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Compact High Rider: 2018 Toyota C-HR

February 28, 2017 by admin 9 Comments

Previewing Toyota’s latest model.

2018 Toyota C-HR.
2018 Toyota C-HR.

As of this writing, I’m in Austin, Texas, putting on the finishing touches to your review of the 2018 Toyota C-HR. This all-new model rolls into US showrooms in April and will slot just below the RAV4 in Toyota’s SUV product line.

But I can’t tell you everything I know about this vehicle, at least not until March 8, 2017. That’s the date when embargoed information about the C-HR’s driving impressions, pricing, and fuel economy is lifted. So, please check back here then for the complete scoop.

2018 Toyota C-HR.

2018 Toyota C-HR

What I can tell you is that the Toyota C-HR is something completely different from what we’ve seen for this brand. Originally conceived as a Scion product, the automaker transitioned this vehicle to the Toyota brand once it decided to cancel Scion. I can also tell you is that the same pricing philosophy espoused by Scion is on display here and builds on other Scion-to-Toyota models, including the Yaris iA, Corolla iM, and the Toyota 86.

Toyota says that “C-HR” stands for Coupe High-Rider. What you have is a coupe-like design married to a high profile. This means you sit up high while driving. Naturally, you don’t enjoy the same driving characteristics of a low-slung coupe. At the same time, there is an advantage that I’ll make known when my full review is published.

The C-HR is built on an all-new global platform. It is actually a “C segment” model like the RAV4, but it is slightly smaller. It takes aim at the B segment or subcompact SUVs, including the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X, and others. Add the Kia Soul to this mix.

2018 Toyota C-HR

Front-Wheel Drive Only

Unlike its competitors, the Toyota C-HR is front-wheel drive only. This may put the vehicle at a disadvantage, especially for people who want the added security of all-wheel drive. My thinking, however, is that this SUV will appeal to a group of consumers who are looking for something else, namely fun-to-drive characteristics, something the C-HR has.

All models are powered by an new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. No six-speed manual gearbox is available. At least not in North America. Europe will see the manual and drivers there will enjoy throttle blips for rev-matched downshifting. In my opinion, this feature will eventually arrive in US-spec models. It just has to!

There are a few other things I can tell you about the CH-R.

First, it seats five. The front bucket seats are generously bolstered, offering very good support to your hips and back.

Second, the rear 60-40 seat holds three, but two is ideal. Even then, cabin room is skewed toward the front occupants, therefore this vehicle is ideal for two. That said, if you must sit in the back, headroom is not an issue — I’m nearly 6-feet tall and there was room to spare.

2018 Toyota CH-R

Third, the rear storage space is fairly sizable. Fold down the rear seat and two people have enough room to carry a week’s worth of luggage with them.

Fourth, if you like color schemes the C-HR won’t disappoint you. In addition to such standard colors as black, white, red, and blue, there are three two-tone colors available — this means that the roofs are white and the body is another color, such as green or blue. It looks great and reminds me of a similar paint scheme found on the FJ Cruiser.

Fifth, there is a distinct diamond theme running through the C-HR. Look closely and you can see it on the exterior. Inside, the diamonds are on the door panels, the headliner, and in other places you might not expect it. We found it a cool way to showcase this vehicle.

2018 Toyota C-HR.

Stay Tuned!

So, to wrap up for now I’ve included a bunch of photos to whet your appetite. Come the second Wednesday of March, I’ll fill in the details about this sporty, new model.


2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR. 2018 Toyota C-HR.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2018 cars, compact SUV, crossover, CVT, front-wheel drive, SUV, Toyota C-HR, Toyota RAV4

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Full Disclosure: 2018 Toyota C-HR says:
    March 8, 2017 at 7:12 am

    […] has to do with the C-HR’s driving impressions. I was eager to share this information with you last week, but was unable to do […]

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  2. Turbo Crossover: 2017 Kia Soul — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    May 19, 2017 at 5:31 am

    […] vehicles, including the Nissan Cube and the Scion xB. Its nearest competitor may be the all-new Toyota C-HR, another front-wheel drive only vehicle. Otherwise, cross-shop this model with the Honda HR-V, Fiat […]

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  3. Behind the Wheel of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    December 22, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    […] the Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3, Chevrolet Trax, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Toyota CH-R, Fiat 500X and new models on the way from Ford and Nissan. You can also include the Nissan Rogue […]

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  4. Toyota C-HR: Coupe Meets Crossover — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    April 26, 2018 at 7:15 am

    […] for the Toyota C-HR, there are a few things we’d like to see going […]

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  5. Merry Hamsters and the All-New 2020 Kia Soul says:
    April 26, 2019 at 5:15 am

    […] all of its own. Its nearest rivals are a pair of front-wheel-drive-only small crossovers — the Toyota C-HR and the Nissan Kicks. All three appeal to first-time buyers who place an emphasis on style, […]

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  6. Diminutive SUV: Hyundai Venue — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    October 23, 2019 at 9:59 am

    […] the Venue is front-wheel-drive only. That’s the same arrangement two competitors take: the Toyota CH-R and the Nissan […]

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  7. Highlights of the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    November 4, 2019 at 9:16 am

    […] If style, features, and utility are important to you, then the Rogue Sport holds its own with the best. Other models to consider include the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and the Toyota CH-R. […]

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  8. Compact Crossover: Chevrolet Equinox — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    February 14, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    […] offered include the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Toyota CH-R and RAV4, Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, Nissan Rogue Sport and Rogue, GMC Terrain, and the Honda […]

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  9. The Compact Jeep Compass Crossover Offers Off-Road Prowess — Auto Trends Magazine says:
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    […] offered include the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Toyota CH-R and RAV4, Dodge Journey, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue Sport and Rogue, Subaru Forester, GMC […]

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