Toyota C-HR review

Is the Toyota C-HR any good?

The C-HR is a coupe-style SUV that looks every inch a fashionable contemporary piece of design, and certainly not like Toyota models of old. Its rivals are quite varied because it’s compact inside, but has premium aspirations in terms of look, feel and price.

We rate the best hybrid SUVs

That bold exterior is married to an interior with an interesting design and an outdated infotainment setup.

It’s clear a lot of engineering has gone into the mechanical parts that make it engaging to drive, and with two hybrid power options, the C-HR still falls in line with Toyota’s commitment to providing efficient engine options in its cars.

The C-HR is a good choice if you’re after a small SUV and value engineering over a fancy interior.

Read the Toyota C-HR verdict

What’s it like inside?

Swoopy is the best way to describe the interior of the C-HR – it’s very distinctive with a lot of different shapes and textures throughout. It’s certainly interesting, and is easier to use than you might expect based on how it looks. It’s also very well made with some pleasant materials used on key areas like the top of the dashboard, the door cards and armrests. It’s all very dark though, so you’ll have to like feeling cocooned if you want a C-HR.

That dark interior does also mean visibility isn’t great – especially over the shoulder with huge rear pillars and dark windows limiting the view out. Thankfully the C-HR comes with a lot of driver aids to help. The good news is that it’s very comfortable, with excellent seats that keep you comfy on long journeys.

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Read more on the Toyota C-HR interior

What’s it like to drive?

This largely depends on which engine you choose. There are two to pick from and they’re both hybrids.

The 1.8 is the bestseller and will suit most drivers’ needs, but the extra power of the 2.0 really shines in the C-HR. Its 184hp provides effortless performance, and remains smooth and responsive at all times. If you spend most of your time around town though, there’s no doubt that the less powerful 1.8 will be all that you need.

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The C-HR is really rather enjoyable to drive. It has been engineered in Europe for European tastes, and it impresses with a great blend of body control and accomplished ride. It doesn’t feel fidgety or too harsh, instead riding bumps impressively well without getting overwhelmed.

If you are a keener driver, the steering is nicely weighted and it feels agile in the corners. It’s a great balance. The loudness of the type of gearbox it uses will grate on many though.

Read more on how the Toyota C-HR drives

What models and trims are available?

There are four trim levels to choose from. Icon is the cheapest, but still comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Design adds 18-inch wheels (rather than the 17-inch ones on the Icon) and heated seats, while Excel comes with a different set of 18-inch wheels and added tech stuff, like a blind spot monitoring system.

GR Sport is the sportiest looking one. But it’s not a hot-hatch. It still comes with the same engine selection but adds 19-inch wheels, tinted headlights, and more GR Sport badges than are strictly necessary.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Toyota C-HR, including practicality and how much it costs to run.