Baraka vs Splend vs Kenos vs Car Next Door: Rideshare Car Rental Comparison Melbourne 2026

Why Your Rideshare Rental Provider Matters

The car you drive and the deal you get directly impact your bottom line. A difference of $50/week in rental costs adds up to $2,600/year — money that could stay in your pocket. In this guide, we compare Melbourne's top rideshare car rental providers so you can make an informed decision.

The Competitors at a Glance

Baraka Car Rentals

• Location: Tarneit (Western Melbourne)
• Fleet: Toyota hybrids — Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Kluger
• Pricing: From $240/week
• Contracts: No lock-in, weekly rolling
• Inclusions: Comprehensive insurance, maintenance, roadside assist
• Platforms: Uber, DiDi, Uber Eats approved

Splend

• Location: Multiple locations (national)
• Fleet: Mixed brands — Toyota, Hyundai, Kia
• Pricing: From $259/week (varies by vehicle)
• Contracts: Minimum commitment periods may apply
• Inclusions: Insurance, servicing, roadside assist
• Platforms: Uber approved

Kenos

• Location: Melbourne-based
• Fleet: Mixed brands including older models
• Pricing: From $230/week
• Contracts: Weekly agreements
• Inclusions: Basic insurance, limited maintenance
• Platforms: Uber approved

Car Next Door (now Uber Carshare)

• Location: Peer-to-peer, various locations
• Fleet: Private owner vehicles — highly variable quality
• Pricing: Hourly/daily rates, typically more expensive for full-time use
• Contracts: Per-booking basis
• Inclusions: Basic insurance via platform
• Platforms: Not specifically rideshare-approved

Head-to-Head Comparison

Weekly Cost (Standard Sedan)

Provider	Weekly Rate	Insurance	Maintenance	Total Weekly
Baraka	From 200	Included	Included	From 200
Splend	From $259	Included	Included	From $259
Kenos	From $230	Included	Limited	~$250+
Car Next Door	~$70/day	Basic	Owner-dependent	~$490+

Vehicle Quality

Baraka exclusively offers Toyota hybrid vehicles — the gold standard for rideshare fuel economy. A Corolla Hybrid uses approximately 4.2L/100km, saving drivers $60–$80/week in fuel compared to non-hybrid alternatives.

Splend offers a wider brand mix but not all vehicles are hybrids. Kenos may include older vehicles that cost more in fuel. Car Next Door vehicles vary wildly in age, condition, and fuel efficiency.

Contract Flexibility

Provider	Minimum Term	Exit Process
Baraka	1 week	Return anytime, no penalty
Splend	Varies (often 2–4 weeks)	Notice period may apply
Kenos	1 week	Generally flexible
Car Next Door	Per booking	N/A — per-trip model

Platform Approval

All Baraka vehicles are pre-approved for Uber, DiDi, and Uber Eats. You can start driving the same day you collect your car. Some competitors require you to handle platform registration yourself, which can delay your start by days.

Driver Support

• Baraka: Local, personal support from the Tarneit team. Direct phone line, WhatsApp, fast vehicle swaps if maintenance is needed.
• Splend: Larger operation with structured support, but can feel impersonal. Appointment-based service centres.
• Kenos: Smaller operation, support availability varies.
• Car Next Door: Platform-mediated. No dedicated driver support.

Annual Cost Comparison

Over 52 weeks of full-time rideshare driving, here's how the costs stack up for a standard sedan:

Provider	Annual Rental	Est. Annual Fuel (Hybrid vs Non)	Total Annual Cost
Baraka (Corolla Hybrid)	$10,400	~$3,600	~$14,000
Splend (Mixed)	$13,468	~$4,800	~$18,268
Kenos (Mixed)	$13,000+	~$5,200	~$18,200+
Car Next Door	$25,480+	~$5,500	~$30,980+

Bottom line: Baraka drivers can save $4,000–$16,000 per year compared to other providers, primarily through lower weekly rates and hybrid fuel savings.

Who Is Each Provider Best For?

• Baraka: Full-time and part-time rideshare drivers in Melbourne who want the lowest cost, newest hybrids, and personal service. Ideal for western suburbs drivers.
• Splend: Drivers who prefer a national brand with multiple locations and don't mind paying a premium.
• Kenos: Budget-conscious drivers willing to accept older vehicles.
• Car Next Door: Occasional drivers who need a car for a few hours or days — not suitable for full-time rideshare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baraka cheaper than Splend?

Yes. Baraka's rates start from $240/week compared to Splend's $259/week for similar vehicles. Over a year, that's a saving of over $3,000 in rental costs alone, plus additional fuel savings from Baraka's all-hybrid fleet.

Can I use a Car Next Door vehicle for Uber?

Car Next Door (now Uber Carshare) is designed for personal car-sharing, not commercial rideshare use. The vehicles are typically not approved for Uber or DiDi driving. For rideshare, you need a dedicated rideshare car rental.

Do I need to pay a bond or deposit?

Baraka requires a standard security deposit that is fully refundable when you return the vehicle. Splend and Kenos also require deposits, though amounts vary. Car Next Door uses a per-booking insurance model.

Which provider has the newest cars?

Baraka maintains a fleet of late-model Toyota hybrids, typically under 3 years old. Splend's fleet age varies by location. Kenos may include older vehicles. Car Next Door fleet age depends entirely on individual owners.

Can I switch vehicles during my rental?

Baraka offers vehicle swaps when maintenance is needed and can arrange upgrades subject to availability. Most competitors charge fees for vehicle changes or require a new booking.

Make the Switch to Baraka

If you're currently paying more than $240/week for your rideshare car, or driving a non-hybrid vehicle, switching to Baraka could save you thousands per year. Our earnings calculator can show you exactly how much more you could take home.

• Phone: 0461 555 511
• WhatsApp: Chat now
• Book online: Reserve your vehicle