Flash Drive

2018 TOYOTA C-HR

October 8, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium

The 2018 Toyota C-HR is uniquely styled and far from a slab-sided box.

Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 144-horsepower, 139 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined

Base Price: $24,350

As Tested: $26,375

Performance:

OK acceleration from modest 144 horsepower

Impressive fuel economy—our best was 36.8-mpg highway

The compact size and willing engine make the C-HR nimble and relatively fun to drive.

All-wheel-drive not available

Pleasant highway ride

Easy to park

Excellent standard safety features

Automated emergency braking

Lane keeping assist

Pedestrian detection

Blind spot monitor

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Driver power lumbar support

The driver and front passenger have lots of room and comfort.

Firm, supportive seats

Well-positioned headrests

Comfy armrest over center console bin

Three-temperature heated front seat

Very tight second row seating

Medium thick, non-contoured steering wheel

Ample auxiliary controls on wheel

Nice range for tilt/telescopic column

Utility:

Medium to small front door bins

Smallish sun visors

Digital and analog speedometers

Rear seat room is dependent on the front passengers moving their seats up quite a ways.

Non-locking, hard to reach glovebox

No rear door bins, just bottle notches

Small cargo area

Split seats fold flat

WOW Factors:

Impressive standard content for this price

Unique, wild styling works for some people

Backup camera shows in rear view mirror

Easy access child safety seat anchors

Whines:

Looks like an SUV, but AWD isn’t offered

The sloped rear hatch affects cargo space.

Overly busy odd angles styling

Passenger seat height pump didn’t work very well

Awkward glovebox location (way under the curve of the dash)

Lots of hard plastic on door panels

Rear styling hampers cargo space

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Toyota C-HR looks like a subcompact crossover SUV, but it’s more show than go since all-wheel-drive isn’t even an option. It’s nicely sized for city driving and awkwardly cute if not polarizing (in the vein of the popular Kia Soul). It has lots of great safety features and can return near-hybrid fuel economy on the highway. Front row room and comfort are excellent at the expense of rear seat occupants.