2022 Toyota C-HR Review
Overview
The 2022 Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that combines bold design, advanced technology, and hybrid efficiency, making it a standout choice for urban drivers and style-conscious buyers. With its futuristic aesthetics, sporty handling, and practical features, the Toyota C-HR is tailored for those who want a car that’s as fun to drive as it is to look at. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Toyota C-HR’s design, performance, features, and more, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Interior: A Blend of Style and Functionality
Step inside the Toyota C-HR, and you’ll find an interior as captivating as its exterior. The dashboard features unique shapes and contours, with soft-touch materials that feel premium and luxurious. While the lower parts of the cabin use harder, scratchier plastics, the overall build quality is solid and well put together.
The infotainment system is driver-focused, with a screen angled toward the driver for easy access. Toyota deserves credit for keeping physical climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature without fumbling through menus. Entry-level models come with heated front seats and a slightly smaller infotainment screen, but all trims include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a digital driver’s display.
The driving position is excellent, with electric seats that let you sit high or low, depending on your preference. Storage is decent, with a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, and spacious door bins. However, the rear seats are a bit cramped, especially for taller passengers, and fitting a child seat can be tricky.
Exterior Design: A Futuristic Masterpiece
The Toyota C-HR has always been known for its daring design, but the 2022 model takes it to a whole new level. This small family SUV looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie, with its steeply raked rear window, bold spoiler effect, and sleek rear lights that illuminate in a cool, futuristic pattern. The absence of fake exhausts or vents adds to its clean, sophisticated look.
From the side, the sloping roofline and extended wheel arches give the C-HR a sporty, stocky stance. The 19-inch alloy wheels (available on mid-spec models) perfectly complement its aggressive design, though entry-level models come with smaller 17-inch wheels. The dual-tone color options, including a black roof or black lower body, add a touch of elegance. The large front grille and angular headlights enhance its premium, expensive appearance.
Performance: Hybrid Power and Sporty Handling
The 2022 Toyota C-HR is available in three hybrid variants:
- 1.8-liter Hybrid: Produces 140 hp and offers a 0-60 mph time of 10.2 seconds.
- 2.0-liter Hybrid: Delivers 197 hp for a more spirited driving experience.
- 2.0-liter Plug-in Hybrid: Boasts 223 hp and a longer electric-only range.
The 1.8-liter hybrid is ideal for city driving, offering smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. However, the 2.0-liter hybrid is the better choice for those who want more power and responsiveness. The plug-in hybrid variant is perfect for eco-conscious buyers, combining performance with lower emissions.
The C-HR’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) is smooth but can feel sluggish during hard acceleration. While it’s quieter than previous Toyota CVTs, it lacks the engagement of a traditional automatic gearbox. The suspension is firm, providing a sporty and composed ride, though it may feel slightly stiff on rough roads.
Features: Packed with Technology and Safety
The Toyota C-HR comes loaded with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and safety. Key highlights include:
- Infotainment System: An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a user-friendly interface.
- Digital Driver’s Display: Customizable with multiple views for speed, navigation, and vehicle information.
- Ambient Lighting: Available in 64 colors on mid-spec and higher trims, adding a touch of personality to the cabin.
- Heads-Up Display: Projects essential information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.
Safety is a top priority, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera system that streams a live feed to the rearview mirror.
Comfort and Usability: Practical Yet Stylish
The Toyota C-HR’s interior is a blend of style and functionality. The driver-focused dashboard features soft-touch materials and intuitive controls, though lower parts of the cabin use harder plastics. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with heated front seats available on entry-level models.
However, the rear seats are cramped, especially for taller passengers, and fitting a child seat can be challenging. The boot space is decent at 388 liters, but the plug-in hybrid version reduces this to 310 liters due to the battery placement. Folding the rear seats creates a flat load floor, but a noticeable ridge can make loading bulky items difficult.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance: Hybrid Economy and Peace of Mind
The Toyota C-HR’s hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel efficiency, with the 1.8-liter variant achieving up to 60 mpg in ideal conditions. The plug-in hybrid offers even greater efficiency, with a longer electric-only range for shorter commutes.
Toyota’s 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind, covering hybrid components and ensuring long-term reliability. Routine maintenance costs are also relatively low, making the C-HR an affordable option in the long run.
Comparison: How Does It Stack Up Against Competitors?
FeatureToyota C-HRHonda HR-VVolkswagen T-Roc
| Feature | Toyota C-HR | Honda HR-V | Volkswagen T-Roc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.8L, 2.0L Hybrid | PHEV 1.5L Turbo Petrol 1.0L | 1.5L Turbo Petrol |
| Power Output | 140-223 hp | 129 hp | 110-150 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | Up to 60 mpg | Up to 50 mpg | Up to 55 mpg |
| Boot Space | 388 liters (310 PHEV) | 453 liters | 445 liters |
| Price Range | £31,290 – £43,000 | £28,000 – £35,000 | £27,000 – £38,000 |
While the Toyota C-HR excels in design and hybrid efficiency, competitors like the Honda HR-V and Volkswagen T-Roc offer more practicality and a smoother driving experience.
Practicality: Room for Improvement
While the Toyota C-HR excels in style and technology, practicality is where it falls short. The rear seats are cramped, and the lack of door bins and a central armrest is disappointing. The boot space is decent at 388 liters, but the plug-in hybrid version reduces this to 310 liters due to the battery placement.
Folding the rear seats creates a flat load floor, but there’s a noticeable ridge that can make loading bulky items challenging. The absence of a rear window wiper is another odd omission, especially in wet weather.
Pricing and Variants: Options for Every Budget
The 2022 Toyota C-HR is available in three main trims:
- Icon: Entry-level model with 17-inch wheels, heated front seats, and an 8-inch infotainment screen.
- Design: Mid-spec model with 19-inch wheels, dual-tone paint, and ambient lighting.
- GR Sport: Top-spec model with sporty styling, a heads-up display, and premium features.
Prices start at £31,290 for the Icon trim and go up to £43,000 for the GR Sport plug-in hybrid. While the C-HR is slightly more expensive than some competitors, its unique design and hybrid technology justify the premium.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Striking, futuristic design.
- Excellent fuel efficiency with hybrid options.
- Packed with standard safety features.
- Comfortable and driver-focused interior.
Cons:
- Cramped rear seats and limited boot space.
- CVT gearbox lacks responsiveness.
- No rear window wiper.
- Higher price compared to some rivals.
Five Annoying Things About the Toyota C-HR
- Overly Sensitive Warnings: The car constantly alerts you about things you already know, like pressing the brake pedal.
- Uncomfortable Door Handles: The rotating door handles can strain your wrist over time.
- Sharp Edges: The door locks and dashboard edges can accidentally hurt you when entering or exiting the car.
- Limited USB Ports: Only one USB port is available for rear passengers, which can lead to arguments.
- No Rear Wiper: The steeply raked rear window often gets dirty, and the lack of a wiper makes it hard to clean.
Five Cool Things About the Toyota C-HR
- Standard Safety Kit: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring come standard.
- 10-Year Warranty: Toyota offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty for peace of mind.
- Heads-Up Display: Available on higher trims, it keeps your eyes on the road.
- Ambient Lighting: 64 colors to personalize your cabin.
- Futuristic Design: It looks like nothing else on the road.
Conclusion: Who Should Buy the Toyota C-HR?
The 2022 Toyota C-HR is perfect for urban drivers who value style, technology, and efficiency. Its bold design and hybrid powertrain make it a great choice for eco-conscious buyers, while its sporty handling and advanced features appeal to those who want a fun and practical daily driver. However, if you prioritize rear-seat comfort and boot space, competitors like the Honda HR-V or Volkswagen T-Roc might be better options.
