A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4.3
Practicality
3.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Toyota C-HR is a striking compact SUV that brings distinctive coupe styling to the crossover market. This bold design choice sets it apart from conventional family SUVs, offering something genuinely different for buyers who want to stand out. Toyota has created a vehicle that prioritises style and efficiency over outright practicality, making it perfect for urban drivers and small families. The C-HR excels with its hybrid powertrain technology, delivering impressive fuel economy that puts it ahead of many rivals like the Nissan Juke or Renault Captur. Built on Toyota’s reputation for reliability, this crossover combines eye-catching looks with the dependable engineering the brand is known for. The interior feels modern and well-built, though rear passenger space is more limited than some competitors due to that sloping roofline. Whether you’re drawn to its unique styling or attracted by Toyota’s hybrid expertise, the C-HR offers a compelling alternative to more mainstream compact SUVs in today’s crowded market.
What's the Toyota C HR Like to Drive?
The Toyota C HR prioritises efficiency and reliability over outright performance, and that shows in its engine lineup. The entry level 1.2 litre turbo petrol produces around 116 horsepower, which feels adequate for most driving situations. It’s responsive around town and has enough punch for safe overtaking on A roads. The hybrid version, combining a 1.8 litre petrol engine with an electric motor, offers the best of both worlds with smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.8L Hybrid
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Power Output
116 - 122 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.2 - 11.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
45 - 57 mpg
- Boot Space
- 377 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Toyota C HR: Comfort & Features
Step inside the C HR and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels modern and well built. The dashboard design is clean and functional, dominated by a central touchscreen that handles most of the car’s infotainment functions. Materials feel solid throughout, with soft touch plastics on key contact points and decent build quality that should stand up to family life. The diamond pattern seat trim adds a nice design flourish that matches the car’s bold exterior character.
The Toyota C-HR is a striking design statement, blending coupe flair with crossover practicality. Its hybrid powertrain delivers smooth, efficient performance, ideal for urban driving. The cabin is comfortable and well-equipped, though space is limited for families. While the 1.2L turbo offers adequate punch, it lacks refinement. A bold choice for style-conscious drivers, but its practicality and performance fall short for those prioritizing versatility or sportier dynamics.
Is the Toyota C HR Expensive to Run?
The C HR shines when it comes to running costs, especially if you choose the hybrid version. Real world fuel economy regularly exceeds 50 MPG in mixed driving, with careful drivers achieving even better figures. This translates to genuine savings at the petrol pump compared to conventional SUVs. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected repair bills down the line.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Toyota C HR
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £25,000 | £24,500 | £26,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.2L Turbo 116hp | 1.3L DIG-T 140hp | 1.6L T-GDi 150hp |
| Power | 116 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 seconds | 9.9 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 50 mpg | 44 mpg | 42 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 377 litres | 430 litres | 439 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Distinctive styling, Hybrid option, Toyota reliability | Spacious interior, Proven practicality, Good value | Generous warranty, Premium feel, Strong equipment |
Toyota C HR Practicality & Boot Space
For a compact SUV, the C HR offers reasonable practicality with some notable compromises. The 377 litre boot is adequate for weekly shopping or holiday luggage, though it’s smaller than some conventional rivals. The rear seats split and fold to expand cargo space when needed, and there are useful storage compartments throughout the cabin for everyday items. The higher driving position makes loading easier on your back compared to a traditional hatchback.
Absolutely love my C HR. It looks fantastic and drives beautifully around town. The hybrid system is so smooth you barely notice it switching between petrol and electric. My only minor complaint is the rear visibility, but the styling more than makes up for it.
The Toyota C HR stands out in the competitive compact SUV market by offering genuinely distinctive styling backed by proven Toyota quality. It combines eye catching design, efficient hybrid technology, and engaging driving dynamics in a package that refuses to follow the usual SUV formula. While it may not offer the most space or the lowest price in its class, it excels in areas that matter for style conscious buyers who still want reliability.