New Toyota Aygo X Hybrid (2025 - )

The Toyota Aygo X, a compact urban crossover, marks a new era in its segment with the ushering in of full-hybrid technology, writes our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay. 

Its distinctive design and engaging driving experience encapsulate the model's modern spirit. Drawing inspiration from the playful Aygo, the Aygo X is entirely designed and developed in Europe, launching in 2022 and enjoying consistent sales success. 

The new Aygo X Hybrid seamlessly combines individuality, cutting-edge technology, and striking design. Its robust stance and colour options reflect a contemporary vibe, accentuated by an eye-catching front grille and refreshed styling. 

As the first full hybrid in its segment, it offers exceptional efficiency and everyday practicality without compromise. CO2 emissions are lower than those of any non-plug-in vehicle on the market (according to WLTP data), and its fuel economy is class-leading, further reinforcing the Aygo X’s strong cost-of-ownership appeal.

The Aygo X is designed for those who seek an engaging drive, particularly in town. At the heart of its impressive handling is the GA-B global architecture platform, which enables a low centre of gravity, making urban driving feel nimble and effortless.

The suspension system has been thoughtfully revised to improve ride comfort and dynamic handling. Coupled with disc brakes all around, the tiny Toyota has reliable stopping power. The steering has also received significant upgrades, now offering a lighter feel that increases agility. With a turning radius of less than five meters, navigating tight corners and busy streets becomes a breeze.

Performance-wise, the Aygo X punches above its weight thanks to its full-hybrid technology. The 1.5-litre petrol mill gets to 62mph in 9.2 seconds and will hoon to the dizzy heights of 107mph, where safe and legal.

What's more, the emphasis on a quiet driving experience is evident, thanks to the introduction of multiple noise-damping components. Elements such as improved insulation and thicker window glass work together to create a serene cabin environment, particularly in electric mode.

All these characteristics, combined with the Aygo X's refined handling capabilities, ensure that whether you're weaving between supermarkets and the school run - or cruising along country roads, it'll deliver an enjoyable ride every time.
 

The Aygo X has a refreshed front design that highlights its compact crossover character. Featuring a three-dimensional black front grille that emphasises the iconic Toyota double trapezoid shape, the vehicle boasts a noticeably larger 76mm front overhang, 16 - or 17-inch wheels, and pronounced black wheel arches, contributing to a bold aesthetic.

A coloured insert in the lower grille underscores the car’s stable stance and low centre of gravity. For a touch of sophistication, the bonnet shut-line has been advanced and partially hidden by the headlights, while a front insert reduces the visibility of gaps. In a move towards a modern look, the turn indicators have been relocated to the door mirrors, which come with a new power-folding feature. Higher trims include full LED lighting, both front and rear.

The colour selection adheres to a “mellow spice” theme, offering shades such as Cinnamon, Jasmine, Tarragon, and Lavender, with a bi-tone option featuring a black roof and rear section as standard on the Design and Excel models.

Speaking of trims, the Aygo X Hybrid has four trim levels, starting with the Icon grade, which we drove. The 2026 refresh enhances the existing Aygo X, which now has 17-inch alloys, a larger seven-inch digital driver's display, automatic air conditioning, new seat upholstery made from recycled materials, and two USB-C charging ports.

Included in the Toyota Safety Sense package is an array of active safety and driving assistance technologies, such as the Full Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Driving Stop System, Proactive Driving Assist, and improved Pre-Collision System, alongside Lane Trace Assist and Road Sign Assist. The car is also equipped with a multimedia system featuring a generous nine-inch touchscreen. What's more, you can upgrade with a Convenience Pack, which adds features such as push-button start, front fog lamps, a wireless device charger, and auto-retracting heated door mirrors.

Moving to the Design grade, it offers new black and machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, push-button start, a wireless device charger, and unique fabric upholstery embellished with contrast X-pattern embroidery and piping. Additionally, it boasts an electronic parking brake and enhanced soundproofing measures to create a quieter cabin. This variant is also available in four metallic bi-tone paint options, while a Parking Pack can include Smart Entry and front and rear parking sensors.

The Excel trim elevates the offering with a 10.5-inch Smart Connect multimedia system, front and rear parking sensors, Smart Entry, a perforated upholstery fabric made from recycled materials, and heated front seats. An optional Premium Pack is available, providing a JBL premium audio system and a retracting canvas roof.

Lastly, a new GR Sport model, which we also had a quick spin in, features a sport-tuned suspension, dedicated 18-inch alloy wheels, and distinctive seat upholstery, along with unique interior and exterior design elements. The bi-tone paint finish is also extended to include a black bonnet.
 

The relatively spacious cabin has been updated to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity through modern technology and practical design elements. Despite its compact exterior, the Aygo X just about accommodates four passengers and offers excellent all-round visibility thanks to its high driving position. Two tots will be fine in the rear, but two gangly teens or a couple of burly blokes is pushing it. The front is ace for space, though.  
When it comes to the boot, it provides a capacity of 231 litres, ample for daily necessities or larger pieces of luggage. Anything larger, and you’ll need to kick the rear passengers out and use the back seats to transport stuff. 
The pagoda roof design contributes to the cabin's feeling of openness while minimising the car's frontal area, thereby improving aerodynamic performance. An optional canvas roof on the Excel model amplifies the sense of liberation, opening nearly 60 per cent of the roof length. 
Furthermore, the driver's digital combimeter has swollen from 4.3 to a more practical seven inches – and the dash now features a fresh heater control panel. The centre console has also been reshaped to house an electronic parking brake switch. 
Connectivity is enhanced, too - with two USB-C charging ports available across all grades. Other practical and convenient features include a wireless smartphone charger (on the Design, Excel, and GR Sport models) and a nanoe-X air quality system (available on the Excel and GR Sport models). 
 

The running costs of the new Toyota Aygo X are pretty competitive, making it an appealing choice for drivers - especially those who like to dart around town.

With its impressive fuel efficiency, vaunting an official combined figure of 72.4-74.3 mpg depending on the equipment grade, you can expect lower fuel expenses compared with many other vehicles in its class.

Additionally, the Toyota emits just 87g/km of CO2, which not only contributes to its eco-friendliness but also allows the Aygo X to access low-emission zones without incurring pesky additional charges.

Maintenance costs for the Aygo X are also generally reasonable, thanks to Toyota's reputation for reliability and its extensive service network. Insurance premiums are typically lower for cars like the Aygo X, too, further trimming down running costs. 
 

The new Toyota Aygo X Hybrid certainly marks a significant leap forward in the small-car segment as the first full-hybrid model. With its low CO2 emissions and decent fuel economy, it sets a new standard for non-plug-in vehicles.

Additionally, its distinctive compact crossover design offers just about enough room for four passengers, a practical 231-litre boot, and modern technology. The Aygo X also delivers responsive handling, ensuring swift acceleration perfect for city driving, while the GR Sport model takes things up a notch with enhanced dynamics and styling.

Safety is also a clear priority, with Toyota Safety Sense tech such as Adaptive Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision System. However, the model scored four, rather than the full five stars, in Euro NCAP tests.

But when all is said and done, the Aygo X Hybrid is an impressive, efficient, and stylish choice for the modern small car buyer.