Toyota Prius Taxi Review - Why New PHEV Taxi is Still a Master of its Trade
Line them up alongside one another and it is fascinating to see just how the Toyota Prius has evolved from the first generation circa 1997 to the fifth and newest iteration that is just reaching the UK.
A revolutionary – albeit humdrum-looking – self-charging petrol-electric hybrid saloon, the original Prius was a modern-day motoring pioneer... even if it didn’t shout about it. Alas, being 1997, it was also an oddity, so while hybrid tech looked good on paper, cautious buyers stayed away.
Undeterred, Toyota became more ambitious with each ensuing generation, the Prius pushing the boundaries of fuel efficiency through uncompromising design, state-of-the-art tech and a proven platform.
Even three generations in, however, electric power – hybrid, PHEV or full – remained fairly novel in the automotive industry, but by this time the Prius’ class-leading fuel economy figures, scant emissions figures and self-charging convenience had found its audience in the taxi sector.
Toyota Prius – Top Takeaways for Taxi Drivers
- Shift to PHEV delivers outstanding fuel economy and impressive electric range
- Real-world efficiency even when battery has depleted
- Premium build quality and proven durable mechanicals
- Far more desirable than its predecessors
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Before long, the penny-pinching Prius became a familiar sight on taxi ranks across the UK, its rear seats becoming some of the most coveted places to be for those looking to get home after a night out.
Fast forward to 2026 and Toyota’s taxi duties are largely served by the Corolla now (albeit thanks to getting some of that Prius-developed tech wizardry), prompting the manufacturer to initially pass on bringing the fifth generation to these shores at all.
Mercifully, Toyota has had a change of heart, which is fitting because the new Prius – for so long a car bought with your head and head only – can now tug at the heartstrings too. Chuck in some cutting-edge innovation and an ultra-frugal PHEV powertrain, and the 2026 Toyota Prius Taxi might be the car to lure you from a Corolla.
How the Toyota Prius Matured in Style
Though Toyota’s modus operandi with the Prius has been to prove that efficient, future-forward technology can come in a conventional package, it’s a car that has always been difficult to pigeon-hole.
Moving away from the original saloon body-style towards a sleeker coupe-esque fastback design, Toyota’s efforts to push the boundaries of aero-efficiency and fuel-saving design traits would see the Prius become visibly more uncompromising.
The decision to drop the Prius’ hybrid powertrain into a conventional Corolla hatchback body shell, however, has given Toyota carte blanche to transform the latest generation into a new standard of efficiency.
Pleasingly, that has also come in tandem with a notable step in desirability, the fifth-gen Prius’ lithe roofline, low nose and plunging windscreen endowing it with a look that while still distinctive, is classier than ever.
Toyota Prius Taxi at The Taxi Centre
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2026 Toyota Prius Taxi: Practicality & Interior Space
With the Toyota Corolla – particularly the Touring Sports – fulfilling the brief as the manufacturer’s more practical hybrid option, the latest Toyota Prius places greater emphasis on aerodynamic substance in its packaging.
That’s not to say the Prius isn’t spacious, the latest model getting a carefully designed rear-quarter to ensure there is still enough room to stretch legs and prevent any bashed knees.
Up front, drivers will appreciate the airiness of the cabin area thanks to the Prius’ unusually deep windscreen that has the effect of improving aerodynamics and allowing plenty of light inside. At 284-litres, the boot isn’t the largest in its class, but it is well shaped.
2026 Toyota Prius Taxi: Interior
There was a time when the space-age dials of the Toyota Prius – with its animation that showed exactly when electric power was being used or being harvested - were the fascination of many a taxi passenger.
Today, hybrid cars are commonplace so it’s no surprise the Prius’ centrally-mounted screen is dedicated to the infotainment system this time, while the more intricate details of the vehicle’s mechanicals is handed over to a small screen directly in front of the driver.
While the design is minimalist and – in Toyota fashion – very jagged, the Prius’ dashboard is logically laid out, while there is a welcome appearance for physical controls for a handful of the most-used instruments.
As ever, the Prius lives up to Toyota’s enviable reputation for solid built quality, making it a very pleasant space to spend time in.
2026 Toyota Prius Taxi: Performance & Running Costs
At the heart of the Toyota Prius' appeal has always been its frugal hybrid powertrain and aero-efficient design.
It is in these areas that Toyota has focused its efforts with each generation of Prius and the latest model is certainly no exception.
While Toyota successfully refined and improved the convenient self-charging hybrid system, its adoption by other models in the manufacturer’s range has seen the Prius shift to a plug-in hybrid format for its latest version.
This is certainly no bad thing, the Prius now able to travel over 50-miles on electric power alone. When 50 miles is up and it does need to be recharged, the Prius PHEV can be replenished in just four hours even with just an AC charger.
Official WLTP figures of 176.5mpg (Design) or 134.5mpg (Excel) are certainly eye-opening for taxi drivers seeking a affordable running costs, as is the low 49g/km emissions figures for those that operate in clean-air zones.
While these figures are perennially difficult to match in the real-world, the Prius gets closer than most PHEVs all the same, that slippery body shape doing its bit to slice through the air more cleanly.
2026 Toyota Prius Taxi: Specifications & Safety
The Toyota Prius is available with the choice of two trim levels – Design and Excel - across a single plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
Standard equipment available on the entry-level Toyota Prius Design includes:
- 12.3-inch multimedia display
- Apple CarPlay
- Navigation system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB audio
- Voice recognition
- USB-C ports
- Air-conditioning
- Smart entry and push button start
- Electric door mirrors
- Electric windows
- Auto headlights
- Auto wipers
- Wireless phone charger
- Reversing camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Heat pump system with humidifier
- Toyota OTA (over the air) updates
- Pre-collision system
- Driver monitoring camera
- Emergency steering assist
- Blind spot monitor
- Tyre pressure warning system
- Stability control
- LED daytime running lights
- Driver/passenger/side airbags
Standard equipment available on the Toyota Prius Excel includes (in addition to Design trim):
- Gloss black trim on front grille
- Gloss black wheel arch moulding
- LED rear light guide
- Power tailgate
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Heated/ventilated driver and passenger seats
- Electric driver seat
The latest generation Toyota Prius is yet to be crash test assessed by EuroNCAP. However, the fourth generation Prius – tested in 2016 – did achieve a five-star rating at the time.
Toyota Prius Taxi – The Verdict
Having successfully laid the groundwork for electric hybrid technology that would one day go on to be popularised across its across its range, you can tell Toyota has transitioned to ‘blue sky’ thinking with the latest generation Toyota Prius.
The concerted effort to truly maximise the Prius’ efficiency by design has delivered a vehicle that ekes every drop of fuel and every atom of electric power.
It doesn’t hurt that this approach has also happened to transform the Prius into a very desirable looking car.
For taxi drivers though, it is the Prius’ real-world efficiency of genuinely achievable 80mpg-plus fuel economy figures and the boon of that cost-saving electric powertrain that steals the headlines here.
In short, if taxi drivers were the first adopters of the Toyota Prius, they’ll realise just how far the car has come over the years...
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Taxis To Consider With The Toyota Prius Taxi
Toyota Corolla Taxi
While the Prius was always difficult to pigeon hole, adapting the self-charging hybrid powertrain for the more conventional Toyota Corolla brought the technology to the masses.
It didn’t take long for the Corolla to assume the Prius’ crown as a foremost taxi driver’s choice but while the hybrid system ensures penny-pinching running costs and impressive fuel economy, there are still a multitude of other strengths to appreciate.
Available in both hatchback and Touring Sports estate guise, the Corolla offers a refined and involving driving experience, has a comfortable and well-screwed together interior and – unlike Corollas of the past – even looks great.
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Renault Rafale Taxi
Available as both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Renault Rafale blends temptingly low running costs with a vastly spacious interior.
With a WLTP electric-only driving range of 65-miles, the Rafale PHEV will both go the distance and prove affordable to run as a taxi with fuel economy of over 500mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 12-15g/km.
It cuts a dash too with its bold chunky coupe-like profile, while the interior boasts plenty of space for five and a substantial 539-litre boot.
miles in Extended Range trim.
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Ford Capri Taxi
A direct rival for the Renault Rafale, the revived Ford Capri betters its French counterpart in terms of practicality with its 572-litre boot and generous interior space for passengers.
It’s good news for taxi drivers too because the Capri gets a modern, premium-feeling interior that is stacked with technology, while – as with every Ford – it is an engaging drive too.
Available only with electric power, the Ford Capri is capable of travelling upwards of 389-miles in Extended Range trim.
BYD Sealion 7 Taxi
BYD has made a big splash since its UK debut only three years ago, while there are multiple models in its rapidly growing range that are well-suited as taxis.
Arguably the most stylish proposition is the BYD Sealion 7, a more rakish, sportier take on the immensely popular BYD Seal U.
Three trim levels are available; front-wheel drive, single motor Comfort, all-wheel drive dual-motor Design (82.5kWh) and Excellence (91.3kWh). Range is officially quoted at a competitive 283 to 312 miles combined depending on which trim you choose.
As with other models in the BYD range, the interior is smartly appointed and well-kitted out, while there is also an immense amount of room in the rear for passengers compared with its rivals.
Moreover, the sizeable boot can swallow 520 litres of luggage, plus another 58 litres in the ‘frunk’.
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