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The 1.2 turbocharged petrol C-HR is the one to avoid. Oil consumption, timing chain tensioner concerns, and CVT transmission issues are all documented. Economy disappoints at 7.5–8.5L/100km and motor tax is significantly higher than the hybrid. Buy hybrid only.
€12,000–€18,000
Outstanding. Toyota's proven 1.8 hybrid system delivers 4.5–5.5L/100km in Irish conditions. Motor tax from €170/year. Virtually silent in urban traffic. The hybrid battery is covered by Toyota's system warranty and has an outstanding reliability record. This is the only C-HR to buy.
€15,000–€25,000
New generation with 2.0 hybrid system producing 197hp combined. Significantly more performance than the 1.8. More refined interior and updated styling. Same outstanding Toyota hybrid reliability. Best C-HR ever made.
€26,000–€35,000
⚠️ Avoid the C-HR 1.2T Petrol — Buy Hybrid Only
The 1.2 turbocharged petrol is comprehensively inferior to the hybrid in every metric that matters for Irish buyers. Real-world economy of 7.5–8.5L/100km versus 4.5–5.5L/100km for the hybrid. Motor tax of €390–€570/year versus €170/year for the hybrid. Documented oil consumption and CVT transmission issues on the petrol. No reason to buy the 1.2T exists unless the hybrid is unavailable at your budget. Save up and buy the hybrid.
Best engines to buy
1.8 Hybrid 122hp (2016–2022) — The Only Recommendation
Toyota's 1.8 hybrid system in the C-HR is the same proven unit found in the Corolla, Auris, and Yaris — with hundreds of millions of kilometres of real-world use globally. Economy of 4.5–5.5L/100km in Irish mixed driving is routinely achieved. Motor tax from €170/year due to sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. In urban stop-start traffic the C-HR hybrid runs almost entirely on electric power. The hybrid battery operates under Toyota's extended warranty and degradation in normal Irish use is minimal.
The hybrid system is CVT automatic only — there is no manual option. The CVT on hybrid Toyotas is fundamentally different to the problematic CVT on the petrol version — it is an electronically controlled system unique to hybrid drivetrains and its reliability record is exceptional.
2.0 Hybrid 197hp (Mk2, 2023+) — Best Yet
The second generation C-HR uses Toyota's newer and more powerful 2.0 hybrid system. Combined output of 197hp makes it meaningfully quicker than the 1.8 while maintaining outstanding economy. Pre-2025 used examples are beginning to appear on the Irish market. Budget €26,000–€35,000 for good examples.
1.2T Turbo 116hp — Avoid
The 1.2 turbocharged petrol should be avoided. Oil consumption, documented timing chain tensioner concerns on early examples, and a CVT transmission that is less suited to the engine's torque characteristics than the hybrid's electronic CVT. Higher running costs in every category. There is no scenario in which the 1.2T is the correct choice over the hybrid for an Irish buyer.
What to check at viewing
Pre-Purchase Checklist
1
Confirm it is the hybrid — check the badge says "Hybrid" before viewing. Do not buy the 1.2T.
2
Toyota service history — full dealer or Toyota specialist stamps. Hybrid servicing schedule must be followed.
3
12V auxiliary battery — replace every 3–4 years. A flat 12V causes confusing electrical faults that look worse than they are.
4
EV mode function — at low speed the car should run silently on electric. If the petrol engine fires immediately from cold below 20km/h, flag it.
5
UK import — C-HR is a high-volume UK import. Cartell check essential. Check for right-hand drive conversion history.
6
Rear visibility — the C-HR's styling means very poor rear visibility. Check all cameras and sensors are working — costly to replace.
Irish prices 2026
C-HR 1.8 Hybrid (2017–2018) — €15,000–€19,000. C-HR 1.8 Hybrid (2019–2020) — €18,000–€23,000. C-HR 1.8 Hybrid (2021–2022) — €21,000–€26,000. C-HR 2.0 Hybrid Mk2 (2023+) — €26,000–€35,000.
CarAdvisor Outright Recommendation
2020–2022 Toyota C-HR 1.8 Hybrid in Design or Excel trim with full Toyota service history and under 70,000km. Budget €20,000–€25,000. Outstanding economy, lowest motor tax in its class, Toyota reliability, and genuinely distinctive styling. One of the best crossover purchases in Ireland at this price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Is the Toyota C-HR hybrid reliable in Ireland?
Yes — the Toyota C-HR 1.8 hybrid is one of the most reliable crossovers available in Ireland. Toyota's hybrid system has an exceptional reliability record globally. The main advice is to avoid the 1.2T petrol version completely and buy hybrid only. Full Toyota service history is essential.
Should I buy the Toyota C-HR hybrid or petrol?
Hybrid only. The 1.2T petrol has documented reliability issues, inferior economy, and significantly higher motor tax. The hybrid averages 4.5–5.5L/100km versus 7.5–8.5L/100km for the petrol, and motor tax from €170/year versus €390+. There is no compelling reason to buy the petrol version.
What is the motor tax on a Toyota C-HR hybrid in Ireland?
The Toyota C-HR 1.8 hybrid emits below 100g/km CO2, which places it in the lowest motor tax bands in Ireland — from €170–€200/year depending on exact emissions figure. This is exceptional for a crossover SUV and is one of the strongest arguments for the C-HR hybrid over rival crossovers.
How much does a used Toyota C-HR cost in Ireland?
A good used Toyota C-HR 1.8 hybrid costs €15,000–€26,000 depending on year. 2017–2018 examples start at €15,000. 2020–2022 examples cost €20,000–€26,000. The newer 2.0 hybrid Mk2 starts around €26,000.
Is the Toyota C-HR or Nissan Qashqai better?
Different cars for different buyers. The C-HR hybrid offers significantly better economy and lower motor tax. The Qashqai offers more interior space and better rear visibility. For pure running cost efficiency the C-HR hybrid wins. For practicality and visibility the Qashqai is better.
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Before You Buy
Run a History Check on This Toyota C-HR
A Cartell or Motorcheck report costs €10–€15. These are the flags to watch on a used Toyota C-HR:
⚠UK import — C-HR is a very high volume UK import in Ireland, check history gap
⚠Confirm hybrid — check the car is the hybrid version before viewing, not the 1.2T petrol
⚠Finance outstanding — commonly sold on PCP
⚠Mileage discrepancy — popular family crossover with high daily usage
⚠Camera/sensor damage — rear visibility is poor, check all parking sensors and cameras work
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