Toyota C-HR review (2017-2023)
What started out as a concept car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show has become one of the most distinctive small SUVs on the road today. Toyota has added all the bells and whistles needed to make sure that the C-HR catches the eye of anyone looking for this class of car. Read our full Toyota C-HR review below.
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Pros
- Very efficient
- Pleasant to drive
- Impressive styling
Cons
- Lacks boot space
- Divisive CVT gearbox
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
Driving position
If the exterior styling of the C-HR is modern, then the interior is futuristic.
Perched in the driver’s seat, the angled instrument panel gives the impression of being cocooned in a spaceship.
The many shapes and textures that surround you make it feel like an exciting place to be.
The diamond shape is a recurring theme in the Toyota's interior, from the four-part button clusters to the detailing on the door panels.
Tech and features
In a move that many other makers would do well to follow, the large eight-inch infotainment screen is placed high enough up to be in the driver’s eye-line.
The fact that Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity come as standard is another big plus.
Although there’s plenty of room in the front, the coupé-style roof means headroom isn’t great in the rear and there’s only really space for a couple to sit comfortably.
The small and high windows also make the back of the car quite dark - some say a little claustrophobic.
It also means that rear visibility isn’t great, so it’s a good job that all trim versions come with parking sensors and a reversing camera (perfect if you need to reverse into the smallest space in the car park).
All models also feature climate and adaptive cruise control, automatic lights and wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Handling and ride comfort
Toyota did a lot of testing in European conditions to get the handling on the C-HR just right – and it shows.
The suspension feels like it’s been tailormade for the twists, turns and bumps of our roads and the steering’s light, but not too light.
Crossovers like this tend to roll round corners –that’s something else that Toyota seem to have got well under control.
Engines and power
The range of engines all give the car a sporty feel – especially when you choose the Sport mode from its three driving modes, which also include Normal and Eco.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
Boot space
There has to be some downside to the neat styling and dramatic looks of the car – this comes out in the amount of boot space you can look forward to. It’s more like a supermini than an SUV.
Even with the 60/40 seats folded down it doesn’t create a completely flat space and the boot lip is also quite high.
For any trips that involve more than a weekly shop, it might be best to ask a friend with a car like SEAT Ateca or a Nissan Qashqai to give you a lift instead.
Storage solutions
Inside, there’s a good lot of room in the glove box and two cupholders in the front.
The door pockets are surprisingly shallow and not that useful.
Running costs
Our rating: 9/10
Fuel economy
In the latest version of the C-HR, all the petrol engines are hybrids, which means you’ll be showing off your green credentials and saving money on running costs.
The 1.8-litre VVT-I gives you within a whisker of 59 mpg and the bigger, more powerful, two-litre version averages out at 54.3 mpg.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
9/10
You’re not just getting a great-looking small SUV, you’re also getting one that comes packed with plenty of features as standard and which has taken Japanese know-how and tailored it perfectly for UK roads.
What’s not to like about that?
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