Review and Test Drive: 2018 Toyota C-HR

By Jonathan Spira on 19 July 2018

Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Toyota C-HR keeps everyone guessing what C-HR might stand for. In introducing the car, Toyota said the name was derived from both Compact High Rider and Cross Hatch Run-about, but that really doesn’t matter.

What does matter is that it has a distinctively funky exterior and a solid cabin design. Toyota says it’s based on what it refers to as a Sensual Speed Cross design concept, where sensual represents “eye-catching details,” Speed covers the “sleek” body, and Cross infers the “powerful suspension” of an SUV.

The C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter four banger that develops 144 horsepower and is available in front-wheel drive versions only. Shifting is accomplished via a continuously variable transmission. It’s limited on the infotainment side but will satisfy those focused on safety, with many driver assistance technologies.

If you’re wondering why it doesn’t look like its Toyota brethren, the answer is simple: it was originally slated to be a Scion, before that brand’s demise (hence the less conservative design).

DRIVING THE 2018 TOYOTA C-HR

The C-HR is available in three trim levels, LE, XLE, and XLE Premium. The XLE Premium, which would be our pick, comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless start and entry, fog lamps, and sports seats.