Prepare to be amazed by the all-new 2026 Toyota Aygo X Hybrid! What may initially appear to be a minor facelift of the beloved compact SUV is, in fact, a groundbreaking transformation of Toyota's most budget-friendly offering. This captivating redesign boasts an entirely new bonnet, fresh wings, a revamped grille, and a stylish front bumper. The Aygo X is not just skin-deep; it adopts the state-of-the-art running gear from its larger sibling, the Yaris Hybrid. Gone is the manual gearbox; every version now features Toyota's cutting-edge e-CVT automatic transmission. With a considerable increase in power, the Aygo X Hybrid is set to claim the title of Britain's cleanest vehicle—well, except when considering pricier plug-in hybrids—with emissions as low as 86g/km of CO2. For those yearning for an exhilarating driving experience, prepare for the GR Sport version, which comes equipped with a specialized suspension tuned by the experts behind the phenomenal GR Yaris. However, all of this innovation comes at a price. When the significantly upgraded Aygo X Hybrid hits the market in early 2026, it's anticipated that the adventure will come at a steeper cost, spiraling from approximately €16,000 to nearer to €19,000. While that sounds substantial, buyers opting for leases or PCP deals may not feel the full impact due to stronger residual values. The Aygo X Hybrid will exclusively feature one powertrain: the Hybrid 115 engine, which debuted in the current fourth-generation Yaris Hybrid. This sprightly little SUV is set to deliver a remarkable 114 hp and 195 Nm of torque.
In the realm of compact cars, this represents a monumental leap from the existing model’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that barely churns out 71 hp and 126 Nm of torque. With the electrification of the Aygo X, performance has soared to new heights, allowing this city car to catapult from 0 to 100 km/h in just about 10 seconds—a blistering 4.9-second improvement over its predecessor. While the old five-speed manual is no longer an option, Toyota assures us that the Aygo X Hybrid will not disappoint with its e-CVT automatic transmission. Although specifics about fuel efficiency haven’t been fully released, initial targets suggest a remarkable 86g/km of CO2 emissions. This translates to impressive fuel consumption figures ranging between 3.8 and 4.0 l/100km—an upgrade over the outgoing model's statistics that hovered around 5.0 l/100km (109g/km of CO2). Though the Aygo X Hybrid remains relatively budget-friendly for insurance, the jump in performance, combined with the exciting introduction of the GR Sport variant, could push it into a higher insurance bracket than today’s model, which typically languishes in the lower reaches of group five or six (out of 50). Notably, the latest hybrid version boasts an alarming reduction in carbon footprint—an impressive 18 percent—thanks to innovative hybrid engineering, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Even Toyoto Europe's technical chief, Cesar Romero, admits that the team might have gotten a bit too enthusiastic with the new Aygo X Hybrid.
To maintain its charm and allure, Toyota embraced hybrid technology, which posed a significant challenge for the engineering team. Although they pioneered hybrid systems, Romero notes that Toyota "doesn't do mild-hybrid" when it pertains to small cars—a conundrum! Instead of starting from scratch, the engineers ingeniously fit a more robust 1.5-litre hybrid engine into a space originally designed for a diminutive 1.0-litre engine. This necessitated a complete redesign of the front end, extending the nose of the compact SUV by an eye-catching 76 mm. Most observers may not notice the subtle alterations, but when viewed side by side, the enhancements, including new headlamps, a fresh bonnet, and an updated grille, all work together to create a bolder, more confident stance. Stylish touches also include fresh 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, alongside an eye-catching two-tone color scheme featuring a contrasting black roof, ensuring the Aygo X Hybrid stands out in any parking lot. The reconfigured center console now includes cooling systems for the batteries located under the rear seats, along with an electronic parking brake and two new USB-C charging ports, complemented by a wireless charging pad.
This exhilarating little SUV also surprises with its new features, such as electric folding mirrors and an advanced air quality-boosting particulate filter, available on higher-grade models. The arrival of the GR Sport variant, developed in collaboration with the Toyota Gazoo Racing performance division, promises an unparalleled driving experience. Drenched in the distinctive Mustard color with a glossy black bonnet, the sportiest Aygo X Hybrid boasts its own unique grille, GR-themed 18-inch alloy wheels, GR-branded seats, and a specially calibrated suspension that includes new springs, dampers, and a fine-tuned steering wheel. In a thrilling twist, the outdated rear brake drums have been replaced with powerful disc brakes, dramatically enhancing stopping power. Inside, expect cutting-edge tech including a new seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an overhauled infotainment system, and a redesigned heater control panel. While Toyota hasn’t yet provided details on the software that powers the latest Aygo X Hybrid, it may not include the advanced Arene software recently introduced with the all-new RAV4. Though still capable of accommodating four adults comfortably, rivals like the Hyundai i10 continue to offer a bit more spaciousness.
Even so, the Aygo X Hybrid maintains a respectable 231-liter boot, though it lags behind the i10, which boasts up to 252 liters of luggage capacity. Unfortunately, the hybrid powertrain does eliminate the option for a space-saver spare wheel. Safety remains a priority, with Toyota equipping the Aygo X Hybrid with its latest Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance technology. Enhanced features include upgraded autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. A novel Emergency Driving Stop System ensures the vehicle can halt safely if driver unresponsiveness is detected. Additionally, Proactive Driving Assist is here to automatically steer away from impending collisions if the driver fails to respond. For the first time in the Aygo X series, over-the-air software updates will keep safety systems current throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. The official price list and full specifications will soon be unveiled ahead of the Aygo X Hybrid's launch in early 2026. The upgrades in engine power, enhanced performance, and superior technology are sure to result in a price hike that may elevate the entry-level model toward €19,000. While this may seem steep, engineers emphasize that a great deal of effort has gone into enhancing the vehicle's refinement, ensuring that the Aygo X Hybrid indeed provides a driving experience that feels lifted from a higher class.