The Uber app is a San Francisco-based, request-a-ride transportation platform. The platform offers UberX and UberXL ride-share options to its 40 million customers.
But is there a significant difference between Uber X and Uber XL?
We want to dive in and explore this avenue by focusing on pricing, accessibility, availability, vehicle type and capacity, and general experience. Let us take a look.
Sizing Up The Options
Uber X vs. Uber XL, who will be the mighty winner?
The popular UberX option is available across the United States. It is the most cost-effective choice on the Uber platform. Customers will often find this service cheaper than paying for a traditional taxi service, providing private sedans for a maximum of four passengers. The UberX service is the default setting on the Uber app.
As its name suggests, UberXL provides a choice of SUVs and vans for a maximum of six passengers. For a higher fee, customers can use UberXL to transport large luggage or other cargo instead of passengers. Even though UberXL is more costly, it can be a more economical choice if additional passengers split the fee. Compared to the luxury UberSUV version, UberXL is nearly 50% less in price.
Finding The Right Fit
What is the difference between Uber X and Uber XL? To help make the right choice for your transportation needs, an in-depth comparison of UberX vs. UberXL was made.
What is the price?
Depending on your specific needs, both Uber XL vs Uber X prove to be cost-effective.
The actual pricing is dependent on several factors, e.g., the specific location and time, traveling distance, the amount of traffic, and surge pricing that increases fares when the demand for rides exceeds the supply.
UberX will always be the cheaper choice as vehicle capacity is less. A trip of approximately 11km in New York City will have an estimated $35 for the UberX option. UberXL will charge $49 for the same distance.
What is the availability?
You might assume the difference between UberX and XL availability on the Uber app is on a level playing field. That does not seem to be the case. The UberX option is more readily available due to the higher number of UberX vehicles on the road at a given time.
A smaller number of vans and SUVs are available, reducing UberXL’s level of availability for customers. However, since fewer people need a larger vehicle for their transportation needs, finding an UberXL should not be too much of a concern. Since the UberX rides are in higher demand, customers may experience a longer waiting period for their chosen ride.
Is it accessible?
UberX and UberXL are on a relatively even keel when it comes to accessibility. A customer’s specific situation determines these needs. If a customer has physical limitations, accessing an SUV or van could be easier. Therefore, the UberXL might be a more appropriate choice.
Both Uber options strive to assist customers with disabilities. It’s a legal requirement to make provisions for essential mobility equipment and to allow service animals (e.g., guide dogs) to make use of the Uber service. Besides UberX XL, the Uber platform offers UberWAV. This is available in a limited number of US cities. This service provides sufficient space for mobility equipment such as wheelchairs. The certified drivers are trained to aid disabled customers when necessary.
What is the vehicle capacity?
The UberXL option has the highest passenger capacity with a maximum number of six people. UberXL allows customers to travel with a large group of family or friends at a given time.
Alternatively, UberXL can be used to transport large amounts of luggage or other cargo. For example, customers can use the service to transport luggage to the airport or transport some belongings when moving to a new house. It’s always a good idea to inform the driver of your specific requirements.
What is the vehicle type?
The main difference between Uber X versus Uber XL is the number of passengers that the vehicle can accommodate. UberXL allows for a maximum number of six people in either an SUV or van. UberX is usually a sedan vehicle with a maximum of four people per ride.
Although it’s dependent on location and range of supply, UberX can offer the customer a choice of nearly 40 different brands of vehicles: Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Fisker, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Land Rover, Maserati, Kia, Nissan, Porsche, Saturn, Toyota, Volvo, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Subaru, Saab, Pontiac, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Jaguar, Hyundai, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, BYD, Acura, Bentley, Chrysler, Buick, Honda, Mazda, Hummer, and Mercury.
The choice of UberX and UberXL vehicles overlap. There are fewer UberXL choices in total, allowing the UberXL drivers the opportunity to drive as UberX riders. The selection of nearly 30 UberXL vehicles includes Audi, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota, Volvo, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Hyundai, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Acura, Chrysler, Buick, Honda, Mazda, and Mercury.
What Is The Overall Experience?
Customers will have a similar overall experience with UberX and UberXL. Depending on the specific vehicle, the UberX ride may not feel very spacious if maximum passenger capacity has been reached. All Uber drivers are given the essential DMV and background checks. All the Uber X XL vehicles undergo the necessary vehicle inspections before being included in their fleet.
Uber X vs Uber XL – which is the best fit?
One size does not fit all. The correct choice will be dependent on the customer’s individual requirements. If you are looking for a cost-effective vehicle without the additional space for passengers and luggage, the UberX should suit your needs. UberX is a common choice for customers who need a lift to or from the airport, transport while on holiday, or going to a specific destination within a city.
Customers requiring more space for passengers and/or luggage should choose the UberXL option. Unlike Uber X Uber XL is a popular choice for taking a large family to the airport, transporting household contents to a new house, or returning from the shops with a large amount of shopping.
If you are unsure, customers should call the driver to obtain more details about the specific vehicle. Customers are given the option to request a change of vehicle without any penalties. Be mindful that it is illegal to exceed the maximum number of passengers in the car.
The difference between UberX and XL is quite clear. The needs of the customer will determine which will be the best fit.
i repeatedly texted an uber X driver that i need a sedan, this was Nov 22nd. in the greater phila, Pa area.
but the app kept matching me with an SUV. and when i learned the driver had an SUV i cancelled but i got a cancel charge.
but ride after ride request, more than 6 in a row were SUV’s.. so i cancelled the ride, or sometimes the driver cancelled, but still i got 6 cancel fees of $6.00 each so far on my credit card as Pending, along with the estimated ride charge, too.
i will dispute all those charges if they do not dissapear from my card items soon.
i should also not get charged a cancel fee if the driver did not come get me. or be on his way too much already. i do cancel SUV rides asap.. Rides should not be charging me cancel fees when the driver said hes got the cancel done, or says I am to do that, and i do, asap, but the driver did not start to drive towards getting me at pickup spot… i was just trying to get the right phone numer for uber CS support or the right option to type in my problem, when i text driver to Do NOT come if you have an SUV, and the driver text answers. Ok got it, and then i put in a cancel,, or soemtimes the driver actually can cancel.
but its on my card.. too many cancel fees that should not be there,, Uber website does not make it easy at all for someone to state their objection or problem and get support in this issue.. hey short person with mobility issue, like Bad foot/ aka injured foot, i cannot climb into an suv,, do you have a sedan? if not do not come… but still sometimes tho the driver got the msg and says ok, cancel it… or they say, He, “I” canceled the ride.
those times the cancel fee should NOT go on my credit card…
i am going to try to install and use Lyft to see if they are more helpful.. i am handicapped, and do not drive,, if ever id did i sure cannot drive now, anyway.
i can no longer ride on busses cannot step up the step onto a bus,, cannot walk To a bus stop either. so i depend on uber, but they sure do nto make it easy,,
I had been told to use uber X to more likely get matched with a sedan.so why are they matching me with all these SUV’s… ?
help, i cant find whre to Call UBER and talk about my issues… if the pending ride and cancel charges, go from pending to Transactions charged to my card, I will immediately have to Dispute the charges!! and then what, i need uber rides to go looking for a next apartment and to doctor appts.!
much Angst about this issue.. where are all the SEDANS?