Before you buy or lease a car for Uber Black, check it against the Uber Black car list. A vehicle can be black, leather, and expensive and still not qualify because of the model. Below is the full list of makes and models Uber accepts for Uber Black and Uber Black SUV in Los Angeles, pulled from Uber’s own vehicle list for Los Angeles. If you are getting set up, our page on Uber Black and limo insurance in California covers the commercial insurance side.
Uber Black Car List: The Rules Every Vehicle Must Meet
Being on the list is only the first step for your car. Uber also says eligibility for Uber Black depends on your driver rating and factors like legroom and exterior and interior color. For Uber Black and Uber Black SUV in Los Angeles, every vehicle has to meet these vehicle requirements:
- Model year: 2020 or newer for every model on the Los Angeles list. Uber says the oldest allowed year generally moves up by one year every year, so a car that qualifies today has a limited number of years left on the list.
- Color: black cars only, with a black leather interior (vegan leather also works).
- Seats: at least 4 passengers for Uber Black, and at least 6 passengers for Uber Black SUV.
- Condition: this is a premium service, so no cosmetic damage, working A/C, and a clean interior. The car has to pass an Uber inspection.
For a full breakdown of these Uber requirements, see our post on Uber Black car requirements in California.
Vehicles That Qualify for Uber Black in Los Angeles
These are all the eligible models Uber lists for the Uber Black service in Los Angeles, by make. All of them are 2020 model year or newer.
| Make | Models on the Uber Black list |
|---|---|
| Audi | A6, A6 Avant, A7, A8, A8 L, S6, S7, S8, RS 6, RS 7, Q5, SQ5, Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8, e-tron, Q4 e-tron, Q8 e-tron |
| BMW | 5 Series, 530e, i5, 7 Series, 740i, 745e, 750, i7, Alpina B7, X3, X5, X6, X7, iX |
| Bentley | Bentayga, Flying Spur, Mulsanne |
| Cadillac | CT6, XTS, XT5, XT6, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, LYRIQ, Optiq, VISTIQ |
| Chevrolet | Suburban, Tahoe |
| Ford | Expedition, Expedition MAX |
| GMC | Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Yukon XL Denali |
| Genesis | G90, GV60, GV70, GV80 |
| Infiniti | QX80 |
| Jaguar | F-PACE, XJ |
| Jeep | Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer |
| Kia | EV9 |
| Lamborghini | Urus |
| Land Rover | Defender, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar |
| Lexus | GS, GS Hybrid, LS, GX, LX, TX, TX 350, TX 500h |
| Lincoln | Continental, Corsair, Nautilus, Aviator, Navigator, Navigator L, MKT |
| Lucid | Air, Air Pure, Air Touring, Gravity |
| Maserati | Levante, Quattroporte |
| Mercedes-Benz | E-Class, E350e, S-Class, Maybach S-Class, EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, EQS SUV, EQB, GLC-Class, GLC Coupe, GLE-Class, GLE Coupe, GL-Class, GLS-Class, G-Class |
| Porsche | Panamera, Taycan, Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe |
| Rivian | R1S |
| Rolls-Royce | Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan |
| Tesla | Model S, Model X |
| Volvo | S90, S90 Hybrid, XC60, XC60 Hybrid, XC90, XC90 Hybrid, EX90 |
Vehicles That Qualify for Uber Black SUV
Uber Black SUV is a separate ride option with a shorter list. These are the only vehicles Uber lists for Black SUV in Los Angeles, again 2020 or newer, and each one has to seat at least 6 passengers:
- Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ
- Chevrolet: Suburban, Tahoe
- Ford: Expedition, Expedition MAX
- GMC: Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL, Yukon XL Denali
- Infiniti: QX80
- Jeep: Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer
- Lincoln: Navigator, Navigator L, MKT
- Mercedes-Benz: GL-Class, GLS-Class
- Rivian: R1S
A large SUV can earn on both Uber Black and Uber Black SUV trips if it meets the rules for both, which can give you more trips each time you drive.
Uber Black vs. Uber Comfort and Uber Premier
Uber Comfort has its own vehicle requirements, and they are much easier to meet. A car that is eligible for Uber Comfort is not automatically eligible for Black. Uber Black requires a black car with a black leather interior, a vehicle from the Black column of the Uber vehicle list, and a commercial setup. Uber Comfort allows more colors and many newer vehicles from mainstream brands, and Comfort trips run under Uber’s rideshare insurance instead of your own commercial policy.
Uber Premier isn’t listed as a ride option in Los Angeles, so for drivers here the premium choices are Uber Black and Uber Black SUV. If your goal is Black, check the Black column for your car, not the Comfort one, and confirm the requirements with Uber before you buy.
Is the Tesla Model Y Considered Uber Black?
No. On the Los Angeles list, the only Teslas that qualify for Uber Black are the Model S and Model X. The Model Y and Model 3 are not on the Black list. Many drivers assume any Tesla qualifies, so check before you buy.
Choosing a Car From the List: What It Means for Insurance
Your car is the biggest investment in your Uber Black business. The list runs from mainstream luxury cars like the Volvo XC60, Genesis GV70, Lincoln Nautilus, and Audi Q5 all the way up to Rolls-Royce. Whatever you pick, every Uber Black driver needs commercial livery insurance for a black car service and a TCP permit from the California Public Utilities Commission. A personal policy or rideshare endorsement won’t work.
The car is only half of the approval. Uber also checks your driving record, and so does the insurance company. Our post on Uber Black driver requirements for your driving record explains what can disqualify you.
The car you choose changes your insurance cost. Collision and comprehensive (physical damage) coverage is priced on the vehicle’s value and repair cost, so a $120,000 SUV costs more to insure than a $55,000 sedan. Based on the 2026 quotes we see, one owner-operator should budget about $1,000 to $1,500 a month per car for commercial insurance. If you have violations, it can be a lot higher.
- Confirm with Uber that your exact year, model, and trim is accepted in your city before you sign.
- Send us the VIN before you sign, so we can quote that exact car.
- Avoid salvage or rebuilt titles. They can be hard to approve and hard to insure.
- Ask about the physical damage cost for each model you’re considering.
- If the car is financed or leased, the lender will require collision and comprehensive. Ask the lender whether commercial livery use is allowed under your contract.
- Plan for airport permits if you want airport pickups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cars qualify for Uber Black?
In Los Angeles, the Uber Black list includes 25 makes, from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz to Tesla (Model S and X only) and Volvo. Every model must be 2020 or newer, black with a black leather or vegan leather interior, and seat at least 4 passengers.
Which SUVs qualify for Uber Black SUV?
The Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Infiniti QX80, Jeep Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Rivian R1S, among others in the list above. They must seat at least 6 passengers.
Is the Tesla Model Y Uber Black?
No. Only the Tesla Model S and Model X are on the Los Angeles Uber Black list.
How old can my car be for Uber Black?
In Los Angeles, the list allows 2020 model year or newer. Uber says the cutoff generally moves up one year every year.
Does the list change?
Yes. Uber updates its eligible vehicles list for each city from time to time, and the list for another California city can differ from Los Angeles. Confirm your exact model before you buy.
Get an Uber Black Insurance Quote Before You Buy
IIS Insurance Services works with general agencies that write Uber Black and livery insurance for owner-operators with one to three cars. Call us at (877) 210-9514 with the VIN of the car you’re considering, and we’ll tell you what the commercial insurance will cost before you commit. For official permit information, check with the California Public Utilities Commission.
Reviewed by George Karapetyan, IIS Insurance Services. CA license #0E94849, agency license #0G56765. Last reviewed October 2026.