Why buy the Toyota C-HR?
If you want a car that really stands out from the crowd, the Toyota C-HR could be right up your street. But there’s more to this sharp-looking SUV than style. It’s comfortable, well-equipped, lovely to drive and very efficient, particularly with hybrid power.
Toyota C-HR range and updates
The C-HR was first sold in the UK in 2017, introduced as a brand-new model. It was the smallest Toyota SUV at the time, slotting into the range below the mid-size RAV4. The car was updated in 2019 with some new styling details, updated tech and new trim levels.
Those trim levels include the entry-point Icon, the plush Excel and the sporty GR Sport, all of which are well-equipped with standard features. Each one is distinguished from the others by the design of its alloy wheels.
You can choose between petrol and hybrid power in the C-HR. The 1.2 Turbo petrol engine gives nippy acceleration with good fuel economy. Some models have an automatic gearbox and even four-wheel drive.
There are two variations on hybrid power, with petrol engines of 1.8 or 2.0 litres. The 1.8-litre Hybrid is by far the most popular choice in the C-HR because it gives good acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The 2.0-litre Hybrid has a lot more power and still gives you very good economy, but it costs quite a lot more to buy. Both hybrids have an automatic gearbox.
And in case you’re wondering, C-HR stands for compact high-rider.
Toyota C-HR tech and features
Standard features fitted to all C-HR trim levels include a touchscreen infotainment system, DAB radio, Bluetooth, dual-zone air con, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. When the car was updated in 2019, a new infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was added to all trim levels.
Other C-HR trim levels like the Dynamic and Excel also have sat nav, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry. The top-of-the-range GR Sport is marked out by bigger 19-inch wheels, gloss-black styling details, dark-tinted headlight covers and tinted back windows.
Toyota C-HR running costs and value
Running costs for the C-HR are pretty low. According to official figures, the 1.2-litre Turbo petrol engine can give you an average fuel economy of around 40mpg, and both hybrids can give you at least 50mpg. Some models of the 1.8-litre Hybrid can give you more than 70mpg. Exactly what fuel economy a given C-HR can do depends on which model it is and what size its wheels are, which has a surprisingly big effect on fuel-efficiency.
Carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) are low, so your annual car tax won’t break the bank. Neither will insurance or servicing costs.
Toyota C-HR vs rivals
Several other SUVs are similar in size to the C-HR. You might also want to consider the Nissan Qashqai, the Volkswagen T-Roc and the Mazda CX-30. The Nissan is very practical, the Volkswagen has a lovely premium feel and the Mazda is good fun to drive. But there’s a lot to like about the Toyota, not least its distinctive style and hybrid efficiency.
