The world’s first taxi, the Daimler Victoria, was introduced in 1897 by Gottlieb Daimler, featuring the first taximeter to calculate distance and travel time. Although it could only reach a maximum speed of 18 km/h, it was a groundbreaking invention compared to walking at that time. Two decades later, the affordable Ford Model T made taxis more accessible to the public, becoming an essential means of transportation for all social classes.
Over a century later, taxis have become an integral part of global urban transportation. From the iconic Ford Crown Victoria in New York to modern electric taxis, the most important common denominator is durability. Here is a list of vehicles favored by taxi drivers for their exceptional reliability, including some surprisingly high-performance models.
1. Toyota Corolla 1.8
Popular Regions: South Africa, Oman, Indonesia
No car is more fitting for taxi duty than the Toyota Corolla – a sedan that offers a smooth ride, fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and longevity. Easy to maneuver in crowded cities, the Corolla rarely breaks down, providing absolute peace of mind for drivers. While it may not be exciting, it is a dependable choice for both drivers and passengers.
2. London Taxi Company TX4
Popular Regions: London, Europe, China, Australia
The TX4 is the only vehicle on this list designed specifically for taxi use. Introduced in 2007, the TX4 features a distinctive design with rear-hinged “suicide” doors for easier passenger entry and exit. It is powered by a 2.5L VM Motori diesel engine, paired with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, achieving a top speed of around 130 km/h. Although it is no longer seen in London since 2017, this model continues to serve in many other places.
3. Ford Crown Victoria
Popular Regions: Belarus, Armenia, Ukraine
The iconic taxi of New York, the Crown Victoria, can clock over 1.6 million kilometers with its original engine. Equipped with a 239 horsepower V8 engine, it also served as a police car in the US. Known for its durability and ease of maintenance, production ceased in 2011, but the last of these taxis will only retire in 2024.
4. Toyota Prius
Popular Regions: Japan, Canada, Australia
Once ridiculed for its odd design and unconventional powertrain, the Prius is now a practical and appealing hybrid vehicle, delivering 194 horsepower and consuming less than 5 liters per 100 kilometers. Some units have surpassed 800,000 kilometers, although the lithium-ion battery needs replacement after about 320,000 kilometers. Nonetheless, the Prius remains an extremely economical choice for taxi operators.
5. Hindustan Ambassador
Popular Region: India
India’s iconic car, produced from 1957, is based on the British Morris Oxford design. The Ambassador diesel 1.5L with 40 horsepower was preferred by the government and taxi companies. With its modern chassis design and spacious cabin, it earned the moniker “king of the road” in India for decades.
6. Ford Escape Hybrid
Popular Region: USA
The first hybrid vehicle licensed as a taxi in New York in 2004. Its 2.5L Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, combined with an electric motor and a Toyota-licensed powertrain, makes the Escape Hybrid an extremely reliable SUV. Many have surpassed 800,000 kilometers while remaining stable.
7. Tesla Model Y
Popular Regions: China, Japan
Introduced in 2020, the Model Y surpassed the Corolla to become the best-selling car globally in 2023 with 1.2 million units, and continued its record-breaking streak in 2024. The standard version, with a single electric motor, delivers 280 horsepower and a range of approximately 480 kilometers. With a 0-96 km/h sprint time of 6 seconds, it is the ideal EV taxi for hurried passengers.
8. Ford Mustang Mach-E (Gravity Taxi)
Popular Region: New York, USA
Through Gravity Technologies’ electric taxi program, the Mach-E Select, with its 266 horsepower motor and approximately 400-kilometer range, has begun operating in New York. Fares remain the same as traditional taxis, and passengers are treated to a 22-inch entertainment screen. The future of urban electric taxis may well depend on vehicles like this.
9. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Popular Regions: Germany, Austria, Cyprus
This line of luxury sedans was once a taxi icon in Germany due to discounted pricing for drivers. The E200, with its 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower, strikes a balance between power for the Autobahn and fuel efficiency. While ride-hailing services have reduced E-Class taxi sales, many continue to ply the roads of Europe.
10. Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Popular Region: Nürburgring, Germany
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