Toyota Aqua Hybrid Review: The Ultimate Kiwi Commuter?

The Aqua features a third generation hybrid synergy drive powertrain with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, high voltage battery and motor generator setup. It's rated to 74kW but more important are the fuel consumption figures, which are a low 3.9L/100km. 

Toyota's hybrid system means at low speeds and in traffic, the engine can switch off completely and you can power along just on the electric motor.  This is what delivers excellent fuel economy, especially for city users. And there’s no need to plug it in to charge the battery, the hybrid system does all that for you. 

Being small and lightweight helps fuel economy while also making Aquas easy to drive. With a turning circle of just 9.6m, the Aqua boasts excellent maneuverability.

At its heart, the Aqua runs on a "self-charging" hybrid system. You don’t need to find a plug or install a charging station at home. The car handles all the charging for you while you drive.

The system pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a high-voltage battery. At low speeds or in stop-start traffic, the petrol engine takes a break, and the electric motor drives the car forward. This saves you serious money at the pump - most drivers see fuel economy figures around 3.9L/100km. It’s perfect for city dwellers or anyone commuting through heavy traffic.

Toyota designed the Aqua for city life. It’s compact, lightweight, and nimble. With a 9.6-metre turning circle, you’ll find navigating tight parking spots or busy streets a breeze.

If you’re looking at newer models (from 2021 onwards), you’ll notice a slightly more modern look and some performance tweaks. These second-generation models push out more power (85kW) and squeeze even better economy out of every litre (around 3.3L/100km).

A quick tip on space: While the Aqua fits four adults comfortably, squeezing three people into the back seat is a bit of a tight fit. The boot is also on the smaller side, so it’s better suited for daily errands rather than big family road trips.

Toyota hybrids have a rock-solid reputation for reliability. If you stay on top of your regular servicing, these cars will keep going for years.

However, we need to be straight up with you: the Toyota Aqua is a popular target for car thieves, specifically because of its catalytic converter. To protect your investment, we recommend looking into a security solution, like a catalytic converter lock, and checking with your insurance provider about premiums before you commit to a purchase.

Regarding safety, most models hold their own. While early versions offer a solid suite of features (ABS, stability control, and seven airbags), the newer models are even better. Many include Toyota Safety Sense, which adds handy tech like auto-braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.

The Aqua market in New Zealand is huge. We see over 11,000 listings for these cars every year on Trade Me Motors, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

• The Price Tag: You can find early models for under $10,000, though these often come with higher odometer readings. If you want something newer with lower kms, you’ll be looking at a higher price point.

• The Stats: Currently, the median listing price for an Aqua on Trade Me Motors sits at $10,810.

• What to look for: The 2014 model is currently the most popular year we see on-site. When you're browsing listings, pay attention to the safety ratings and fuel economy scores, which often sit at a solid 4 or 5 stars.