In the Toyota family, I would like the C-HR or the RAV4!!! Indeed, according to the game of 7 families, it is allowed to hesitate between these two representatives of the Japanese global automotive giant, according to its needs. Let's get to know each of them better.

The Toyota C-HR

Marketed in France in 2016 and restyled in 2019, the Toyota C-HR is the first compact hybrid crossover in the Toyota range.

Originally equipped with a 122 hp hybrid engine, it was offered, at the same time as its facelift three years ago, a 184 hp hybrid engine.

His exact measurements? They are friendly!

A width of 1795 mm, a length of 4360 mm and a height of 1565 mm. Boot volume: 377 l.

This Toyota C-HR, what a look!

Tortured lines at will and an impressive ride height that does not go unnoticed. A Japanese manga design that gives it an aggressive look.

In the cabin, the raised beltline is more noticeable at the rear, where the body hides a large part of the windows. At the front, the central console in a high position gives an interior odyssey of space.

Toyota C-HR, Which engines?

The first engine develops 122 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque.

The hybrid system consists of a 1.8l petrol engine combined with an electric motor of 53 kW and 163 Nm. The C-HR claims for this crew a top speed of 170 km / h and a 0 to 100 km / h in 11 seconds.

Since 2019, the Corolla's 184-horsepower hybrid block has appeared on this compact model. It marries a 2-litre petrol unit of 152 hp. for 190 Nm and a 109 hp electric motor. (80 kW) and 202 Nm, this torque benefits from a CVT gearbox. The 0-100 km/h is achieved in 8 seconds and allows a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

How does this hybrid crossover work?

The Toyota C-HR battery has a capacity of 1.31 kWh. It recharges during the braking or deceleration phases by recovering the kinetic energy thanks to a generator transforming it into electricity.

This is then transmitted to the electric motor in certain phases, particularly during the start-up phases or in support of the heat engine.

To start the electric drive, the driver can use the "EV" button to drive emission-free for two to three kilometres.

Namely, in the city, it is possible to drive up to 80% of the journey without CO2 emissions, but the heat engine must be activated regularly.

What consumption for the Toyota C-HR?

 In the mixed cycle and depending on the size of the rims (17 or 18 inches in France), Toyota announces the WLTP standard for 122 hp engines. And 184 hp. 119g/km. Consumption on this standard, more realistic than the old one, is 4.8 l/100 km on the 1.8 l 122 hp. and 5.3 l/100 km on the 2-litre.

The Toyota RAV4

Presented in 2019, the current generation of RAV4 has become a family SUV. It is large and spacious. In particular, it has now abandoned purely thermal engines to offer only hybrid ones.

Little throwback

Forget the time of the 3-door RAV4 equipped with a removable hard-top at the rear! Over the successive moults, Toyota has made many changes to its SUV to make it more serious and mature.

Over time, the original small SUV has grown in step with the new needs of its clientele: the young owners of the 90s who have become "quadra" and responsible for families.

From a relatively compact car with a friendly and chubby face, the RAV4 has transformed into a self-confident, statutory and spacious SUV.

Exterior and look of the Toyota RAV4

Toyota is capable of the best and the worst in the design of its models. The RAV4 is doing well for its part, with elongated lines and sharp edges that energize its silhouette.

The aggressiveness of its look remains consensual and without abuse. The relatively flat front has a large grille and gives an impression of width, while the design of the bumper reinforces the massive size of this SUV with an imposing protective shoe. The profile is harmoniously worked and ends on a pointed rear part with lights that stand out clearly from the bodywork. The two tailpipes add a sporty touch to the stern.

Its ground clearance is relatively high (19 cm, or 4 cm more than the C-HR).

His precise measurements? Impressive!

A width of 1855 mm for a length of 4600 mm and a height of 1610 mm. Boot volume from 580 l to 1690 l.

Life on board the RAV4. Pleasant or almost!

The lengthening of the central part of the chassis is perceptible in the passenger compartment, where the space reserved for front and rear passengers is correct.

Long journeys are no longer feared, both in the front and back.

The trunk is also significant, with 580 litres of capacity announced—the interior of the RAV4 benefits from a reasonably classic but effective presentation. A considerable effort has been made to simplify the central console, which is now vertical and no longer floating, and the touch screen now perches on the dashboard, like a tablet. Bad point to report, this screen is a little far from the driver and shows a certain slowness, a little unpleasant.

On the other hand, it is pretty clear at the level of the menus. The GPS is overwhelmed by events, with imprecise guidance and often late announcements. Better to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The materials used are generally correct, but the hard plastic is still very present, including on the high finishes. However, we appreciate that Toyota innovates on materials and uses, for example, rubber for specific controls, such as the air conditioning rotary knobs.

Toyota has chosen to equip its RAV4 with an interior rearview mirror that can be transformed into a rear camera with the simple press of a lever.

It's beneficial. But beware, the appreciation of distances is frankly modified.

Impressions behind the wheel of the RAV4.

Toyota now only offers hybrid engines for its RAV4: rechargeable hybrid or full-hybrid (non-rechargeable). A 4-cylinder petrol 2.5 of 177 hp. is installed under the hood, assisted by two electric motors.

The cumulative power then reaches 218 hp. on the front wheels, allowing the RAV4 to take advantage of good boosts and sharp accelerations. This device is mated to a CVT gearbox which makes the combustion engine roar when the accelerator pedal is pressed. But she behaves discreetly the rest of the time.

The transition between thermal and electric is imperceptible.

From simple traction, the RAV4 can also evolve into all-wheel drive with the addition of a third electric motor entrusted with the rear wheels' propulsion.

The power changes little since the total increases to 222 hp. On the other hand, the rear axle can receive up to 80% of the electric torque if the grip conditions require it.

As a result, this SUV is as comfortable in the mud as in the snow, even if you remember that it is not made for pure and rugged off-roading.

The excellent weight distribution makes it a balanced machine on the road. At ease even on winding paths, thanks to pretty firm suspensions that somewhat limit parasitic movements, the RAV4 does not like to be abrupt. It offers correct comfort with some trepidation at times.

For its part, the management is a little too flexible and lacks feedback. Finally, the announced average fuel consumption exceeds very little, six l/100 km. This is quite remarkable for a family SUV that exceeds 1.6 tonnes.