Key Points
Direct Answer
The Toyota Prius is notably common in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh, likely due to its role in the taxi industry. Its fuel efficiency, with a combined mileage of up to 57 mpg, makes it cost-effective for drivers who log high mileage daily, reducing operating costs in a country where fuel prices can reach around $1.11 per liter as of March 2025 (GlobalPetrolPrices.com). Additionally, the availability of used Prius cars from Japan and the US, often imported at lower costs due to less strict regulations on left-hand or right-hand drive vehicles, makes them affordable for taxi fleets. This combination of practical benefits and market availability explains their prevalence.
An unexpected detail is that Toyota does not officially sell hybrids in Cambodia due to high taxes, yet the parallel import of used Priuses has made them a staple, especially in urban taxi services, highlighting a unique market dynamic.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Toyota Prius Prevalence in Cambodia
This analysis explores the reasons behind the significant presence of Toyota Prius vehicles in Cambodia, particularly focusing on Phnom Penh, where they are most prevalent. The findings are based on recent data and market observations, considering economic, regulatory, and practical factors as of April 2025.
Background and Market Context
Cambodia’s automotive market is characterized by a high reliance on imported used vehicles, with approximately 90% of the 60,000 cars imported annually being second-hand, as noted in a 2023 report (AutoCango Blog). The country’s car industry is growing, driven by increasing GDP and a rising middle class, with a significant demand for affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles. Phnom Penh, as the capital, has the highest concentration of vehicles, including a notable presence of Toyota Prius hybrids, despite Toyota (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. not officially selling hybrids there due to high import taxes (WapCar).
Fuel Efficiency and Economic Benefits
The Prius stands out for its fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel economy of up to 57 mpg, significantly higher than other common models like the Toyota Camry (32-34 mpg) or Corolla (32-35 mpg) in their gasoline versions (Car and Driver). Given Cambodia’s fuel prices, which averaged $1.11 per liter in March 2025 and have historically been higher than neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam (GlobalPetrolPrices.com, Khmer Times), the Prius offers substantial savings on fuel costs. This is particularly advantageous for taxi operators in Phnom Penh, where vehicles often clock high daily mileage, as noted in market analyses (WapCar).
Taxi Industry Adoption
The Prius’s prevalence is closely tied to its adoption by Phnom Penh’s taxi industry. Reports from 2014 indicate that taxi companies like Phnom Penh Automobile and Taxi Rouge have utilized Prius vehicles to lower operating costs, with the hybrid electric models being preferred for their fuel efficiency (Phnom Penh Post, Phnom Penh Post). This trend continues, with the Prius being a common sight in taxi fleets, driven almost non-stop, which aligns with its design for high-mileage usage. The availability of hybrid battery specialists in Cambodia, as common as smartphone repair shops, further supports maintenance, reducing concerns about battery replacement costs (WapCar).
Availability of Used Models
The supply of used Prius vehicles is a critical factor in their prevalence. Many are imported from Japan and the US, where the Prius is popular due to its fuel efficiency and environmental benefits. Japan’s car export market, driven by strict domestic regulations on older vehicles, and the US market, with its large fleet of used cars, provide a steady stream of Priuses to Cambodia. The country’s lack of strict regulations on left-hand or right-hand drive cars facilitates these imports, making used Priuses affordable compared to new vehicles, which face over 100% taxes (cambodia-travel.com, Reddit). Listings on platforms like Khmer24.com show prices ranging from $9,200 to $29,500 for used Priuses, comparable to other used models like Camrys, but their fuel efficiency gives them an edge (Khmer24.com).
Regulatory and Economic Factors
Cambodia’s import regulations impose high taxes on new cars, often exceeding 145%, which discourages official imports of new hybrids like the Prius (Expat.com). However, the parallel import market, where used cars are brought in unofficially, circumvents some of these taxes, making used Priuses more accessible. This unregulated market, while putting pressure on tax collection efforts, as noted in 2023 reports, allows for a high volume of used vehicle imports, with Priuses being a top choice due to their reliability and fuel economy (DHL).
Comparison with Other Regions
While Phnom Penh is highlighted as having the highest number of Toyota hybrids per capita in Southeast Asia, the prevalence outside the capital is less documented. However, given the concentration of taxi services and urban traffic in Phnom Penh, it’s likely that the Prius’s use is more pronounced there. Rural areas may see fewer Priuses, with preferences for more rugged vehicles like the Toyota Hilux or Fortuner, which are popular for new sales in Cambodia (WapCar).
Table: Fuel Efficiency Comparison of Common Vehicles in Cambodia
| Vehicle Model | Fuel Efficiency (mpg, combined) | Notes |
| Toyota Prius | Up to 57 | Hybrid, high mileage suitability |
| Toyota Camry | 32-34 | Gasoline, common in imports |
| Toyota Corolla | 32-35 | Gasoline, compact option |
| Toyota Highlander | 22-24 | Gasoline, larger SUV |
| Lexus RX | 22-25 | Luxury, less fuel-efficient |
Environmental and Cultural Considerations
While the Prius is known globally for its environmental benefits, in Cambodia, the primary driver seems to be economic rather than ecological. The cultural preference for Toyota vehicles, noted for their reliability and ease of maintenance in developing countries, also plays a role, with Prius ranking as the top used car in the market (SBT Japan). There is no strong evidence of it being a status symbol, given its practical use in taxis.
Conclusion
The prevalence of Toyota Prius in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, is driven by its fuel efficiency, making it ideal for the taxi industry, and the availability of affordable used models from international markets. High fuel prices and the economic benefits of lower operating costs further enhance its appeal, supported by a market structure that favors parallel imports of used vehicles.
Key Citations
