Name: Toyota C-HR (2016 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Toyota C-HR
Rating: 67

Summary

The Toyota C-HR is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, 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. Referred to by Car as “an interesting alternative to all the usual suspects in the growing crossover segment”, the Toyota C-HR has received particular praise for its distinctive styling, driving dynamics and hybrid option.

That said, it has consistently been criticised for being somewhat compromised on space and visibility as a result of the swoopy styling. In addition, Top Gear is not all that enthused about the crossover’s infotainment, which it calls a “let down”, and Parkers says that the selection of engines available is pretty slim when compared to the options rival brands offer.

As of August 2023, it has an overall Expert Rating of 67% based on 30 reviews published by the UK media, which puts it in the middle of a very competitive field of rivals.

This model C-HR has now been discontinued and an all-new generation C-HR was revealed in summer 2023. It is expected to go on sale in the UK in late 2023 or early 2024.

More Toyota ratings, reviews, news and features

C-HR highlights

Efficient hybrid model
Distinctive styling
Comfortable cabin
Engaging to drive

C-HR lowlights

Only two engine options
Alternatives are more practical
Sluggish infotainment
Design means visibility suffers

Key specifications

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

Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replacement due: Winter 2023/24

Image gallery

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 automatic
Score: 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.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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 hybrid
Score: 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 manual
Score: 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 Hybrid
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 Edition
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 update
Score: 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 automatic
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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 automatic
Score: 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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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 review
Score: 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 Excel
Score: 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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre hybrid automatic Excel
Score: 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 overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Toyota C-HR handles well and looks quirky, but hybrid and infotainment systems let the package down.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 77%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 78%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.9 / 10

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.”

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Toyota C-HR to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the C-HR, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	55 mpg	B	53 – 59 mpg	A – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	115 g/km	A	109 – 120 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	18	A	15 – 22	A – A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£196	A
Year 2	£511	B
Year 3	£818	A
Year 4	£1,007	A
Year 5	£1,321	A
Overall	£3,853	A

The Toyota C-HR is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is very good according to the EU/UK government lab tests, but being a hybrid it will depend on how carefully you drive it to get maximum use out of the battery and electric motor.

Insurance and servicing costs are also excellent, with the C-HR being one of the cheapest new cars to live with overall.