Chinese cars for taxis: which models are the best?

Chinese cars for taxis are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Russian drivers in 2025, especially given the rising prices of fuel and maintenance. Brands such as Chery, Geely and BYD offer affordable models with low running costs, which appeals to taxi drivers working for aggregators such as Yandex.Taxi. But which models are really worthwhile? In this article, we will analyse the characteristics of Chinese cars for taxis, their running costs and driver feedback, to determine the best options.

Why are Chinese taxi cars popular?

Chinese cars for taxis are attracting drivers due to their affordable price and modern technology. For instance, the Chery Tiggo 4, priced around 1.5 million roubles, costs less than the Hyundai Solaris, which will set you back 2 million. Furthermore, these cars are equipped with fuel-efficient engines, reducing fuel costs.

Another advantage is the availability of spare parts. In major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, parts for Geely Coolray or Chery Tiggo 7 are easy to find, which simplifies repairs. Moreover, Chinese cars for taxis often have a spacious interior, which is important for passenger comfort.

Vehicle requirements for taxis

To work as a taxi, a car must meet certain criteria. In Russia, aggregators such as Yandex.Taxi and Citymobil require the car to be no more than 5–7 years old, have a minimum of 4 doors and a spacious boot. Reliability, low fuel consumption and inexpensive maintenance are also important.

Chinese cars for taxis, such as the Geely Atlas or Chery Tiggo 8, meet these requirements. They offer fuel-efficient engines with consumption of 7–9 L/100 km and spacious interiors, making them suitable for operating in urban environments.

Top 5 Chinese cars for taxis

Chery Tiggo 4: Compactness and Economy

The Chery Tiggo 4 is one of the most popular choices for taxi drivers. With a price of around 1.5 million roubles and fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km in a combined cycle, it’s economical for city driving. The 340-litre boot capacity is enough for passengers' luggage, and the 18 cm ground clearance makes it easy to deal with kerbs.

However, the Tiggo 4's suspension might wear out after 50,000 km, which requires some investment. Nevertheless, the low cost of parts makes this model a worthwhile option for taxis.

Geely Coolray: Style and technology

The Geely Coolray, priced at £20,000, attracts drivers with its modern design and 1.5L engine, boasting 37 mpg. The cabin is equipped with a multimedia system, which passengers appreciate. Furthermore, the Coolray offers good sound insulation, which is important for long shifts.

The downside is the small boot (330 litres), which might be inconvenient for airport trips. However, its high reliability makes the Coolray an excellent choice among Chinese cars for taxis.

Chery Tiggo 8: Room for big orders

The Chery Tiggo 8, priced around 2.5 million roubles, is a 7-seater crossover, ideal for large fares. Fuel consumption is 8 l/100 km, and the 892-litre boot (with the seats folded down) can accommodate bulky luggage. This makes the Tiggo 8 suitable for working in the «Minivan» category.

A drawback is the higher maintenance cost compared to the Tiggo 4. However, the capacity and comfort make it a worthwhile option for taxi drivers working with families.

Geely Atlas: Reliability and comfort

The Geely Atlas, priced at 2.2 million rubles and offering a fuel consumption of 7.5 l/100 km, provides a spacious interior and a 500-litre boot. All-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 19 cm help it cope with poor road conditions, which is important for the regions. The Atlas also comes with heated seats, which are crucial for winter.

A downside is the higher price of spare parts, for example, shock absorbers can cost 10,000 roubles a pair. All the same, reliability makes the Atlas a popular choice among Chinese cars for taxis.

BYD Song Plus: an electric car for saving money

The BYD Song Plus, priced at 3 million rubles, is an electric vehicle with a range of 405 km and an energy consumption of 18 kWh/100 km. With electricity priced at 5 rubles per kWh, this works out to 90 rubles per 100 km, making it cheaper than petrol. This makes the Song Plus a cost-effective option for taxi drivers in cities with well-developed charging infrastructure.

However, the lack of charging stations in the regions could be a problem. Therefore, the BYD Song Plus is suitable for large cities, such as London.

Сравнение с конкурентами

When comparing Chinese cars for taxis with popular models like the Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio, the difference is obvious. The Solaris, with a fuel consumption of 6.5 l/100 km, is more economical than the Chery Tiggo 4 (7.2 l/100 km) but costs more – about 2 million roubles. The Kia Rio, with a 480-litre boot, is more spacious than the Coolray, but its maintenance is more expensive.

Chinese taxi cars win when it comes to the purchase price and spare parts. For example, filters for a Geely Atlas cost 500 roubles, whereas for a Solaris they’re 800 roubles. This makes Chinese cars attractive to taxi drivers.

Running costs

Running costs are key for taxis. A Chery Tiggo 4, using 7.2L/100km at £1 per litre, will cost £4,320 a month for 1,000km. A Geely Atlas, using 7.5L/100km, will cost £4,500. A BYD Song Plus, using 18 kWh/100km, costs just £900.

Servicing is also important. A service for the Chery Tiggo 8 costs around 10,000 rubles, whereas for the Geely Coolray it's 8,000 rubles. Moreover, electric vehicles, such as the BYD Song, require less investment in servicing, but are dependent on charging infrastructure.

Taxi Driver Reviews

Driver reviews help understand which Chinese cars are actually worth using as taxis. A Yandex.Taxi driver from Moscow, using a Geely Coolray, noted that the car is economical and passengers like it, but the suspension wears out after 60,000 km. Another taxi driver from Yekaterinburg with a Chery Tiggo 4 praises the low cost of spare parts, but complains about the sound insulation.

Electric cars are also getting feedback. A BYD Song Plus driver in St. Petersburg is saving on fuel, but facing a shortage of charging stations. These examples show that the choice depends on the region and needs.

Problems and How to Avoid Them

Chinese taxis can be prone to wear and tear issues. For example, the Chery Tiggo 8's suspension may require new shock absorbers after 50,000 km, costing around 15,000 roubles. The Geely Atlas can suffer from corrosion if the body isn't treated with anti-corrosion products.

To avoid any hassle, make sure you get your car serviced regularly and use high-quality fuel. For electric vehicles like the BYD Song Plus, plan your routes around charging stations. That way, proper care will keep your motor running longer.

The prospects for Chinese cars in taxis

By 2030, Chinese cars could make up as much as 20% of taxis, thanks to their affordability and improved quality. Geely and Chery are planning to expand their model ranges adapted for taxis, with reinforced suspension and economical engines. Localising production, such as assembling Chery in Kaliningrad, will reduce the cost of spare parts.

Furthermore, the growth of charging infrastructure will make EVs, such as the BYD Song, more attractive to taxi drivers. This will improve the cost-effectiveness of Chinese cars for taxis in the future.

Round-up: Top picks for value

Chinese cars for taxis, like the Chery Tiggo 4, Geely Coolray, and BYD Song Plus, offer a balance of price and running costs. The Tiggo 4 and Coolray are suitable for urban conditions, the Tiggo 8 for larger bookings, and the Song Plus for fuel efficiency in megacities. Their advantages include a low price and parts availability, but the suspension and sound insulation require attention.

If you work in the taxi business, the model you choose depends on the region and the fare. In 2025, Chinese cars for taxis are an economical option, and with proper maintenance, they can be a worthwhile investment.