If you're looking for a small car that’s cheap to run and easy to park, the city car class is packed with great options. Two of the most popular used choices are the Volkswagen Up and the Toyota Aygo. They take different approaches to the same brief: the Up offers a mature, high-quality feel, while the Aygo focuses on bold styling and generous tech.
The Volkswagen Up feels like a bigger, more expensive car that has been shrunk down, prioritising substance and refinement. The Toyota Aygo, on the other hand, is all about youthful appeal, with a distinctive 'X' on its nose and a focus on in-car connectivity. Both have tiny running costs, but which one is the better all-rounder for your money?
Volkswagen Up vs Toyota Aygo
Practicality
Volkswagen Up practicality score: 4/5
Toyota Aygo practicality score: 3/5
For such a small car, the Volkswagen Up is a master of interior space. Its boxy shape and clever packaging result in a cabin that feels surprisingly airy, with enough room for four adults to sit in reasonable comfort. The boot is one of the biggest in the class at 251 litres, which is enough for a weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags. Most versions are available with five doors, making access to the rear seats much easier.
The Toyota Aygo can’t quite match the Up’s packaging genius. While front-seat passengers have enough room, the rear is much tighter and best reserved for children or short trips. The boot is also significantly smaller, at just 168 litres, which can make packing for a holiday a challenge. The Aygo is fine for a couple, but if you regularly need to carry passengers or luggage, the Up is the more practical choice.
Driving Impressions
Volkswagen Up driving score: 4/5
Toyota Aygo driving score: 3/5
Behind the wheel, the Volkswagen Up continues to impress. It feels composed and comfortable, with a ride quality that could easily belong to a larger car like the Polo. It’s quiet and stable on the motorway, making it a capable companion for longer journeys, not just city driving. The steering is light and accurate, and the handling is safe and predictable. It’s an easy and relaxing car to drive in any situation.
The Toyota Aygo is at its best in the urban jungle, where its small size and tight turning circle make it perfect for nipping through traffic and into tight parking spaces. However, its 1.0-litre engine can feel a bit strained and noisy when you venture onto faster roads. The ride isn’t as settled as the Up’s, either, feeling firmer over bumps. It’s fun for zipping around town, but the Up is the more refined and comfortable all-rounder.
Technology and Equipment
Volkswagen Up technology and equipment score: 3/5
Toyota Aygo technology and equipment score: 4/5
This is where the Toyota Aygo claws back a significant advantage. Most models from the entry-level version up came equipped with Toyota's 7-inch 'x-touch' infotainment system. This includes a DAB radio, Bluetooth, and a reversing camera as standard, which was a huge selling point in this class. It’s a simple system to use and makes the Aygo’s cabin feel more modern.
The Volkswagen Up’s approach to technology is more dated. Many versions came with a basic radio and a dash-mounted cradle that allows you to use your smartphone for navigation and media streaming via a dedicated app. While functional, it’s not as slick or integrated as the Aygo’s built-in touchscreen. If having modern, easy-to-use tech is a priority, the Aygo is the clear winner.
Running Costs
Volkswagen Up running costs score: 5/5
Toyota Aygo running costs score: 5/5
You can’t go wrong with either of these cars when it comes to keeping costs down. Both are powered by efficient 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engines that can deliver excellent fuel economy – over 60mpg is easily achievable with a gentle right foot. They also sit in low insurance groups and have low VED (road tax) rates, making them ideal for new drivers or as a second car.
Both cars have strong reliability records, but Toyota’s is particularly noteworthy. The brand consistently tops ownership satisfaction surveys, and its 'Relax' warranty can provide cover for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, as long as you get the car serviced at a Toyota dealer each year. The Up is also a dependable and affordable car to maintain, with a huge network of specialists and readily available parts. It's a dead heat in this category.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Volkswagen Up |
Toyota Aygo |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.3 out of 5 |
4.4 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
36.5% |
36.5% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.3 out of 5 |
4.3 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Volkswagen Up Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
Toyota Aygo Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
This is one of the closest contests we’ve seen. The Volkswagen Up and Toyota Aygo are both excellent city cars, but they appeal in very different ways. This is reflected in our CarGurus Buyer Insights, where both cars score an identical Overall CarGurus rating of 4.3 out of 5. With our data showing a dead heat, there is no outright winner; the right car for you will come down to your personal priorities.
The Volkswagen Up is the choice for the discerning buyer who values substance. It’s more practical, more comfortable, and feels more refined to drive than the Aygo, which is why it scores higher with our expert reviewers. It’s the more grown-up car of the two.
The Toyota Aygo, however, fights back with its youthful appeal. Its key advantages are its distinctive styling and its more modern, standard-fit infotainment system. It also has a slight edge in our user ratings, and Toyota’s long-term warranty is a major plus. If you prioritise in-car tech and want a car with a bit more visual flair, the Aygo is a compelling option. Ultimately, this one is too close to call.
Volkswagen Up Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Surprisingly spacious and practical |
Dated infotainment system |
| Refined and comfortable to drive |
Plain interior design |
| Extremely low running costs |
Some rivals have more standard kit |
Toyota Aygo Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Generous standard technology |
Cramped rear seats and boot |
| Distinctive exterior styling |
Noisy at higher speeds |
| Excellent reliability and warranty |
Not as comfortable as the Up |
*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.
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