For $24,000, Toyota's Unique Taxi Now Travels Further and Operates More Efficiently | Carscoops

      This unusual Japanese vehicle features a self-charging hybrid system that runs on LPG.

      Toyota's JPN Taxi is receiving modest updates for 2025 after eight years in the Japanese market.

      The hybrid version now has a larger LPG tank, which increases its range between refueling.

      The interior includes a 7-inch digital display and adjustable rear A/C vents for passengers.

      Not every taxi has to resemble a beige sedan with a faulty speaker and a malfunctioning meter. In Japan, Toyota believes that its specially designed JPN Taxi merits a few thoughtful enhancements for 2025, providing a gentle yet significant update to the country's counterpart to the London black cab.

      The new iteration of the Toyota JPN Taxi presents an extended driving range, a modern digital instrument panel, and additional safety features.

      Originally launched in 2017, the JPN Taxi was built with practicality and comfort in mind, featuring a high roofline, sliding doors, and a spacious interior that can accommodate all types of passengers. Toyota has not altered the exterior design for 2025, maintaining its characteristic three-piece bumpers and interchangeable lighting covers, which facilitate inexpensive repairs after minor accidents—not something that a mid-cycle redesign could achieve.

      Practical Enhancements Inside

      Upon entering the refreshed cabin, the most conspicuous alteration is the revamped 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which Toyota claims enhances visibility. Passengers in the rear can now adjust the roof-mounted air vents, while drivers can choose an external power supply attachment situated near the windshield.

      Toyota continues to incorporate thoughtful interior elements such as antibacterial seat fabric, support grips for senior passengers, a heated rear bench, and a wheelchair-accessible three-seat layout.

      Improved Range for Longer Shifts

      The JPN Taxi still employs the same self-charging hybrid system that pairs a 1.5-liter LPG engine with a single electric motor and a floor-mounted nickel-metal battery. The significant change this time is the increased size of the LPG tank, which has been enlarged from 52 liters (13.7 gallons) to 58 liters (15.3 gallons). This results in fewer refueling interruptions and more time on the road, a benefit that taxi drivers will undoubtedly appreciate.

      The latest Toyota Safety Sense package now features several valuable updates. It has improved pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection under various lighting conditions, whether during the day or at night. Lane departure warnings are now complemented by lane-keeping assistance, and the system includes low-speed acceleration suppression. Blind spot monitoring is also newly available as an option.

      Toyota states that these updates stem from customer feedback. The updated JPN Taxi is already available for order in Japan, with prices starting at ¥3,455,100 (approximately $24,200), and the premium Takumi trim priced at ¥3,680,600 (around $25,800).