2018 Toyota C-HR

“Considering the XLE is equipped more like the mid-level models of its competitors, we think the prices are competitive against the likes of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and especially the Kia Soul, which we think is the C-HR's most direct competitor.” – Kelley Blue Book

The 2018 Toyota C-HR comes in just two trim levels, XLE and XLE Premium. The 2018 C-HR starts at a price of $22,500 (MSRP) for the base trim while the XLE Premium takes a modest price bump, starting at $24,350. Though there are a lot of standard features on both the trims, stepping up to LE premium adds a few more luxury and safety features.

All C-HR trims feature the same four-cylinder engine, standard front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Though Toyota does not offer any stand-alone options, you can have a number of dealer-installed accessories, including a roof rack and cargo storage solutions.

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The base XLE trim is well-equipped and comes with standard features like a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated rearview camera. It has a standard 7-inch touch screen infotainment system and a standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) pre-collision system. Upgrade to XLE Premium if you want heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

“The CH-R's styling promises a lot of sport, but this small crossover only partly delivers. It's fun and nimble when going around turns, but the engine's 144 hp and CVT don't move the CH-R with any sense of urgency.” – Edmunds

2018 C-HR Engine and Transmission

All C-HR trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which puts out 144 horsepower, and 139 pound-feet of torque. This weak four-cylinder engine is matched to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

It's fine for daily commuting around the town but off-the-line or on the highway, it is slow to gain speed. Also, the continuously variable automatic transmission in the C-HR whines and drones under hard acceleration.

There is a delay before C-HR starts moving but once underway, acceleration is weak. This is the only drawback else this crossover is dynamically capable. Most of the C-HR rivals are similarly powered but Mazda CX-3 and Chevy Trax offer better acceleration, thanks to a decent torque rating.

2018 C-HR 0-60 mph Acceleration

The 2018 C-HR takes 10.6 seconds to reach 60 mph off the line. Even with your right foot planted, the crossover takes long before any forward motion. Among the rivals, it is one of the slowest vehicles.

Clearly, the 2018 Toyota CH-R is far slower than the closest rivals including Mazda CX-3. The Mazda's four-cylinder engine offers better torque ratings, which translates in ins quick around 8 seconds 0-60 mph time. Toyota's C-HR is another reason for its slow acceleration as it is tuned for efficiency.

2018 C-HR Ride,  Handling, and Braking

If there's a strong point about the C-HR's performance, it's the handling and rides quality. The 2018 C-HR drives in a sporty kind of way, as the steering feels direct and accurate. This front-wheel-drive crossover has well-weighted steering and corners with confidence. You will experience just a little body lean, though the ride remains comfortable throughout the conditions.

The C-HR is surprisingly fun to drive on a twisty road, even with a not very powerful engine. The small footprint of the Toyota makes it easy to maneuver into tight spaces. The CVT is fine, but it's relatively unremarkable. 

In the emergency braking test, the 2018 C-HR needed 119 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph, which is about average for cars in this class. In everyday driving, the brakes operate just as you'd expect. The impressive performance of the Trax can be attributed to the large brake rotor size - 11.8-inch compared to the 11.5-inch or smaller rotors of the competitors.

The 2018 C-HR returns EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. These figures are average for the subcompact class, with the more efficient examples like Honda HR-V which comes in at 31 mpg combined.

Even though the C-HR’s 2.0-liter engine isn’t that powerful, Toyota claims a drag coefficient of 0.34 and the hatchback is quite heavy for its size, at 3,300 pounds. We think these factors are the main culprits for its unimpressive fuel economy.

“Quality materials and nifty design details make the C-HR’s cabin impressive at first glance. It’s let down by cramped passenger space, a lack of features, and poor outward visibility.” – Car and Driver

2018 C-HR Seating and Comfort

The 2018 C-HR offers standard seating for five people in two rows. While the C-HR has a small footprint, it is larger inside. The front seats are comfortable with a lot of headroom and sufficient legroom for taller drivers and passengers. The rear-seat riders, in particular, enjoy cabin width, a comfortable upright seating position, and plenty of shoe room under front seats.

The interior is well-designed and uses good quality materials that exceed expectations for the price point. Though the rear windows are small and pillar thick, the outward visibility is hampered and creates blind spots. The rear seats feel cramped and small doors restrict ey entry and exit. The all-black interior offers lots of storage bins, compartments, and cup holders.

The interior has trapezoid details everywhere - Toyota calls them “diamond detailing” and they look kind of cool. The C-HR's interior is reasonably attractive thanks to a rather simple layout and good interior quality.

Standard Interior features:

• Cloth upholstery
• Six-way manually adjustable front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way manually-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support

2018 C-HR Infotainment System

For the starting price of $22,500, the 2018 C-HR comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, a USB port, a six-speaker stereo, voice recognition, and HD Radio.

Though the touchscreen graphics feel dated and most rivals including Honda offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay options. In the c-HR, most of the controls are within easy reach, however, those buttons are small and not clearly labeled.

2018 C-HR Cargo Capacity

The Toyota C-HR has 19 cubic feet of space behind the back seats, which expands to 36.4 cubic feet as you fold down those seats. The cargo capacity in the C-HR is typical for the class and most rivals offer much more space with seats folded.

For your personal items, there's an acceptable amount of storage spaces such as small door pockets, cupholders, and a center armrest bin. Again, Toyota has neglected the rear passengers as they just get miserly door pockets to stow their belongings in.

“Insect-like, angular, diamond-themed, or just plain weird, there's no shortage of opinion on the new C-HR exterior” – Kelley Blue Book

2018 C-HR Exterior Dimensions

The all-new Toyota C-HR's exterior design has been one of its most intriguing aspects. As per Toyota, the name C-HR stands for “Coupe, High Riding,” and claims to be a crossover but it is just a slightly bigger version of a hatchback. However, it is larger than it appears and is considerably wider and taller than the subcompact Yaris.

The C-HR’s shape includes a lot of curves and kicks. Its cat-eye lamps flow into fenders and the sills and side stampings give a deep skeletal shape into the side view. It features a sloping roofline like a coupe and the rear pillar meets it at the door handles. 

The 18-inch “vortex” wheels are equally distinctive and the large cantilevered spoilers add to the drama. The steeply raked rear glass almost gives it a coupe silhouette and the high, almost hidden rear door handle adds to the 2 door coupe feel. Those who find this all a bit too dull can get the R-Code paint scheme for a white roof and rearview mirror.

The NHTSA gave the 2018 Toyota C-HR a perfect overall safety rating of five stars. Also, the 2018 C-HR received the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS. All C-HR trims come with 10 airbags, a rearview camera, hill-start assist, and Toyota Safety Sense-P package. The TSS-P includes many standard advanced safety features, listed below:

• Rearview camera
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking

2018 Toyota CH-R vs 2018 Honda HRV

The 2018 Honda HR-V is one of the better choices if you are looking for a subcompact crossover. The HR-V has one of the most spacious cargo and offers a roomy rear seat which is adult-friendly even on longer trips.

The Honda HR-V delivers dynamic performance and has a nicer cabin than the C-HR. Where Toyota only offers the 2018 C-HR with FWD only, the HR-V is available with an all-wheel-drive. However, Toyota offers more advanced safety features standard across the lineup and boast better-predicted reliability ratings than the HR-V. Still, Honda HR-V is a better choice overall. 

2018 Toyota CH-R vs 2018 Mazda CX-3

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is an attractive crossover pick, thanks to its sophisticated look. On the other side of the spectrum is Toyota C-HR with its flashy look, though both have their own fan following. The CX-3 delivers an engaging drive and better 0-60 acceleration times than the Toyota C-HR. Again, Mazda offers an AWD option which goes missing in the Toyota, so is the available smartphone integration. 

The infotainment system in both the crossovers is finicky while the rear seats are cramped. Also, the CX-3 has better gas mileage on the highways than the C-HR. Toyota offers more standard safety features than any other class rival.

The C-HR is neither good nor bad, but a decent subcompact SUV. Some of its strengths include a long list of standard safety features and strong predicted reliability rating, but it has more to blame than credit. A weak engine and a shortage of passenger and cargo space don't give you much crossover "utility." It does everything but nothing stands out.