Whether you hitch a ride in something yellow by raising a hand in the air, summon a ride with a fuzzy moustache with a few taps on your smartphone, or arrange a car through a hotel’s concierge, you’re likely to see a few familiar faces when you turn to the transportation industry. We’re not talking about drivers. We’re talking about what they drive.
The Motor Trend staff identified 10 of the most common taxi-ish vehicles along with what to expect if one of these pulls up to the curb.
Crown Vic
By and large the most common taxi you’ll get into is still the venerable Ford Crown Victoria. The second-generation Crown Vic was produced for 14 year (1998-2012) and was predictable, if not spectacular, for taxi duty. Today the remaining taxis are getting old. Really old. When you hop into one of these, it’s likely to squeak and smell, but there’s exceptional room in the trunk, a capacious back seat, and it’ll get you where you’re going.
What to expect: This is the typical “cab” experience.
Chevrolet Express/Ford Econoline
The Chevrolet Express van—and Ford Econoline until recently—is the de facto standard in the hotel shuttle segment. Sure, there are a few of the bigger more serious commercial vans, but you’re far more likely to be fighting your way through the jungle of seat belts on one of these when the hotel sends you a ride. They’re not particularly comfortable, but they’re common.
What to expect: A tight seat, a worn interior, and a bunch of seat belts hanging in your way on the path to the way, way back row.
Lincoln Town Car
Platform-mate to the ubiquitous Crown Victoria, the Lincoln Town Car was the vehicle of choice for drivers across the country. Today, hiring a “Town Car” won’t always get you a Lincoln; the name has become generically ubiquitous (like Kleenex for facial tissue). The classic look is glossy black paint with heavily tinted windows. These cars have seen lots of miles, just like the Crown Vics, but they’ve been maintained more thoroughly and were built more luxuriously, too.
What to expect: A dated interior, but one that’s still nice. It will likely be leather, and it’ll definitely be roomy and comfortable.
Toyota Prius
With the amount of idling that drivers do while waiting for their fares, the hybrid is a logical choice. No hybrid has been nearly as popular with professional drivers as the Toyota Prius (the 2016 model is shown here). It’s not fast, and it’s not super luxurious, but by golly, it’s efficient. When a large percentage of your operating budget is fuel, that’s important. For Uber, Lyft, and many cab companies, that efficiency is too good to pass up.
What to expect: It’s a bit of a tight squeeze in the back seat, and the interiors on the base model cars are pretty spartan, but it’s a reasonable ride.
Toyota Prius V
With plenty of room for passengers, plenty of room for luggage, and the same efficient powertrain found in the cooking-grade Prius, the Toyota Prius V is a frequent sight for ride-hailing passengers. Not quite as common as the regular Prius, the larger hatchback sacrifices a little fuel economy, but it’s worth it for the increases in cargo and passenger volume.
What to expect: It’ll be roomy and will require less Tetris-like packing strategy than a regular Prius, but it’s no Lexus on the inside.
Ford Escape Hybrid
We’re pretty sure the Ford Escape Hybrid is mainly popular because of its efficient powertrain. Room inside is better than the compact Toyota Prius and more on par with the Prius V. We’ve seen a few of these running around Southern California, and in wetter or colder climates, the available all-wheel drive should make them a fuel-efficient vehicle capable of providing rides long after the front-wheel-drive Priuses have all taken shelter.
What to expect: The Ford Escape Hybrid isn’t a new model, so expect the interior to be a little worn, though it’s still a step up from the simple Prius and far better than the archaic Crown Vics.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota reputation for reliability is known far and wide, and in a business where downtime means no money, the Sienna is an obvious choice. We also imagine that companies that already operate vehicles such as the Prius have deals worked out with the local Toyota dealerships.
What to expect: Because the minivan is designed first and foremost for hauling people, you’ll no doubt have a reasonably comfortable seat no matter which row you’re in, and chances are the Sienna will be fairly recent. Expect a nicer ride.
Chevrolet Suburban
Although we’ve seen the occasional Tahoe, the vast majority of full-size SUVs we’ve seen being used in the transportation industry are the longer Chevrolet Suburban. You’re most likely to see a black Suburban show up if you arrange for a ride through a concierge or chauffeur. A reasonably comfortable third row combined with ample luggage space and a proven powertrain make the Suburban a logical choice for driving services.
What to expect: Most of these are nicely appointed, as Suburbans are often associated with high-end service. You can also expect the driver to be more professional than the typical cab driver or layperson Uber/Lyft driver.
Lincoln MKT
When Lincoln discontinued the venerable Town Car, the MKT may have been envisioned as its spiritual successor. It’s too bad the service sector didn’t get on board with this one, because the MKT is one of the finer rides available as a passenger. Fine upholstery, modern luxury amenities, a powertrain that’s more than adequate, and a silent, buttery-smooth ride are the trappings of Lincoln’s three-row crossover.
What to expect: You’ll probably be sad to get out of it. You’re in for a treat.
Lexus LS
We know a driver who sports the top-of-the-line Lexus LS 600h L, and what a ride. This is like ordering an S-Class through a limo service. Rear-seat passengers are treated to a massage, heated/ventilated seats, and fine conversation (should they desire it) from their driver. That and typical Lexus/Toyota reliability make it a better purchase for the business savvy than the often maintenance-heavy German trio.
What to expect: The absolute best in passenger comfort. This is as good as it gets. That is, of course, unless you want to ride in a limousine.
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