Are the Toyota C-HR and Toyota Prius actually in each other’s waters? There is no doubt that Toyota has put its ‘boring years’ behind it. For two generations now, the C-HR has embodied the turnaround that has taken place at the Japanese brand with its appearance and handling. Our endurance tester even goes a step further. Where we previously had a more common current C-HR in our fleet, the nicely decorated and sportier C-HR with GR Sport decoration is now available. Moreover, it is the 223 hp PHEV. That extra power, in combination with the slightly firmer handling due to the so-called Frequency Selective dampers, makes this C-HR even more inviting to drive than the 2.0 Hybrid that we previously had. As a PHEV, it is even more in line with the Prius than ever, which is only available in the Netherlands with exactly the same powertrain. Time to put the two Japanese side by side, because on paper the C-HR with plug drives very strongly into the wheels of the Prius. Is there a significant difference in driving? As we discovered earlier, this C-HR feels HR feels wonderfully dynamic thanks to the GR Sport package and the special dampers of the plug-in. While the C-HR, despite its higher body, is relatively unaffected by a high center of gravity, this is even less the case with this GR Sport. You can really go far before any understeer emerges. When we push the limits with the Prius, it feels similar, while the Prius is lower and longer. Toyota thus proves to deliver craftsmanship in the chassis area, because the C-HR absorbs the extra height flawlessly. If you take the C-HR Hybrid, you may feel a little more difference in favor of the Prius, but you cannot possibly argue that the Prius feels much more dynamic. The C-HR PHEV also seems to be a bit more eager to use the accelerator, even though it has exactly the same drivetrain. The figures tell a different story: the Prius has just a little more torque and is a fraction faster from 0 to 100 km/h than the C-HR: those sprints take 6.8 seconds and 7.4 seconds successively. Remarkably, the top speed of the C-HR is 180 km/h, slightly higher than that of the Prius, which reaches 177 km/h. In terms of consumption, the two barely differed during our test, as did the fully electric driving range. is reasonable. The noise level in both cars is almost the same and the use of materials hardly differs. Our C-HR, which is also equipped as a Premiere Edition with GR Sport furnishings, is pleasantly opulently decorated on the inside. In addition, even the top version of the Prius does not feel more high-quality, although it is a bit higher in the range. Toyota Prius. How do you notice the difference? The seating position is different and that gives you a more special feeling in the Prius, thanks to the futuristic instruments protruding from the dashboard. The steering wheel also seems to lie more ‘on your lap’ in the Prius. It takes a little longer to find a nice seating position in the Prius than in the C-HR, which all in all feels more like everyone’s friend. The operation is remarkably down-to-earth in both cars. In both Toyotas we see many physical buttons in often logical places and that makes the two slightly more conventional than you might expect based on their appearance. For the time being, we have to look for really big differences between the two Japanese, but they are becoming crystal clear. when we get out and take a seat in the back. The C-HR scores many points in its favor here. At least, in the Prius you do have a bit more legroom, but the lack of headroom means that as an adult of average height you will not like to take a seat there. This writer is barely 1.70 meters tall and almost sits with his head against the roof. In the C-HR that is less likely to be an issue. Due to the low roofline and the short truncated rear, the Prius also loses out with its trunk space. The C-HR offers 364 liters of luggage space, the Prius has to make do with 284 liters. Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Prius is behind the car. You will never find a trailer there, while the C-HR is allowed to tow a trailer (braked up to 725 kilos). This means that the Prius is out of the question for many. Here the Prius clearly loses out compared to the C-HR. Which should I choose if it’s about money? Then there is the cost. The price difference between our endurance tester and the test Prius is nil and in that respect the choice seems reasonable, but with this powertrain the C-HR is in principle five grand cheaper than the cheapest Prius in our country. You really buy the Prius, which is less useful in various respects, with your heart, if you still give this model the benefit of the doubt. That we would ever say that about the Prius… The C-HR is the more rational choice and is of course still a special appearance in itself. Whichever of the two you choose, it is always a clear choice. We appreciate it if you want to contribute by keeping up with the AutoWeek Consumption Monitor or by writing a user review in which you share your experiences with the car. This really helps potential buyers!
Source: www.autoweek.nl
