Uber announced significant changes to the Comfort and Black categories of its platform, which will come into effect from January 11, 2027. These changes will impact several vehicle models frequently used by partner drivers, even if they are in excellent condition, and promise to reformulate the fleet eligible for premium services.
According to information released about the platform, the update reflects research carried out with users and the continuous evolution of the automotive market. The new criteria aim to improve the passenger experience, prioritizing factors such as comfort, interior space and vehicle finish. For thousands of drivers, this measure will mean the need to reevaluate their current cars or consider renewing their fleet to maintain access to higher-yield categories.
New guidelines for Uber Black category vehicles
From January 2027, some popular vehicles will no longer be accepted in the Uber Black category. With this measure, the platform seeks to align vehicles with a higher standard of comfort and luxury.
The following models can no longer be registered or remain in Black mode:
- Audi A3
- CAOA Chery Arrizo 5
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Citroën C4 Lounge
- Citroën C4 Cactus
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Renault Duster
- Toyota Prius
- Volkswagen Nivus
- Volkswagen Virtus (with eligibility extended until July 5, 2027)
It is important to note that, despite the exclusion of the Black category, these vehicles will still be able to operate in Comfort mode, as long as they meet the specific requirements of this category. A separate case is the BYD Dolphin, which can only be registered with Uber Black until December 31, 2026. After this date, new registrations will be blocked, but vehicles already registered will be allowed to remain in the category until December 31, 2027.
Models impacted in the Uber Comfort modality
The restrictions will also extend to the Comfort category, which will see some vehicles begin to operate exclusively on UberX, the platform’s entry mode. This implies a direct change in earning potential for drivers who rely on Comfort’s higher fares.
The models that will no longer be accepted in the Comfort category and will only operate on UberX are:
- Chevrolet Joy Plus
- Chevrolet Prisma
- Fiat Argo
- JAC iEV40
- JAC J3 Turin
- Kia Rio
- Peugeot 208
- Renault Zoe
- Toyota Yaris
- Volkswagen Polo
- Volkswagen Voyage
In practice, drivers will continue to use these vehicles normally, but will lose access to Comfort category calls, which historically offer higher pay compared to UberX.
Raising model year standards in major urban centers
In addition to excluding specific models, Uber also reinforced the model year requirements for vehicles in several Brazilian metropolises. In cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Brasília, the requirement for newer vehicles will be applied to remain in the Uber Black category, directly impacting the current fleet.
Vehicles that will have higher model year requirements include:
- Honda City: minimum model year 2023
- BYD Dolphin: minimum model year 2024
- Volkswagen Virtus: minimum model year 2025
- Peugeot 2008: minimum model year 2025
These measures indicate the platform’s strategy to continually raise the standard of its premium fleet, seeking to meet the expectations of a public that values modernity and comfort.
What is the direct impact on drivers’ earnings?
The new rules pose a considerable challenge for the thousands of Uber partner drivers. The exclusion of vehicles from higher value categories, such as Comfort and Black, directly impacts the ability to generate higher income. Drivers with affected cars will need to consider purchasing a newer or different vehicle, a significant investment in a challenging economic environment. For many, the alternative will be to accept rides only in the UberX category, which generally offers lower fares, substantially changing the financial planning and viability of the activity as a main or complementary source of income.
Requirements for Uber premium categories
To continue operating in the Uber Black and Comfort categories, drivers must meet specific criteria that go beyond the model and year of the vehicle. To work with Uber Black, more than 100 completed trips are required, a minimum rating of 4.85 stars from passengers and the vehicle must match the colors accepted by the platform.
In the Uber Comfort category, the requirement is more than 100 trips and a minimum rating of 4.85 stars in some cities, and 4.80 stars in other locations served. With the new rules approaching, starting in January 2027, drivers will have a few months to evaluate the best strategy, whether renewing the fleet or adapting to the new operating conditions.
