In this article, we will take a look at the best cars for taxi business in India. The cars have been chosen for their functionality, mileage, boot space, and price point, encompassing hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs exclusively.

Check them out!

A hatchback car is a perfect size for navigating the by-lanes of a congested Indian city. Moreover, it has sufficient legroom and space for a convenient ride. Here are some of the best hatchback cars for a taxi in India.

1. Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Launched in 2014 and updated in 2017, this entry-level hatchback comes with safety features like dual front airbags and ABS.

Some highlights of this car are listed below.

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹5 lakhs approx.
• Mileage: 21.63 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Dimensions: 3600 x 1600 x 1500 mm3
• Boot Space: 235 litres
• Engine Displacement: 998 CC
• Maintenance Cost: ₹19265 on average for five years
• Average Lifespan: 2.5 lakh km approx
• Power: 68.05bhp at 5500rpm
• Torque: 99.04Nm at 4500rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

2. Hyundai Santro

A comfortable and classic hatchback, the Hyundai Santro can easily navigate the narrow gullies of an Indian small or big town. Moreover, comfortable seating and sufficient boot space let passengers enjoy a serene ride.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹6 lakhs approx.
• Mileage: 20.3 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Dimensions: 3610 x 1645 x 1560 mm3
• Boot Space: 235 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1086 CC
• Maintenance Cost: ₹2500 on average per year
• Average Lifespan: NA
• Power: 67 bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 90 Nm at 3500rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

3. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Widely popular as the “tall boy” design, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is another hatchback design suitable for people who like to sit upright. The roomy boot is a plus point for the car, as is the 7-inch infotainment system. Moreover, it now features split-folding rear seats increasing the boot space wider than before.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹6 lakhs approx. 
• Mileage: 20.52 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Dimensions: 3655 x 1620 x 1675 mm3
• Boot Space: 341 litres
• Engine Displacement: 998 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approx. ₹3000 on average for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: 8 lakh km approx.
• Power: 81.80bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 113Nm at 4200rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

4. Tata Tiago

Among the best cars for taxi business is the Tata Tiago, with its sporty design and plethora of next-gen technology, including a stunning infotainment system. Moreover, there is an automatic clutch-free driving experience for smooth city driving as well.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹7 lakhs approx.
• Mileage: 23.84 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Dimensions: 3765 x 1677 x 1535 mm3
• Boot Space: 242 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1199 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approx. ₹ 5000 on average for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: NA (*car released in 2016)
• Power: 84.48bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 113Nm at 3300rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

Among the best sedan cars for a taxi in India are the Dzire, Hyundai Xcent. Choose sedans for their ample legroom, comfortable riding experience. Enjoy cross country driving on the best highways with a laidback sedan. Although not as popular as hatchbacks for in-city riding, as witnessed by higher demand for Ola micro or Uber mini, sedans are great for cabbie-ing out of town.

5. Hyundai Xcent

Highlights of Hyundai Xcent include the infotainment system and rear AC vents. So pick this luxurious sedan for the long haul. It is among the best car for the taxi business.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹8 lakhs approx
• Mileage: 20.14 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel / CNG
• Dimensions: 3995 x 1660 x 1520 mm3
• Boot Space: 407 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1197 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approx. ₹4000 on average for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: 2 lakh km approx. 
• Power: 81.86bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 113.75nm at 4000rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

6. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

Revamped in 2018, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz packs in a TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) along with several safety features including dual front airbags, seatbelt reminder and ABS with EBD.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹8.5 lakhs approx.
• Mileage: 20.04 - 20.65 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Dimensions: 4490 x 1730 x 1485 mm3
• Boot Space: 510 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1462 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approx. ₹18000 on average for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: 2.5 lakh km approx. 
• Power: 103bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 138Nm at 4000rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

7. Maruti Suzuki Dzire

When looking for the best cars for taxi business, choose the Maruti Suzuki Dzire for its Petrol or Diesel option. Soon, the brand is likely to get a CNG version as well. Hence, it is a high value-for-money vehicle.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹9 lakhs approx.
• Mileage: 24.12 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Dimensions: 3995 x 1735 x 2450 mm3
• Boot Space: 378 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1197 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approx. ₹3000 on average for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: Approx. 1.5 lakh km for the diesel variant
• Power: 88.50bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 113Nm at 4400rpm
• Seating Capacity: 5

8. Honda Amaze

The Auto LED Projector Headlamps of the Honda Amaze are useful for driving through foggy winter mornings. That’s why the Honda Amaze ranks among the best cars to buy for taxi use in India.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹11 lakhs approx.
• Mileage: 18.6 kmpl (petrol) /24.7 kmpl (diesel) 
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Dimensions: 3995 x 1695 x 1501 mm3
• Boot Space: 420 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1498 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approx. ₹5000 on average for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: Approx. 3 lakh km
• Power: 79.12 bhp at 3600 rpm
• Torque: 160 Nm at 1750 rpm 
• Seating Capacity: 5

Think SUVs, think mountainous terrain and off-road cab service. Whether it is a trip to the Seven Sisters or the Western Ghats, traverse the length and breadth of the country as a cabbie with the sturdiest vehicles in the business. These SUVs are among the best 7 seater cars for a taxi in India.

9. Toyota Innova Crysta

This spacious SUV features 7 to 8-seater capacity. Additionally, ideal for long drives as it provides an optimum mileage.

Here are the highlights of the car!

• Ex-showroom Price in New Delhi: ₹17.18 - 24.98 Lakh
• Mileage: 8.0 to 12.0 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Diesel and petrol
• Dimensions:4,735 mm L x 1,830 mm W x 1,795 mm H
• Boot Space: 300 litres
• Engine Displacement: 2393 CC
• Maintenance Cost: Approximately ₹ 26,065 for 5 years
• Average Lifespan: NA
• Power: 148bhp at 3400rpm
• Torque: 360 Nm at 1400-2600rpm
• Seating Capacity: 7-8

10. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Among the cars which are best for a taxi in India is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Safety features such as ABS with EBD, dual passenger airbags, hill hold technology etc. makes it an ideal choice. Further, ample boot space and recliner seats in the third row offer comfort. Further 3D tail LED lamps offer a dynamic look and safety. Here are the highlights of the car!

• On-Road Price in New Delhi: ₹8.95 Lakh
• Mileage: 17.99 to 26.2 kmpl
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Dimensions: 4395 mm L x1735 mm Wx1690 mm H
• Boot Space: 209 litres
• Engine Displacement: 1462
• Maintenance Cost: ₹19,745 for 5 years approx.
• Average Lifespan: NA
• Power: 103.26bhP at 6000rpm
• Torque: 138 Nm at 4400rpm
• Seating Capacity: 7