Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

The allure of a Range Rover is hard to ignore; a plush, luxurious interior, effortless style and the best ride quality in the segment. I find myself constantly checking the used markets for luxury bargains, but my head always intervenes with thoughts of expensive parts bills.

If you have the same thought process, why not take a look at the competition with less reliability woes, in this blog I've outlined some of the best Range Rover alternatives.

As the baby in the lineup, the Evoque is the cheapest Range Rover you can buy new, but for those looking for reliability too, these are some good options.

Marketed as a “Sports Activity Coupe” the 

 has a sweeping roofline akin to the Evoque. Whilst not the best for rear headroom or boot space, the sleeker side profile does give the X4 a more sporty look. 

Starting at £54,035, the X4 is a good bit more expensive than the base model Evoque but is in keeping with the Dynamic HSE and Autobiography level Evoques. Interior build quality is similar to the Range Rover, just with subtle differences in styling.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly stylish SUV, the 

 might be a good choice. Whilst it might lack some of the styling cues the Evoque has, the Skodas of recent years are not without their charm.

For reliability, the Skoda is a solid choice, 

 named Skoda at the 16th most reliable brand, whereas Land Rover products reached the top 10 (placed no. 5) as the most unreliable.

As well as reliability, value for money is another plus point for the Skoda, the base model at £36,645 comes with a fairly limited list of features, but the mid-range SE-L model comes with cruise control, a large touchscreen navigation system and LED headlight as standard, and it’s still on par with the cost of the Evoque.

If luxury and comfort are a priority, then the 

 should be on the shortlist, available with a very dependable petrol-hybrid powertrain, it offers all of the style and elegance as the Range Rover, without any of the build quality concerns.

The base model, the UX 300H Urban, comes with radar cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, and an 8” touchscreen nav system. If all-electric power is of interest, the UX will be available soon, starting at just over £40,000.

The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2005 as a more sporty and less lavish version of the “full-fat” Range Rover. It still fits this description, but other manufacturers have cottoned on to the formula, and there are some great alternatives.

 was the German marque's biggest SUV and vehicle to date, but it's of similar size and prowess to the Range Rover Sport. Available with a range of powertrains including petrol, diesel and hybrid. The base spec is just over £70,000 on the road, with 298hp and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. This is slightly down on the Range Rover Sport, but at £20,000 cheaper I think it’s plenty of power!

Interior wise it’s typically BMW; high quality materials, precise German styling and loads of tech. Slightly less plush than the Range Rover, but just as well built, if not better.

As one of the hallmark luxury brands, the 

 is the perfect alternative to a Range Rover. The GLE is available brand new from £73,500, making it around £17,500 cheaper than the lowest-spec Range Rover Sport. 

For that you get a turbocharged 3-litre diesel engine, producing enough power to propel the GLE to 60mph in under 6 seconds. Power is delivered to all 4 wheels via a very sophisticated 9-speed automatic gearbox. The interior is suitably Mercedes, with stylish high-quality materials throughout. 

For something a little more left-field, the Maserati Levante offers a unique style that is certain to stand out amongst the crowd. Oozing Italian flair and style, the Levante is Maserati’s large SUV, the model I’d advise, coming in at just over £82,000, has a petrol hybrid powertrain offering 330 horsepower.

Not only does the Maserati look the part, it puts the driving feel at the heart of the experience, with supreme handling and road holding, thanks to the company's racing heritage. The model in question comes with 20” staggered wheels, heated seats and a flash nav system.

The biggest and most opulent Range Rover has been the flagship since the brand name was coined in the 70s. Significantly bigger than the Sport and the Evoque, with more power and more luxury, it also carries a larger price tag of over £100,000. Here are my alternatives.

Introduced in late 2018, the X7 is now the largest vehicle in the BMW lineup, at nearly 30 cm longer and 5cm higher than the X5, it is certainly on the same page as the full-size Range Rover in stature. 

Because the engines in the Range Rover were a joint development between BMW and JLR, the X7 and the Range Rover share most of the powertrain options. My pick would be the 3.0 turbo diesel for efficiency, or the 4.4 V8 petrol for sheer power. 

As the biggest SUV they make, the Merc GLS gives a Range Rover-like experience in a slightly different package. The GLS uses the same 3.0-litre diesel engine and 9-speed gearbox as in the GLE, somewhat surprisingly, still able to accelerate the much larger GLS to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

A 7 seater as standard, the GLS is perfect for those with a larger family. When not needed the rearmost seats fold flat enabling a cavernous boot space. The levels of tech inside the cabin are where you would expect for a £105,000 car, with opulent lighting control and high-quality materials.

To round off the Range Rover alternative suggestions, another German full-size SUV, this time from Audi. The SQ7 is the sportier version of the Q7, fitted with a turbocharged petrol engine delivering over 500 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, it certainly ticks the box for power. 

With a seamless touchscreen infotainment and climate control system in the dash, and sporty-looking carbon fibre accents on the dashboard, the interior is as purposeful and sleek as the exterior. At just over £94,000 on the road, the SQ7 sits a good bit below the Range Rover in cost, but not in style or performance. 

What Vehicle is comparable to a Range Rover?

Whilst many consider Range Rovers to be the peak luxury SUV, there are a few cars that can match the style and comfort:

The naming can be quite confusing, but ultimately there are currently 4 types of Range Rover:

As complex luxury cars, with many additional systems and features, Range Rovers can be on the expensive side to maintain and repair. Both parts and labour are also quite costly.

Have Your Luxury SUV Repaired With Bumper

Whether you have a full-fat Range Rover, a baby Evoque or one of the alternatives mentioned above, repairs can get costly. Bumper offers zero-per cent interest financing on repairs through any of our many 

9 Range Rover Alternatives

9 Alternativas al Range Rover

9 Alternativen zum Range Rover

August’s Dealership of the Month award goes to Brindley Kia West Bromwich who had their best ever month using Bumper’s PayLater to split the cost of service and repair bills into monthly payments. 

The team at Brindley Kia West Bromwich took a proactive approach to offering Bumper to their customers throughout August. 

As a result, they saw a 5% increase in conversion of red and amber work, an increase of £36 in their average invoice value and a £10 per hour increase in their recovery rate. 

The team also use PayLayer through Bumper’s Pinewood integration where customers can set up payments following their VHC video. 

Carlie Churchill, Service Manager at Kia West Bromwich, said, 'Bumper is a fantastic tool to have at our disposal. Customers love the flexibility, and it allows them to say yes to recommended work they otherwise might have declined. 

‘Since our team has taken a proactive approach to offering Bumper, we’ve seen a big increase in customer satisfaction, conversion of red and amber work, and an increased recovery rate.’

Service advisor, Melania, enjoyed how Bumper increased her customers’ confidence in making their purchases. She said, "Bumper is easy to use for both us and the customer. It enables our customers to spread the cost, making unexpected repair bills more manageable. 

‘Customers are more confident in their purchasing decisions knowing that they have a flexible and convenient payment option available to them.’

Adrian, service advisor at the West-Brom site, praised how Bumper protects his customers’ savings. He said, 'does not matter about your circumstances, put it on Bumper anyway. 

‘That way you can budget and pay for it out of your day-to-day account rather than dip into your savings, always harder to build back up your savings once you start dipping into it.’

Congratulations to Carlie, Adrian, Melania, and the whole team at Brindley Kia West Bromwich. 

Brindley Kia West Bromwich Named Dealership of the Month

Whether you're a keen driver who loves being behind the wheel or a nervous nellie who hates to drive outside your usual routes, we all need safe roads to drive on.

To have safe roads of course we must have rules and regulations keeping our driving in check. But what happens when the laws they come up with are a bit strange? 

Let's find out as we explore 9 of the strangest driving laws from here in the UK and around the world.

In the UK, it is illegal to sleep in your car whilst intoxicated, including the driver's and passenger seats. So next time you're leaving the pub after one too many pints, it's definitely best to call an Uber. If you take a nap in your car whilst you're over the legal limit, you could face up to 3 months in prison. That's one costly night out!

Using puddles to splash pedestrians can be considered a criminal offence here in the UK as it can be deemed careless and inconsiderate driving. Plus, nobody likes to be splashed with dirty rainwater. Of course, this wouldn't be an extreme case of careless driving exactly, but you could still face points on your license.

In Cyprus, it's illegal to consume any food or drink whilst driving, including water. In this sunny country reaching to the cup holder to take a quick swig of Evian is completely out of the question. However, there must be something in it as Cyprus is considered to be a relatively safe country for motorists.

Here in Britain, you must keep your number plate clean and visible at all times. If stopped by the police for an obscured registration plate, you could land yourself a hefty fine. So next time your little yellow rectangle is muddy from country roads make sure to give it a quick wipe before setting off.

It's hard to keep your cool behind the wheel. We've all experienced it at one time or another. But angry and aggressive driving on British roads can be considered disorderly conduct. Especially if it leads to a collision.

In case you haven't received the message yet, it's definitely not a good idea to drink and drive. To help motorists understand how much they've had, France requires drivers to keep their own personal breathalyser in their vehicles. 

Back to the UK now where it states in the highway code that you mustn't drive with excessive volume coming from your speaker. This rule is to make sure drivers can hear important signals from other road users, like horns and sirens from emergency vehicles.

The Swiss are prohibited from slamming car doors. Imagine a world without car doors being slammed late at night! However, gently closing a car door during an argument with your significant other wouldn't really have the same impact.

In the UK, it's illegal to use your phone at a drive-through. Most of us love the convenience of using Apple or Google Pay to quickly tap-and-go but their use whilst in your car is strictly prohibited. This is due to laws that have banned the use of mobile phones while in control of a motorised vehicle.

While at first glance some of these laws may seem strange, no drinking water at the wheel, no angry driving, no Apple Pay at the drive-through, it's obvious they're all in place for a reason, to keep our roads safer. 

So perhaps we can learn something from other countries. Or perhaps we will continue to slam our car doors every time we have a bicker about directions with our partners. I know which one I'm going to do.

9 strange driving laws from around the world

Looking for your next car, and have a budget of up to £50,000? We’ve got you covered with this guide to the 11 best cars, across multiple segments. These are my picks including both new and used, from luxury SUVs to premium sports cars. 

Cupra, SEAT’s premium offshoot brand, make some great cars. We love the styling of the Formentor and the space of the 

. But if you want an SUV with some poke, this VZ2 model with the 2.0-litre engine and drivetrain from the Golf R, is sure to be of interest. 

With 300hp and a 7-speed-lighting fast automatic gearbox, it’ll be easy to forget you’ve got enough cargo space for all the weeks of shopping, and enough seats to carry the whole family along. 

The exterior styling is great too, with an angular silhouette but understated wheel arches and bumper trims compared to the standard Ateca. 

Introduced as the baby brother to the full-size XC90 SUV, 

 is still a large vehicle with significant carrying capacity. Space enough for 5 full-sized adults with a very generous boot, a raised driving position and ground clearance, it’s the epitome of what an SUV should be.

For just shy of £49,000, you can get the mid-range XC60 B5 with the Hybrid AWD drivetrain. This gives a nice blend of power and economy, with a good amount of equipment thrown in too, such as leather seats, a great sound system and 19” alloy wheels.

Buying used comes with one big advantage, the price. 

 lose around 40% of their value by the time they are one year old. That means if you’re happy with your car not being brand new from the factory, you can get something at 60% or less of the MSRP. 

 is a medium to large SUV, placed between the Q5 and Q9. It gives just the right amount of space without the car being enormous, 5 people can be seated comfortably and all their luggage.

As a perfect example of the value available on the used market, this particular example we’ve linked to is up for £48,100 as a 2024 model, a brand new Q7 starts at around £65,000, which makes buying used a no-brainer for us!

Being a luxury SUV it’s kitted out with all the features you’d expect: heated seats, a great navigation system and adaptive cruise and lane control. 

 is BMW’s answer to the above-mentioned Q7. This one is a 2021 reg but has only done 12,000 miles. It comes with the 3.0-litre petrol engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system, for great economy and nearly 400hp on tap.

Inside, the cream leather continues the upmarket feel, with typically BMW accents to the dash and steering wheel. Infotainment is on a huge landscape screen in the dash, but many features can be controlled via the steering wheel and centre console buttons.

Best Brand New Luxury Cars for under £50,000

If you’re spending £50k on a car, luxury is probably a top priority, here are our picks for plush rides, for under £50k.

Whilst undeniably the baby of the Range Rover family, 

 still offers a good deal of luxury and style, but at a cost well under half of that of a “full-fat” Range Rover. We think this a reasonable price considering other luxury SUVs such as the Kia EV9 are around £20k more.

The diesel-engined manual version is the cheapest, but we think if you’re buying a Range Rover it has to be an auto, add around £3,500 to your budget to get one equipped with the 2.0 diesel engine, auto gearbox and 4wd. 

Jaguar has always been known for their luxury cars, and the modern models are no exception, 

 is their midsize SUV, equivalent in size to the Evoque. We love the interior of the E-pace, with its asymmetrical sweeping centre console and tri-spoke steering wheel.

Engine wise this particular car is fitted with JLR’s 2.0 diesel unit, a good engine although not famed for its reliability, but with manufacturer warranty, it’s not a dealbreaker. At one pound under £46,000, this brand-new luxury SUV would be a good option for a £50k budget.

For used luxury vehicles. It doesn’t come much better than a 

 for £49,000. With only 13,000 miles on the clock and the economical hybrid powertrain, we think this is a great deal. 

This particular example has the gorgeous green metallic paint and tan leather interior. Infotainment is suitably opulent with large screens for all passengers, and all the safety and convenience features you could want, such as heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise control and more. 

With Lexus’ great warranty system, buying a one or two-year-old car makes just as much sense as a brand-new one. This 

’ medium-sized SUV, that carries on the brand's push to make stylish cars that shake off the old-man image.

Both inside and outside of the NX are well styled and equipped, with adaptive cruise,19” alloys, a huge touch screen nav system and plush leather. This example has just 8,152 miles on the clock, and is less than 18 months old. 

If you’re looking for something to get to work in, but that can also be enjoyed on the weekend, there are plenty of great sports car options for under £50,000, from luxury tourers to out-and-out performance cars. 

 is the closest you can get to a brand new M2 for under £50k, whilst it lacks the racing pedigree and suspension setup of the M car, it is still a great drivers car. If you’re looking for a car to do some long road trips in too, it might even be more suitable.

For £49,995 you get a brand new model with the formidable 3.0 turbo petrol engine and a sophisticated auto gearbox that will propel the car to 60 in 4.3 seconds. In addition to the performance capabilities, the M240i comes with black leather seats with contrast stitching and all the usual electronic gadgets.

 has been a firm favourite in the hot hatch sector, the 2024 model sports an aggressive angular style similar to the rest of the lineup in recent years. Inside sculpted wingback seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel cement the sporty pedigree.

The S3 is powered by the familiar 2.0 petrol turbo engine and permanent 4-wheel drive system, running through a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox. At £46,520 it rewards a little bit more change left over from the £50k budget compared to the BMW, but some would argue not as much driving feel or prestige.

In some ways the second-hand sports car market is even more alluring than other body types, as sports cars tend to depreciate faster than most, meaning even better value for money.

If cruising across Europe in a V8 sports car is in your future, 

 has to be considered, it has the performance and power of a top-notch sports car, but enough comfort and mod-cons to be an excellent grand tourer. This one comes in just under budget at £48,990.

Its 5.0 supercharged engine produces over 560hp, and its clever 4-wheel drive system makes sure none of that power is wasted. Available in both soft top and coupe body styles, you have the choice between open-air driving and total chassis rigidity. Inside is everything a premium Jaguar should be, high-quality leather and well-made buttons and controls. 

For many people performance equals Porsche, it can’t be argued that they build some of the best sports cars out there, 

with their famous marketing slogan from the 70s ‘'Porsche…There is no substitute'

 there are many people out there who love the luxury and build of a Porsche.

 is the epitome of that 987 is an older model, the oldest car on our list in fact, but this is a testament to the respect and premium Porsches command.

Built in 2010, this 911 has covered 47,500 miles and is fitted with the lightning-quick PDK gearbox and 4-wheel drive. Whilst it would be great as a tourer, this will also dominate on the road or track.

If you drive a luxury or sports car, it’s wise to be prepared for higher than normal repair bills. This is where 

 comes in, we give you the ability to spread out the cost of such repairs at no extra cost, using zero per cent interest car repair finance.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

12 Best Cars For a £50,000 Budget

Volkswagen is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, selling over 9 million cars worldwide in 2023. This means there’s plenty of choice when looking for a VW to buy. 

Before you take the plunge though, it’s important to research which model is the best for you, both in terms of practicality and reliability. In this article, we’ll be going through some of the most reliable Volkswagen models to buy today. 

Introduced in 2011 the Up! was Volkswagen's entry into the supermini/city car segment, competing with the likes of the Toyota Aygo. It was available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, and a couple years later as the e-Up! an all-electric version. 

The Up! probably owes its reliability to its simplicity, with most cars being sold with the manual gearbox, there isn’t a whole lot to go wrong, weighing in at only 980kg meant the engine isn’t too stressed too. 

As one of the cheapest new cars on sale at the time, the Up! has held its value quite well, but can still be had for a bargain price. An early 2012 car can be bought, with high mileage, for £2,500. £3,500 gets you a 

Volkswagen has models spreading across every sector, from city cars like the Up to SUVs. For the best reliability in the latter, we’d suggest a Diesel VW Tiguan. The Tiguan is a medium-sized SUV, with the current model holding plenty of road presence. 

Made from 2007, the Tiguan was the slimmer brother to the Toureg, a full-size SUV available with the legendary V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan has much more humble powertrain options, from the tech-filled 1.5 TSI petrol engine to the dependable 2.0 TDI. 

Emissions issues aside, we’d still recommend the 2.0TDI for reliability, the engine is used in a plethora of other VW group products such as Skodas and SEATs. An early 2008/2009 car can be bought for under £5,000 with 80,000 miles on the clock. For something a bit more modern looking we’d suggest a post-2016 car, where the price jumps to 

If there was one engine we’d recommend seeking out for ultimate reliability, it would be the 1.9 PD engine. 

It was used in VW group cars from around 1998 to 2009, almost every car was available with a variant of this engine, from the smaller Golf up to commercial vehicles and people carriers.

PD refers to the system of fuel injection used, that set it apart from other engines at the time, it could achieve respectable MPG figures and moderate power figures ranging from 66 HP up to 130 HP in later versions.

However, the PD engine is most well known for its reliability, being over-engineered from the ground up it’s capable of hundreds of thousands of miles of service with simple servicing only.

What is the Cheapest Volkswagen to Maintain?

Because of its popularity, we would say the Volkswagen Golf is one of the cheapest Volkswagens to maintain, both with respect to routine servicing and replacing parts that have worn out. 

The sheer number of cars on the road means parts cost is generally quite low, and repair knowledge amongst independent repair garages is high. Being able to avoid expensive dealer repairs can save thousands.

We would recommend the Golf from 2012 - 2020, the “Mk7” offers the perfect blend of modern features, performance and safety, with cost-effective servicing.

How Much Does a Volkswagen Golf Cost to Maintain?

Expect to pay between £350 - £475 per year, this is for a car around 3 years of age, including regular servicing at an independent specialist, and a reasonable approximation of the cost for new tyres and brakes. 

Brand new cars are likely to not need tyres or brakes, and most servicing will be included in the sales package. Older cars are likely to need parts such as suspension joints, and brake discs that may add to the total cost. 

On the whole, Volkswagen makes reliable vehicles, and they often surpass other German brands such as BMW and Mercedes. We believe their reliability comes from their high standards in engineering design and production, combined with a functional and practical design philosophy.

However, there are some known weaknesses, for example, issues with the latest Golf have been well documented, mainly surrounding the software managing the infotainment systems. For this reason, they don’t usually rank as highly as some brands such as Toyota and Honda.

Despite the Dieselgate scandal that started in 2015, Volkswagen still makes and sells millions of diesel-powered vehicles every year. The emissions scandal may have cost the company a significant sum in fines and brand reputation, but it didn’t affect its global standing as one of the biggest automakers.

Alongside Germany, Mexico, China, Belgium, and Brazil are just some of the countries that house VW manufacturing plants. Whilst the headquarters and their biggest manufacturing plant are still in Wolfsburg, Germany, many of the VW group products are not made in the home country.

This is typical of most modern vehicle manufacturers, and thanks to stringent quality control measures it does not necessarily mean the quality of the vehicles is lesser.

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, allowing you to spread the cost over many months. Available through any of our nationwide service partners, it comes at no additional cost.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Most Reliable VW Models

 Los modelos Volkswagen más fiables

Die zuverlässigsten VW-Modelle

Operating from 10 locations across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire, the Thurlow Nunn Group is a family business established in 1875. With nearly 150 years of service, the group values its long-standing partnership with Bumper, recognising the platform as a valuable option for customers to spread the cost of servicing, maintenance, and repair work.

Initially, Bumper was used reactively, as a payment option presented to customers only when necessary. However, as customer demand for more flexible payment plans grew, Thurlow Nunn realised the need for a more proactive approach.

Gary Osborn, Thurlow Nunn’s regional director, explains: “Consumer habits changed. People were seeking financial flexibility for brakes, tyres, and additional work. Our customers expressed their desire to use this solution. Consequently, we reviewed our approach and decided to implement changes across the business due to the economic climate.”

By offering flexible payment plans proactively, Thurlow Nunn saw increased average invoice values and improved customer satisfaction.

To make Bumper a core part of its aftersales strategy, Thurlow Nunn shifted from offering Bumper only when customers declined work to presenting it at the beginning of the process. This allowed customers to make informed decisions, knowing they had flexible payment options.

Creating awareness was crucial. Thurlow Nunn integrated Bumper messaging into digital marketing, social media, advertising campaigns, customer text messages, and service emails.

Dave Haskey, Thurlow Nunn’s commercial director, highlights: “Proactively using Bumper was essential because we wanted to support our customers, especially during challenging economic times. Offering Bumper enabled customers to affordably service and maintain their vehicles.”

This approach ensured customers could approve necessary work with the confidence that their vehicle would be safe and reliable, rather than just opting for the minimum required.

To support this change, Thurlow Nunn implemented comprehensive staff training on how and when to discuss Bumper. New processes were established to present Bumper as an option to all customers, resulting in more customers taking advantage of the interest-free payments.

For customer-facing staff, integrating Bumper into service interactions is straightforward. Staff log in to the Bumper home screen, input the customer's details for a quick credit check, and receive a decision in seconds.

Bumper seamlessly integrates with Thurlow Nunn’s Pinewood DMS, allowing the group to send vehicle health checks and videos to customers, who can then choose Bumper when approving the required work. This digital journey speeds up work authorization and payment.

The positive impact of Bumper for Thurlow Nunn and its customers is evident. Osborn states, “We believe this is the right choice for our business and customers. It converts more work on the day and ensures cars are fixed, safe, and back on the road.”

Satisfied customers indicate value, but the real success is reflected in the increased average invoice values as more customers opt for the full recommended schedule of work.

Since adopting a proactive approach to Bumper in April 2023, Thurlow Nunn has achieved remarkable results:

Based on current data and customer feedback, Thurlow Nunn expects these numbers to continue to grow. Osborn concludes, “Offering this solution leads to more work being done and significantly improves customer retention and satisfaction.”

Optimising the Customer Experience with Bumper

Bumper offers a simple solution with seamless integration into existing processes. By listening to its customers, Thurlow Nunn has made Bumper central to its operations, yielding positive results for both the business and its customers.

To learn how Bumper could benefit you, get in touch.

Thurlow Nunn Case Study: Enhancing Average Invoice Values, Customer Retention, and Satisfaction through Proactive Solutions

When you need your car to earn your living, deciding which make and model to pick is critical, unreliability and poor fuel economy will decimate your profits. Further to this, poor space in the rear or boot can make your passengers’ experience worse, leading to poor ratings. 

In this blog, we take a look at the 9 best cars for use as a Taxi or Uber, including some specialised ones for differing needs, such as 7-seaters and luxury vehicles.

Toyota Prius 2.0 Petrol Hybrid - £37,315

Favoured by Uber and Lyft drivers, the Prius offers great economy, space and reliability, all vital to a successful taxi business. Toyota’s Synergy Drive system is one of the simplest and most ingenious drivetrains ever used in a car. It is responsible for much of the Prius’ economy and reliability.

Alongside its great drivetrain, the Prius has some other useful features, such as a large boot for passenger’s luggage plus a comfy and spacious interior. 

 is available from £37,315 with its 2.0 petrol and plug-in hybrid battery system offering 223 horsepower and over 50 miles of electric-only range.

With its dependable drivetrain, great economy and ample passenger space, a new or second-hand Prius would be our pick for a taxi.

Best Estate and Saloon Cars to use as a Taxi

For longer journeys, such as airport runs, a diesel may be the best option for any aspiring rideshare entrepreneurs. 

 has always been a favourite of taxi drivers due to its great reliability and spacious interior.

The hatch-saloon offers great accessibility to the load area, but we’d generally recommend the estate for that bit more luggage space. The efficient diesel engine can achieve up to 65 MPG, great for keeping fuel costs low.

 is a similar package to the Octavia, even sharing the same platform, the VW comes available with more kit and luxury, ideal if you're aiming for the Lux market, 

The Passat is only available with the VAG group’s 1.5 TSI Petrol engine, although this still achieves a great MPG of 52. The DSG gearbox offers a smooth and ultra-efficient gear change.

7-seater taxis are very common in the UK, they can carry 6 passengers, or 4 with loads of luggage space, and they don’t usually take up much more room than an estate Here are 3 of the best 7-seater cars on the market.

 has been a mainstay in the 7-seater market, offering dependable, practical people-carrying ability. 

The new Touran, being a Volkswagen, comes available with all manner of tech, including adaptive cruise control and Apple car play. 

One of the standout features is the folding seats, which allows all 5 seats rear of the driver to fold perfectly flat. This means you can carry larger items such as passengers' wheelchairs or bikes without issue.

As a good compromise between a commercial vehicle and an MPV, the 

offers great people-carrying capacity with its van-derived flat floor, allowing all the rear seats to be completely removed if needed.

If fuel economy or Company Car Tax is a concern, the Tourneo Connect is available as a PHEV with up to 68 miles of range on electric power alone. A benefit of the Tourneo being a blend of car and van, is that the driving position and infotainment system is modern and refined.

 is based on a Citroen Van platform. Again, we see that as a plus though, it has a flat load bay when the seats are removed, and can carry 7 people (including the driver) in comfort. 

At a starting price of £22,250, the Berlingo is a much more cost-effective solution than the Ford, too. The base trim comes with active lane-keeping assist, safety braking and cruise control, a great selection of features for the price. 

If your main market is the high-end clientele, looking to make an impression with their arrival, you’ll need a high-end vehicle. These are some of the most popular luxury-segment vehicles to use as a taxi.

Mercedes is synonymous with both luxury and private hire taxi companies across the world, whether that's a dependable 90’s 190e in Spain or a stylish 

 in Mayfair. The latter can be bought today in 2024 for around £64,500, which is unsurprisingly the most expensive car on our list so far. 

That cost is understandable though, with great infotainment, safety and passenger comfort features. Heated seats and LED headlights are standard, as is the impressive level of build quality. Many engine options are available including a plug-in hybrid.

Another giant in the luxury saloon segment, 

 has been on the scene for years, since 1972 in fact. The recipe has stayed roughly the same but with more luxury and features. The M-Sport base model comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox.

Equipped with LED headlights, BMW’s unique curved infotainment screen and driving assist, you do get a lot for your money. If more power or more economy is needed, there are a range of engine options including a 3.0-litre turbo petrol or a plug-in hybrid.

Ever since their first car in the late 90s, Lexus has cemented themselves as one of 