If you're planning to drive for UberX in Melbourne, the car you hire matters more than you might think. Uber Australia enforces a minimum 5-star ANCAP safety rating for all UberX vehicles — and not every car in every hire fleet qualifies.
Here's a clear breakdown of what the requirement means, which 888 Car Hire vehicles pass, and a few important caveats to know before you book.
What is ANCAP and why does it matter for Uber?
ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme) is the independent body that crash-tests new vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand. After a series of frontal, side and pole impact tests — plus assessments of pedestrian safety and driver assistance systems — each vehicle receives a star rating from 1 to 5.
A 5-star ANCAP rating means the vehicle has passed the most rigorous modern safety standards. Uber Australia requires this rating for UberX because it signals that the car will protect occupants in a serious crash. This is particularly relevant for ride-share, where drivers spend long hours on the road and carry passengers.
Importantly, ANCAP ratings are tied to the specific model and year tested — not every version of a model is automatically 5-star. A 2019 test result applies to vehicles built to that specification; a significantly refreshed model may need to be re-tested.
Which 888 Car Hire vehicles qualify for UberX?
### MG HS — 5 stars (ANCAP 2019) The MG HS received a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2019. All MG HS vehicles currently in our fleet qualify for UberX. The HS is also one of the most popular ride-share choices in Melbourne — spacious, comfortable for passengers, and well-presented.
### Toyota Camry — 5 stars (ANCAP 2015) The Toyota Camry achieved 5-star ANCAP in 2015 and has maintained that rating across subsequent generations. Our Toyota Camry Hybrid qualifies for UberX, and its fuel efficiency makes it especially popular with high-kilometre drivers.
### Toyota C-HR — 5 stars (ANCAP 2017) The Toyota C-HR was awarded 5 stars in 2017. It qualifies for UberX, and its distinctive styling makes it a conversation-starter with passengers.
### Chery Tiggo 7 Pro — 5 stars (ANCAP 2023) The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro received a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2023 — one of the more recent tests in our fleet. It qualifies for UberX, and the 2023 test date means it was assessed against the latest and most demanding ANCAP protocols.
### Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — 5 stars (November 2024+ builds only) The Tiggo 4 Pro is a 5-star vehicle, but with an important caveat: the 5-star rating applies to vehicles built from November 2024 onwards. Earlier builds received a lower rating under updated testing criteria. All Tiggo 4 Pro vehicles in our current fleet are from qualifying builds, but if you hire from another operator, it's worth confirming the build date.
### OMODA 5 — 5 stars (ANCAP 2022) The OMODA 5 received a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2022. It qualifies for UberX and is one of the most tech-forward vehicles in our fleet — 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a sporty crossover design that passengers consistently comment on.
### MG ZS — 5 stars for builds from 4 December 2025 only The MG ZS is where the caveat matters most. The MG ZS received a 5-star ANCAP rating, but only for vehicles built from 4 December 2025 onwards. Prior builds — including many vehicles currently in hire fleets across Melbourne — received 4 stars and do not qualify for UberX.
This is a significant distinction. If you're looking at an MG ZS hire vehicle and the operator can't confirm a build date of 4 December 2025 or later, assume it does not qualify for UberX.
Which vehicles do not qualify for UberX?
### MG3 — 4 stars The MG3 received a 4-star ANCAP rating. It does not meet the UberX 5-star requirement and should not be used for UberX driving. It remains a great option for DiDi, Ola, GoCatch, food delivery or personal use.
### MG ZST — 4 stars The MG ZST (the turbocharged variant) also holds a 4-star ANCAP rating and does not qualify for UberX.
### MG ZS (pre-December 2025 builds) — 4 stars As noted above, earlier MG ZS builds are 4-star and do not qualify for UberX.
What about DiDi, Ola and GoCatch?
DiDi, Ola and GoCatch generally have lower minimum requirements than Uber. Many platforms accept 4-star ANCAP vehicles, which means the MG3, MG ZST, and earlier MG ZS builds can be used for these platforms.
If your primary goal is DiDi or GoCatch rather than UberX, the MG3 is an economical, city-friendly option worth considering. Always check the current requirements on each platform's driver portal before hiring — requirements can change.
Practical advice before you hire
1. Check the platform's requirements page directly. Uber, DiDi and Ola all publish their current vehicle requirements for drivers. Read these before booking a hire car.
2. Confirm build dates for borderline vehicles. If you're hiring an MG ZS or Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, ask the operator to confirm the vehicle's build date in writing.
3. Don't rely on model year alone. A 2024 MG ZS is not automatically 5-star. The build date matters.
4. All 888 ride-share vehicles are disclosed clearly. We tell you exactly which ANCAP rating each vehicle holds and whether it qualifies for UberX.