Toyota C-HR - TopCarNews

Toyota C-HR (2016 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Toyota C-HR is a medium-sized SUV/crosover, which was launched onto the UK market in 2016 and quickly became one of the brand’s most popular models. A mildly updated model appeared in late 2019.

The C-HR has received broadly positive reviews from the UK motoring media when it was new to the market, although scores have fallen slightly over time. As of December, 2021 it has an overall Expert Rating of 69%, which still puts it in the top half of a very competitive field of rivals.

The Toyota C-HR has received particular praise for its distinctive styling, driving dynamics and hybrid option. However, it has been criticised for being somewhat compromised on space and visibility as as result of the swoopy styling.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, hybrid
Price: From £25,625 on-road

Launched: Summer 2016Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

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Toyota C-HR (2020)

Toyota C-HR (2016)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force“The Toyota C-HR is one of the more expensive cars in its class, but it makes up for it with low running costs. It’s easy to live with and boldly styled.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol hybrid automaticScore: 8.6 / 10“The Toyota C-HR scores highly for style, quality, equipment and road manners – but performance doesn’t quite live up to its swoopy looks.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The compact Toyota C-HR crossover offers daring design, hybrid drive and decent handling.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybridScore: 8 / 10“Available on all but the entry-level trim, this new 2.0-litre hybrid C-HR is worth the extra £1,640 over the 1.8, thanks to its better performance and on-road refinement.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manualScore: 8 / 10“It’s distinctive looks and high-quality cabin complement a surefooted and composed driving experience, while the punchy 1.2 turbo would be our choice over the efficient but flawed hybrid.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Toyota C-HR is an interesting, refreshing and genuinely good addition to the crossover class. The difference between ‘good’ and ‘very good’ for this car might have been a more rounded, big-selling engine.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 VVT-i HybridScore: 7 / 10“There’s an odd sense of amusement that comes from reminding yourself that the official name for the Toyota C-HR is the Coupé High-Rider.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota C-HR is an interesting, refreshing and genuinely good addition to the crossover class.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Orange EditionScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota C-HR remains an interesting alternative to all the usual suspects in the growing crossover segment. It looks good, has an interesting interior that’s well-made and packed with kit (even entry-level Icon models), it drives very well and is cheap to run.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Toyota has built a genuinely interesting and engaging vehicle here – and while the Qashqai will hardly be quaking in its boots, the C-HR is certainly a breath of fresh air in the rather staid family crossover segment.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2021 updateScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota C-HR is seriously well-equipped, great to drive and also very efficient.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid automaticScore: 8 / 10“The C-HR Hybrid is a solid effort all-round by Toyota, as it can offer excellent running costs, a practical layout and lots of equipment – in what is an over-crowded and incredibly competitive segment.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“The Toyota C-HR gives the small SUV class a boost thanks to its fresh styling and the choice of a hybrid.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Toyota C-HR is a stylish family car with the option of two cheap-to-run hybrid engines. It’s not quite as practical as plenty of other less eye-catching SUVs, though.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid GR Sport“If you’re sold on the looks and motorsport link, go ahead, but this Toyota C-HR costs over £31k. We think the sweet spot lies further down the range.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre hybrid automatic Excel“The Toyota C-HR is better than ever, both to drive and to live with. The fact that the numbers stack up is the cherry on top.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Excel“Not the cheapest or most practical, but the Toyota C-HR is good to drive and looks great.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Lacks the performance to do justice to a capable chassis, but there’s still plenty to like about the C-HR”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol hybrid automaticScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota C-HR is essentially a good car to drive, and better than most other recent Toyota models.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Hybrid“Now solely a self-charging hybrid in the UK, it comes with two grades of drivetrain, both involving petrol engines.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“There’s not much wrong with the Toyota C-HR. The bold styling might not be everyone’s cup of tea and the lack of a diesel engine will reduce the appeal for high mileage drivers. But the generous standard equipment, strong build quality and excellent road manners make up for any shortcomings.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid automatic“The verdict is for town work, suburbs, and motorway journeys, get the C-HR hybrid. For fun, get the 1.2 manual.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9.2 / 10“Toyota’s stylish challenger brings coupe flavour to crossover segment”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol hybrid automatic“The Toyota C-HR is a tech-savvy, good-value town car — small but also clever.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid ExcelScore: 8 / 10“These upgrades might at first glance look like little more than a mid-life primp. But there’s more to it than that; the new engine and suspension setup have improved the Toyota C-HR considerably, boosting not only its power and performance, but also its comfort, handling and efficiency.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre hybrid automatic ExcelScore: 6 / 10“A little underwhelming in this form – go for the 1.2 to fulfil the Toyota C-HR’s full potential – but still a refreshing alternative to the SUV norm, and one that makes you feel good whether you’re looking at it or sitting in it.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Toyota C-HR handles well and looks quirky, but hybrid and infotainment systems let the package down.”
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What Car?

Score: 6 / 10“Comfortable, fun, generously equipped and the hybrid version makes lots of sense for company car drivers.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Hybrid range“The Toyota C-HR is an edgy-looking SUV aimed at style-driven buyers. It’s got a lot going for it; it’s enjoyable to drive, well equipped, safe and economical. However, it suffers from limited practicality and a noisy cabin at speed.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol“The Toyota C-HR is an edgy-looking SUV that’s very definitely aimed at style-driven buyers.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2017

95%

ADULT OCCUPANT

77%

CHILD OCCUPANT

76%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

78%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic
Date tested: November 2020

6 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

6.9 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

The rating above only applies to the 1.8-litre hybrid automatic variant of the Toyota C-HR. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.

Green NCAP, on publishing the results of this 2020 test, commented, “Fuel efficiency in the standard lab tests is very good and pollutant emissions are well controlled. The lack of a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) is regrettable as this would improve its performance even more. Green NCAP is informed that, from the end of 2020, a GPF is fitted to the C-HR. As tested, the C-HR delivers good, balanced scoring in all areas of assessment and the car emerges with a creditable 3½ star rating.”

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota C-HR has received

2020

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover

2019

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for City Drivers

2017

Carbuyer Awards – Best Hybrid SUV

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