Toyota Aygo X Goes Hybrid: Why This Tiny SUV Just Changed Everything

Toyota’s smallest crossover just made a big leap. As it heads into its third year on the market, the Toyota Aygo X is back with a major update—and this time, it is more than just a styling refresh. Toyota has officially unveiled the Aygo X Hybrid, transforming the compact city car into a full-hybrid vehicle while still staying true to the quirky charm that made it a fan favorite.

Now equipped with the same hybrid powertrain found in the Yaris and Yaris Cross, the Aygo X Hybrid swaps out the old 1.0-liter engine for a more capable 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with Toyota’s proven hybrid technology. This upgrade bumps power output to 116 horsepower, a significant 44-horsepower increase. That extra punch drops the 0 to 62 miles per hour time to under 10 seconds, making the Aygo X surprisingly quick for its size.

Toyota faced some serious challenges fitting a hybrid system into such a small package, but clever engineering made it work. The car still sits on the same GA-B platform with a 2,430 millimeter wheelbase and retains its 231-liter boot space. That was made possible by installing the hybrid batteries in a unique longitudinal layout under the rear seats. Unlike the usual parallel setup in other Toyota hybrids, this layout maximizes interior space while improving weight distribution and body rigidity.

To accommodate the new hybrid system, Toyota did have to extend the front overhangs by 76 millimeters, but the payoff is well worth it. The new Aygo X now claims the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any non-plug-in car on the market—just 86 grams per kilometer based on WLTP testing.

On the outside, the facelift adds a new hood, revised headlamps, and a redesigned front grille. Inside, the updates are just as thoughtful. Drivers now get a 7-inch digital display, improved climate controls, an electronic parking brake, two USB-C ports, and a wireless phone charger.

Safety is handled by the updated Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Emergency Driving Stop System—all of which can be updated over the air.

For the first time ever, the Aygo X will be offered in a GR Sport trim. Inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR Sport comes with a sporty grille featuring a G-pattern mesh, GR-specific wheels, and a sharp Mustard bi-tone paint job. Inside, there are black and grey accents, plus GR branding throughout. Suspension and steering have also been tuned for a more dynamic feel.

Developed and manufactured entirely in Europe, the Aygo X Hybrid will remain Toyota’s most affordable model in the region, with the current version starting at just over 18,000 euros. Expect the new model to hit the streets by the end of the year with multiple trim levels, two wheel size options (17 and 18 inches), canvas roof variants, and several bi-tone color choices.