Toyota C-HR Archives — Auto Trends Magazine

Toyota’s C-HR delivers the goods to the subcompact crossover segment.

2018 Toyota C-HR — Diamonds influence the design of the all-new Toyota C-HR.

Take a coupe and blend it with a crossover and out comes the Toyota C-HR. Well, not exactly. Toyota’s newest model is definitely a crossover, but with coupe-like elements. It is a styling direction advanced previously by Nissan in the Juke, so we know that there is interest there.

Indeed, customer interest is quite strong as this model averaged more than 3,000 units sold per month beginning last June and topped 5,200 units in March. This 2018 model went on sale in April last year and will have about 18 months of sales before the 2019 model arrives late this summer.

2018 Toyota C-HR Overview

Toyota offers the 2018 C-HR in two trims: XLE ($22,500) and XLE Premium ($24,350). Originally planned as a Scion model before Toyota deep-sixed the brand, the C-HR offers a nod to the mono-spec pricing of Scion, while delivering some content differentiation. Prices here do not include the $995 destination charge.

Exterior Overview

Say it with diamonds. Or at least design it that way. From the shape of the headlamps to the various side body panels, the purposeful diamond inspiration is present. Further, it continues to the rear fascia with its protruding tail lamps and diffuser trim.

Up front, the 2018 C-HR has a distinctive and contemporary Toyota face, but with even wider headlamps. Below that a narrow lip splits the upper and lower grille with deep sculpting at the corners. The flared wheel wells give this model a muscular appearance.

Cast your eyes along the sides and you may think you are looking at a coupe, but Toyota locates the rear door handles at the rear roof pillar where it meets the body. You are forgiven if you miss this — my younger son attempted to enter the rear compartment by means of the front door, thinking the passenger seat slides forward. It does not.

The roofline flows downward to the rear, itself marked by a haunch-like layout. Some may find the design busy, likewise others may consider it wholly attractive. And if that is not enough, the optional contrasting white roof delivers its own set of style élan matched by white side mirror caps.

Standard features include projector-beam halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch sport alloy wheels and body trim — rear lower diffuser with back rear and lip spoiler, vortex generators, underbody panels and front and rear wheel spats. The XLE Premium adds integrated fog lights, a touch sensitive liftgate and power side mirrors.

Interior Overview

On paper, the Toyota C-HR seats five, but four is a better choice. Three adults sitting side by side in the back would find the space extremely tight. The front seats are supportive…if you are young. There just is not enough hip and leg support to please a mature man such as myself. Happily, the seat has power lumbar support and a heating element. I needed both while taking one long drive to sooth my lower parts.

2018 Toyota C-HR But there are some good things about this crossover’s interior, including a clean, layered and stitched dashboard design marked by an instrument panel hood and a center console topped by a color display rising from the dashboard. Moreover, the diamond theme advanced across the exterior carries over to the interior where door panels and the headliner express that particular motif. The look is unique, if not playful, likely to spark interest for youthful drivers.

The rear bench seat is a one-piece design and this means it lacks a center armrest. The standard storage space measures just 19 cubic feet, expandable to 36.4 cubic feet with the seat folded. That is noticeably less than the Honda HR-V ( 23.2/55.9 cubic feet), but ahead of the standard 12.4 cubic feet in the Mazda CX-3, yet behind the 44.5 cubic feet with the seat folded.

Standard features include keyless entry, power windows, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, fabric-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a cargo area cover. The XLE Premium builds on this by supplying push-button start, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats and dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors.

Performance Matters

If you are looking for a high-performance small crossover, the C-HR is not it. Then again, performance typically is not a characteristic of this segment. Nor even for the compact segment above it.

2018 Toyota C-HR What you get here is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Modest power at best, but it is no slouch either. Toyota pairs this engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and that means under full throttle you will hear the engine strain as the transmission sends power to the wheels.

Step-off acceleration is certainly up to the task. Its relatively lightweight frame ($3,300) helps. Up hill, down dale and the C-HR seems at home. Steering is light to the touch and handling is sharp. You are still dealing with a high-profile vehicle, therefore the body rolls are noticeable on tight turns.

As for fuel economy, expect a return in the high 20s mpg. This is not bad for the segment, but then it is about 10 mpg less than the similar-sized Corolla. Think about this for a moment. When gas prices are cheap, as in below $2 per gallon, this is not much of an issue. But gas prices are on the rise and will likely top $3 per gallon this summer.

Technology and Safety Highlights

Toyota supplies a straightforward audio system with the 2018 C-HR. This six-speaker system does not offer satellite radio, but it does include Aha with access to more than 100,000 radio stations. Bluetooth wireless technology, two USB ports, an auxiliary audio jack and a 7-inch color display are also included.

2018 Toyota C-HR Do you want navigation? Sorry, it is not included. Not even Scout GPS Link, an app that Toyota usually relies on to supply directions is also absent. Without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone compatibility, drivers must rely on their smartphones directly to supply directions.

On the safety front, the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of driver-assist technologies includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams and full-speed radar cruise control. Also included is blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Parting Thoughts: Toyota C-HR

The C-HR takes an approach to the segment unlike most of its competitors. Sure, the upcoming Nissan Kicks (replacement for the Juke) will take a familiar front-wheel drive-only approach and likely deliver its ow take on a car-like drive.

As for the Toyota C-HR, there are a few things we’d like to see going forward.

First, more power.

The engine is fine, but fine is not a standard we like. I cannot mention the performance numbers for the still-under-embargo 2019 Toyota Corolla
Hatchback, but I can assure you it delivers a noticeable performance edge over the C-HR with the same engine. Matching the Corolla’s performance numbers is an easily attainable goal. Besting it by rolling out a turbo version would be awesome.

Second, let’s offer a manual.

Yes, I know: manual transmission take rates are abysmally low in the US. Some manufacturers have abandoned them, while others restrict manuals to their weakest or base model. Offering a manual would liven the segment and might just interest young buyers with this form of driving.

Third, give us all-wheel drive.

Just like the manual, an all-wheel drive version is available in Europe. I believe Toyota loses some customers without it, especially in colder areas. Definitely, add more power to the engine before expanding the running gear to gain all-wheel drive.

Fourth, make tech great again.

Toyota delivers an odd split when it comes to the C-HR and technology. On the one hand, they are ahead of the competition with driver-assist features. Other manufacturers will certainly follow, but Toyota has the clear lead. On the other hand, Toyota is behind the curve in infotainment technology, at least when it comes to navigation. In this case, Toyota offers the customer zero, zip, nada. This means when you need directions, you will access your phone and will likely hold said phone in your hand as you drive. Do you see what I mean? In this case, expect the distracted driving technology to kick in often as distracted drivers look away from the road to their smartphones.

All in all, Toyota continues to show a commitment to entry-level vehicles and in ways other manufacturers do not always match. That you can get this vehicle for under $25,000 is an important price point for first-time new car buyers. Further, there are several other Toyota models starting below $20,000, offering further credence of Toyota’s commitment to new car shoppers.

2018 Toyota C-HR Specifications

Toyota	2018 C-HR
Segment	Subcompact Crossover SUV
Base Sticker Price	$19,995 (plus $995 destination fee)
Price as tested	$25,485 (Titanium AWD with $2,750 discount)
Standard Engine	2.0-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	144 @ 6,100 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	139 @ 3,900 RPMs
Transmission	Continuously variable automatic
Seating	2+3
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,300
Wheelbase (inches)	103.9
Length (inches)	171.2
Width (inches)	70.7
Height (inches)	61.6
Head room (f,r — inches)	38.1, 38.3
Leg room (f,r — inches)	43.5, 31.7
Shoulder room (f,r — inches)	49.0, 52.5
Hip room (f,r — inches)	53.0; 48.0
Storage (cubic feet)	19.0, 36.4
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	27/31
Manufacturing Plant	Sakarya, Turkey

See Also — Full Disclosure: 2018 Toyota C-HR

Last week, I shared certain details surrounding the 2018 Toyota C-HR. Some of the information was under embargo and that meant me honoring Toyota’s request to keep three points under wrap until 4 a.m ET on March 8, 2017.

Well, the time has come and those three points about the C-HR can now be freely shared:

1. Pricing

Originally developed for Scion, the Toyota C-HR retains some of the pricing strategies of the now defunct youth-oriented brand. Specifically, Scion offered mono-spec models, well-equipped vehicles with one trim level.

The 2018 C-HR offers a modified version of that strategy with the standard XLE model retailing for $22,500. If you want a few extra features, such as color-matched front and rear passenger door handles with touch-sensor lock and unlock capability, integrated front fog lights, plus, power side mirrors with turn signals, blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights with “Toyota C-HR” projection, and auto-folding functionality, then you can find them in the XLE Premium grade.

The top trim model adds $1,850 to your price, bringing your cost to $24,350. Add $960 for the manufacturer’s destination fee. Remember, this is a front-wheel drive model with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Neither a manual transmission nor all-wheel drive is available.

2. Fuel Economy

You won’t see a difference in fuel economy numbers with the 2018 C-HR as both trims are nearly identical. That said, the numbers shared are Toyota estimates and have yet to be affirmed by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Toyota estimates a fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for a combined 29 mpg. These numbers are below what some competitors are offering, including the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. Then again, the C-HR rides a slightly larger platform than its competitors. To say the C-HR fills the white space between subcompact and compact models such as the Toyota RAV4 would be an accurate assessment.

3. Driving Impressions

The third and most significant embargoed point 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 so.

One important point to mention up front: comparing this model to other crossovers may not yield an accurate comparison. I mentioned the vehicle’s larger size earlier. Also, the C-HR offers superior control thanks to its Nurburgring-tuned handling. At least that’s what Toyota claims.

I won’t dispute the handling edge as this is one of the chief attributes of the new model. But before we move on to its “on the road” capabilities, it is important to examine what gets this model moving, namely its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The engine is new to Toyota and will eventually find wider application, but nothing was mentioned yet where that might occur. This normally aspirated inline-four produces 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque.

Step on the gas pedal and power builds slowly, then quickly picks up speed. Keep the pedal to the metal and you’ll hear the engine’s RPMs build, pull back, build, and pull back again. This means Toyota introduced transmission mapping to reduce one of the significant annoyances of CVTs, namely the sensation that the engine is going to blow. Just as it hits 6,000 RPMs, it drops to 5,000 RPMs before resuming its upward pace.

While getting off to a somewhat tepid start, the 2018 C-HR does offer satisfactory mid-level kick and that should satisfy at least some people. The fun begins when you tackle the twisty roads as this crossover stays planted while you zig and zag your way through. Strong torsional rigidity helps as does the double wishbone suspension at the rear. A 26-mm stabilizer bar and SACHS dampers with urethane upper supports are present, what enhances vehicle agility. Ventilated disc brakes are up front and solid discs are in the rear with the rigid rack-and-pinion system bolted to the front suspension.

Engaged driving? Yo’ll enjoy it! Take this crossover on your favorite curvy roads and you may well fall in love with it. Toyota hopes so — where customers might not consider the Toyota 86 because of its size, the C-HR offers at least some of the nifty driving characteristics the diminutive sports car supplies.

The Bottom Line

I won’t rehash what I said last week. Please review that information to come to your own conclusions.

Toyota is nothing but transparent, so much so that the engineer responsible for leading the global engineering activities on the C-HR was present. Further, Hiroyuki Koba sought out the drive impressions of several journalists, including yours truly.

Although initially surprised that all-wheel drive isn’t available, I don’t envision that as being a show-stopper for all customers. True, if Toyota plans to push beyond the 60,000 units it expects to sell in 2018 (30,000 this year), all-wheel drive might be something to consider. On the other hand, the added weight could affect handling and the drive experience plays an enormous part in all matters C-HR.

What I would have liked to see available was an option of a six-speed manual gearbox, something the Nissan Juke offers and a feature that is desirable in that model. When I asked about the European market spec vehicle, Koba said the C-HR would offer a manual gearbox. Further, automatic blipping is part of the equation, a much-desired feature for enthusiasts.

Koba mentioned a possible turbo in the future and that caught my attention. Even though this model has a higher profile than cars (Coupe – High Rider) its performance side is just waiting to be enhanced. I would opt for boosting over the possible addition of a larger engine — such as the 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the RAV4. Adding excessive weight would only diminish the overall experience.

Should the C-HR catch on, it could change the way people look at the Toyota brand. Indeed, the 86 has certainly helped, a model that has also made the transition from Scion (FR-S). Further, the Coupe High Rider might also find a cult-like following, with devotees customizing their rides through computer tuning, enhanced exhaust systems, special skirting, unique wheels, and the like. The 2018 Toyota C-HR goes on sale in April in the United States, starting what will certainly be numerous spirited discussions about this special crossover.

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