Toyota Aygo X Hybrid (2025) Review

Introduction

Toyota launched the world’s first mass-produced hybrid back in 1997. It was called the Prius and has gone on to be a best-seller around the globe. Now the Japanese carmaker is drawing on all those years of hybrid technology know-how by introducing a hybrid powertrain to its fun, funky and compact crossover Aygo X model.

The Aygo X is significantly larger than the older, less SUV-shaped Aygo hatchback and also boasts elevated seating for a higher ride. While it is still seen as predominantly a city car, the larger dimensions and extra chunkiness make it far more confident when venturing further afield.

The Aygo X was previously sold with just a petrol engine, but for 2026, Toyota has recognised that increased pressure on emissions, combined with a drop-off in pure-petrol sales, meant a new approach was necessary. And that required exploring the hybrid route.

The hybrid powertrain is shared with the larger Yaris and Yaris Cross, although packaging was a slight issue as the Aygo has more compact dimensions. Rather than stacking the battery cells in the regular parallel format that requires a longer space, engineers cleverly designed a way to place them alongside one another beneath the rear seats across the width of the car. Problem solved.

So, we get the Aygo X Hybrid, which completely replaces the outgoing 1.0-litre petrol version. New Aygo X Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors (one powering the wheels and the other to start the engine and generate power to charge the batteries) and a compact 4.3amp/h battery. The result is a 44hp increase in power compared to the previous Aygo X, with combined fuel economy figures nearing the mid-70s.

With prices starting from £21,595, customers can choose from trims called Icon, Design, Excel and, for the first time a GR Sport version which takes its name from the multi-world championship-winning Toyota Gazoo Racing. This naming structure replaces the older Pure, Edge, Exclusive and JBL Special Edition models.

We opted for the high-end Excel model for a test drive in wet, windy and stormy conditions. And just in case you’re wondering, the ‘X’ in Aygo X is pronounced ‘Cross’.

At a glance

The five-door Aygo X Hybrid boasts distinctive styling, especially in its sportiest GR Sport guise. There is a new-look front end with three-dimensional black grille, a larger front overhang, flared black wheel arches. The indicators have been repositioned in the door mirrors, which are now available with a power-folding function, plus the front and rear LED lights have been upgraded. Customers can choose from a wide range of colours, including bi-tone options that feature a black roof.

The GR Sport models boast their own colour palette with a choice of Mustard or Storm Grey and these also include a black bonnet and roof. The grille is more distinctive too and finished in a gloss black shade, while 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels are also introduced. Rear privacy glass features on all but the entry level Icon car and this model also has halogen headlights, upgraded to LED on the other trims.

We opted for the high-end Excel trim with all the bells and whistles for our test drive.

Key features

Toyota generously equips its cars as standard so customers can simply select the trim level that suits their needs without the worry of optional extra costs at the check-out. For example, all cars have an infotainment touchscreen (nine-inches on Icon and Design, 10.5-inches on Excel and GR Sport), a seven-inch driver display panel, reversing camera with guidelines, powered front windows, over-the-air software updates, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB connection ports and a four-speaker sound system with DAB radio.

It’s also worth noting that all models feature a comprehensive list of safety features and driver assistance aids as standard. Some manufacturers only introduce certain safety functions as you move up to higher trims, but that’s not the case with the Aygo X Hybrid.

So, Icon models are packed with kit, but if you do want a few extras then Design introduces smart entry and push button start as an option, front and rear parking sensors as an option, remote air conditioning via the MyToyota app, upgraded upholstery, ambient lighting, LED headlights, LED turn indicators with integrated daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, a gloss black upper grille, 18-inch alloys and bi-tone metallic paint.

Step up to Excel, as tested, and a few more creature comforts are introduced, such as the option of a five-speaker JBL sound system, the larger 10.5-inch multimedia system, dual zone automatic air conditioning, with an air quality set-up, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and a body-coloured steering wheel insert. The Excel model is also available with a canvas roof if you really want to stand out from the crowd.

Finally GR Sport trim, which is based on Excel, adds synthetic suede and leather upholstery with GR badging, a perforated synthetic leather steering wheel and gear knob cover, a gloss black GR steering wheel insert, GR Sport floor mats, alongside model-specific alloys.

Performance and drive

Powering the front-wheel drive self-charging Aygo X Hybrid model is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 116hp. With engine torque of 120Nm, the car can complete the 0-62mph dash in a respectable 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 107mph. The acceleration through the e-CVT transmission is smooth and nicely responsive, but it can get a little vocal if you’re too heavy on the throttle.

The added power the new model brings makes the Aygo X feel more mature in its handling – it has a good enough turn of pace to join a dual carriageway and quickly keeps up with fast-moving traffic.

The steering has a lighter feel on the latest model, but is beautifully weighted and offers ample driver feedback, while the drive modes called Eco, Normal and Power alter the dynamics and handling. There is also a B mode that increases the regenerative braking strength and if you upgrade to the GR Sport model, it features specifically tuned shock absorbers and springs.

The slightly elevated seating results in decent all-round visibility which is always a plus-point in what predominantly is a city-based car, and the agility also impresses.

The outgoing Aygo X was certainly a fun-filled model, but didn’t score particularly well when it came to refinement. Toyota engineers have addressed that issue to some extent with the new car. There are seven new noise damping components to help make the vehicle smoother and calmer. These include dash silencers, bonnet insulation, an engine underbody cover, thicker glass windows and additional soundproofing throughout the cabin.

So, the 2026 Aygo X does feel a little more grown up, but still possesses all the entertaining features that traditionally made it such a fun-packed car.

Running costs and emissions

The 2026 Toyota Aygo X Hybrid is competitively priced with the entry-level Icon model costing £21,595; Design is £23,695; Excel, as tested, is £26,045 and the GR Sport version costs £26,895.

According to official WLTP testing, the vehicle can deliver a combined 74.3mpg and during our limited test run of about 80 minutes, we were seeing very close to that official fuel economy number.

The 87gkm carbon emissions figure will mean owners face a first-year road tax bill (Vehicle Excise Duty) of £270, dropping to the standard fee of £195 after 12 months.

Anyone looking at our test model as a business car will see a Benefit in Kind rating of 23 per cent. Insurance ratings for the line-up are still to be confirmed.

Toyota enjoys a good reputation for reliability and the Aygo X Hybrid comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles via a service-activated contract. That means if the car is serviced annually at a Toyota-recognised garage, the warranty period lengthens.

Interior and tech

Few cars carrying a sub-30k price-tag feature such an upmarket and well equipped interior as the Toyota Aygo X Hybrid. It’s modern, clutter-free, has plenty of high-end fixtures and fittings and a nice combination of physical and touchscreen controls. Go searching hard enough and you will discover some rough edges, but generally it’s really well put together.

The seats on our Excel car were upholstered in a smart cloth/synthetic leather mix and could be warmed against the winter chill. These, along with the steering wheel, offer ample manual adjustment so it’s easy to find a comfy driving position. The steering wheel is also wrapped in a high-quality synthetic leather trim and includes an insert to match the exterior colour.

The main focal point is the 10.5-inch multi-media infotainment screen positioned in the centre of the dashboard. This offers access to the navigation system with live updates, four-speaker sound system with DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, reversing camera and lots more besides.

The driver display featuring all the important data, such as speed and fuel levels, has grown in size from 4.3 to 7.0 inches and it offers clear readouts.

All the climate functions are found in a separate panel with practical buttons and dials to adjust any settings. And the newly introduced light blue ambient lighting gives the car a pleasant glow.

Practicality and boot space

The Toyota Aygo X Hybrid is a five-door compact urban crossover that is designed with just four seats. It measures 3,776mm in length, is 1,740mm across, 1,525mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,430mm. With ample seat movement available, even taller occupants can find a comfortable position up front. The back space, due to the nature of the car, is not quite so spacious. Adults will struggle even on shorter journeys, but it’s perfectly suited to a couple of youngsters or children, with Isofix child seat anchors on each rear seat.

The car’s diminutive dimensions make parking an absolute breeze aided by the reversing camera featuring guidelines, along with front and rear parking sensors.

The boot can hold 231 litres of goodies, which is ample room for the weekly shop, and there are lots of handy compartments scattered throughout the cabin for other odds and ends. The glovebox is surprisingly deep, there are door bins, two front cup holders, a wireless charging pad and some trays.

Safety

The Aygo X was awarded four stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2022. Toyota has just announced that despite the 2026 model featuring a number of new safety systems as well as upgrades to existing technology, it will not be re-tested.

The list of safety features and driver assistance aids across all trims is extensive. For example the cars boast the full suite of the Toyota Safety Sense features, including a pre-collision system, intersection turn assist, proactive driving assist, collision mitigation support, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist and lane departure warning, automatic high beam, road sign assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control, a driver monitoring camera and low speed acceleration suppression.

Additionally, there is traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, a tyre pressure warning system, eCall and six airbags.

The pre-collision system has been upgraded for the new model and offers improved detection of pedestrians, cyclists and crossing traffic at intersections. If a risk is detected, there will be visual and audio warnings, followed by automatic brake assist and pre-collision braking. If this system is activated, there is a new emergency steering assist that helps maintain lane position and stability during any evasive manoeuvres.

Options

Toyota keeps its model line-up quite simple with customers selecting a car according to taste and budget. That means even the entry-level Icon vehicle is well kitted out with a range of mod cons and creature comforts.

However, customers can choose from a few optional packs, including a Convenience Pack costing £500. This adds a push-button start, retracting door mirrors, wireless device charger and LED front fog lights. A Parking Pack, priced at £600, introduces smart entry and start, plus front and rear parking sensors with auto brake. And, finally, a Premium Pack adds the JBL premium audio system, along with the canvas roof and this costs £1,350.

A five-speaker JBL sound system can be added to the Excel model and this introduces two full-range speakers in the front doors, 25mm tweeters in the front pillars and a 200mm subwoofer to generate a powerful bass tone.

Rival cars

The compact crossover sector is not overrun with choice, especially as so many models have been withdrawn in recent years and replaced with fully electrified city cars.

However, the Toyota Aygo X Hybrid will be vying for sales against rivals, including the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Renault Clio and Peugeot 208.

Verdict and next steps

Without wanting to bombard you with figures, the Aygo X Hybrid is better in every department compared to the outgoing model. It has 116hp (an increase of 44hp), boasts a faster 0-62mph acceleration time at 9.2 seconds compared to the sluggish 14.8 seconds on the previous car. It also has best-in-class fuel efficiency at 74.3mpg (up from 58mpg) and class-leading carbon emissions of 87g/km as opposed to the 108g/km on the older model.

The trim structure has been brought in line with other Toyota models and, as expected, the prices have increased accordingly too. The older entry-level Aygo X Pure model cost £17,145 (OTR), but the newer line-up starts from £21,595. That is quite a jump, but you do get a lot more car, improved technology and cheaper day-to-day running costs.

All in all, Toyota has brought its Aygo X model bang up-to-date and the introduction of hybrid technology will certainly prove more cost-effective for owners.

Where to next?

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Toyota Aygo X.

**Correct as of 07/01/2026. Based on 12 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 36 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 12 monthly payments, or £2,128.44 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.