2022 Toyota C-HR Performance

Even within a segment where rapid acceleration is hard to come by, the Toyota C-HR disappoints. All versions are powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with meager outputs of just 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The default continuously variable transmission (CVT) can't do much to alleviate the dearth of power, and the end result is that the C-HR strolls from 0 to 60 mph in around 11 seconds, based on independent tests. The front-wheel-drive Honda HR-V shaves over two seconds off that time, and even with all-wheel drive, the Honda is quicker. The Hyundai Kona is even quicker; when equipped with an available turbocharged engine, the Kona will hit 60 mph in under 6.5 seconds. Both of these competitors offer AWD, whereas the C-HR exclusively powers its front wheels. Like many rivals, though, the Toyota C-HR isn't rated for towing.

Every C-HR model comes with the same powertrain. A 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine almost reluctantly churns out 144 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque, and it comes paired with a CVT transmission. As is often the case with smaller vehicles, the powertrain's shortcomings are partially masked in city driving, where the C-HR scampers around reasonably well. Its compact size heightens the impression that you're making decent progress. But once on the highway, the lack of grunt is immediately noticeable and a firmly planted right foot is required to merge safely or overtake slower traffic, as we found on our test drive. The need to rev out the engine emphasizes that it isn't a particularly refined unit, either, while the CVT highlights the drone from the four-pot. A manual transmission and a turbocharged engine would do wonders to improve the driving appeal of the C-HR.

Sometimes, an uninspiring engine will redeem itself with stellar fuel efficiency. However, the Toyota C-HR is merely average for the class in this respect. The C-HR returns EPA-rated figures of 27/31/29 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. When the 13.2-gallon gas tank is full, you can expect a range of approximately 383 miles in a combination of city and highway driving. By comparison, the Kia Soul can attain up to 29/35/31 mpg.