2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium

2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium

An Automotive Love Affair

By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium. Overall it is a nice car but it is sometimes the little things that bug us most. In this case it was the Seatbelt alarm. It is always annoying but this was especially noxious to my senses when I ignored its demand to buckle up. Several seconds after the first reminder a really loud alarm that you can no longer ignore. What next? will the manufacturer require you to connect your seatbelt before the car will start. You can see it coming as your every action is controlled by a computer. In my opinion, you should be provided with a switch you can turn off such alarms. I’m guessing there are some services from aftermarket folks to disable the alarm. If you know any let me know and I will share with other readers. I put the seat belt on but if I’m going next door to the neighbor I should be able to decide when I put it on. Nag, Nag, Nag just doesn’t get it for me. Perhaps the manufacturer should allow a button to be pushed to delay the reminder. That would make me happy.

General Information:

Assembly: Japan; Classification is Compact; Vehicles from Toyota: 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, Prius V, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma Access Cab, Tacoma Double Cab, Tundra CrewMax, Tundra Double Cab, Tundra Regular Cab, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

It handled the Crest Mountain course very well. Fun.

Styling:

Undecided on design, but the consumer is the judge of what looks good to them. So ultimately sales will be the judge. For me it’s a little busy and I’m inclined toward smooth lines.

It looks like a two door at first glance but it has real high rear door handles molded into the body. Curious because small children would not be able to reach them as they are almost to the roof height.

Fit and Finish:

Good… meaning pretty average at this price point.

Cost:

I’m always amazed at how affordable, generally, that such a great convenience, like today’s cars, can cost.

Conveniences and comfort:

Good standard features listing.

Consumer Recommendations:

All competitors are very closely priced so in class a test drive of all 4 would be wise. I am partial to the Kia but wouldn’t rule out any of the others listed. Styling wise Kia and Mazda have more traditional clean lines, which as noted here are more to my liking. Kia reports the best fuel economy because it is a Hybrid. But the pricing is the same so it gives Kia a decided advantage.

Recognized Competition:

Toyota C-HR $23,000, Kia Niro $24,000, Honda HR-V $23,000, Mazda CX-3 $22,000.

Good News:

Priced right and fuel economy is good.

Bad News:

Kia seems to have a MPG advantage.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 144 horsepower 4-cylinder electronic fuel injected engine, front wheel drive, electric power assisted steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, 18” alloy wheels, Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beams, full speed range dynamic radar cruise control, electric parking brake, front, side and side curtain airbags, backup camera, LATCH child system, tire pressure monitoring system, auto on/off headlights, rear window wiper and defogger, power mirrors with turn signals, variable intermittent wipers, 7” touch screen for audio, AM/FM/HD with 6-speakers, Aux/ USB ports with iPod connectivity, hands-free phone and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless, voice recognition, 4.2” color multi-information display, dual zone climate control, remote keyless entry, power locks and window, leather trim tilt and telescopic steering wheel with controls.

Gas Stats:

27 City and 31 Highway MPG

$2.99 / Gal avg. December 17, 2017

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,350.