Following their first-drive road tests of the second-generation Toyota C-HR hybrid, selected members of the national motoring press were invited to test-drive the model’s flagship plug-in hybrid model and experience its extended EV range. What did the professional road testers think of the ‘dual DNA’ version that looks set to become a company car favourite? What were their 2024 Toyota C-HR Plug-in reviews?
2024 Toyota C-HR Plug-in reviews:
Autocar: 4/5
“The [Plug-in drivetrain] is well-tuned, with a smooth transition between electric and combustion power sources. It offers instant zip in EV mode, while the engine has good initial throttle response too, with nice pick-up and acceleration on part throttle. You can… use a hybrid option that will mete out the power and, in sync with the sat-nav, employ geofencing to use electric power in clean-air zones; or even charge the battery back up, from the combustion engine and regenerative braking, in order to redeploy that energy in zero-emissions running later in your journey.”
Auto Express: 4/5
“It makes lots of sense as a company car choice… assuming you’re not ready to go pure electric. Having the fifth-generation hybrid system at the heart of the vehicle makes the [C-HR Plug-in] a better real-world bet than many of its rivals, because when it’s not running on pure electric power, it’s still a pretty frugal set-up. Toyota claims you can travel up to 41 miles on electric power alone, slotting the C-HR Plug-in neatly into the eight percent band for company car tax.”
CAR: 3/5
“It always starts in EV mode, and its electric range should be enough for the average UK commuter to get to and from work without burning a drop of petrol. Plus, the C-HR knows when it’s in an emissions-controlled area and will default to running in EV mode if it has enough charge in its battery pack. We spent an afternoon tooling around… and barely heard a peep from the petrol engine. That bodes well. If you want something that’s comfortable to sit in, interesting to look at and cheap to fuel, the Toyota C-HR Plug-in could be ideal for you.”
2024 Toyota C-HR Plug-in reviews:
Electrifying: 7/10
“The C-HR Plug-in is well-mannered on the road and looks cool next to many more mundane alternatives. The warranty, reliability and efficiency also make it a great prospect if you simply want a car that’s easy to live with, safe, cheap to run and will just keep going – let’s face it, that’s what most of us want. There’s no denying that some others are cheaper and have plusher-feeling interiors. If you’re not too fussed about that, then the C-HR is a very decent plug-in hybrid car.”
Stuff: 4/5
“It’s the best of the model bunch, especially if you tend to do lots of shorter runs. If you’ve got access to a home charger it makes even more sense, just as long as you’re disciplined enough to plug it in. There’s a decent amount of power from the 2.0-litre petrol engine, so the [Plug-in] does work for longer runs, but it thrives best when you’re in the urban environment and can tap into the respectable electric range.”
The Scotsman: 4/5
“The [Toyota C-HR Plug-in] is an interesting proposition, offering some of the perceived benefits of the C-segment SUV like raised ride height, comfort and visibility, yet prioritising cutting-edge style, aerodynamics and great driving experience. The 2024 model… [is] right out in front again as a choice for the style conscious buyer not ready to give up driving thrills in favour of extra headroom.”
2024 Toyota C-HR Plug-in video reviews:
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I purchased the new C-HR a month ago . So far I am really impressed by the vehicle. However it has a fundamental design flaw , no rear window wiper. I was told before purchase the car’s aerodynamics help with keeping the rear screen clear of falling rain . However once the car has been left and the rain on the rear screen allowed to dry , it is impossible to see through the glass when the sun shines on the rear of the car . Fortunately I spent extra to have a digital rear view mirror fitted to my model . But surely it would be common sense to fit a wiper to ensure a safer driving environment ? Most especially for those who might buy a cheaper model which cannot be fitted a digital mirror .
Hi Chris, thanks for your comment.
We’re pleased to hear that you are enjoying your new Toyota C-HR overall and will pass your feedback regarding the rear wiper along to our product team.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
BIG MISTAKE
Not having a rear wiper is sheer madness by Toyota. OK, so rain might be blown off when the car is at speed and the glass is very clean. But when the screen gets dirty then the only way to get that dirt off is to physically wipe it. And, when the car is parked in the rain and you get in to reverse out of a parking space, you are going to have to wipe the screen clear yourself first. My Yaris Cross is the best car I have ever had so I like Toyotas – but I won’t be buying a CHR without a rear wiper.
Greetings I need a car to buy , am Morris Asare from Ghana,
Tayota C-HR
Thank you.
Hi there, thanks for your message.
We can only assist UK customers, please get in touch with Toyota in your area directly.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I am an owner of 2018 highlander. I love this car! But I’m looking at 2024 chr, black color without electric, sunroof and upgraded systems.
Hi Monica, Thank you for getting in touch.
Great to hear you are enjoying your Highlander. The new C-HR, could be an amazing replacement.
Your local Toyota centre will be best placed to assist with your search:-
https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hello, I am almost there in making a purchase of either the New Toyota Prius or the CH RII. I have always been a fan of the CH R1 but caught wind of the Prius (GR8 looking car) so elected to await its arrival and certainly felt it was YES YES YES! I recently was able to test drive the car and was most disappointed, the first thing was the boot space, it would Not accommodate our walker / chair seat, the lack of a rear wiper (In the UK) Not smart! There were other areas for concern i.e. the bad design of the Dash just made it impossible to overlook (and it’s such a looker). However we are hoping to test drive the CH RII and feel this will be more acceptable or liveable (rear wiper lack of), this is indeed a compact and sporty looking car and we are looking forward to our upcoming test drive – watch this space.
We have a 72 plate GR, I was looking forward to getting the new model in a years or so, but not now. No rear wiper has put me off, as much as I love the car.