Most Popular Taxi Cars in Different Countries Based on Data

An overview of the most used taxi cars in different countries, based on verified reports and official statements. See where reliable data exists today.

The choice of cars for taxi fleets around the world is shaped not only by passenger preferences, but also by regulation, city policies, and the strategies of fleet operators. As a result, identifying the “most popular” taxi brands often depends on where reliable data is available and where only indirect but telling signals exist.

London offers one of the clearest examples. More than half of the city’s licensed black cabs are now LEVC TX vehicles. This dominance reflects long-term regulatory decisions that favor purpose-built taxis and lower emissions, effectively turning a single model into the standard for the capital’s streets.

Tokyo presents a different but well-documented picture. As of 2018, around 70% of the city’s taxis were Toyota Comfort, a model that defined Japanese taxi fleets for decades. At the same time, about 10% were Toyota JPN Taxi vehicles, marking the early stages of a gradual transition toward newer, more accessible designs.

Elsewhere, the picture is less precise but still revealing. In Dubai, one major operator, Cars Taxi, placed an order for 1,300 Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicles, highlighting the growing importance of fuel efficiency and operating costs in large urban fleets. In Singapore, operators have taken a diversified approach: ComfortDelGro has introduced Toyota Alphard Hybrid models into its premium taxi segment, while GrabCab launched its service with a fleet of 40 Toyota Prius hybrids.

New York City illustrates the limits of transparency. While the number of licensed yellow cabs is fixed and officially documented, public datasets do not disclose how the fleet is distributed by brand or model. The city once promoted the Nissan NV200 as the “Taxi of Tomorrow,” yet no official figures detailing its share of the total fleet have been made public.

Similar gaps appear in India and parts of Europe, where English-language sources mention commonly used models or manufacturer initiatives aimed at taxi operators, but stop short of providing verified market shares. Taken together, these examples show that even in data-rich markets, the idea of a single “most popular” taxi brand often applies only at the city level, shaped by local rules and priorities rather than by global trends.