Toyota C-HR review – Interior & comfort

There was a time when Toyota interiors were known for being functional and rather stark, but the original C-HR was one of the first to buck that trend. The new model continues this upward trajectory, with a sophisticated interior design and plenty of squishy, quality-feeling materials, as well as upmarket suede-style upholstery on top trim levels. 

Toyota has given the C-HR a snug, cocooned cockpit which makes it feel sporty, but you are reminded of its SUV bodystyle by its deep, tall windscreen. We’re happy to report that Toyota has also resisted the trend of putting as many controls as possible into the touchscreen, so you can still operate the heating and ventilation via a row of physical buttons.

Lots of the materials are sustainable too, with Icon and Design trims featuring upholstery using recycled bottles, and only the very top trim getting leather seats. The C-HR’s air-conditioning system has what the brand calls ‘nanoe-X’ tech, which it says helps to purify the air coming into the cabin and regulates the humidity level.

Is the Toyota C-HR infotainment and sat-nav system easy to use?

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We’ve tested the Design trim, which is expected to be the most popular seller in the UK, as well as the range-topping GR Sport. Despite being towards the lower end of the versions on offer, even the Design gives you two 12.3-inch displays. These are mounted high on the dashboard, so they’re easy to see at a glance and it’s not too much of a stretch to reach the touchscreen. 

Some of the menus aren’t the most user-friendly, and we don’t like the fact there’s no shortcut back to the Toyota system if you’re in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto model, but the system's responsiveness is snappy and the display is clear. One thing we don’t like is how the digital dials have a different, slightly dated look to them compared to those of the main screen, so they look mismatched.

It’s worth noting that the entry-level C-HR gets a smaller eight-inch touchscreen, which we’re yet to test, but still comes packing Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and its own navigation.