New Toyota Aygo X vs Toyota Yaris: why choosing between these two hatchbacks just got harder

Toyota has just revealed the new Aygo X, and it’s packing one massive mechanical change. The rather lethargic 1.0-litre petrol engine has been ditched in favour of a much more powerful 1.5-litre hybrid system which is shared with the larger Toyota Yaris.

This should be a big improvement over the old car, however it does make it harder to choose between the Aygo X and the Yaris. Prices for the new Aygo X haven’t been revealed yet, but it’s likely to be at least £5,000 cheaper than the Yaris.

So what are the key differences between these two cars, and which one is right for you? Well, we’re going to compare them side by side to help you choose.

Toyota Aygo X vs Toyota Yaris: interior and practicality

The Toyota Aygo X is much smaller than the Yaris, and is therefore less practical. This is something which hasn’t changed with the facelift, because it has exactly the same interior dimensions as before.

You get a pretty small 231-litre boot, which is more than 20 litres smaller than a Kia Picanto’s and 55 litres smaller than the Toyota Yaris. It’s also accessed through the cramped lifting rear window, rather than a proper hatchback like the Yaris.

The Yaris is also much more spacious in the rear seats, although it’s not as roomy as a Skoda Fabia. The Aygo X is only really suitable for children in the back, or adults on very short trips, whereas the Yaris is more practical for families.

Moving up front, both of these cars have plenty of space behind the wheel and a great driving position. The Yaris does feel more substantial than the Aygo X, but this is to be expected in a car which is bigger and more expensive.

If you don’t need to carry people in the back on a regular basis, the Toyota Aygo X should be practical enough. The boot is a decent size for your weekly shop and you can just about squeeze people in the back for short journeys. However, the Yaris is a lot more practical for families who need to get lanky teenagers in the back on a regular basis.

Toyota Aygo X vs Toyota Yaris: engines and driving

Comparing the current Toyota Aygo X with the Yaris is pretty clear-cut. The smaller Aygo X is pretty good fun on a twisty road and really easy to drive around town, but it’s painfully slow and not as economical as the Yaris.

However, the updated version has been given the Yaris’s 1.5-litre hybrid engine with 114hp. That’s a healthy dose of extra power which slashes the 0-60mph time by over five seconds, and it should make the Aygo X much more usable on faster roads.

We haven’t driven the new Aygo X yet, but the current car is surprisingly pleasant on the motorway. It’s obviously no Rolls Royce – you get a fair amount of wind and road noise and it gets buffeted around by cross winds – but for a little city car it’s really not bad.

It’s just the puny 1.0-litre engine which spoils things because you have to really wring its neck to get up to speed, and it makes a hilarious racket when you do. Replacing it with the 1.5-litre hybrid engine should make it much nicer to drive over long distances.

However, the Yaris is still almost certainly better suited to regular motorway slogs. It’s more refined and feels more stable at speed compared to the current Aygo X, and this isn’t likely to change with the facelift.

It’ll be interesting to see what this new engine does to the Aygo X’s fuel economy as well. Toyota hasn’t announced economy figures yet, but the Yaris with the same engine will do 69mpg. Given the Aygo X is smaller and lighter, it’s likely to do more than 70mpg.

If you spend the majority of your time driving in town, with the occasional long motorway drive, the Aygo X will suit you fine. For more regular cross-country commutes you’ll be better off with the Yaris.

Toyota Aygo X vs Toyota Yaris: prices and specs

The Toyota Yaris currently starts from £23,500, however you can get one through Carwow for £22,000. If you prefer to lease your car, the Yaris will cost you £247 per month over 48 months. This is with a £2,580 deposit and a mileage limit of 8,000 per year.

Toyota hasn’t announced prices for the new Aygo X yet, but the current car costs £16,900. Through Carwow you can have one for £16,000, or you can lease an Aygo X for £191 per month with similar terms to the Yaris.

The new Aygo X is likely to be slightly more expensive than the outgoing car thanks to the added hybrid tech. You can expect a starting price of around £18,000, which would still make it £5,500 cheaper than the Yaris.

Both cars come very well-equipped as standard. You get adaptive cruise control, a digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a reversing camera.

Toyota Aygo X vs Toyota Yaris verdict: which should you buy?

The introduction of a hybrid engine to the Aygo X makes it a very interesting option in the small car segment, because no other car of this size offers full hybrid tech. If you’re after a city runaround which can still tackle motorways and will cost you peanuts to run, the new Aygo X could be the perfect choice when it goes on sale later this year.

However, if you need usable rear seats and a reasonable amount of boot space, the Yaris is a better bet. It’ll also be better suited if you spend a lot of time tackling motorways.

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