The facelifted Toyota C-HR appears to be an excellent company to drive, reasonably practical, and well-equipped in a crowded small SUV market. The pre-facelifted C-HR won the 2019 Auto Trader Awards’ Best Car for City Drivers category.
Toyota C-HR operating costs
The Toyota C-purchase HR’s price can start to appear excessive compared to other non-hybrid competitors, such as Skoda’s Karoq, now that it is only offered in the hybrid version. However, the tale is more complicated than that. Taxes on company cars will decrease due to Toyota’s reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Over several years, its high fuel efficiency will also save money, which most drivers should be able to handle. Additionally, the C-H R has excellent resale values and affordable servicing, maintenance, and repair costs. It is very challenging to locate many competitors with comparable features who would ultimately be less expensive for a vehicle of this size.
Toyota C-HR reliability
Although JD Power’s 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study slightly decreased Toyota’s overall score below the industry average, the business has a long history of being incredibly reliable. Since other studies have proven remarkable dependability, we hope this is a brief snapshot. Toyota provides an outstanding five-year, 100,000-mile guarantee if anything goes wrong with the C-HR.
Safety of the Toyota C-HR
All Toyota C-HR models are equipped with Toyota’s “Safety Sense” suite of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, automated emergency braking, and lane departure warning (which displays banner information route on the dashboard).
All automobiles have driver’s knee, front, side, and curtain airbags. The outboard rear seats have two Isofix child seat attachment ports. The design model does not come standard with the blind Spot Monitor or Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which alerts you to incoming traffic when reversing out of a parking space. These features are only available as options on the Icon.
Comfort and interior Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-interior HR is identical to the outgoing model, which debuted in 2016. Some of the plastic components have been improved, and although some of the plastics on the door switches look a bit brittle and cheap, the car is still well-built. Very safe overall. The infotainment system is controlled by a touchscreen control that dominates the instrument panel, maintaining the striking, contemporary feel of the design.
Although we still found it challenging to navigate and slow to respond, this is an improvement over previous versions. The most significant difference is the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard on all models. Instead of the entire Toyota system, you can use your smartphone to run entertainment, satellite navigation, etc. The steering wheel could also use a little more adjustment in and out, but the seats are still comfortable.
In addition, visibility is somewhat restricted due to the massive rear pillars hampered by the car’s striking exterior. It completely blacks out the rear seats, blocking children’s view. The room is adequate, however, with room for three but two tall adults to sit comfortably.
The trunk has a high lip for storing luggage, although it is small – only 377 litres – compared to competitors such as the Skoda Karoq, Nissan Qashqai, or Peugeot 3008. Although the rear seats can be folded flat, the floor has a large notch. The Toyota C-HR is fantastic on the go. Comfort and control have been carefully balanced, so irregularities in the road surface are smoothed out nicely, yet the car still feels stable and can navigate curves.
The steering of the new 2.0-litre model has been improved, and it still has a crisp feel that at least provides the driving experience with feeling. At the 2019 Auto Trader New Car Awards, the C-HR won Best City Car.
Here, we will talk about the features of the Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR has four trim levels; each one is well-equipped as a standard. Although it lacks access to the different linked services, the base-level code has the same infotainment system as the rest of the range. Later, more on those. There are also 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, and LED daytime running lights.
The outside 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, heated seats, and connected services in the infotainment system are included with the trim upgrade. This mobile app-based remote access to the car’s various components allows you to perform tasks like checking the fuel level or locking or unlocking the vehicle.
You can use the Hybrid Training Facility as well. This uses data the car has stored about how you drive (steering inputs, accelerator pedal use, etc.) and can provide advice on improving your driving style to be more effective and reduce fuel costs. Excel and Dynamic Forms represent the top of the line.
The Excel has updated LED headlights, upgraded LED fog lights, and leather seats, focusing more on equipment. It also contains the Tech Pack, a choice on the Icon. This includes several security features, automatic wipers, and door mirrors with puddle lights. The Dynamic variant, more concerned with appearance, has a black roof, metallic paint, and a two-tone colour scheme.
As for the durability and strength of the Toyota C-HR
The 1.2-litre gasoline engine from the original Toyota C-HR has been replaced with an all-hybrid drivetrain, and the vehicle no longer has a diesel engine. This means you can select the 2.0-litre hybrid engine, newer and more potent than the 1.8-litre engine the C-HR has utilized since its introduction. Since the modification, we haven’t driven 1.8.
But because nothing has changed mechanically, we know it is probably not the best choice. Even when driving lightly, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which functions similarly to an automatic gearbox, sends the engine spinning everywhere. For instance, if you maintain a constant speed of 70 mph on the interstate, the drone coming from beneath the hood will change in volume and pitch every few seconds. Additionally, the performance feels strained at all times.
Even more striking is the brand-new 2.0-litre hybrid powerplant. It is significantly more refined and has far greater acceleration with 184 horsepower. Because it sends revs high and picks up when you put your foot down rather than developing gradually, a CVT doesn’t give the same sensation of speed as a standard automatic or manual gearbox. Still, you can’t argue with the speedometer. Since both versions are traditional hybrids, you cannot recharge them by plugging them into an electrical outlet.
However, they do a commendable job of recharging the battery using energy recovered from braking and cruising while distributing the electricity to minimize the strain on the gasoline engine. If you have a good battery, you can only switch to the electric mode by pressing the EV button. The C-HR only has front-wheel drive due to the withdrawal of the previous 1.2, which may be a problem if you require more traction.
Pros
- Sporty handling makes zipping through corners enjoyable.
- Several features are included as standard, including safety technology.
- Its swoopy style makes it stand out.
Cons
- Unlike most competitors, it does not have all-wheel drive.
- Acceleration is sluggish even in this slow class.
- The interior is filled with traffic and engine noise.
- Even for its tiny category, cargo room is limited.
What’s new
- The Basic LE trim level has been phased out.
- The first C-HR generation was launched in 2018.
What did the experts say about it in detail?
The Toyota C-HR is a compact crossover, or ultra-small SUV, designed to combine the driving experience of a sedan with the elevated seating position of an SUV. It features a coupe-like sloping roofline to accentuate its attractive appearance and is available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. Many vehicles in this style do an excellent job of providing easy accessibility with fuel economy at an affordable price. Unfortunately, the C-HR isn’t one of our favourites.
The Toyota C-HR debuted in 2018. New styling and standard features have been added for the 2020 model year. However, these revisions weren’t enough to propel the C-HR to the top spot in our rankings of the small SUVs you can buy. The C-HR is effectively limited by its underpowered engine, noisy interior, and lack of cargo capacity. It also does not offer all-wheel drive as an option.
We don’t expect Toyota to drastically alter the 2022 C-HR so that it differs from other small SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Volkswagen Taos.
Expert Review of the Toyota C-HR
performance
How does the C-HR drive? It’s hard to recommend a slow car like the Toyota C-HR. Its four-cylinder engine can’t muster enough power to power the C-HR at any capacity. At the Edmunds test track, Khabar recorded a 0-60 mph time of 10.6 seconds. That’s slower than other small crossovers and hatchbacks. It’s slower than the Toyota Prius.
But the C-HR has its place in other categories. The brake pedal is easy to modulate, so it’s easy to come off smoothly, and the steering is easy to turn at low speeds and precise in sporty situations. The C-HR is also reasonably amusing to drive on a twisty road, even if the tires have a distinct lack of grip.
comfort
How comfortable is the C-HR? The C-HR’s seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and the suspension smooths out most bumps on the road. A cabin is fun whether you are a driver or a passenger.
However, the C-HR is not designed for less-than-ideal conditions. Testing experts noted that large patches of rough pavement can easily disturb ride quality and create a lot of noise in the cabin. It is not well insulated from outside noise, and any wind gusts more robust than a light breeze are very noisy indoors.
internal
How is the inside? Getting in and out of the C-HR is easy, thanks to the high seating position. There is also plenty of headroom up front. The rear seats have enough room to keep average adults comfortable, but the thick rear roof pillars might make them slightly claustrophobic.
The C-HR’s straightforward control layout is attractive, and the main controls are easy to operate for the most part. However, more advanced features, like adaptive cruise control, are more challenging. It’s straightforward to see the front of the C-HR, but those thick rear roof pillars block your view behind.
technology
How’s the technology? The C-HR has an 8-inch touch screen that is easy to read and operate through menus. It connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via smartphones, and an efficient navigation system is available. The sound system delivers decent clarity, but the sound quality, especially for songs with thumping bass, deteriorates quickly when the volume gets too high.
We’re impressed with the driver safety aids included in the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, which are standard on all C-HR models. Lane Keeping Alert can be overly overzealous in its warnings when driving on a twisty road, but is otherwise helpful. Adaptive cruise control is very good at reducing driver fatigue in heavy traffic and can bring the vehicle to a smooth stop.
storage
How is the storage? Storage space is tight inside the C-HR. The rear trunk space is about 19 cubic feet for the class. You can fold down the rear seats to access 37 cubic feet of capacity, but that’s a low number compared to competitors. There is enough space for small things up front, although the centre console is only average in size. The cup holders are on the small side and awkwardly positioned.
Are you planning to put the kids in the back? The car seat anchors are well placed, but there is little room to install a rear-facing child safety seat without moving the front seats forward. Overall, the C-HR is compromised by its odd shape and size, and Toyota hasn’t brought any of its trademark clever storage solutions to the table.
fuel economy
How is the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 29 mpg combined (27 city/31 highway), about average for the class. We found the rating accurate and even topped it with an average of 33.9 mpg on our 115-mile Hybrid Driving Rating road.
value
Is the C-HR a good value? The C-HR delivers durable build quality and class-leading materials. We also like the amount of standard safety equipment Toyota includes and the two years of free scheduled maintenance. But the C-HR isn’t as affordable as some value-minded competitors.
allowance
Distinctive design alone earns Toyota points for guts. Most people fall into two categories: love or hate the C-HR’s design. Those who like it will find the rest of the car brimming with personality, from the sweeping dashboard lines to the dramatic trapezoidal designs pressed into the roof. But almost everyone will find that a lack of power can spoil the driving experience.
Which C-HR would you recommend?
Experts suggest using the mid-level XLE model. Compared to the base LE, you can get keyless entry, blind spot monitoring, and larger alloy wheels for very little money.
Toyota C-HR models
The 2022 Toyota C-HR has three trim levels: XLE, Nightshade, and Limited. All C-HR engines are powered by a four-cylinder engine that produces 144 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. Unlike other small SUVs, all-wheel drive is unavailable on the C-HR. Notable features include:
XLE
Starts with:
- LED headlights
- 18-inch steel wheels
- Proximity to keyless entry and push-button ignition
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- 8-inch touch screen
The C-HR also includes a suite of sophisticated driving aids, which include:
- Forward collision avoidance (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in specific scenarios)
- Assist with lane maintenance (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and makes minor steering corrections to help keep the car centred in its lane)
- High beams that turn on automatically
- Cruise control with adaptive settings (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Recognizing road signs
- Rear cross-traffic warning with blind-spot monitoring (warns you if a car is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Nightshade
Features on the Nightshade trim mirror those on the XLE. Consider this an appearance package. Changes include:
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black chin spoiler and badges
- Available two-tone paint with a black roof
- Black interior trim
Limited
The top-tier Limited trim builds off the XLE with:
- Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
- Unique 18-inch wheels
- Available two-tone paint
- Chrome and piano black exterior trim
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
