-LS
- Maybach- All 4-door models
- Mercedes Benz- S Class
- Mercedes Benz- G Class
- Porsche- Panamera
- Rolls Royce- All 4-door models
- Tesla- Model S
UberTaxi – Request a Taxi with the Uber Passenger App
This is a level of service that requests a Taxi with the Uber Passenger App. The trip is determined by distance and time and not subject to Surge Pricing or Upfront pricing. This tier can be much more affordable during peak times on Uber because Taxi rates are regulated by the state and cannot be changed.
Due to the rise of Taxi apps, many Taxi’s have been added to the UberTaxi platform. While you get the accountability of Uber, you get the quality of service as a Taxi.