13 Best Cars for DoorDash Delivery: Fuel Efficiency, Speed, and Reliability
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Finally, do you want to start delivering food to hungry customers of DoorDash? One basic requirement is to own a bike, scooter, or car to start this side hustle.
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It makes sense to get a car if you want to start delivering for DoorDash. While using a bike or scooter is an option, owning a car enables you to handle more orders, especially during peak hours.
Furthermore, to make the most of the $15.70 average hourly pay for Dashers (Source: Indeed), it’s important to invest in a reliable car to minimize expenses on maintenance, gas, and other associated costs.
Since DoorDash doesn’t cover gas expenses, choosing a car with good fuel efficiency is essential. Alongside fuel efficiency, you must prioritize a vehicle that offers a balance of speed, safety, and reliability.
I wrote this article for you to help you discover the best cars you can use for DoorDash deliveries.
Therefore without wasting much time, let’s delve into it!
The 13 Best Cars For DoorDash Delivery
Upon completing in-depth research on cars, I have compiled a list of the best options suitable for DoorDash delivery or any other general delivery driver role:
1. Mitsubishi Mirage
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$16,695 | $12,780 | 39 MPG | 12.4 cubic ft. |
The starting price of the Mitsubishi Mirage alone makes it one of the best cars for DoorDash. If you don’t want to spend too much on a car, then consider this one. Carfax says you can get a used Mitsubishi Mirage for around $13,000.
Some other pros of this car are its low fuel economy and versatile cargo space. With Mitsubishi Mirage, you have 12.4 ft cargo space, and this is enough to accommodate more DoorDash orders.
2. Toyota Prius
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$27,650 | $13,503 | 55 MPG | 20.3 cubic ft. |
The reason why Toyota Prius is best for DoorDash is its fuel economy. As a dasher, you will be able to save more on gas now that fuel prices are soaring.
Moreover, the Toyota Prius has a lower overall operating cost. This includes changing the oil filter, air filter, and other maintenance.
Another cool thing about this car is the cargo space, which is large enough to accommodate more packages. Because the rear seats can be folded to create enough cargo space.
Other compelling reasons to select a Toyota Prius for delivery are:
- Safety
- Reliability
- Maneuverability (thanks to its compact size and relatively tight turning radius).
3. Honda Civic
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$23,950 | $13,997 | 36 MPG | 14.8 cubic ft. |
Just like the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic is very fuel efficient, affordable, and has low maintenance costs. However, the Honda Civic doesn’t have a more spacious cargo, but it is still a perfect car for doing DoorDash.
You can get a used 2017 Honda Civic for around $17,311 on average according to Carfax. However, the price can vary depending on the model year, mileage, and condition.
4. Honda Accord
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$27,895 | $22,448 | 38 MPG | 16.7 cubic ft. |
The Honda Accord is also another best car for DoorDash delivery. The car has a 16.7 cubic ft cargo space to accommodate more DoorDash orders.
The 2024 Honda Accord has a starting price of $27,895 but you can get the older models, for instance, a 2015 Honda Accord for about $16,000 with less than 100,000 miles on it.
What’s really awesome about the Honda Accord is its stellar fuel efficiency. I mean, check this out – the 2022 model gets a sweet 38 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city.
So, not only are you on the road making deliveries, but you’re also saving some serious cash on gas while making DoorDash customers happy. Cool, right?
5. Hyundai Elantra
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$21,475 | $12,907 | 37 MPG | 14.2 cubic ft. |
Depending on factors like the model year, mileage, trim level, and condition, you can buy a Hyundai Elantra for between $12,907 and $31,657 according to Edmunds. So, this car is affordable and hence, best for DoorDash.
Hyundai Elantra brings in 37 combined fuel efficiency, so you can cut your gas expenses. Even though Elantra’s cargo isn’t as spacious as dedicated vans, what it offers (14.2 cubic ft) is enough for doing DoorDash.
Other benefits of buying a Hyundai Elantra are safety, warranty, comfort, and maneuverability.
6. Toyota Corolla
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$21,900 | $14,600 | 34 MPG | 13.2 cubic ft. |
Corollas are all about saving on gas rather than going for speed, so don’t expect lightning-fast acceleration. Also, they’re not big on cargo space, which could be a bit of a bummer. But hey, if you’re considering starting with DoorDash, this car remains a viable option.
A used Corolla may cost around $14,600, according to Edmunds, while the latest Toyota model starts at $21,900, which is still very affordable.
7. Nissan Versa
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$16,290 | $9,278 | 35 MPG | 14.9 cubic ft. |
This is one of the cheapest sedans on the market. If you want to deliver food for DoorDash, Nissan Versa is a viable option.
While I was browsing Carfax, I came across a used Nissan Versa Note priced at $9,278 with just 49,500 miles. So, even though the starting price for a 2024 model is $16,290, you can get the older models for less.
The Nissan Versa leans towards fuel efficiency rather than power, just like the Corolla and Toyota Prius. Therefore, expect a slower acceleration. The cargo space is also not as wide as that of the delivery vans, but it’s still manageable.
All the same, the Nissan Versa offers safety, maneuverability, affordability, and cool features including a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control (automated speed maintenance).
Extra Reading: 10 Best Places To DoorDash For More Cash
8. Kia Rio
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$16,750 | $11,998 | 36 MPG | 13.7 cubic ft. |
The only downsides of the Kia Rio are its slower acceleration or engine power, narrow cargo space, and its interior quality. But the Kia Rio is affordable and fuel-efficient, which are the most crucial factors you may consider.
If you are driving in the city, Kia Rio gets 33 mpg of fuel economy and 40 mpg on the highway. In my opinion, Kia Rio is another best option if you prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability.
9. Ford Transit Connect
Brand New (Starting Price) | Used Price | Combined Fuel Efficiency | Cargo Space |
$34,100 | $17,681 | 25 MPG | 104.8 cubic ft. |
The Ford Transit Connect has ample cargo space unlike compact SUVs and sedans, so you can deliver a lot of orders at once to earn more cash on DoorDash with this car.
In addition, the Ford Transit is very fuel-efficient, since it gets an estimated EPA of 24 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Meaning, you can save a lot on gas when driving around to fulfill DoorDash orders.
One more thing, while this car may have lower fuel economy, its powerful engine outshines sedans. This means you can enjoy quicker acceleration, enabling you to handle more orders during the busy peak hours of DoorDash.
Other Best Cars For Delivery Drivers (DoorDash)
Here are other best cars for DoorDash:
- Chevrolet Cruze: 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, fuel-efficient, and affordable. But it has limited cargo space and less engine power. The starting price is $17,995 for a 2019 Chevy Cruze model.
- Nissan Leaf: Fuel-efficient, low maintenance, and smooth driving. However, the Nissan Leaf has a limited range (about 150 to 226 miles on a single charge). Other cons are low engine power, limited cargo space, and battery degradation. This car is best if you’ll be DoorDashing in the city with short delivery distances, it’s not good for long-distance deliveries.
- Honda Insight: This car gets 52 mpg, it’s also fuel efficient and affordable. The cargo space of the Honda Insight is 15 cubic feet, which is enough to accommodate more packages. The downsides of the Honda Insight include its restricted cargo space, lower engine power, and the utilization of a hybrid battery that can be expensive to replace or maintain.
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: Because this is an electric car, you won’t have gas expenses. Also, it has low maintenance costs, unlike gasoline cars due to its fewer moving parts. While the initial cost of a Chevy Bolt is $26,500, it may not be as budget-friendly as some others on the list. However, considering the substantial savings on gas, it proves to be a worthwhile investment.
What to Look for When Choosing a Car for DoorDash
Here are some of the things to look for in a car you’d buy to start DoorDash delivery:
1. Fuel Efficiency
Opt for a fuel-efficient car as it will significantly reduce your gas expenses. Hybrid and electric cars fall into the fuel-efficient category, and while they may have a higher initial cost, the investment will lead to long-term savings.
Even though you can write off gas expenses because you’re an independent contractor, it’s still not better than using a hybrid or electric car which brings in no gas expense.
2. Maintenance
As a Dasher, also consider cars with low maintenance costs. Over here, electric cars win ahead of gasoline cars. However, electric cars use batteries which can be expensive to maintain or replace.
3. Cargo Space
Cars with spacious cargo are good for delivery since they can accommodate more packages. The Ford Transit Connect is an example of a car that has ample cargo space.
4. Safety
Your safety is very crucial when driving, opt for a vehicle with features like automatic emergency braking, airbags, blind-spot monitoring, backup camera, etc.
5. Performance
If you will be driving mostly on highways and hilly vicinities, then you need a car with good performance or engine power for faster acceleration.
6. Reliability
Picture this: you’re on your way to fulfill an order during the busiest DoorDash hours, and your car decides to break down. Not a great scenario, right? That’s why selecting a reliable car is crucial for maintaining a steady income as a delivery driver.
Final Words
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the best cars for DoorDash, if the scooter or bike scene isn’t your vibe, consider rolling with one of these recommended cars. Having a car means you can knock out multiple deliveries in one go and hit those deadlines with ease.
I trust this article has provided useful insights, and I wish you great success in your DoorDash delivery hustle. Cheers!
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Manuelo is an entrepreneur and a personal finance nerd. He is the founder of Dollars And Freedom. An expert in side hustles, online gigs, and everything about making money. His works have been featured on major financial publications, like Business Insider, GoBankingRates, Investopedia, Entrepreneur, and more. When he’s not busy with his blog or writing for others, you’ll catch him hanging out with loved ones or reading books on stoicism and self-development.
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