Which Car Should New PHV Drivers Pick in 2025? Here Are the 4 Models Singapore Drivers Actually Drive the Most

Open Grab, Gojek, Tada, or Ryde any day and you’ll keep seeing the same few cars. It’s not a coincidence — full-time drivers have tested everything and quietly agreed on what really works. If you’re thinking of doing private-hire or just curious why every ride feels familiar, these are the 4 cars that dominate Singapore’s PHV scene right now.

1. Toyota Corolla Cross (Sedan) – The safest, most popular choice

Right now, this is the king. Walk out of any mall or MRT and you’ll spot one every 30 seconds. Drivers love it because:

  • Hybrid that easily does 20–22 km/L even with air-con on full blast all day
  • Higher seat = easier for elderly passengers and big luggages at the airport
  • Big 440 L boot and reliable Toyota build = less downtime, more income
  • Still looks modern, no passenger ever complains

New and old drivers all say the same thing: “Close eye buy also won’t regret.”

the 4 Models Singapore Drivers Actually Drive the Most- toyota corolla sedan

2. Honda WR-V – The smart budget SUV that’s exploding

In the last 12–18 months this little crossover has taken over. So many 2024–2025 new drivers are choosing it because:

  • Much cheaper COE and road tax than bigger SUVs
  • Looks like a proper SUV (passengers like the higher feel)
  • Super reliable Honda engine + low servicing cost
  • Still has the famous magic seats if you need to carry tall items once in a while

Basically a jacked-up Jazz in SUV clothing, and the running cost is ridiculously low.

Which Car Should New PHV Drivers Pick

3. Toyota Corolla Altis – The sedan that just won’t disappear

Yes, it’s “only” a sedan, but thousands of uncles are still happily driving it 12 hours a day. Why it’s still everywhere:

  • Hybrid version sometimes beats the Corolla Cross on fuel (23–24 km/L)
  • Lower COE and better PARF rebate than SUVs
  • Some 2019–2020 Altis already crossed 400,000 km and still going strong
  • Passengers feel safe because “everybody knows Toyota lah”

4. Honda Fit / Jazz – The small car that saves the most

The latest hybrid Fit is suddenly all over Grab and Gojek. Drivers who pick it swear by:

  • Crazy fuel economy — many hit 25+ km/L when driving normally
  • Tiny size = can park anywhere in crowded HDBs
  • Flip-up rear seats can swallow almost anything (yes, people really carry TVs and bikes)
  • Cheap parts and servicing everywhere

Airport runners especially love how easy it is to move around Changi.

5. Toyota Prius (new 2024–2025 model) – The cool comeback kid

The old teardrop Prius used to rule PHV from 2017–2021. The new one looks properly handsome now and is making a strong return.

  • Best-looking Prius ever (passengers always say “wah your car very nice”)
  • Easily 24–26 km/L in real-world driving
  • Quiet and smooth — great for long airport trips
  • A bit pricier than Corolla Cross, but resale is holding strong
the 4 Models Singapore Drivers Actually Drive the Most- toyota prius

Quick mention: The new 2024–2025 Toyota Prius is starting to appear more (finally looks good!), but it’s still pricier, so not as common yet.

So if you’re new and asking “which car should I buy for PHV?”, most full-time drivers will tell you:

  • Got budget → Toyota Corolla Cross Sedan
  • Budget tighter → Honda WR-V or Toyota Corolla Altis
  • Want cheapest running cost + easy parking → Honda Fit

These 4 are the ones actually earning money on the road every day in 2025. Next time you book a ride, take a look — 9 times out of 10 it’ll be one of these!

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