Toyota Aygo X review
Compact, charismatic and curiously potent, we think there’s lots to love about the Aygo X
Our opinion on the Toyota Aygo X
While the Toyota Aygo X can trace its lineage back more than 20 years, the current model is a far cry from the original budget-minded city car. The arrival of hybrid drive means prices have risen way beyond inflation, but the Aygo X is far more upmarket than most other small city cars. It’s also surprisingly fun to drive, with the latest petrol-electric powertrain giving it an entertaining character that’s well suited to the cut and thrust of urban driving. If you look at it more as a two-seat runabout with a couple of chairs in the back for occasional use, it could be the perfect posh city car.
About the Toyota Aygo X
First things first, Aygo X is pronounced Aygo Cross, not Aygo-Ex. The Cross part of the name is significant because the third generation is distinctly different from the two that came before it. The original Aygo was based on a platform shared with the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107/108 city cars, while Toyota supplied the advanced 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine.
This motor was carried over to the Aygo X, but in a new platform based on the larger Yaris supermini, after Toyota’s collaboration with its French partners ended. With it came SUV-like styling, hence the ‘X’ added to the name, while an update in 2025 saw the arrival of a new look inspired by the Toyota C-HR, as well as the introduction of the hybrid powertrain from the Yaris. This system replaces the 1.0-litre engine, rather than being sold alongside it.
Toyota Aygo X prices and latest deals
With the arrival of hybrid drive came an increase in price, too, with the line-up now kicking off at around £22,000, a rise of around £4,000 when compared with its predecessor. That’s for an Icon model, while Design adds £2,100, Excel starts from £26,000 and the GR Sport is another £900 on top of that. While the Aygo X is still fairly new, you should be able to find some deals via the Auto Express Buy a Car service, with fresh Toyota Aygo X offers updated daily.
Performance & driving experience
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Adding hybrid drive to the Aygo X not only means there’s greater efficiency when compared with the old 1.0-litre model, but there’s an increase in performance, too. The powertrain has been carried over directly from the Yaris, so there’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a small electric motor and battery pack, while power is sent to the front wheels through a CVT transmission.
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Cash £11,997Given that the Aygo X is based on a shortened Yaris platform, the petrol engine, electric motor and gearbox fit relatively easily under the bonnet. Toyota did lengthen the car’s nose ever so slightly, but it doesn’t look unnatural or cobbled together.
A greater challenge was presented when considering the battery, though, because placing it under the back seats, as in the Yaris, was no longer an option. Instead, Toyota has split the 0.76kWh battery into two banks directly under the rear-seat cushions, which leaves a slightly odd seating position.
To achieve this, and to also leave enough space for a fuel tank, the floor was redesigned by Toyota’s European development team. All this work was worth it, though, because of the improvements in both power and efficiency.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Aygo X 1.5 Hybrid | 114bhp | 9.2 seconds | 106mph |
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
While the Aygo X is at the very low end of the spectrum when it comes to small cars fitted with big engines, the benefits on paper and at the wheel are blindingly obvious. Acceleration is considerably faster than in the previous generation, with the latest model being 5.7 seconds faster from 0-62mph. A sub-10-second sprint time is decent for any car, especially one designed for city driving.
Peak power of 114bhp is the same as in the entry-level Yaris, and 36bhp more than in the old Aygo X, and you can feel every one of those horses in action. Even better, the hybrid’s 141Nm of torque isn’t just 48Nm more than before, it’s also aided by an electric motor that delivers instant responses, so the Aygo X feels significantly faster in real-world conditions.
Town driving, visibility and parking
Thanks to the hybrid system’s added get-up-and-go, the Aygo X is about as good a town car as any ICE rival, thanks to zippy performance and a seamless transmission. Being a CVT, there are no traditional gears, so the car will hold the revs at the point when it’s generating peak power. These types of gearboxes can feel a little unnatural and droney, but Toyota has many years of experience with this set-up in its hybrid models, and the Aygo X’s gearbox is quick to calm down, letting the revs fall once you’re off the throttle. Suppression of noise and vibration is significantly improved over the previous generation, too.
The Aygo X has considerable electric-only performance, and will easily run for more than half the time on electricity alone - there’s a readout on the trip computer that can show you how much electric running it has done, too. A bit more information about how much throttle travel you have left before the engine kicks in would be a nice touch, but the powertrain is still great to use in urban settings.
Visibility up front is very good, but the small glass in the rear doors, thick C-pillars and dark roof make rearward vision a little difficult. The Aygo X is very easy to drive, though, and with an ever-so-slightly raised seating position compared with the average city car, it’s a cinch to park. The ride is very well controlled, and thanks to what feels like a low overall weight, it seems to skip over road imperfections, rather than crashing into them.
Country road driving and handling
Out of town is where city cars and hybrids can come unstuck, but the Aygo X impresses with its effortless acceleration. In the old Aygo X, pulling out of a side road into a national limit required some forward planning, but the hybrid is much more comfortable, and makes the process of driving down fast roads feel effortless.
We also think the handling and ride quality are generally impressive, with the car showing an ability to handle bumps and ridges in the road that goes far beyond other city cars. The Aygo X’s Yaris-derived chassis definitely helps here.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
The improvements made to the Aygo X are also evident on motorways, where the car is far more capable than not only the last Aygo X, but also most small-car rivals. The engine is quick to settle at a cruise, and the big wheels and secure suspension keep it from being blown off-course by crosswinds.
Every generation of Aygo and Aygo X has been able to handle high-speed motorways without too much drama in the past, but none have done it with anywhere near as much ease as this latest hybrid model.
One area the Aygo X doesn’t match larger superminis is refinement, because the lightweight body doesn’t quite have the same level of insulation from road noise as more sophisticated superminis, but it’s competitive for a city car.
"While the Aygo X has large 18-inch wheels (or 17 inch items for the base model), they’re only fitted with narrow 175-section tyres. The rubber is also designed to offer low rolling resistance to help this hybrid model to save fuel, so the limit of grip is lower than you might expect, especially in slippery winter conditions.
"There’s no real danger because you can’t go fast enough to get into trouble. The nimble chassis and relatively relaxed stability control systems mean the Aygo X is quite enjoyable to drive quickly around town." - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
MPG & running costs
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Getting straight to the point, the Aygo X Hybrid is one of the most efficient non-plug-in hybrid cars on sale right now. Toyota claims an official fuel economy figure on the WLTP combined cycle of 74.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 87g/km.
But the amazing thing about the Aygo X is that it’s not just possible to match the official figure, you can even pass it with relative ease. On our first encounter with the car on the European launch, we managed as much as 86mpg on a combination of motorways, trunk roads and urban driving, which is frankly incredible. Even when using the full performance from the powertrain, we still managed around 80mpg.
Back home in the UK in wintry conditions, we saw figures in the 55-60mpg range, but that included some additional motorway work that is unlikely to be the norm for most Aygo X users. Even so, that means the Aygo X has a range of around 370 miles despite it having a relatively small 30-litre fuel tank. Cover more miles in town, where the electric system does more of the work, and you should be able to squeeze even more miles out of a tank.
| Model | MPG | CO2 | Insurance group |
| Aygo X Hybrid | 74.3mpg | 87g/km | 16 |
Insurance groups
Group ratings range from 16 to 19 according to trim level chosen, with both the Excel and GR Sport versions landing in that highest insurance group. This is a bit of an increase over the old 1.0-litre model, which was in groups 5-8.
Tax
VED road tax is charged at the standard rate, while company car buyers will be better served by a full EV such as the Fiat 500 or MINI Cooper Electric. Although hybrid drive reduces the Aygo X’s emissions to 87g/km, that still gives it a Benefit-in-Kind liability of 23 per cent, so lower-rate taxpayers will face annual outgoings of at least £980 for even the entry-level model.
Depreciation
Residual values are slightly down courtesy of the car’s higher list prices, so while some versions of the 1.0-litre car had residuals just above the 50 per cent mark, the hybrid model ranges between 45-48 per cent.
To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool...
Interior, design & technology
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The Aygo X hybrid is easily recognisable on the outside because it features a new nose that makes room for the hybrid powertrain. The Toyota badge has migrated to the bonnet to leave a smoother front end with new light clusters and a large grille set below.
There are minimal changes elsewhere, so you get the same black plastic wheelarch cladding and two-tone paint on higher-spec cars, while the Aygo’s trademark black glass tailgate remains as a carryover from the original model. At the top of the range, the GR Sport version adds a chunky grille that gives a nod to the GR Yaris hot hatch.
Interior and dashboard design
Changes to the cabin have been kept to a minimum, so you get the same large, oval centre console as before, but some elements feel a little too simple or pared back, considering the car’s price point. The design is quite funky, though, and there are some cool new fabrics and colour splashes on the dash. Excel models have air vents and centre console trim finished in glossy dark green plastic that has been given a swirling design reminiscent of a bowling ball - in some lights it looks like dirty marks, but gives the cabin a lift when caught by sunlight.
Materials and build quality
Cabin materials are fairly simple, with not much in the way of soft-touch plastics anywhere around the elements you touch. Key touchpoints, like the steering wheel, gear selector, and door pulls all have a relative Toyota-like heft, though, and the interior feels well screwed together.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
While the cabin at large hasn’t really changed, the tech very much has, because the Aygo X features a new set of digital interfaces. In front of the driver, the semi-digital instrument cluster of the last model has been replaced with a full-size colour display that has a reasonable amount of variability in its layout.
Entry-level Icon and mid-range Design come with a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while Excel and GR Sport trims feature a larger 10.5-inch display borrowed from other Toyota models. The latter dominates the dash and uses the brand's latest style of user interface. This screen size doesn’t sound like much on paper, but in the context of the tiny cabin, it feels huge – like mounting a 60-inch TV in a cupboard.
The integrated system works well, but it’s best when hooked up to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. High-end Excel and GR Sport trims gain wireless smartphone charging.
There is a set of separate climate controls, which are super-easy to use and well placed.
"If you buy an Aygo X in Excel trim you’re already getting a very well equipped city car, but you can boost the kit tally further by adding the Premium Pack. This adds a JBL sound system and an electrically opening canvas roof for £1,350 extra.
"It opens in two stages, while a pop-up wind deflector ensures airflow continues over the car, although in the fully open position there’s a bit of a breeze to be felt in the back seats. With UK weather as it is, it’s unlikely to be opened often, but it’s fairly quiet when closed, with very little wind noise heard." - Dean Gibson, sneior test editor.
Boot space & practicality
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Sprightly performance and high prices are two aspects of the Aygo X that aren’t very city car-like, but in terms of size and space, it very much fits the brief. The interior is small, to the point where the two back seats (there’s no middle belt for a third passenger) can be uncomfortable for anyone larger than a small child. This is only heightened by the oddly shaped rear seat bases, and the tiny pop-out rear windows.
Dimensions and size
The Aygo X is fairly standard in size compared to other city cars, except that its mini-SUV design makes it a little taller than the likes of the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10. Toyota’s Yaris is one of the smaller superminis but it’s still significantly larger than the Aygo X.
Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Toyota Aygo X | Kia Picanto | Citroen C3 |
| Length | 3,776mm | 3,605mm | 4,015mm |
| Width | 1,740mm | 1,880mm | 1,813mm |
| Height | 1,525mm | 1,485mm | 1,577mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,430mm | 2,400mm | 2,540mm |
| Boot space | 231-824 litres | 255-1,010 litres | 310-1,188 litres |
Aside from a slightly raised ride height, the Aygo X very much fits the dimensions of a city car, but it’s longer and narrower than a Kia Picanto. The Citroen C3 is a similar price, but offers more space and practicality.
Seats & passenger space
The Aygo X’s compact dimensions do make it feel small inside, but there’s still plenty of seat adjustment so that taller drivers can get a comfortable position. More of an issue is a lack of reach adjustment on the wheel, so you might have to change the rake to find a position that fits.
As you might expect, cabin storage is limited, although the glovebox and front door bins are reasonably shaped. There’s no centre armrest or hidden storage, just a couple of cup-holders and a wireless charging tray ahead of the drive selector.
The rear seats are very tight, and thanks to small rear windows and a dark headlining, it can feel claustrophobic. The seat base is also tilted upwards towards the end of the cushion in order to fit the batteries underneath, making for a slightly awkward seating position that puts the rear passenger’s knees a little too high for comfort. The hip-point of rear-seat passengers isn’t any higher, though, so overall space in the rear isn’t massively compromised over the previous non-hybrid Aygo X.
The car is also a strict four-seater, with no centre seat or belt in the back, and the rear doors feel awkwardly small to get in and out of. There are no mod cons, either, with pop-out windows, a narrow tray between the seats for smaller items - it’s not even wide enough for a smartphone to sit in – and no door bins.
Boot space
There’s a high load lip once you’ve opened the glass tailgate, but at least the floor is a uniform rectangular shape. With 231 litres of space on offer, there’s just about enough room for a weekly shop, but removing the flimsy fabric load cover doesn’t free up much more space.
The back seats have a central split and are easily unlatched via rubberised pulls on either side of the chairs. They leave a step in the floor, but the metal backs will make it easy to slide items in and out. The painted surface is likely to get scratched easily, though.
"Practicality is where the Aygo X’s city-car nature bites back, with limited space and not much in the way of clever tricks to make the most of it." - Jordan Katsianis, news editor
Reliability & safety
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Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability isn’t to be taken lightly with its models, and it’s backed up by an excellent warranty service. The basic coverage is three years or 60,000 miles, but if you continue to get the car serviced at a Toyota main dealer, the company will extend the warranty period for a further 12 months per service, all the way to 10 years, or 100,000 miles – whichever occurs first.
The latest hybrid-powered Aygo X is too new to have been included in our Driver Power Survey; however, four popular models, including two that share a powertrain with the Aygo X in the Yaris and Yaris Cross, all performed relatively well, but particularly shone in reliability and running costs.
The Aygo X Hybrid received a four-star Euro NCAP rating after being tested in 2025. That seems similar to the four-star result the previous Aygo X received in 2022, but the test has since become more stringent, so it's impressive that it has at least maintained the same star rating. However, there are a growing number of small electric cars, such as the BYD Dolphin Surf, that earn the maximum five-star rating, which you might want to consider if safety is your paramount concern.
Every model is equipped with a Pre-Collision System with day and night Pedestrian detection, and daytime cyclist detection, intelligent adaptive cruise control (iACC), driver-attention alert, road-sign assist, reversing camera and six airbags. A Parking Pack, which includes front and rear parking sensors, is available as an option on Icon and Design trims, and standard on Excel and GR Sport trims.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Four stars (2025) |
| Adult occupant protection | 73 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 72 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 83 per cent |
| Safety assist | 68 per cent |
Buying and owning
Best buy: Toyota Aygo X Icon
There really is no bad spec, and with decent equipment across all models, we’d suggest that even a basic Icon model is the best version to go for, especially considering how much more expensive it is when compared with our favourite city car, the Kia Picanto.
Toyota Aygo X alternatives
The city car class isn’t packed with options these days, and core rivals for the Aygo X are limited to the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10, although the latter has gone out of production.
Neither of these is available in a hybrid form, but they do feel more substantial. There’s also more choice offered in their specs, and they have manual gearbox options. However, neither is close to the Aygo X in terms of power or efficiency, and the Toyota is better to drive, too.
For less than an Aygo X, you can get behind the wheel of Auto Express’ 2024 Car of the Year, the Citroen C3. This model offers more space than the Toyota and decent comfort, while funky design cues don’t make it feel like a budget model. There’s also the platform-sharing Fiat Grande Panda, which has even more style-led details. Both of these models are available with hybrid power, or full electric powertrains.
Small EVs are scarce, but there are some new models due to be launched. These include a new Volkswagen model based on the ID.1 concept – likely to be called ID. Lupo – and there’s a new-generation electric Renault Twingo on its way as well. Both of these European-designed models are expected to undercut the Toyota on price, too.
Deals on the Toyota Aygo X and alternatives
Key updates of the Toyota Aygo X review
12 February 2026: update to include impressions and add further details after having extensively tested the Aygo X in the UK.
11 December 2025: update to include pricing and the latest Euro NCAP safety rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a car for a very specific niche, but we’re fans. If you are single or a couple and only really need two seats and perhaps space for a dog, or occasional use of a pair of back seats, then the Aygo X is a decent option that’s been made a lot better with the addition of a hybrid powertrain. It’s a bit pricey, though.
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