Review: 2025 Toyota C-HR PHEV Excel 2.0
Remember when the Toyota C-HR first landed on our shores back in 2016? It looked like a concept car that had escaped from Geneva and legged it straight into your local dealer’s forecourt. Love it or loathe it, the original C-HR made an impact, bold creases, coupe-esque roofline, and a name that sounded more like an energy drink than a compact crossover. And while the styling raised eyebrows, the drive was always more about gentle jogs to Waitrose than bounding across hill and dale.
Fast forward to 2025 and Toyota’s given its quirky crossover the full makeover. It’s still got those chiselled looks, now sharper, moodier, and, dare I say, rather posh, but is it finally got what it takes to win over the practical dog-lugging, tent-packing, countryside-bound lot like us?
Let’s find out.
On-Road Ride: Sharp Suit, Soft Shoes
Toyota’s latest C-HR platform has been stiffened and fettled, and the Excel PHEV model feels more sorted on UK roads than its predecessor ever did. The 2.0-litre petrol engine, teamed up with a plug-in electric motor, gives you a combined 220bhp and an electric-only range of up to 41 miles. Around town and on the school run, the C-HR is whisper quiet and unsurprisingly sprightly, it zips off the line like a startled squirrel being chased by Lilly The Mud Life hound.
Out on the open road, the ride is well-damped without being wallowy. Motorway cruising is a relaxed affair with good insulation and minimal wind noise, though the coupe roofline does create some rear blind spots (thankfully, the cameras and sensors work overtime to keep you out of trouble). Body roll is well managed through twisty bits and quite a bit of fun.
Steering is typically Toyota: light and predictable, but with the feedback of a slightly distracted weather forecaster. It’s fine for everyday duties but won’t get your blood pumping.
Off-Road Capability
Let’s be honest, this isn’t a green lane hero. It’s front-wheel drive, so you’re not getting far beyond a soggy car park or gravel campsite. Ground clearance is adequate for kerbs and the odd muddy verge, but it’s hardly a Highland explorer. If you’re planning on straying into the rough stuff, bring a tow rope and a friendly farmer.
That said, the C-HR's EV torque delivery does give it some zip in slippery conditions, and the traction control system is keen to keep you pointed the right way. But no, it’s not ready for anything with the word “lane” that doesn’t end in “closure due to potholes.”
Interior Spec: Slick But Screen-Happy
Step inside and it’s clear Toyota’s taken a leaf from the “posh crossover” handbook. The materials feel premium, especially in Excel trim, soft-touch dash, quilted synthetic leather seats, and a properly plush steering wheel. It feels more Lexus-lite than budget runabout, which is no bad thing.
The 12.3” infotainment screen is sharp and quick, and the digital driver’s display is customisable, clear, and modern. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the JBL audio system in this trim is a belter, ideal for blasting Radio 2 on the school run or a bit of ‘80s while heading to the Lakes.
Thankfully, Toyota’s hasn’t fallen into the dreaded “infotainment for everything” trap as the heater controls are just below the screen in easy reach.
Tech: Buttons or Bust
Now, here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. Lane departure warning? Standard, but it’s a right nag and defaulted to ‘on’ like all cars these days - not Toyota’s fault. Thankfully, it can be turned off, but you’ll need to dive through a couple of menu layers to do it. No dedicated button, which is a cardinal sin in our book.
Adaptive cruise is decent, but the steering assist can feel a bit intrusive on B-roads. Again, all tweakable, but only if you know where to look in the menus.
Give us a simple “Off” button, Toyota. We’re not asking for the moon, just a break from being nagged every time we brush a white line.
Another pain in the proverbial is having to switch off the ‘Terms of Use’ every time I get in the damn thing - I always press ‘Not Agree’.
Comfort: Cushy With a Coupe Quirk
The Excel seats are comfy and supportive, with electric adjustment and heating front and rear. The driving position’s nicely sorted, and despite the coupe styling, headroom in the front is more than decent.
Rear seats? Bit tighter. Adults over six foot might feel a tad claustrophobic, and the sloping roofline doesn’t do rear visibility any favours. On the plus side, the rear doors now open wider than before, which is great for loading in kids or wriggly muddy dogs (more on that later).
Suspension soaks up potholes well, even on the 19” alloys, and it stays composed over long journeys. It’s a great commuter and family car, provided your rear passengers aren’t giants.
Practicality: Dog, Tat and Tent Test
Boot space is a mixed bag. You get 310 litres with the rear seats up in the PHEV, smaller than most rivals thanks to the battery pack nicking some room. That said, the boot opening is wide, and the load floor is nice and low, which makes getting the muddy dog in a lot less faff. No awkward lip to hoist over either.
Fold the seats down (they split 60/40), and you’ve got a flat load bay that’ll handle tents, camping boxes, and miscellaneous outdoor tat with ease. The rear seats also recline a touch, which is a nice bonus for long trips with teenagers or fussy dogs.
Storage up front is decent, big door bins, useful cubbies, and a deep central bin. Shame the glovebox is on the diddy side.
Fuel Efficiency: Wallet-Friendly?
Toyota claims over 280mpg if you plug it in regularly, which sounds daft until you realise most daily drives can be done on electric power alone. The 41-mile EV range is genuinely achievable in town, and if you’re topping up overnight, you’ll rarely need petrol.
On a long trip using the engine, expect more realistic numbers, around 55-60mpg if you’re careful. The transitions between EV and hybrid modes are seamless, and the regenerative braking is well-judged, not grabby like some rivals.
Verdict: Urban Chic With Rural Quirks
The 2025 Toyota C-HR PHEV Excel is a bit like wearing designer wellies, it looks sharp, it’s good for the commute, and it’ll just about manage a soggy car park, but it’s not built for clambering over rocks or fording streams.
That said, if you’re after a daily runabout with sharp looks, comfy seats, a posh-feeling cabin, and proper electric range, it’s a cracking option. You’ll need to pack light, be okay with touchscreen fiddling, and make peace with not venturing too far off-tarmac, but for most folks, that’s just fine.
And hey, if you’re after a plug-in crossover that can carry your dog, your tent, and your questionable choice in Spotify playlists, the C-HR might just win you over.
