The Mitsubishi Mirage leads in gas efficiency at 39 mpg, the Toyota Prius excels in hybrids with an impressive 57 mpg, and the Chevy Bolt stands out in the electric category with a 232-mile range.
As a Dasher, your choice of vehicle directly impacts your earnings and overall job satisfaction. DoorDash, known for its minimal car requirements, opens the door to various vehicle options, from bikes to electric scooters.
However, for optimal performance and comfort during deliveries, it’s crucial to choose the best-suited vehicle. This article dives into the top vehicles tailored for DoorDash, considering factors crucial for a seamless delivery experience.
Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency or a budget-friendly option, this guide unveils the 12 best cars for DoorDash, ensuring you hit the road with confidence.
Key Considerations for Dasher-Friendly Cars
Let’s dive into the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect car for your DoorDash adventures.
- Safety First: Prioritize cars with blind spot detectors and automatic emergency braking (AEB) to reduce accident risks by 14%. Consider crash-test performance, including frame strength, weight, and overall design.
- Fuel Efficiency Matters: Opt for cost-effective electric vehicles or smaller options like sedans for better gas mileage. Evaluate gas tank capacity to minimize stops during deliveries.
- Depreciation Awareness: Choose used cars to avoid the value drop. Luxury cars may incur higher yearly depreciation, impacting long-term costs. Avoid the misconception of escaping depreciation costs through car rentals.
- Reliability is Key: Prioritize cars with a good track record to minimize breakdowns and disruptions in earnings. Reduce maintenance costs and insurance premiums by selecting a less expensive, reliable model. For used cars, opt for certified pre-owned options from reputable car dealers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Vehicle | Starting MSRP | Combined Fuel Economy | Cargo Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Mirage | $16,695 | 39 MPG | 17.1 cubic ft. |
| Hyundai Elantra | $21,475 | 37 MPG | 14.2 cubic ft. |
| Honda Civic | $23,950 | 36 MPG | 14.8 cubic ft. |
| Kia Rio | $16,750 | 36 MPG | 13.7 cubic ft. |
| Nissan Versa | $16,130 | 35 MPG | 14.9 cubic ft. |
| Volkswagen Jetta | $21,345 | 35 MPG | 14.1 cubic ft. |
| Toyota Corolla | $21,900 | 34 MPG | 13.1 cubic ft. |
| Toyota Prius | $27,650 | 57 MPG | 20.3 cubic ft. |
| Honda Insight | $26,855 | 52 MPG | 15 cubic ft. |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $23,600 | 59 MPG | 26.5 cubic ft. |
| Chevy Bolt | $26,500 | (232 Miles) Range | 16.6 cubic ft. |
| Nissan Leaf | $28,140 | (212 Miles) Range | 23.6 cubic ft. |
Bonus Tip: Prioritize a used vehicle over a new one. The cost savings from avoiding depreciation due to wear and tear make it a smart financial choice. Explore reputable used car websites where you can find quality options for even less than $10,000.”
1. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage emerges as the ultimate choice for DoorDash drivers, seamlessly blending affordability and practicality. Priced at less than $20,000, the Mirage surprises with a wealth of tech features, from automatic climate control to forward collision warning with automatic braking.
Its 1.2-liter engine may not break speed records, but its remarkable fuel efficiency, boasting 36 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, ensures you’ll spend less time at the pump and more on the road.
The Mirage’s compact size navigates urban jungles with ease, while the 17-cubic-foot cargo hold accommodates all your delivery needs. While the Mirage may not be a speed demon, its unbeatable value and low operating costs make it the go-to vehicle for efficient and economical DoorDash adventures.
2. Hyundai Elantra
For DoorDash drivers craving style, efficiency, and value, the Hyundai Elantra emerges as the ultimate delivery partner. Fuel efficiency shines with the base 2.0-liter engine boasting 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway, making those delivery runs easy on the wallet.
The N Line model injects a lively 201 horsepower for a dash of excitement, ensuring efficient deliveries without compromising the ride.
Safety is a priority, with standard features like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Deliver in style, efficiency, and confidence with the Hyundai Elantra—the perfect ride for the DoorDash elite.
3. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic stands out as the top choice for DoorDash enthusiasts, combining fuel efficiency, style, and an enjoyable driving experience.
With a sleek design and two engine options – the base 158-hp 2.0-liter or the potent 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter – the Civic delivers on both frugality and performance.
Civic offers a range of trim levels, but the EX sedan steals the show with features like blind-spot monitoring and a power sunroof. Fuel efficiency peaks with the mid-range EX at 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.
The streamlined interior design adds a touch of sophistication, complemented by a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display, expandable to 9.0 inches. Safety is paramount, featuring automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard.
4. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio, a beacon of simplicity and affordability, is a stealthy contender for the title of the “best car for DoorDash.” The Rio’s 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway fuel efficiency solidify its role as a pocket-friendly choice.
With a thrifty 1.6-liter engine offering 120 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission, it’s not a speed demon, but its well-tuned suspension ensures a smooth ride for all those DoorDash deliveries.
Inside, simplicity meets sophistication with a clean dashboard, textured plastic, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring wireless smartphone mirroring options.
Opt for the S model for added comforts like cruise control and keyless entry, making those DoorDash shifts a breeze. While it lacks some driver-assistance tech, options for forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking are available.
5. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa emerges as the unsung hero for DoorDash drivers seeking affordability, style, and efficiency.
As the last standing beacon of cheap transportation, Versa’s fuel-efficient 122-hp four-cylinder engine ensures a pocket-friendly fuel budget with class-leading estimates at 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
The top-tier Versa SR steals the spotlight, offering enticing standard features like 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The SR model, with its automatic transmission and infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is the ideal choice.
6. Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta, with its 158-horsepower turbocharged engine, the Jetta not only promises a spirited drive but also impressive fuel economy—up to 41 mpg on the highway.
Sporting Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite from the base S trim onward, it ensures a safe and confident delivery experience. The Sport trim adds a touch of flair with 17-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats, striking a perfect balance of features and cost.
With ample cargo space and advanced infotainment options, the Jetta stands out as the ideal delivery companion, delivering efficiency, style, and value in every mile.
7. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla earns its stripes as the DoorDash champion, prioritizing reliability over thrills. Its 169-horsepower engine may not break speed records, but its predictable and safe ride makes every delivery a smooth experience.
The Corolla’s efficiency shines, especially in its hybrid variant, reaching up to 50 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. The sedan provides a generous interior with soft-touch materials and optional features like ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control. Cargo space varies between the hatchback and sedan, but both offer practical storage solutions.
Equipped with standard driver-assistance technology, including automatic high beams, the Corolla ensures a safe and reliable journey.
Bonus Tip: Higher maintenance requirements and lower durability make hybrids less suitable for the job.
8. Toyota Prius
Reviewed as one of the best cars to sleep in.
The Toyota Prius redefines cool, blending style with eco-conscious performance. With a punchy 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain and an optional all-wheel-drive variant boasting 196 horsepower, the Prius delivers an impressive 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is the Prius’s forte, achieving an EPA-estimated 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive model. Even the all-wheel-drive variant sees a remarkable jump from 49 to 54 mpg combined.
Safety is a priority, with standard driver-assistance features and strong crash-test results. Toyota’s commitment extends to maintenance coverage, making the Prius a green, efficient, and worry-free choice for DoorDash enthusiasts.
9. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is the top choice for DoorDash drivers seeking efficiency without compromise. With its hybrid powertrain, it balances peppy acceleration with an outstanding EPA-estimated 55 mpg city and 49 mpg highway for the EX trim, making it a fuel-sipping champion.
The well-equipped EX trim proves superior, providing a comfortable and refined driving experience akin to its non-hybrid counterpart, the Civic.
The Insight boasts a quick 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds, outpacing many hybrids in its class, and its smooth handling ensures a pleasant ride.
Despite being discontinued after 2022, Insight’s upscale interior, spacious seating, and advanced safety features, including Honda Sensing, make it a standout choice for efficient and enjoyable DoorDash deliveries.
10. Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq stands out as the ultimate choice for DoorDash drivers seeking an eco-friendly and efficient ride. With a hybrid model boasting an impressive EPA-estimated 59 mpg combined, the Ioniq silently and efficiently navigates through urban jungles.
Although not a head-turner like the Toyota Prius, the Ioniq’s conventional appearance conceals its green prowess. Opting for the hybrid version over the plug-in ensures a sensible choice, balancing efficiency and practicality.
Performance may not break speed records, but the Ioniq’s composed ride and responsive steering make every delivery smooth.
11. Chevy Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt emerges as an affordable and eco-conscious choice for DoorDash drivers, revolutionizing the electric hatchback scene. The 200-horsepower motor delivers an EPA-estimated 259 miles on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for urban deliveries.
Boasting DC fast-charge capability, it adds up to 100 miles in just 30 minutes. The Bolt’s unconventional styling, coupled with impressive cargo space, sets it apart.
The revamped cabin features upscale materials, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bolt’s 120 MPGe rating and efficient charging options redefine the electric experience.
Packed with safety features, the 2023 Bolt EV assures a secure and comfortable ride.
12. Nissan Leaf
For the eco-minded DoorDash driver on a budget, the Nissan Leaf shines as an affordable electric vehicle at just under $30,000. Despite a modest 151-mile range, the Leaf is a practical choice for local deliveries, making the shift from the fuel pump to the charging station more accessible.
The SV Plus trim boasts a potent 214-hp electric motor and a larger 62.0-kWh battery for an extended range of 215 miles. Charging flexibility is a plus, with the ability to replenish in seven hours on a 240-volt connection. The Leaf’s spacious interior, La-Z-Boy’s comfortable seats, and impressive cargo capacity make it a practical and comfortable ride.
While it may bid farewell soon, the Nissan Leaf remains a wallet-friendly and environmentally conscious choice for the savvy DoorDash driver.
Is a Car a Necessity for DoorDash?
Ever thought DoorDash could be more than just a car game? Buckle up—or rather, pedal up—for the revelation: bikes, scooters, and motorcycles are the cool kids in the delivery block!
Imagine cruising through the city on a bike, the wind in your hair, and no parking nightmares. That’s my DoorDash secret. Now, let’s talk about the e-bike. It’s like having a turbo boost for your delivery game. Invest, and trust me, the cash flows back quicker than you’d expect.
But hold up: Alternatives have their quirks. Cheaper, yes, but a tad riskier. And not every city is a bike-friendly utopia. DoorDash gives the green light strategically.
