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2018 Toyota C-HR XLE: head-turning, exhilarating crossover

Published 1:30 am Friday, May 25, 2018

At a time when some manufacturer’s a shrinking product lines, Toyota is doing the opposite.

The 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium crossover has moved from concept vehicle to reality.

The C-HR – short for Coupe High-Rider because of its integrated rear-door handles and higher ride height than a sedan – represents a leap forward in design, manufacturing and engineering for Toyota.

Judging from the head turns and feedback from friends and family, the C-HR will be a springboard of excitement, adventure and pride for its fashion-forward, trendsetting owners.

The C-HR will be available in two grades at launch — XLE and XLE Premium — each equipped with a long list of standard premium features that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, supportive bucket seating, 7-inch audio display and Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P).

Let’s start with the vehicle’s bold, eye-catching style that signals a new direction for Toyota. It seems to be equal parts sexy, muscular and edgy. What struck me most about the exterior, was the C-HR’s rear end. The tail lamps protrude outward, and the hatchback — outfitted with a lip spoiler and functional top wing — tapers neatly inboard, adding to the C-HR’s futuristic look.

But, the C-HR doesn’t only look great – it’s got the sportiness to impress thanks to deputy chief engineer Hiro Koba, who is a diehard racer at heart. He and his team made it their mission to ensure the C-HR exhilarates its driver anytime, anywhere. The C-HR delivers a cohesive blend of comfort, control, consistency and responsiveness that was cultivated on the famed Nürburgring proving grounds.

Key XLE standard features include a premium leather steering wheel, power-fold and heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera, electric parking brake and dual-zone climate control. My XLE Premium tester added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, power lumbar driver’s seat, auto fold, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps that project “Toyota C-HR,” fog lamps and smart key with pushbutton start.

Both grades are equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display having AM/FM/HD radio, Aha app, USB port and AUX jack, Bluetooth and voice recognition with voice training.

The C-HR was powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter DOHC, 18-valve engine that produces 144 horsepower and 140 lb,-ft. of torque. The front-wheel driver includes a CVT automatic transmission with shift mode.

I and a buddy ventured over Snoqualmie Pass to play golf at Tumble Creek Golf Course in Suncadia and the C-HR had plenty of oomph to pass in the fast lane. It seats up to five adults, and with a rear seat folded flat, had plenty of room for our golf bags and gear. It averaged a little better than 30 miles per gallon on the trip.

Best of all, as mentioned at the top, the C-HR includes Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The safety suite bundles cutting-edge active safety technologies including precollision system with pedestrian detection function and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control.

XLE Premium adds standard hill-start assist control and rear backup camera, as well as available blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Base Price: $24,350

Price As Driven: $26,375

Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.