Uber drivers revolt after the company removes 7 models; even hybrid SUVs and newly launched cars are on the list

Changes to Uber's Comfort and Black categories have surprised drivers who purchased new cars to work in premium vehicles, following the exclusion of hybrid SUVs and recent launches, with reports of financial losses and re-planning of work routines.

Uber has updated its category eligibility rules Comfort e Black and removed recently launched models from the list in Brazil.

Among those excluded are Renault Kardian e Citroen Basalt, a decision that generated a strong reaction from drivers on social media.

According to a report published by the UOL portal, the measure caused outrage especially among drivers who had recently invested in vehicles to serve the higher categories.

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Immediate reaction from drivers

The announcement surprised professionals who recently invested in vehicles targeting premium categories.

Douglas Silva, a driver in Rio de Janeiro, bought a Basalt zero-km at the end of June with the idea of serving the family and operating “all categories of both applications”, also citing 99.

He reports that colleagues “had already paid the deposit and asked for their money back from the dealership.”

In his case, the financing was taken out three months ago: “I only paid three installments and there are still 45 more to go,” he says.

According to the investigation of the UOL, several drivers claim to have been caught off guard and report significant losses on long-term financing specifically designed to meet Uber's demands.

Another report is from Jonas Silva, with almost five years on the platform and more than 17 thousand trips.

He acquired the Basalt at launch to work on Black, waited three months for delivery and financed in 60 months.

"I had no idea this would happen. It's a new car, with good interior and trunk space, and everyone praises it," he says.

With the exclusion, it anticipates that it will prioritize races in 99, where the Plus “come closer to Uber Black”.

What's changing in Uber Black

From 5 January 2026, seven models are no longer accepted in the Black: Renault Kardian, Citroen Basalt, Caoa Chery Tiggo 3X, Peugeot e-2008, Hyundai KonaHybrid and the JAC J3 Turin e JAC iEV40.

The list includes compact SUVs, including hybrid e electrical, which were being considered by drivers precisely because of their lower operating costs and perceived comfort.

O jornal UOL also pointed out that the measure was seen as contradictory by drivers, as some of these models stand out precisely for their performance and level of comfort, characteristics valued in the Black segment.

According to the company, the update reflects “user research and analysis of market developments” to align the fleet with aspects identified as most relevant in premium categories.

Financial impact and forced decisions

For those who recently purchased a vehicle, the change alters the return calculation.

Douglas Silva says he gave R$ 30 thousand down payment in Basalt, the result of family economy.

He is considering negotiating with the store to return the car or exchange it for a model that is “even simpler and more expensive” than the current one, so that it can once again comply with the rules.

Yes, Eduardo Guimarães, over a thousand races on Black, acquired a Basalt four months ago by R $ 117 thousand “thinking about Black”.

He says he analyzed and researched before purchasing and that there was “no indication” that the model would leave the category.

Now, consider that running on Comfort would drop its daily target and consider abandoning the platform if it cannot maintain profitability.

Comfort will also have changes

No Comfort, the most sensitive change is the removal of the Renault Logan, valid from 5 July 2026.

Until then, the year of manufacture criteria for each model remain in force, but the company indicates that the base of accepted vehicles will undergo adjustments to maintain a minimum standard of comfort perceived by passengers.

In parallel, Uber claims that the measures come from continuous evaluation of user preferences, involving factors such as internal space, finishing e convenience.

O UOL also reported that, in addition to the review of Comfort, Uber is evaluating adjustments to other modalities to keep up with the renewal of the Brazilian automotive market, especially given the advance of hybrid and electric vehicles.

UberX will depend on local rules

For UberX, the company reported that the impact varies according to municipal regulations.

In cities that fix maximum age 10 years for app-based transportation vehicles — cases of Brasilia, Campinas, Fortaleza e São Paulo — there will be a blockade for cars model year 2015 or earlier.

The policy, says the company, seeks to keep the fleet within a renewal cycle compatible with safety, emissions and comfort requirements.

Why new models are out

The exclusion of releases draws attention because, in theory, they meet technology and efficiency requirements.

Uber did not detail the technical parameters individually, but maintains that the review focuses on attributes valued by higher-tier customers.

Among them, they usually weigh finishing level, silence on board, performance, trunk e convenience items.

Even though some of these vehicles offer fuel economy or electrification, the final evaluation of the platform prioritizes the perceived experience in the segment Black and, to a lesser extent, in the Comfort.

Alternatives considered by drivers

With less than three months to go until the new rule begins in Black, some drivers try to renegotiate purchases or redirect the operation.

Some, like Jonas Silva, consider shifting the focus to the 99 in the modalities with tariffs closest to Black.

Others seek exchange for accepted models, even with financial loss, so as not to compromise revenue.

There are also those who choose to remain in Comfort, although he reports that the profitability is lower than that of Black, which would require greater volume of races to maintain revenue.

According to UOL, the reaction on social media has grown in recent days, with groups of drivers exchanging information about possible alternatives and discussing the viability of continuing to invest in expensive vehicles given the company's constant policy changes.

What Uber says

In a statement, the company states that the update to the list “was determined based on aspects highlighted by users as important when requesting trips in the Comfort and Black categories.”

For Comfort, confirms the Logan's exit em July 2026.

About UberX, reinforces that the compliance with the municipal age limit will imply restrictions on older cars in cities with a rule of 10 years.

The platform has not yet commented on compensation mechanisms for those who recently purchased vehicles that will be excluded from the Black.

Registration

Uber drivers are outraged after the company removes 7 models; even hybrid SUVs and newly launched cars are on the list.