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Commercial cars used as taxis in India
Commercial cars used as taxis in India

Best Commercial Cars in India 2025 – Price, Specs & Features

18 Aug 2025
Key highlights
  • 1
    Commercial cars primarily need to be reliable and efficient
  • 2
    Commercial cars require a fitness test every two years
  • 3
    Commercial cars that operate as taxis have an 80 km/h speed limit
Outline

Whether you’re a cab aggregator expanding your fleet or an individual looking for the right taxi option, it’s important to compare models not just on comfort but also on durability, mileage, and commercial car price. To make the decision easier, we’ve created a list of the top commercial cars that are perfectly suited for taxi and travel business use.

 

Before we dive into the list, here are a few things to keep in mind. Maruti Suzuki sells its commercial cars through a dedicated channel. While these models are the same ones we know from the private market, they are branded separately for commercial buyers. For other car makers, taxi operators and fleet owners often choose the base model because it’s the most affordable.

 

That’s why we’ve highlighted the entry-level manual variants along with their prices, specs, and features, so you can pick the one that best suits your business needs.

 

Key Factors that Define the Best Commercial Car in India


There are a few basic factors that can help identify if a car qualifies as the best commercial car in India. They are:

 

  • It should be highly reliable
  • The car should be fuel efficient
  • There should be good interior space and boot space
  • General serivce and maintenance costs should be low

 

Based on these basic guidelines and keeping commercial car price in mind, we have compiled a list of 10 cars in India which are ideal for commercial applications as taxis.
 

List of Top 10 Commercial Cars Used as Taxis in India

 

ModelBody TypeFuel EfficiencyBase Variant Ex-Showroom Price
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (Tour H1)Hatchback24.6 km/l (Petrol), 34.46 km/kg (CNG)₹ 4.81 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Eeco (Tour V)MPV20.2 km/l (Petrol), 27.05 km/kg (CNG)₹ 5.29 lakh
Maruti Suzuki WagonR (Tour H3)Hatchback25.4 km/l (Petrol), 34.72 km/kg (CNG)₹ 5.52 lakh
Hyundai AuraSedan17 km/l (Petrol), 22 km/kg (CNG)₹ 6.49 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Tour S)Sedan23.15 km/l (Petrol), 32.12 km/kg (CNG)₹ 6.56 lakh
Honda AmazeSedan18.6 km/l (Petrol)₹ 7.63 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (Tour M)MPV21.1 km/l (Petrol), 26.54 km/kg (CNG)₹ 9.80 lakh
Tata Tigor EVSedan315 km on a single charge (RANGE)₹ 12.49 lakh
Mahindra MarazzoMPV17.3 km/l (Diesel)₹ 14.59 lakh
Toyota Innova CrystaMPV15 kmpl (Diesel)₹ 19.99 lakh

 

Best Commercial Car: Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹ 19.99 lakh

 

The Toyota Innova Crysta holds a special place in the segment of commercial cars in India, as it continues to be a favourite among private buyers and fleet operators. Known for its unmatched reliability, spacious interiors, and strong road presence, the Innova Crysta has built a reputation that few MPVs can match.

 

Outstation travellers often prefer it for its ability to deliver consistent comfort and stability over long journeys, making it one of the best cars for long distance travel. At the same time, within city limits, it doubles as a premium cab option, offering a more luxurious experience for passengers who seek extra comfort during intra-city rides. Used Innova Crysta MPVs are available at affordable prices.

 

Toyota Innova Crysta

 

Toyota Innova Crysta Key Specifications

 

Engine2.4 litre diesel engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power148 bhp
Peak Torque343 Nm
Fuel Efficiency15 km/l
Fuel TypeDiesel
Tank Capacity55 litres
Seating Capacity7 seater / 8 seater
Body TypeMPV

 

Toyota Innova Crysta Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Captain seats
Tilt and telescopic adjustment for steering
Hill start assist

 

Best Car for Commercial Use: Mahindra Marazzo | ₹ 14.59 lakh

 

The Marazzo has found greater popularity among fleet buyers instead of private car buyers. It is the Marazzo’s superior ride quality that makes it comfortable for long journeys. It is often rented by outstation travellers, or by large groups of intra-city city travellers. The Marazzo is known for the comfort it offers in all its three rows of seats.

 

Mahindra Marazzo

 

Mahindra Marazzo Key Specifications

 

Engine1.5 litre diesel engine
Transmission6 speed MT
Maximum Power121 bhp
Peak Torque300 Nm
Fuel Efficiency17.3 km/l
Fuel TypeDiesel
Tank Capacity45 litres
Seating Capacity7 seater / 8 seater
Body TypeMPV

 

Mahindra Marazzo Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Eco mode
Captain seats
First and second row Dome lights

 

Best Commercial Car for Taxi Business: Tata Tigor EV | ₹ 12.49 lakh

 

The Tigor EV is a special car on this list as it is the only EV. Being a sedan, the Tigor EV offers good space inside the cabin, and it is also decently equipped. Furthermore, the Tigor EV is known for being a safer car than other small sedans and being an EV, it is quite refined as well. The Tigor EV can work for small inter-city trips, but it is primarily preferred for intra-city travel. Petrol versions of used Tata Tigor sedans start at ₹ 3.6 lakh. 

 

Tata Tigor EV

 

Tata Tigor EV Key Specifications

 

EngineSingle electric motor
TransmissionAutomatic
Maximum Power74 bhp
Peak Torque170 Nm
Fuel Efficiency315 km on a full charge (ARAI RANGE)
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery Capacity26 kWh
Seating Capacity5 seater
Body TypeSedan

 

Tata Tigor EV Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Automatic climate control
12 V front power outlet
Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs

 

Best Commercial Car in India: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (Tour M) | ₹ 9.80 lakh

 

The Maruti Suzuki Tour M, widely recognised as the Ertiga, is a strong contender in the list of commercial cars in India. Its popularity comes from the perfect mix of reliability, practicality, and the generous cabin space it offers. The Ertiga’s flexible seating layout makes it especially appealing for operators catering to larger groups, whether for intra-city travel or long-distance journeys.

 

Adding to its value, the Ertiga is also available in a CNG variant, making it more economical for daily use. Thanks to its spacious design and fuel-efficient performance, it is often regarded as one of the best MUVs for taxi services, striking a balance between passenger comfort and cost-effectiveness.

 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (Tour M) Key Specifications

 

Engine1.5 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT, 6 speed AT
Maximum Power102 bhp
Peak Torque136 Nm
Fuel Efficiency21.1 km/l (Petrol), 26.54 km/kg (CNG)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Tank Capacity45 litres
Seating Capacity7 seater
Body TypeMPV

 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (Tour M) Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Second row roof mounted AC
Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs
Adjustable headrests in all rows

 

Affordable Commercial Car Price: Honda Amaze | ₹ 7.63 lakh

 

The Honda Amaze is a highly reliable sedan and more often than not, it is preferred by private car buyers. However, due to its highly reliable nature and the comfort of its second row, the Amaze is also preferred by cab aggregators who try and offer a premium experience than regular cabs. The Amaze is mostly preferred for intra-city travel, although a small family can also consider it for outstation travel. The one negative for the Amaze is that it doesn't have the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit. It needs to be retro-fitted to make the Amaze viable for commercial transport.

 

Honda Amaze

 

Honda Amaze Key Specifications

 

Engine1.2 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power89 bhp
Peak Torque110 Nm
Fuel Efficiency18.6 km/l
Fuel TypePetrol
Tank Capacity35 litres
Seating Capacity5 seater
Body TypeSedan

 

Honda Amaze Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs
Height adjustable driver seat
Rear armrest

 

Best Car for Commercial Use in India: Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Tour S) | ₹ 6.56 lakh

 

The Maruti Suzuki Tour S, popularly known as the Dzire, is one of the most trusted choices among commercial cars in India. It strikes a fine balance between low running costs, high reliability, and consistent performance, which makes it a favourite in the taxi market. While the Dzire may not set benchmarks in terms of cabin space, it offers just the right amount of comfort for city rides and short outstation trips.

 

Dzire has a reputation for easy maintenance and strong fuel efficiency that ensures minimal downtime for taxi operators. No wonder it is widely used by cab aggregators like Ola and Uber, making it one of the best sedans for taxi services across the country. Families also prefer the Dzire for occasional long drives, thanks to its dependable engine and practical design. Used Maruti Dzire models are available for even cheaper.

 

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

 

Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Tour S) Key Specifications

 

Engine1.2 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power89 bhp
Peak Torque113 Nm
Fuel Efficiency23.15 km/l (Petrol), 32.12 km/kg (CNG)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Tank Capacity37 litres
Seating Capacity5 seater
Body TypeSedan

 

Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Tour S) Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Headlamp levelling
Tilt adjustable steering
Bottle holder on all doors

 

Best Commercial Car: Hyundai Aura | ₹ 6.49 lakh

 

The Hyundai Aura is commonly sought after by private car buyers and commercial fleet operators alike. It offers a refined driving experience, coupled with high levels of reliability. The ride quality of the Aura is quite smooth as well. The Aura is the preferred car by cab aggregators for intra-city trips due to its compact nature, while offering decent space inside the cabin at the same time. Like its competitors, the Aura can also be used for outstation journeys by small families.

 

Hyundai Aura

 

Hyundai Aura Key Specifications

 

Engine1.2 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power88 bhp
Peak Torque114 Nm
Fuel Efficiency17 km/l (Petrol), 22 km/kg (CNG)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Tank Capacity37 litres
Seating Capacity5 seater
Body TypeSedan

 

Hyundai Aura Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Front power windows
Height adjustable driver seat
Rear adjustable headrests

 

Commercial Cars Taxi Choice: Maruti Suzuki WagonR (Tour H3) | ₹ 5.52 lakh

 

If you’re wondering why the Maruti Suzuki WagonR shows up so often when talking about commercial cars in India, the answer is simple, it ticks all the right boxes for both taxi operators and private buyers. The WagonR has long been a trusted name in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where people look for a car that’s affordable to buy, easy to maintain, and extremely reliable.

 

One of its strongest points is the tall-boy design, which gives passengers surprising headroom and a sense of space that’s hard to find in budget cars. This makes it a favourite for cab aggregators as well as families who want comfort without breaking the bank. Its compact size ensures easy manoeuvrability in crowded streets, making it arguably the best car for city driving. Additionally, thanks to its fuel efficiency and decent boot space, it doubles up as a practical choice for budget-friendly outstation trips too. Used Maruti WagonR models start as low as ₹ 1.6 lakh.

 

Maruti Suzuki WagonR

 

Maruti Suzuki WagonR (Tour H3) Key Specifications

 

Engine1.0 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power65 bhp
Peak Torque89 Nm
Fuel Efficiency25.4 km/l (Petrol), 34.72 km/kg (CNG)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Tank Capacity32 litres
Seating Capacity5 seater
Body TypeHatchback

 

Maruti Suzuki WagonR (Tour H3) Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Idle Start Stop
Front power windows with driver side auto down
Bottle holders on all doors

 

Best Commercial Car in India: Maruti Suzuki Eeco (Tour V) | ₹ 5.29 lakh

 

When we talk about commercial cars in India that are truly versatile, the Maruti Suzuki Tour V, better known as the Eeco, deserves a special mention. It’s not just one of the most affordable vans in the country, but also the only one available at a competitive price point, which explains why it has become such a high-selling option in its segment.

 

The Eeco is often seen as a multipurpose workhorse rather than just a passenger van. Thanks to its spacious cabin and simple design, it can be adapted for several roles. Fleet operators use it as a people-mover for budget-conscious travellers within cities. Businesses rely on it as a cargo carrier, given its ability to haul goods efficiently. Hospitals and clinics widely use the Eeco as an ambulance, while government departments employ it as a mobile pollution testing vehicle. You’ll also spot it serving as a mobile service van, a school van, and even as a staff transport vehicle for companies.

 

While the seats aren’t the plushest, owners value the Eeco for its low running costs, fuel efficiency, and proven reliability. It’s a van built for utility, not luxury, which is exactly why it continues to attract both small business owners and fleet operators. For anyone searching for the best car for business use in India, the Eeco stands out as an affordable and practical choice that can fit multiple needs under one roof.

 

Maruti Suzuki Eeco

 

Maruti Suzuki Eeco (Tour V) Key Specifications

 

Engine1.2 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power80 bhp
Peak Torque104 Nm
Fuel Efficiency20.2 km/l (Petrol), 27.05 km/kg (CNG)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Tank Capacity32 litres
Seating Capacity5 seater / 7 seater
Body TypeMPV

 

Maruti Suzuki Eeco (Tour V) Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Digital speedometer
Headrests for first two rows
Multi trip meter

 

Best Car for Commercial Use: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (Tour H1) | ₹ 4.81 lakh

 

The Maruti Suzuki Tour H1, popularly called the Alto K10 and also known as ‘The Mountain Goat’, is the smallest car sold in India that is used as a taxi. However, the Alto K10 is used primarily in hilly regions due to its compact footprint. The cabin is surprisingly spacious for such a small car, and ride quality can be deemed comfortable as well. The Alto K10 is also a highly reliable car with spares that are easy to source, making it the perfect taxi for hilly regions.

 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (Tour H1) Key Specifications

 

Engine1.0 litre petrol engine
Transmission5 speed MT
Maximum Power66 bhp
Peak Torque89 Nm
Fuel Efficiency24.6 km/l (Petrol), 34.46 km/kg (CNG)
Fuel TypePetrol, CNG
Tank Capacity27 litres
Seating Capacity5 seater
Body TypeHatchback

 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (Tour H1) Comfort features for driver and passenger

 

Driver and co-driver sun visor
Digital speedometer
Power steering

 

Best Commercial Electric Car in India: EVs as Taxis

 

Electric vehicles for commercial use are gaining attention in India, and many fleet operators are exploring them as the best commercial car option for the future. In recent years, EV taxis in India have begun appearing in major cities, though the number of models available for commercial buyers is still limited. At present, the Tata Tigor EV and Citroën ë-C3 are two popular choices being deployed as electric taxis. The BYD e6, originally launched as an electric commercial taxi, has struggled to attract large fleets due to its higher electric commercial car price.

 

Currently, EV taxis in India are mainly being used on fixed routes or trips with planned starting and ending points. This is largely because electric cars need well-planned charging stops. Companies like BluSmart have successfully adopted this model, operating their EV taxi fleets around airports and metro hubs, where charging infrastructure is already established.

 

For EVs to truly become the best commercial car in India for large-scale taxi operations, improvements in battery technology and a wider charging network will be essential. Once costs come down and infrastructure expands, electric commercial cars could easily rival petrol and diesel taxis in popularity.

 

 

Electric Taxi ModelBase Variant Ex-Showroom Price
Tata Tigor EV12.49 lakhs
Citroën e-C312.90 lakhs
MG ZS EV17.99 lakhs
BYD e629.15 lakhs

 

Government Regulations and Guidelines for Commercial Vehicles

 

When it comes to running cars for taxi or fleet operations in India, the government has laid down strict regulations to ensure passenger safety and fair usage of vehicles. These rules apply to all types of commercial vehicles, from small hatchbacks to large MUVs and even electric taxis. Operators must follow them carefully to avoid penalties and legal issues.

 

Some of the key guidelines for commercial cars in India are:

 

  • Yellow number plate requirement: Every commercial car must have a yellow HSRP number plate (High-Security Registration Plate) instead of a standard white plate used on private vehicles. This instantly identifies the vehicle as one registered for taxi or commercial use
  • Fitness certificate renewal: Unlike private cars, a commercial taxi must undergo a fitness test every two years. Only after passing this inspection can the car continue to operate legally
  • Road and entry taxes: Commercial cars are subject to additional state entry taxes and municipal levies. This increases the operational cost of running taxis, especially those that cross state borders frequently
  • Restriction on private use: A car registered as a commercial taxi cannot be used for personal or family purposes. This ensures vehicles remain dedicated to passenger transport services
  • Speed limit for taxis: All commercial vehicles, including app-based taxis, are electronically restricted to a maximum speed of 80 km/h for passenger safety
  • Mandatory insurance: Commercial cars must have a comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance policy. This provides coverage not only for the vehicle but also for passengers in case of accidents
  • Pollution and emission norms: All commercial vehicles must carry a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate at all times. The government is also pushing fleet operators to adopt CNG and EVs for reducing urban pollution

 

These commercial vehicle rules and guidelines play a major role in maintaining road safety, regulating the taxi industry, and reducing environmental impact. Anyone planning to buy the best commercial car in India – whether a hatchback, sedan, MUV, or electric taxi, must factor in these legal obligations along with operational costs.

 

Here is a comparison table between the rules for private car owners and commercial car owners.

 

Feature / RulePrivate CarsCommercial Cars (Taxis & Fleets)
Number plate colourWhite with black textYellow with black text
Fitness testNot required until 15 years (RC renewal)Mandatory every 2 years
State entry / road taxesNo additional state entry taxMust pay extra state & municipal taxes
Usage restrictionPersonal and family use allowedCannot be used for personal use
Speed limitAs per road limitCapped at 80 km/h
Insurance requirementStandard comprehensive / third-partyMandatory commercial vehicle insurance
Pollution normsPUC mandatoryPUC mandatory + stricter emission norms
Lifespan / registration validity15 years (10 years for diesel in NCR)Generally shorter, subject to fitness tests

 

Conclusion

 

Commercial cars in India are held to a very different standard compared to private vehicles. Buyers and fleet operators focus mainly on factors like fuel efficiency, low running costs, passenger comfort, reliability, and ease of maintenance. A taxi needs to be spacious, durable, and economical, as these qualities directly impact daily earnings. Features beyond these basics, such as luxury trims or advanced tech, are often seen as unnecessary in this segment. This is why mass-market brands dominate the taxi and fleet market, as they consistently deliver the best car for commercial use in terms of practicality and value. In the end, the best commercial cars are the ones that balance affordability, efficiency, and compliance with government regulations, ensuring both operators and passengers get maximum benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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