Choosing the right vehicle is one of the biggest decisions a private hire driver has to make. As well as taking into account affordability, practicality and reliability, they also need to think about taxi insurance.

While they are juggling all these factors, further considerations include switching to EVs, as well as charges for operating in clean air and congestion zones.

To help them decide, Patons Taxi Sales has put together the top 5 used vehicles for PHVs in 2025 – and it is no surprise that there are some familiar names returning to the list from last year that are regularly insured as PHVs.

1. Toyota Corolla

The hugely popular Toyota Corolla hybrid estate once again tops the list. Its economical-but-nippy 1.8-litre petrol hybrid engine helps maintain it as a firm favourite among taxi drivers. It has plenty of space for passengers and luggage and also comes with lots of technology to make the driver’s job easier and more comfortable, such as electric windows, Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual climate control and parking sensors and cameras.

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And since last year’s list, we’ve also seen its reliability after a Corolla taxi clocked up 1,000,000km in Iraq – before the driver traded it in for … another Corolla!

2. Hyundai Ioniq

Sitting in between two of its Toyota rivals, the South Korean Hyundai Ioniq is popular with PHV drivers for many of the same reasons as its Japanese counterparts. Similar in shape to the Prius, it is designed to make driving safe and enjoyable, with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, as well as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

3. Toyota Prius

The pioneering Prius has been popular with taxi drivers since becoming the world’s first mass-production hybrid vehicle in 2000. In the 25 years since then, its practicality, reliability and fuel economy have helped make it one of the most popular vehicles used by taxi drivers. The self-charging hybrid models were discontinued in 2022 although a plug-in hybrid version has been launched this year.

4. Kia Niro Hybrid

South Korea’s second top-5 entry comes in the shape of the stylish Kia Niro, which is a popular choice as a PHV because of the fuel economy delivered by its hybrid engine as well as cabin space for the driver and passengers. Technology includes collision warning, electric windows and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity. The hybrid model replaces its EV cousin from last year’s top PHVs. And for added peace of mind, is the only vehicle with a 7 year, 100,000-mile warranty – far beyond those offered by other brands.

5. Skoda Octavia Estate (diesel)

The Skoda Octavia keeps its place in the top 5 from last year and the estate continues to offer the largest boot space, with 640 litres with the back seats up, and 1,700 litres with them down. Its economical engine delivers 56mpg and popular features include electric windows, DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual-zone climate control and parking sensors.

Patons Taxi sales manager Andy Roberts said: “Taxi drivers have always looked for the same things in a vehicle – reliability, fuel economy, price and affordability.

“Now, the availability and price of parts also plays a big part when it comes to buying a PHV.

“The Toyota Corolla is known for its fuel economy and reliability, so it is no surprise to see it at the top again. It is built in Derby so there are no issues or delays with parts for servicing or repairs.

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“We have also seen drivers steering away from models they know are difficult to get parts for and are going to be expensive to maintain, which could not only disrupt their business, but also push up the cost of their taxi insurance.”