Toyota Electric, PHEV, Hybrid Taxi Range: Quality And Quantity

03/04/2025 09:48

Toyota Electric, PHEV, Hybrid Taxi Range: Quality And Quantity

When it comes to choosing your next taxi model, few cars fulfil a cab driver or passenger’s wish list more successfully than a Toyota.

The Japanese manufacturer has developed a vast range of models - including the Corolla, bZ4X and Proace Verso - built around the fundamental principles of reliability, comfort, practicality and quality, traits that have established Toyotas as the ideal taxi of choice for decades.

Better still, there has never been a better time to invest in a Toyota taxi thanks to an excellent range of models that specialise in several attractive key areas, not least the selection of cost-effective powertrain options.

They are reliable too, a reputation forged upon decades of satisfied customers who swear by the durability of their Toyotas. So much, in fact, that it possible to arrange an industry-leading 10-year manufacturer warranty when you buy a new Toyota.

Browse the Toyota taxi range on The Taxi Centreto get the best deals and to tailor the specification based on your budget and requirements.

Toyota Taxi Range – Hybrid, PHEV & EV

A pioneer of the ‘hybrid revolution’, Toyota was offering electric battery-assisted petrol-engine models for years – in some cases, decades – before rival manufacturers were bringing their first attempts to the market.

It’s this invaluable forward-thinking innovation that has made Toyota a veritable expert in hybrid powertrains, so much so that it has rolled out the technology across its range.

Acclaimed for providing cleaner, more economical performance with handy self-charging convenience, it is little wonder Toyota is the go-to for so many taxi drivers.

While hybrids remain a popular choice among the Toyota range, the company has expanded its portfolio to include plug-in hybrids and electric models now too.

Plug-in hybrid models enable the ability to drive solely on zero-emission electric power for extended stretches of a journey – ideal for those short urban trips – while pure electric models enjoy vast range potential with significantly reduced running costs.

Moreover, there are a mix of different options across a range of body styles in The Taxi Centre Toyota range, including the comfortable Corolla, frugal CH-R, lavish bZ4X, nippy Proace City Verso and spacious Proace Verso.

Toyota Corolla Taxi

There is a very good reason to explain why the Toyota Corolla can proudly claim status as ‘the world’s most popular car’. In fact, there are several good reasons.

Regarded as the ‘best-selling car of all-time’, the Corolla may have evolved significantly through 12 generations spanning almost 60 years, but it has never lost the essence of what made it popular in the first place – practicality, quality, efficiency and comfort.

Today, the Corolla remains a class-leader in each of these areas, which helps explain its enduring popularity as a taxi, proving spacious and plush for passengers – especially in Corolla Touring Sports estate guise - while drivers can appreciate renowned rock-solid reliability, excellent fit and finish and compliant dynamics from behind the wheel.

On the road, the Corolla’s self-charging hybrid powertrain – which can be specified with either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a CVT gearbox – makes it economical and clean to run, especially in low speed urban environments where you can drive almost entirely on battery power alone.

And while Corolla’s of old developed a reputation as a sensible yet not terribly fashionable choice, the current model’s sharp looks and plush interior cut a far more appealing dash.

Toyota CH-R Taxi

After being offered exclusively as a petrol-hybrid during its first-generation term, the second-generation Toyota CH-R Taxi now includes a Plug-In Petrol-Hybrid (PHEV) version offering more power and impressive range.

For Mk.II, the CH-R emphasises its already rakish design with some neat visual tricks, such as the dual-colour paint scheme, hidden rear doorhandles and raised ground clearance.

It all feels similarly special inside too where function meets form with high-quality materials abound and a welcoming ambience that even includes the opportunity to set the colour and theme of the dials.

Opt for the Toyota CH-R PHEV Taxi and you’ll enjoy swift progress with 226bhp on tap without compromising on frugalness.

With a 13.6kWh battery alongside the 2.0-litre petrol engine, the CH-R PHEV can travel for around 41 miles using zero emission electric power only, making it ideal for low-mileage urban-based taxi fares. Charge time using a 7.4kW wallbox charger at home takes two-and-a-half hours or regain some charge from the engine while driving.

Toyota bZ4X Taxi

As one of the forerunners of the great SUV movement with the RAV4 way back in the mid-90s, it stands to reason that Toyota’s first dedicated BEV (battery electric vehicle), the Toyota bZ4X, is a sport utility vehicle.

While the rugged, chunky design certainly draws inspiration from the similarly sized current generation RAV4, the bZ4X has been developed entirely separately.

Even so, it shares many of its petrol-equivalent’s strengths, namely the well-thought-out dashboard and generously sized interior, while there is an air of quality in the materials used. The 452-litre boot is also capacious.

Available with the choice of either a 150kWh and 160kWh battery, the former is offered with front-wheel drive, while the latter is all-wheel drive. Both offers similar performance at 204bhp and 218bhp each, though the FWD version projects better range of up to 318 miles.

Either way, both models emit zero emissions, making a Toyota bZ4X Taxi very cheap to run, while a 10-80% recharge can be achieved in just over 30 minutes.

Toyota Proace City Verso Taxi

If you’re looking for a taxi that maximises interior room without taking up too much space on the road, then the Toyota Proace City Verso – which is available in five or seven-seat configuration – fits the bill.

The passenger-version of the Toyota Proace City van, which is in turn based on the ubiquitous Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner/Fiat Doblo/Vauxhall Combo platform, the Proace City is one of the best-value routes into driving a seven-seat taxi.

With well-judged dimensions and a smartly-packaged seating arrangement – including seats that fold into the floor – a Toyota Proace City Verso belies its modest external profile by offering cavernous space for passengers, particularly headroom, plus their luggage inside.

As a five-seater, the Proace City Verso offers huge boot space even with the seats up, while the extended length model – which is 335mm longer – can seat seven in comfort. Ideal especially for airport shuttles

The Proace City Verso is available as a BEV (battery electric vehicle) only with a 50kWh battery powertrain generating 134bhp and achieving a useful WLTP combined range of up to 213 miles.

Toyota Proace Verso

With the option of seven, eight or even nine seats, the electric Toyota Proace Verso is the ideal taxi if you need to carry many passengers, need an airport shuttle or want the option to carry a large payload easily.

Available in ‘medium’ (eight-seater) or ‘long’ (seven or nine-seater) body-style, the Proace Verso functions as an excellent airport taxi with enough room for passengers to stretch out in individual armchairs, while retaining enough space for their luggage.

The Proace Verso benefits from a 75kWh battery powertrain generating 134bhp and allowing for up to 133 miles of range and zero emissions.

While there is ultimately very little to differentiate the Toyota Proace Verso Taxi from other models in the Stellantis portfolio (Citroen, Peugeot) on the surface, the Japanese model does benefit from a much more attractive aftersales and manufacturer warranty package than its French cousins.