CHOSEN WORKHORSES: What’s the most popular cars used as private hire vehicles across the UK?
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Toyota Prius has once again come out as the top choice among private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers across the UK. The hybrid model led the rankings in the 2024/25 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey, which polled nearly 1,500 drivers to gather opinion on vehicle preferences across the country.
The Prius, including the Prius Plus variant, was the most driven single model in the survey. It was especially popular among dual licence holders and remains a key choice for those prioritising fuel economy and reliability. Its hybrid system allows drivers to manage high-mileage work with lower fuel costs, making it ideal for urban environments.
Ford dominated overall as the most popular manufacturer. The Ford Tourneo, Galaxy and Mondeo all ranked highly, with the Tourneo notably common among both taxi and PHV drivers. These models offer larger interiors, making them suitable for both passenger capacity and luggage — particularly important for airport transfers and longer jobs.
The Ford Galaxy stood out for its versatility. Its seven-seat configuration makes it an attractive option for group travel and executive services, while maintaining the comfort of a saloon-style ride. The Ford Mondeo also continues to appeal, with drivers valuing its balance of space, ride quality and running costs.
Among European models, the Skoda Octavia and Superb featured strongly. The Octavia, known for its boot space and diesel efficiency, remains a dependable estate option. The larger Superb, often used for executive travel, is appreciated for its comfort and value.
The Citroen Berlingo was the most popular model specifically among private hire drivers. The van-based MPV offers ease of access, generous space, and practicality, particularly in rural or suburban settings. Its performance in the rankings suggests that drivers are placing greater importance on practicality over traditional saloon design.
Other notable entries included the Hyundai i30 and i40, which performed well among PHV drivers in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Volkswagen’s Passat and Touran also appeared frequently, reflecting their continued presence in both urban and regional fleets.
Vehicle choice varies significantly by region. In Yorkshire and the Humber, the Toyota Corolla was the most popular; in the South West, it was a split between the Volkswagen Touran and Skoda Superb. Meanwhile, drivers in Northern Ireland preferred the Hyundai i30, reflecting regional differences in road conditions, licensing, and passenger needs.
The data also revealed that saloons and estates are still the most common vehicle types, but MPVs are closing the gap. These trends indicate a slow shift towards vehicles that offer both practicality and efficiency.
As the industry continues to navigate rising costs, shifting regulations and the electric vehicle transition, drivers appear to be sticking with models that provide reliability, low operating costs, and flexibility. The continued popularity of long-established names like Prius, Mondeo, and Octavia shows the value of proven performance in an increasingly pressured market.
