London's Uber Vehicle Requirements are Changing: Stay eligible with Splend

Will your vehicle still qualify for Uber Comfort in 2026? 

Uber's vehicle requirements in the United Kingdom are changing from 1 August 2026. Any new vehicle added to an Uber account after this date must meet updated requirements for Comfort, Exec and Lux categories. Existing premium vehicles will not lose access on that day, but Uber says affected drivers will receive an email with their own timeline. 

If you are an Uber driver earning through premium trips, now is the time to understand what is changing, how it could affect you, and what your options are. 

What’s changing with Uber Comfort, Exec & Lux? 

Uber is raising the standard for private hire vehicles used for Comfort, Exec and Lux. The new checks cover factors such as vehicle age, brand, vehicle model and vehicle type. 

• Adding a new vehicle from 1 August 2026? It must meet the updated rules. 

• Already active on Uber Comfort, Exec or Lux? You should not lose access immediately. 

• Vehicle affected by the update? Uber will email you with your own timeline. 

Why this matters for your earnings  

Comfort, Exec and Lux category trips can be an important part of a PCO driver’s weekly earning plan. These categories often help drivers target higher fares, airport work, train station pick-ups, business passengers, and busy travel periods. 

If your vehicle loses premium eligibility, your trip mix may change. You may receive fewer premium requests and rely more on standard UberX trips. Uber says fares are not changing as part of this update, but a vehicle’s product eligibility can change. 

Losing access to these categories could affect:  

• Your average fare value 

• Your airport trip opportunities 

• Your premium rider demand 

• Your weekly earnings 

Does my vehicle still qualify for Uber Comfort? 

You should review your options if: 

• You currently drive a Comfort, Exec or Lux electric vehicle on the Uber App 

• Your vehicle is close to Uber’s age limits 

• Premium trips make up a high share of your week 

• You plan to buy, lease or change vehicles in 2026 

• Your vehicle is not clearly listed on the Uber London Website as eligible 

London drivers should also remember that wider private hire rules can include licensing, private hire insurance and emission standards. Uber’s UK vehicle requirements page notes PHVL, private-hire motor insurance and London-specific TfL requirements.  

What should drivers do now? 

Start with a simple check. 

Step 1: Check your vehicle against Uber's updated eligibility list.

Step 2: Watch for emails from Uber regarding your timeline. 

Step 3: Review how much of your weekly income comes from Comfort, Exec or Lux. 

Step 4: Start exploring replacement vehicles before deadlines arrive. 

If your vehicle no longer meets the requirements, your next step is choosing the path that best fits your driving plans. 

• You can buy a vehicle outright, which gives you ownership from day one, but it also means a larger upfront cost and full responsibility for depreciation, servicing, repairs and future platform changes. 

• You can lease a vehicle, which spreads the cost over time, but often locks you into a longer agreement. If your driving plans change, or Uber updates its rules again, you may have less flexibility. 

• Or you can choose Splend, which gives drivers access to platform-ready vehicles with a simpler weekly payment and a clearer pathway to ownership. This can be a strong option if you want to stay eligible for premium trip types without taking on the pressure of buying or leasing long-term. 

When you choose Splend, you're choosing a trusted partner in PCO driving

What vehicles are likely to meet the new requirements? 

Find a platform-ready vehicle that fits your earning goals, lifestyle, and pathway to ownership. 

Uber Executive Range

Uber Comfort Range

How Splend helps drivers stay eligible 

Splend takes care of the vehicle side of driving, so you can focus on what matters most: driving, earning and building your future. 

With Splend, UK PCO drivers can access a smarter, simpler and great value path to owning their PCO vehicle. Our plans are designed around drivers who want flexibility today and a clear route towards ownership over time. 

More than 25,000 PCO drivers have chosen Splend and for good reason. Splend helps drivers access platform-ready vehicles, stay aligned with Uber requirements, and move forward without the hassle of managing everything alone. 

With Splend, drivers can get: 

• Comfort and Exec eligible vehicle options 

• A clear pathway to ownership 

• Servicing and maintenance support 

• Flexible weekly payments 

• Help staying ready as platform rules change  

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Uber’s new vehicle requirements for Comfort, Exec and Lux in 2026? From 1 August 2026, any new vehicle added to Uber in the UK must meet updated eligibility requirements for Comfort, Exec and Lux. The rules consider things like vehicle age, brand, model, vehicle type and whether the car appears on Uber’s eligible vehicle list.  

• Will I lose Uber Comfort access on 1 August 2026? Not automatically. Vehicles already active on Uber Comfort, Exec or Lux should not lose eligibility on 1 August 2026. If your vehicle is affected, Uber says it will email you with your individual timeline.  

• How do I check if my vehicle still qualifies for Uber Comfort? Check Uber’s latest eligible vehicle list and monitor the email linked to your Uber driver account. If your vehicle is affected, Uber says it will contact you directly with details about your eligibility timeline.  

• What happens if my car no longer qualifies for Uber Comfort, Exec or Lux? If your vehicle no longer qualifies, you may lose access to that premium trip type. This means you may need to rely more on standard UberX trips unless you move into a vehicle that meets the updated requirements. 

• Will Uber’s 2026 update affect my earnings? Uber says fares are not changing as part of this update, but your vehicle’s eligibility for Comfort, Exec or Lux can change. If you lose access to premium trip types, your weekly earning mix may be affected. 

• What vehicles qualify for Uber Comfort on the Uber platform in 2026? Uber publishes the eligible vehicle list for Comfort, Exec and Lux. In general, qualifying vehicles need to meet requirements around age, brand, model and vehicle type. Drivers should check the latest list before buying, leasing or changing vehicles.  

• What should I do if I need to upgrade my Uber vehicle? Start early. Check your eligibility, review the earning potential that you can get from Comfort, Exec or Lux categories, and compare your vehicle options. Splend can help drivers access platform-ready vehicles with a flexible pathway to ownership. 

• Can I still drive UberX if my vehicle loses Comfort eligibility? Yes. The 2026 update relates to Comfort, Exec and Lux eligibility. If your vehicle no longer qualifies for a premium tier, you may still be able to drive UberX, depending on Uber’s standard vehicle requirements.