UberX vs. UberXL: A Side-By-Side Overview
In a rush and don’t want to read the whole article? Take a look at how UberX vs UberXL compare, side-by-side:
| Feature | UberX | UberXL |
|---|---|---|
| Service Overview | Flagship, everyday service. | Similar to UberX but with larger vehicles. |
| Vehicle Type | Private, comfortable sedans. | SUVs or vans. |
| Passenger Capacity | Space for up to four passengers. | Holds up to six passengers. |
| Use Case | Ideal for up to four passengers or small luggage. | Suitable for larger groups, families, or transporting large items. |
| Price | Less than a taxi; varies by city, time, distance. | Higher than UberX; cost affected by capacity and vehicle type. |
| Availability | High availability in all markets. | Fewer vehicles available but generally accessible. |
| Accessibility | Accommodates passengers with disabilities; service animals allowed. | Same as UberX; depends on individual vehicle and driver. |
| Special Features | Default option in the app. | Can accommodate large cargo or luggage. |
| Ideal For | Regular city trips, airport rides with minimal luggage. | Family trips, airport rides with more luggage, small-scale moving. |
An Overview of the Services
Before we get too far into the comparison, let’s take a look at both services:
- UberX? Standard Uber service with private sedans for up to 4 passengers, cheaper than taxis, and auto-selected in the app.
- UberXL? Like UberX but with SUVs or vans for up to 6 passengers or big luggage, more expensive due to larger size.
UberX and UberXL Comparison
Now that you understand the basics of what UberX and UberXL are, let’s take a look at how the two services compare on a variety of criteria.
We’ll take a look at price, availability, accessibility, passenger capacity, vehicle type, and overall experience.
1. Price
UberX and UberXL are both cost-effective options, but UberXL typically costs more due to its larger capacity and higher operating costs.
For instance, on a sample route in NYC from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, an UberX ride is estimated at $35.04, while an UberXL for the same trip costs about $49.04.
However, this doesn’t imply that UberXL is always 1.4 times more expensive than UberX. Actual fares can vary depending on factors like location, time, traffic, surge pricing, distance, and local regulations.
2. Availability
When searching for rides in the Uber app, you’re more likely to find UberX options readily available due to the higher number of cars that fit the UberX criteria.
While there are fewer vans and SUVs for UberXL, leading to a smaller pool of these vehicles, the demand for UberXL is also lower as it’s less common for individuals to travel with large groups or bulky items.
Consequently, finding an UberXL ride is usually possible, but it might require a slightly longer wait compared to the more abundant UberX vehicles.
3. Accessibility
UberX and UberXL offer comparable levels of accessibility. The suitability of a sedan or a van depends on individual mobility needs.
Uber mandates that drivers accommodate passengers with disabilities, including allowing service animals and mobility aids.
For those needing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and a driver trained to assist disabled passengers, UberWAV is recommended, though it’s only available in certain cities.
4. Passenger Capacity
UberXL stands out with its capacity to hold up to six passengers, making it ideal for larger groups or families.
Beyond just passenger space, it’s also practical for carrying substantial luggage or for moving purposes, offering an affordable and on-demand solution for transporting belongings.
It’s important to inform the driver if you plan to use UberXL for moving items, keeping in mind that drivers are not professional movers.
Related: An overview of Uber’s luggage policy
5. Vehicle Type
UberX and UberXL vehicles differ primarily in size and passenger capacity. UberX typically features sedans, accommodating up to four people, and may include various makes like Acura, BMW, Honda, and Toyota.
UberXL, on the other hand, offers larger vehicles like vans and SUVs, suitable for up to six passengers, and includes models from manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz.
While there’s some vehicle overlap between UberX and UberXL (as UberXL drivers can also operate under UberX), if you specifically need a larger vehicle, it’s advisable to request an UberXL to ensure adequate space.
6. Overall Experience
While UberX and UberXL differ in size and vehicle type, the overall ride experience is largely similar.
The main difference is space: UberXL offers more room, which is especially noticeable unless it’s filled with a large number of passengers or cargo.
In either service, riders interact with drivers who have all passed Uber’s required background and DMV checks, as well as vehicle inspections, ensuring a consistent standard across both UberX and UberXL rides.
Should I Use UberX or UberXL?
Taking all the factors above into consideration, which type of Uber ride should you choose at the end of the day? The right ride for you depends on your specific needs.
If the following describes your desired ride, then you should choose UberX:
- Private, on-demand car service
- Budget option
- Space for up to four passengers or a small amount of luggage
UberX is an ideal choice for:
- Riding to or from the airport with just a suitcase and carry-on
- Going to a party across town
- Getting around in a vacation spot without a car
If you need the following, then UberXL is the option for you:
- Same private, on-demand ride
- Space for up to six passengers
- Capacity for large quantity or large size of luggage or cargo
UberXL makes sense for:
- Taking a family of four and their luggage to the airport
- Moving your stuff to a new apartment on the other side of town
- Bringing home the haul from your monthly Costco run
Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which is best for your situation. If you’re ever in doubt, you can always request the ride and then call your driver to get more information on the capacity and specifications of their vehicle.
If it turns out that it isn’t a good fit, then you can cancel the ride without penalty, as long as you do so shortly after requesting the ride.
It’s better to be upfront with your driver about what you need than to have them arrive and find out they won’t have room for your five friends .
Whatever you do, don’t try to save money by cramming more than the legal amount of people into a vehicle.
This isn’t just disrespectful to your driver; it’s also unsafe and illegal. Just save yourself the time and trouble and pay the extra few dollars for an UberXL.
Get a Ride for Any Occasion
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of the difference between UberX and UberXL, as well as which ride is best for your needs.
For more information on other Uber car options such as UberBLACK, UberTAXI, UberSELECT, UberSUV, UberPOOL, and UberLUX, we recommend you check out our comparison of UberX vs. Uber.
To learn how to take your first Uber ride, have a look at our complete guide to how Uber works.
New users can get a discount on their first ride using our exclusive promo code.
