The Most Popular Cars for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers in the UK
For taxi and private hire drivers, choosing the right vehicle isn’t just about personal preference—it’s about finding the perfect balance between practicality, efficiency, and passenger comfort. The car a driver uses affects their fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and ability to meet the needs of their passengers. Whether it’s the spacious interior of an MPV for airport runs or the fuel efficiency of a hybrid for city trips, vehicle choice has an impact on a driver’s day-to-day experience.
The 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey sheds light on the vehicles dominating the industry today. With data from thousands of drivers across the UK, this article explores the nation’s favorite taxi cars and reveals how regional trends shape the choices drivers make.
Key Vehicle Types Across the UK
When it comes to the vehicles used by taxi and private hire drivers, practicality reigns supreme. The survey revealed that saloon cars are the most popular vehicle type, accounting for 19.9% of all work vehicles. Close behind are estate cars at 19.5%, followed by multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), which represent 17.1% of vehicles. Together, these three categories dominate the industry, highlighting a clear preference for cars that combine passenger comfort with ample space for luggage.
Hatchbacks (12.7%) and SUVs (12.6%) also hold a notable share of the market, reflecting the growing versatility of these models. Hatchbacks, often chosen for their maneuverability in urban environments, are particularly popular with private hire drivers who primarily operate in city centers.
More niche categories like vans (6.5%) and minibuses (2.9%) serve drivers with specialized needs, such as group transport or parcel delivery. However, their limited share underscores how traditional car designs continue to dominate.
The Nation’s Top Models
Certain car models have become almost synonymous with the taxi and private hire industry. Whether it’s the iconic Toyota Prius, a symbol of efficiency and reliability, or the LEVC TX, designed specifically for London taxi operations, these vehicles dominate the roads for good reason. The survey revealed a clear hierarchy of popular models across the UK, with some interesting regional variations.
Topping the list is the Toyota Prius, which accounted for 7.4% of all vehicles reported in the survey. Known for its hybrid efficiency, the Prius is particularly popular among drivers in urban and suburban areas, where fuel economy is a significant advantage. Notably, it ranks as the most popular model among dual licence holders and is frequently used by private hire drivers across multiple regions.
Close behind the Prius are Ford’s MPVs and saloons, such as the Tourneo, Galaxy, and Mondeo. Together, Ford models account for 21.5% of all vehicles, making the manufacturer the most popular choice for UK drivers. The Ford Galaxy, for instance, is a standout option for taxi drivers due to its spacious interior, while the Ford Mondeo balances affordability with comfort for passengers.
Other popular models include the Citroen Berlingo, a favorite among private hire drivers who value its practicality, and the LEVC TX, which leads in London and among taxi drivers more broadly. This specialized black cab represents a significant investment for drivers but pays dividends in its tailored design and suitability for city work.
Top 10 Models Across All Drivers
Toyota Prius
Ford Tourneo
Ford Galaxy
Ford Mondeo
Citroen Berlingo
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Superb tied with Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Passat
Hyundai i30
LEVC TX
What’s clear from the data is that drivers gravitate toward brands and models offering a balance of reliability, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. While iconic models like the Prius lead the way, regional preferences and job requirements create a diverse mix of vehicles across the industry.
Top Manufacturers
While individual models like the Toyota Prius stand out, a broader look at manufacturers reveals Ford as the dominant brand among taxi and private hire drivers. Over one-fifth of respondents (21.5%) reported driving a Ford vehicle, with models like the Tourneo, Galaxy, and Mondeo leading the way. Toyota follows closely, with 15.5% of drivers opting for models like the Prius, Corolla, and Avensis. Toyota’s dominance in the hybrid market has made it particularly attractive to drivers operating in urban areas, where fuel efficiency is a key consideration. The brand’s long-standing reputation for reliability is also a significant factor in its popularity.
Skoda, Volkswagen, and Hyundai round out the top five manufacturers, with notable models like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Passat, and Hyundai i30 all featuring prominently in the rankings. Skoda’s rise in the private hire sector has been particularly interesting, as its models are often seen as affordable alternatives to more premium brands while still offering excellent fuel efficiency and comfort.
Top 5 Manufacturers (All Drivers):
Ford 21.5%
Toyota 15.5%
Skoda 11.1%
Volkswagen 9%
Hyundai 10.2%
Regional Vehicle Trends: What’s Popular Where?
While some models have broad national appeal, others are more dominant in specific regions. For instance, the Toyota Prius leads in the North East, whereas the LEVC TX dominates London, where black cabs are still the primary choice for taxi drivers.
Interestingly, the Citroen Berlingo is the top private hire vehicle in the East of England, which may reflect a greater demand for practical, spacious vehicles for longer-distance trips. Meanwhile, MPVs like the Ford Galaxy and Tourneo are the top choices in more rural regions, such as the East Midlands and Scotland, where larger vehicle capacity is essential.
| Region | Most Popular Vehicle |
|---|---|
| Cymru Wales | Volkswagen Passat |
| East Midlands | Ford Galaxy |
| East of England | Citroen Berlingo |
| London | LEVC TX |
| North East | Toyota Prius |
| North West & Cumbria | Ford Mondeo |
| Northern Ireland | Hyundai i30 |
| Scotland | Ford Mondeo |
| South East | Skoda Octavia |
| South West | Volkswagen Touran/Skoda Superb |
| West Midlands | Toyota Prius |
| Yorkshire & The Humber | Toyota Corolla |
These regional variations indicate how geography, licensing regulations, and local passenger demand influence vehicle choice. In cities, hybrid and electric vehicles are gaining traction due to congestion charges and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) policies, whereas in rural areas, larger vehicles with higher mileage durability remain king.
Vehicle Preferences by Licence Type
While certain models dominate across the UK, the specific needs of taxi drivers, private hire drivers, and dual licence holders vary significantly. The survey data highlights clear distinctions in vehicle preferences based on the nature of the work.
Private Hire: A Focus on Fuel Efficiency and Passenger Comfort
Private hire drivers, who often complete longer-distance trips, prioritize fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability when selecting their vehicle. This explains the dominance of hybrid models like the Toyota Prius, which combines excellent fuel economy with durability—an essential feature for high-mileage drivers.
However, the most commonly driven private hire vehicle is actually the Citroen Berlingo, a spacious and practical choice, especially for airport runs or larger passenger groups. Other top-ranking cars, such as the Hyundai i30 and Ford Tourneo, reflect a focus on vehicles that provide both efficiency and passenger comfort.
Top 10 Models – Private Hire
Citroen Berlingo
Toyota Prius
Ford Tourneo
Hyundai i30
Ford Mondeo
Toyota Corolla
Ford GalaxyTop 10 Models – Taxi DriversLEVC TXFord GalaxyFord MondeoFord TourneoVolkswagen PassatToyota PriusSkoda SuperbSkoda OctaviaToyota CorollaHyundai i40
Hyundai i40
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Passat
Private hire operators also show a higher adoption of estate cars and hatchbacks, likely due to their low running costs and ease of maneuverability in urban environments.
Dual Licence Holders: The Need for Versatility
Drivers who hold both taxi and private hire licences need a versatile work vehicle that can handle both pre-booked and street-hailing jobs. As a result, their vehicle choices reflect a mix of fuel efficiency, passenger space, and durability.
The Toyota Prius leads this group as well, demonstrating its all-round reliability and suitability for different work types. However, MPVs and estate cars also feature prominently, with Ford Mondeo and Skoda models among the top choices.
Top 10 Models – Dual Licence Holders
Toyota Prius
Ford Mondeo
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Superb
Toyota Corolla
Mercedes E-Class
Ford Tourneo
Citroen Berlingo
Mercedes Vito
Volkswagen Passat
The presence of premium vehicles like the Mercedes E-Class and Vito suggests that some dual licence holders are focused on executive or airport transfer work, where comfort and prestige play a bigger role in passenger preferences.
Taxi Drivers: The Split Between Black Cabs and MPVs
Taxi drivers, especially those operating in urban areas, have very different requirements compared to private hire drivers. Many local authorities require hackney carriages to be wheelchair-accessible, meaning that traditional black cabs or spacious MPVs remain the go-to choices for this segment.
As expected, the LEVC TX dominates this category, being the preferred vehicle among licensed taxi drivers. However, outside of London, Ford MPVs like the Galaxy and Tourneo are much more common, offering the capacity to handle larger fares and luggage-heavy passengers.
Top 10 Models – Taxi Drivers
LEVC TX
Ford Galaxy
Ford Mondeo
Ford Tourneo
Volkswagen Passat
Toyota Prius
Skoda Superb
Skoda Octavia
Toyota Corolla
Hyundai i40
While black cabs still play a significant role in major cities, MPVs and large estates have become increasingly common among taxi drivers outside London. This shift suggests that drivers are looking for more practical and fuel-efficient alternatives to traditional black cabs, particularly where regulations allow more flexibility.
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