2022 Toyota Aygo X Sporty Subcompact Crossover
122022 Toyota Aygo X First Look: Still Quirky, Yet Sportier Than Ever
Regrettably, this spunky subcompact crossover is not for U.S. consumption. Toyota introduced the first-generation Aygo, a tiny subcompact city car for European markets, back in 2005. In March, the Japanese automaker offered up a preview of where the next-generation Aygo might, um, go, by way of the Aygo X Prologue concept. Now the all-new Toyota Aygo X is here, and while it is billed as an urban compact crossover on paper, in reality it is closer to a small hatchback. It remains funky.
While the Aygo X Prologue concept and production model are similar-looking, we prefer the unconventional headlights, beefier tires, and sleek mirrors that adorned the show car. The production X isn't quite as adventurously styled, despite Toyota claiming the newly redesigned compact crossover emphasizes the readiness to leap forward into action and proffers a ready-to-go-anywhere attitude. We'll call it "jaunty" and leave it at that.
The Aygo X features a new wedged roofline, wing-shaped headlights, a large lower grille, and a one-piece glass liftgate. Those prominent front bumper and wheel arch moldings are said to help improve fuel economy, as does its low mass; Toyota claims the X has the lightest body-in-white of any A- or B-segment car. The two-tone body design is among the more artfully executed we've seen.
Designed and produced in Europe, the Aygo X is built on Toyota's TNGA-B platform, which it shares with the Yaris and Yaris Cross, two cars also not sold here in America. The high-riding crossover has reduced front and rear overhangs and a modified rear chassis section. It is 145.6 inches long, 68.5 inches wide, and 60.0 inches tall, making it longer, wider, and slightly taller than the previous generation. Cargo space and shoulder room are up as a result, though the Aygo X retains a super tight turning circle at 15.4 feet, among the smallest in the segment.
The two-tone compact crossover is available in four new exterior colors based on various spices, including Cardamom (muted green), Chilli (vivid red), Ginger (soft gold), and Juniper (deep blue). An optional retractable canvas top with improved water and dust protection is also on the menu.
As for the interior, it is chic if slightly basic. Despite the hard plastics everywhere and the modest cloth seats, the Aygo X wears body-color trim on the door panels, steering wheel, center console, and infotainment screen surround. Contrast stitching featuring a unique "X" pattern on the front seats and gloss black surround pieces are other nice touches.
Standard equipment includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, ambient lighting, heated seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite, over-the-air (OTA) updates, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay make it on the list, too. Toyota offers an optional four-speaker, 300-watt JBL premium audio system, and in higher grades, cloud-based navigation is available. There's also an app that customers can use to check the fuel level, driving analytics, warnings, and track their vehicle. Visibility, ride quality, body roll, and handling all see improvements in the third generation. At the heart of the pint-sized crossover is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 72 hp and about 69 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a CVT automatic or a five-speed manual. The front-drive Aygo X can come fitted with 18-inch wheels, an increased wheel size from its predecessor.