Model Tested: 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium
Powertrain: 2.0-Liter In-line 4-cylinder; Electronic fuel injection; 144 Horsepower; Continuously Variable Transmission; Front-Wheel-Drive (AWD)
EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined
Base Price: $24,350
As Tested: $26,375
Driving modes: Eco, Sport
Performance: We would term acceleration as somewhat leisurely. Handling is respectable, and significantly better than prior small-size Toyota vehicles. Cornering at speed, the C-HR feels secure and well-planted. While steering isn’t nearly as numb as typical Toyotas, and the ride is quite smooth, the C-HR just doesn’t measure up to competitors like Mazda for handling.
Safety Features: Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection;
Blind Spot and Lane Departure monitors;
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert;
Adaptive Cruise Control;
Smart Stop Technology;
Projector Beam Halogen headlights
Electric parking brake and brake hold;
Stability and Traction Controls;
10 Airbags;
Automatic High-Beams;
Four-wheel ABS Disc Brakes;
Integrated fog lights
Comfort: Slightly above average interior materials for a small car;
Excellent fit and finish;
Decent Ergonomics;
Audio system with AM-FM-HD Satellite radio;
Good front legroom;
Excellent headroom;
Comfortable, supportive seats with power lumbar adjustment for the driver;
Heated front seats;
Roomy rear seats with good head and legroom
Utility: 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
Backup camera;
USB Port with iPod connectivity;
18-inch alloy wheels;
Smart Key with push button start;
Split back seats fold into a flat load floor;
19 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats upright, 32.4 folded
WOW Factors: Easy to handle and park in urban settings;
Great interior room;
Whines: No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto available
Noticeable engine noise
Cargo floor is somewhat high, impeding cargo loading
Bottom Line: Styling is very un-Toyota-like, but obviously meant to attract younger buyers. While the design is either a love it or hate it affair, Toyota hopes enough buyers will fall into the first category. The price point is a bit high for a compact, but both trim levels are well-equipped, with only one factory option offered. However, like Toyota’s now defunct Scion brand, dealers can offer plenty of personalization options.
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