Chinese cars for taxis: which models are the most profitable?

Chinese cars for taxis are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Russian drivers in 2025, especially given the rising costs 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 profitable? In this article, we'll break down the characteristics of Chinese cars for taxis, their running costs and driver feedback to determine the best options.

Why are Chinese taxis popular?

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

Another advantage is the availability of spare parts. In major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, parts for the 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.

Requirements for vehicles used as taxis

To work as a taxi driver, a car must meet specific 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 economical engines with fuel consumption of 7–9 l/100 km and spacious interiors, which makes them suitable for working in urban environments.

Top 5 Chinese car models for taxis

Chery Tiggo 4: Compact and economical

The Chery Tiggo 4 is one of the most popular models among taxi drivers. With a price of around £17,000 and fuel consumption of 7.2 l/100 km in a combined cycle, it is economical for working in the city. The 340-litre boot allows for the transport of passenger luggage, and the 18 cm ground clearance helps to cope with kerbs.

However, the Tiggo 4's suspension may wear after 50,000 km, requiring investment. Nevertheless, the low cost of parts makes this model profitable for taxis.

Geely Coolray: Style and Technology

The Geely Coolray, priced at 1.7 million roubles, attracts drivers with its modern design and 1.5L engine with a fuel consumption of 7.5L/100 km. The interior is equipped with a multimedia system, which passengers appreciate. In addition, the Coolray has good sound insulation, which is important for long shifts.

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

Chery Tiggo 8: Capacity for large orders

The Chery Tiggo 8, priced at around 2.5 million roubles, is a 7-seater crossover, ideal for large orders. 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 on the «Minivan» tariff.

A downside is the higher maintenance cost compared to the Tiggo 4. However, the spaciousness 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 consuming 7.5 l/100 km, offers a spacious interior and a 500-litre boot. All-wheel drive and a 19 cm ground clearance help it cope with poor roads, which is essential for the regions. The Atlas is also equipped with heated seats, which is important for winter.

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

BYD Song Plus: An electric car for savings

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 costing 5 rubles per kWh, it comes out to 90 rubles per 100 km, which is cheaper than petrol. This makes the Song Plus a profitable option for taxi drivers in cities with well-developed charging infrastructure.

However, the lack of charging stations in regional areas could be a problem. As such, the BYD Song Plus is better suited to metropolises such as Moscow.

Comparison with competitors

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

Chinese taxi vehicles are winning out on purchase and parts prices. For example, filters for the Geely Atlas cost 500 roubles, whereas for the Solaris they cost 800 roubles. This makes Chinese cars attractive to taxi drivers.

Operating expenses

Running costs are a key factor for taxis. The Chery Tiggo 4, with fuel consumption of 7.2L/100km and a petrol price of £1 per litre, will cost £72 per month for 1000km. The Geely Atlas, consuming 7.5L/100km, will require £75. The BYD Song Plus, consuming 18 kWh/100km, only £15.

Servicing is also important. A service for the Chery Tiggo 8 costs around 10,000 roubles, whereas for the Geely Coolray it’s 8,000 roubles. 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 truly cost-effective for taxi use. 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 is 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 taxi vehicles can have wear and tear issues. For example, in the Chery Tiggo 8, the suspension requires shock absorber replacement after 50,000 km, costing around 15,000 rubles. The Geely Atlas can suffer from corrosion if the bodywork isn't treated with anti-corrosion measures.

To avoid problems, regularly carry out maintenance and use high-quality fuel. For electric vehicles, such as the BYD Song Plus, plan routes taking into account charging stations. In this way, proper care will extend the life of the car.

Prospects for Chinese cars in taxis

By 2030, the share of Chinese cars used as taxis may rise to 20% thanks to their affordability and improved quality. Geely and Chery plan to expand their range of models adapted for taxi use, with reinforced suspension and economical engines. Localising production, such as Chery assembly in Kaliningrad, will reduce the cost of spare parts.

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

Results: the most cost-effective models

Chinese cars for taxis, such as 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 environments, the Tiggo 8 for larger bookings, and the Song Plus for fuel economy in megacities. Their advantages are a low price and the availability of spare parts, but the suspension and sound insulation require attention.

If you work in a taxi service, the choice of model depends on the region and the fare. In 2025, Chinese cars for taxis are an economical option that, with proper care, can be a profitable investment.