If you’re looking for a small, affordable, and characterful new car, the city car class has evolved. It’s no longer just about being small; it’s about being stylish, with many models now adopting a fashionable SUV-like stance. Two of the best examples are the Toyota Aygo X and the Suzuki Ignis.
The Aygo X is a thoroughly modern city car, based on the same platform as the larger Yaris. It boasts chunky styling, a high-tech interior, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. The Ignis, on the other hand, is a quirky and charming micro-SUV with a surprisingly practical interior and the rare option of four-wheel drive. Which of these tiny titans is the better buy?
Toyota Aygo X vs Suzuki Ignis
- Practicality
- Driving Impressions
- Technology and Equipment
- Running Costs
- CarGurus Buyer Insights
- Verdict
Practicality
Toyota Aygo X practicality score: 3/5
Suzuki Ignis practicality score: 2/5
For cars with such small footprints, both the Aygo X and Ignis offer a reasonable amount of space. The Aygo X is strictly a four-seater, and while front passengers have plenty of room, the rear is best reserved for children or adults on short trips. Its 231-litre boot is decent for the class, big enough for a weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.
The Suzuki Ignis feels surprisingly airy inside, thanks to its tall, boxy shape. Top-spec SZ5 models feature sliding rear seats, which allow you to choose between more legroom or a larger boot. However, the boot itself is smaller than the Toyota's, at 204 litres in the four-wheel-drive AllGrip model, expanding to 267 litres in front-wheel-drive versions. Overall, the Aygo X has a slight edge in outright boot capacity, though the Ignis offers a little more flexibility.
Driving Impressions
Toyota Aygo X driving score: 3/5
Suzuki Ignis driving score: 3/5
Neither of these cars is designed for outright performance, but both are well-suited to their urban environments. The Aygo X feels mature and composed on the road, sharing its underpinnings with the larger Yaris. It’s comfortable over bumps and easy to manoeuvre, with light steering and a tight turning circle. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine is characterful and efficient, but it needs to be worked hard to get up to motorway speeds.
The Suzuki Ignis is fun to drive, with a lightweight body and nimble handling that make it feel zippy around town. The standard mild-hybrid powertrain provides a small boost when accelerating, which is welcome in stop-start traffic. The ride can be a little bouncy on uneven surfaces, and it's not as refined as the Aygo X on a long journey. The Ignis’s party piece is the optional AllGrip four-wheel-drive system, which gives it a level of all-weather capability that’s unique in this class.
Technology and Equipment
Toyota Aygo X technology and equipment score: 5/5
Suzuki Ignis technology and equipment score: 4/5
This is where the newer Aygo X really shines. Even entry-level models come with a generous amount of kit, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Toyota’s Safety Sense package. This includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, features often reserved for more expensive cars. Higher trims get a larger 9-inch screen and a wireless phone charger.
The Ignis is more basic in its tech offering. All models get a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, but the system looks and feels a generation behind the Toyota’s. You also get a reversing camera and satellite navigation on higher-spec models, but the level of standard safety equipment isn't as comprehensive as in the Aygo X. The Toyota is the clear winner for in-car tech and driver assistance.
Running Costs
Toyota Aygo X running costs score: 4/5
Suzuki Ignis running costs score: 4/5
Low running costs are a key selling point for any city car, and both the Aygo X and Ignis deliver. The Toyota’s efficient engine can officially achieve over 58mpg, and its simple mechanicals should prove reliable. Toyota also offers up to a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, as long as you get it serviced annually at a main dealer, which provides great peace of mind.
The Suzuki Ignis, with its standard mild-hybrid technology, is also very frugal, with official figures of up to 56mpg. Like Toyota, Suzuki has a strong reputation for building dependable cars. The standard warranty is a less impressive three years and 60,000 miles, but ownership costs should still be minimal. Both cars are cheap to insure and tax, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious drivers.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
| Toyota Aygo X | Suzuki Ignis | |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus expert rating | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating | 0.0 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* | 30.1% | 35.1% |
| Overall CarGurus rating | 3.8 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Toyota Aygo X Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8/5
Suzuki Ignis Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1/5
Both the Toyota Aygo X and Suzuki Ignis are compelling options in the small car market, but they appeal in different ways. The Aygo X is the more modern and sensible choice, with its superior technology, comprehensive safety kit, and comfortable ride.
However, based on our CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Suzuki Ignis takes a narrow victory. Its higher Overall CarGurus rating is driven by strong user reviews, who appreciate its quirky charm, low running costs, and surprising practicality. The unique availability of four-wheel drive also gives it an edge in versatility that the Aygo X can’t match.
If your priority is the latest in-car technology and a refined driving experience, the Toyota Aygo X is an excellent car. But if you want a car with more character, clever packaging, and the option of all-weather capability, the Suzuki Ignis is our winner.
Toyota Aygo X Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern infotainment and tech | Engine can feel underpowered |
| Comprehensive standard safety kit | Rear space is tight |
| Comfortable ride for a city car | Less characterful than the Ignis |
Suzuki Ignis Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique SUV styling | Bouncy ride |
| Available AllGrip 4WD | Dated infotainment |
| Surprisingly practical interior | Basic interior materials |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.