Review: Toyota C-HR
By Motor Match • 10/05/2023
In the competitive compact SUV crossover market, let's see what makes the Toyota C-HR stand-out!
What is it?
You can’t get away from the rise of the crossover with the car-buying public. These compact yet chunky models tick a lot of boxes, with decent levels of space and a confidence-inspiring raised driving position often putting them ahead of traditional hatchbacks in terms of preference for many drivers.
A little extra efficiency goes a long way, too, which is why Toyota - a real backer of hybrid technology - has brought electrification to the compact crossover segment with the C-HR. We’ve been finding out what it’s like.
What’s new?
A recent update to the C-HR brought some sharper design tweaks and a serious upgrade to its infotainment system, adding useful features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, an aspect at the core of the C-HR - its nimble low-speed ride - has remained unchanged, since it was already a star attraction for this car.
Plus, Toyota has retained its clever ‘self-charging’ technology for the C-HR, meaning that you can’t plug this hybrid into the socket.
What’s under the bonnet?
Toyota has upgraded the 1.8-litre engine available in the older C-HR to a new 2.0-litre unit, bringing 184bhp from the combination of petrol and electric power. All that drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission, too.
You’ll manage 0-60mph in eight seconds, too, while the C-HR will top out at 112mph. Plus, Toyota claims that you could see up to 54.3mpg, while CO2 emissions are impressively low at just 92g/km - they’re under that magical 100g/km marker.
What’s it like to drive?
Thanks to its electrified powertrain, the C-HR will conduct low-speed driving in EV-only mode. That’s mostly for aspects such as parking or positioning the vehicle; the C-HR can travel at higher speeds on electric power alone. However, the 2.0-litre provides more than enough power when you’re moving along at those greater speeds.
Around town is where the C-HR really shines, with nice light steering and boxy proportions helping you to navigate traffic or roundabouts easily. Quite a level setup means that the C-HR feels nice and planted through quicker corners, too.
How does it look?
The C-HR brings some of the most distinctive styling in the segment, with a very ‘futuristic’ flavour applied to the exterior. It means that if you’re after a head-turning car, the C-HR could fit the bill. Against the previous version, you’ll find some subtle tweaks to the front and rear bumpers and some new alloy wheel designs.
Plus, there’s now LED technology in both front and rear lights, which means that the C-HR not only looks a little more space-age than before but it also delivers greater illumination at night.
What’s it like inside?
Toyota has kitted the C-HR’s cabin out with plenty of soft-touch materials which help to give a premium overall feeling, while the build quality is on-par with what you’d expect from the brand and this aids an overall ‘built to last’ feeling.
Plus, despite its relatively compact dimensions, the C-HR can deliver up to 377 litres of boot space which means that’s got a decent level of practicality to offer as well.
What’s the spec like?
The C-HR gains a revised infotainment setup which will come as a big benefit to tech-loving drivers. As mentioned, you’ve got more smartphone mirroring options and it’s all relayed via an easily-controlled central screen. As standard, all cars get 17-inch alloy wheels alongside a reversing camera, dual climate control and those LED headlights, so there’s plenty of kit available from the off.
You can add plenty of options should you want to, mind. Highlights include heated front seats, keyless entry and start and an upgraded JBL sound system.
Verdict
This latest generation of C-HR has definitely finessed the recipe. There’s still the same great driving experience and good efficiency as before, but the small tweaks that have been made really make an impact.
It allows the C-HR to remain competitive in a very busy segment, too, and this means it’s still a crossover well worth considering.
You may also like…