On September 1, 2025, Toyota’s pride and joy, the Aqua, a compact hybrid car, underwent a major minor change and was newly released. This improvement includes a revamped exterior design to further enhance the Aqua brand’s “advanced and high-quality” image, as well as improved basic performance and the latest safety and multimedia features. This improvement adopts the hammerhead design used in the higher-end Prius model, and sets a new standard for compact cars with more sophisticated styling and a full range of features.
Highlights of the new Aqua minor change
- Release date : September 1, 2025
- Price range : 2,486,000 yen to 3,022,800 yen
- Major changes : Hammerhead design, electric parking brake, large display
- New grade : KINTO exclusive “U” grade added
Adopts the new and popular “Hammerhead Design”
2025 Toyota Aqua
Major exterior overhaul
The biggest feature of the new Aqua is the adoption of Toyota’s new generation design language, the “Hammerhead Design.” This design has already been adopted in high-end models such as the new Prius and Crown, enhancing the sense of unity across the brand.
2025 Toyota Aqua
Major exterior changes:
- Hammerhead-themed front design adopted for all grades
- Back door garnish (piano black paint) added to all grades
- 16-inch aluminum wheels (dark clear cut lustre + black paint / center ornament / black painted wheel nuts) are available as a manufacturer option for the Z grade.
- Black roof antenna and door mirrors are standard on all grades.
- The width of the vehicle has been reduced by 30 mm when the door mirrors are fully open , making it easier to maneuver.
2025 Toyota Aqua
New body colors added
New body colors have also been added in conjunction with the minor change, offering a wide range of options to suit user preferences.
2025 Toyota Aqua
New color lineup:
- Monotone : Mud bath, grayish blue
- Two-tone : Mud Bath x Black Mica, Grayish Blue x Black Mica, Clear Beige x Black Mica
2025 Toyota Aqua
Significantly improved interior and equipment
2025 Toyota Aqua
Larger meter display
The meter display has been significantly enlarged from the previous 4.2 inches to 7 inches, dramatically improving visibility and allowing more information to be seen at a glance.
The meter display has been significantly enlarged to 7 inches
Latest connectivity features
Display Audio Evolution:
- Available in two sizes: 10.5 inches and 8 inches
- Monitor size increased to 8 inches for G, X, and U grade models
- Compatible with the latest connected navigation system (supports real-time traffic information)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay compatible
- HDMI input terminal is standard on the bottom of the center cluster
Improved interior quality
New interior options:
- A new color (light gray) has been added to the synthetic leather packaging (manufacturer option for the Z grade).
Enhanced driving assistance systems
New features added:
- Electric parking brake and brake hold function are standard equipment (changed from the previous foot-operated type)
- Brake hold function memory function : Even if the power is turned off, the on setting will be maintained the next time you start driving.
- Smooth Stop is standard equipment : Reduces vehicle swaying immediately after stopping, reducing changes in occupant posture
- Drive mode setting retention function : The drive mode (Normal/POWER+/Eco Drive) setting is maintained when the power is turned off.
Significantly improved safety equipment
Toyota Safety Sense functionality improvements
Advances in pre-crash safety:
- Added nighttime bicycle detection function
- Supports motorcycle detection
- Equipped with “Proactive Driving Assist” that supports driving by predicting pedestrians and people jumping out into the road
Other safety enhancements:
- Radar cruise control (with full-speed tracking function) : Four-stage setting for distance from the vehicle ahead
- Road Sign Assist : Added the ability to read no-turn signs and traffic lights
- Delayed start notification function : Added a notification function when the traffic light changes from red to green at an intersection.
- Driver emergency response system
- Advanced Park : Adds parallel forward parking, rearward exit, and parallel forward exit (manufacturer option for Z grade)
Full range of safety features standard on all vehicles
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Front and rear drive recorders
- ETC2.0
These advanced safety features are standard on all grades, ensuring high safety performance even in the entry-level grade.
Powertrain and fuel economy
Highly efficient hybrid system continues
Powertrain specifications:
- Engine: Inline 3-cylinder 1.5L “Dynamic Force Engine”
- Engine output: 91ps/12.2kgm
- Motor output: 80ps/14.4kgm
- Drive system: FF/4WD “E-four”
Excellent fuel economy
- FF vehicle: 34.6km/L (WLTC mode)
- E-four vehicle: 30.0km/L (WLTC mode)
By adopting a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery, output has been doubled compared to previous models, and the maximum EV speed has been increased to 50km/h.
Price and grade structure
New Pricing
Prices for each grade (tax included):
| grade | FF | E-four |
|---|---|---|
| X | 2,486,000 yen | 2,684,000 yen |
| G | 2,654,300 yen | 2,852,300 yen |
| Z | 2,824,800 yen | 3,022,800 yen |
| U (KINTO only) | – | – |
The new and noteworthy grade “U”
New KINTO exclusive grade:
- This is the fourth model in the KINTO Unlimited lineup, following the Prius, Yaris, and Yaris Cross.
- Based on the X grade, incorporating an upgrade-ready design
- Allows for future retrofitting of some hardware
- Available from September 1st
Review of grade structure
In this minor change, the “GR SPORT” grade and the special edition “Raffine” have been discontinued, and a new “U” grade exclusive to KINTO has been added, resulting in a more strategic grade structure.
Comparative advantage over rival vehicles
Positioning in the compact hybrid market
The new Aqua boasts the following advantages over its rivals, such as the Honda Fit and Nissan Note:
- All vehicles come standard with the latest safety equipment
- Large-capacity display audio
- Excellent fuel economy
- Extensive connectivity features
Points to consider when purchasing
How to choose the recommended grade
“X” grade for entry-level users
- All the necessary equipment starting from 2.48 million yen
- All the latest safety features come as standard
If you prioritize balance, choose the “G” grade.
- Fully equipped for comfort
- Excellent cost performance
If you want high quality, choose the “Z” grade
- LED light bar
- Top-class interior and exterior
Choosing the 4WD “E-four”
If you live in a snowy region or have many opportunities to drive on rough roads, we recommend choosing the E-four. The price difference compared to FF cars is about 200,000 yen, but driving stability and peace of mind are greatly improved.
Summary: The appeal of the new Aqua
The new Toyota Aqua, released on September 1, 2025, has undergone significant evolution beyond a simple minor change. With sophisticated styling thanks to the adoption of the hammerhead design, the latest safety equipment as standard on all models, and comprehensive connectivity features, it has set a new standard for compact hybrid cars.
The price starts at 2.48 million yen, which is a reasonable price considering the extensive equipment. In particular, the comprehensive range of safety equipment exceeds that of other competing vehicles, making it a highly recommended car that you can drive safely for a long time.
The Aqua, Toyota’s compact hybrid car that has been loved for over 10 years, has undergone a minor change and is now starting a new chapter with further evolution. The new Aqua, which balances environmental friendliness, safety performance, and design at a high level, is sure to be an attractive choice for many users.
Toyota Aqua
