Used Toyota C-HR 2016-2023 review

When browsing for a family SUV, exciting driving dynamics probably won't be top of your list of must-haves. Most people are quite content as long as it’s comfortable and doesn’t flop over in bends.

Toyota, despite not being a brand usually known for making interesting driving cars, threw in a bonus when it launched this Toyota C-HR back in 2016, then, because it not only has a finely judged, comfortable ride, but tidy handling, too. Its looks made it an immediate hit, and it was on sale right up until its replacement by an all-new Toyota C-HR in 2023.

Engines: Powering the C-HR initially at its 2016 launch was a 1.8-litre hybrid engine and a sweet 1.2-litre petrol engine that was connected to a slick, six-speed manual gearbox, which was a pleasure to use. There’s even a rev-match function to help make changing down a gear a lot smoother. This is just as well, because the little petrol engine requires plenty of revs to get the C-HR moving, and despite the turbocharger, it doesn’t feel quite a strong as the petrol engines in the likes of the Seat Ateca. It is at least a very quiet engine, even when you push it.

On the technology front, the 1.8-litre hybrid model is unique for an SUV of the C-HR's size and price. Its power is sent to the wheels through a CVT automatic gearbox. The heavy batteries have a slightly negative effect on the ride quality, and while this version isn't any faster than the cheaper 1.2 it is at least a fraction more economical.

Trims and equipment: Standard equipment is good, with even the entry-level Icon version getting all the equipment you’ll need, plus a suite of safety technology you might not have expected. Every C-HR gets lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Most rivals didn’t even offer these as options when new, let alone fit them as standard.

Indeed that standard Icon spec also comes with dual-zone climate control, 17in alloy wheels and automatic lights and wipers. Excel trim adds sat-nav, larger 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry and heated front seats, which are also partly covered in leather. If you like your luxuries, Dynamic comes with LED headlights, metallic paint with a contrasting black roof and model-unique 18in alloys. In later versions, an opulent GR Sport version was added.

Ride and handling: You do get a composed ride with the C-HR, though, even on the larger 18in alloy wheels fitted to higher specification models. It isolates you from suspension noise well, too. In fact, the majority of the noise you’ll hear comes from the wind rushing past the large door mirrors.

Interior and practicality: Space inside is something the C-HR struggles with. Due to the sloping shape of the rear end, boot space is compromised, as is rear passenger room. Younger children in child seats won’t like the back seats either because of the small windows. It can be quite dark in the back for this reason and little ones might feel car sick if they cannot see out. Rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti are much better in this regard.

The C-HR's infotainment system is something of a disappointment, at least on the earlier models. The screen resolution is low, it is slow to respond and the menus aren't intuitive. It also misses out on features such as smartphone mirroring that are offered in almost all its rivals. This seems to be quite an oversight. At least a DAB radio is standard.

2019 facelift: A 2019 facelift added a new front bumper design, new rear-end styling, and a revised dashboard design and multimedia system that now offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on all models. It also dropped the 1.2-litre engine and offered up a 2.0-litre version of the hybrid engine to sit above the 1.8 hybrid version. This offers more performance, as well as enhanced steering and suspension tweaks to help cope with the small increase in weight of the larger engine.

If you're interested in buying a used Toyota C-HR, or any of the other cars mentioned here, please head over to our used car classifieds site here.

Prices for a used Toyota C-HR start at around £10,000 for a 1.2 litre Icon manual. This will get you a good 2017 car with a high mileage for the year. The hybrid version is more expensive, and you’ll need to spend at least £11,000 to get into one of these. Thus should likewise buy you a 2017 car in excellent condition. Spend between £12,000 and £15,000 on a 2018 or 2019 car, and between £15,000 and £18,000 on a 2021 model, and a little more for an updated 2022 or 2023 car. For a 2023 or early 2024 example of this older model, have upwards of £24,000 to spend.

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MPG

The lack of a diesel engine in the range might put off some family SUV buyers. But the normal turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol is quite efficient, with a combined average of 47.1mpg under the old NEDC tests. The hybrid version is even better, with a combined average of 74.3mpg under the NEDC tests, or 58.8mpg under the newer WLTP tests. The later 2.0 hybrid claims an official 54.3mpg under the later WLTP tests.

Road tax

Annual road tax for any C-HR registered before April 2017 will work out at £135 per year for both the manual and automatic 1.2-litre petrols, while the hybrid is free. If you buy any model registered after this date, you’ll have to pay the flat-rate charge, currently £180 for hybrids and £190 for petrols.

Servicing

Toyota servicing isn’t that costly and most of their dealers offer a flexible service plan for used cars that can be tailored to your individual needs, annual mileage and the period of time you require the plan for. There is even the option to spread the cost of your regular servicing via a monthly direct debit. Many smaller, independent garages will service the C-HR, often for less money than a main dealer. Parts are easily accessible.

Reliability

Based on owner feedback from our 2023 Reliability Survey, the Toyota C-HR scores well in reliability. Owners have reported a few significant mechanical issues, with the engine and transmission showing strong performance and durability. However, there are some concerns regarding minor electrical problems, particularly with the infotainment system and automatic lighting features.

Dealer servicing for the C-HR has received mixed reviews. Many owners praise their dealers for their prompt and efficient service, noting especially quick responses to warranty claims. However, other owners have expressed frustration with inconsistent service quality and occasional delays in scheduling service appointments or obtaining necessary parts.

Overall, the Toyota C-HR is seen as a reliable car with decent dealer support, although this does vary.

To get further details on the used Toyota C-HR reliability, visit our dedicated reliability page.

Engines

The C-HR's engine choice was initially limited to one petrol engine and one hybrid option. We liked the 1.2 petrol option, although this went off sale in 2019. It was and is much cheaper than the hybrid to buy, and not far off it to run. Although the hybrid is more economical, you would need to cover a lot of miles before you make up the difference in fuel savings.

Trims

We’d also suggest sticking with the standard Icon spec because it comes with all the equipment you would really need: dual-zone climate control, 17in alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers and adaptive cruise control.

Our favourite Toyota C-HR: 1.2T Icon manual

The Seat Ateca is the C-HR’s chief rival, since it’s also aimed at a younger buyer looking for a trendy family SUV. The Seat certainly is more restrained than the Toyota, but it's also a much more practical car for those who have children, with a bigger boot and more light for rear passengers thanks to bigger rear windows.

The Nissan Qashqai is another popular choice. It has a diesel option for those who want greater fuel economy, but it won’t be anywhere near as reliable as the Toyota.

If you prioritise good value for money above all else, the old Skoda Yeti is surprisingly affordable and offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engines to suit all needs.

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If you're interested in buying a used Toyota C-HR, or any of the other cars mentioned here, please head over to our used car classifieds site here.