Turn Your Car into Cash: Why Turo Is the Best Student Side Hustle

Turo has surged in popularity over the last few years, earning its reputation as the “Airbnb for cars.” By allowing everyday car owners to rent out their vehicles, Turo offers a flexible income opportunity—especially appealing to students looking for extra cash without committing to a traditional job.

With tens of thousands of online reviews and a rapidly growing user base, one big question remains: Is Turo actually worth it for students in 2026?

This review breaks down Turo’s overall reputation, real Trustpilot user experiences, and whether it makes sense as a side hustle for students.

⭐ Turo Overall Rating Summary (2026)

 What Is Turo?

Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform where car owners (known as hosts) rent their vehicles directly to guests. Instead of booking from a traditional rental company, users choose from privately owned cars—often at lower prices and with more flexibility.

For students, Turo offers a unique opportunity to turn a car that’s sitting idle into a source of passive or semi-passive income, particularly if you live near:

• A university campus
• A major city
• An airport or transit hub

 What Users Are Saying: Trustpilot Reviews

Turo has 73,000+ reviews on Trustpilot, with the majority rating the platform positively. Many users highlight ease of use, strong communication, and vehicle quality.

👍 Common Positive Themes

Based on Trustpilot feedback, users frequently mention:

• Excellent communication from hosts
• Simple booking and pickup process
• Clean, well-maintained vehicles
• Convenient delivery, including airport drop-offs
• Unique car options not available through traditional rental companies

Real reviewer experiences include:

• “The process was easy, communication was clear, and everything worked smoothly.”
• “Our host was very responsive. The vehicle was clean and ran perfectly.”
• “Super convenient—especially picking up the car at the airport.”

👎 Common Complaints (Less Frequent)

Although less common, some users report:

• Difficulty adding additional drivers
• Occasional last-minute host cancellations
• Mileage limits on certain vehicles
• Higher fees for renters under 25

These aren’t deal-breakers for most users, but they’re important considerations—especially for younger students.

 Is Turo a Good Side Hustle for Students?

For students who own a car and don’t need it daily, Turo can be a strong income option when used strategically.

✔ Pros for Students

• Flexible income – Rent your car only when you’re not using it
• Strong earning potential – Popular cars in high-demand areas can earn hundreds per month
• Low effort – Once listed, much of the process is automated
• Ideal for campus life – Your car earns money while you’re in class
• No fixed schedule – Perfect for students with unpredictable timetables

✘ Cons to Consider

• Wear and tear from additional mileage
• Insurance details require careful understanding
• Time involvement for cleaning, pickup, or delivery if not automated
• Market dependency – Earnings vary by location and demand

Why Turo Is Trending Among Students in 2026

Search trends show students actively looking for:

• Best side hustles for students
• Passive income ideas in college
• How to make money with my car

Turo fits these searches perfectly because it offers:

• Low startup costs
• Flexible scheduling
• High demand in student-dense areas
• Realistic passive income potential

As a result, Turo has become one of the top side hustles for students in 2026.

Should Students Use Turo?

Yes—Turo is absolutely worth considering for students, especially if you have a reliable car and live in a high-demand area.

With strong user ratings, positive Trustpilot reviews, and proven income potential, Turo offers a flexible way to earn money without sacrificing your studies.

Best Practices Before Getting Started:

• Understand insurance coverage and fees
• Keep your car clean and well-maintained
• Price competitively for your local market
• Start small and scale as demand grows

When done right, Turo can provide a steady, flexible income stream—perfect for covering textbooks, rent, groceries, or weekend plans.