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With rising fuel costs and new vehicles, it isn’t surprising that everyone is looking for the best value. We expect our cars to be dependable, affordable, and stylish, with some fun thrown in for good measure. Enter the Toyota C-HR.

In 2022, there are many vehicles available that claim to meet your expectations. The Toyota C-HR is just one of them. Unfortunately, while the Toyota C-HR wins in the Best Value Awards for 2022 from Vincentric, owners are not happy with it overall.

Vincentric knows what vehicle features matter most

2022 Toyota C-HR models in red and white parked in front of a blue brick building
2022 Toyota C-HR models | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Vincentric is a company that provides insights into the automotive industry. Various car manufacturers and dealerships use the data that they collect about every new vehicle released. It is also helpful in helping those shopping for new cars determine which one may be the best option.

As a company, they provide the Vincentric Best Value in America Award. This award is based on an analysis of eight unique cost factors, including:

  • A vehicle’s depreciation
  • Fees and taxes for it
  • Financing costs
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Insurance rates
  • Maintenance costs
  • Opportunity cost
  • Repairs and frequency

Winners of the award are vehicles with the lowest ownership cost, which is then further broken down into brand and style. This year, some award winners include:

  • Passenger cars like the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Honda Civic.
  • Luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series, Lexus RC, and Lexus ES.
  • SUVs include the Toyota C-HR, Jeep Wrangler, and Hyundai Palisade.
  • Luxury SUVs like the Volvo XC40, Lexus RX, and Lincoln Navigator.
  • The best trucks are the Jeep Gladiator, Ford F-150, and the Ford F-250.

So, what makes the Toyota C-HR Vincentric’s top choice?

According to Vincentric, the Toyota C-HR has impressed over the last five years as a Best Value in America for anyone looking to own a subcompact SUV. In 2022, it has excelled, rising above 15 competitor models, and coming in at 5.9% lower than all others for ownership cost.

What does this mean for car owners? Basically, the expected 5-year cost to own is roughly $48,000, whereas all other new releases for this year can cost upwards of $49,000.00 over the same five years.

Despite Vincentric’s approval, the C-HR still falls short

With its minimal price and pleasant features, you may think that the 2022 Toyota C-HR is the dream SUV. However, this isn’t true according to Consumer Reports, which says that it drives decently but has a few “glaring faults that may take it out of contention for potential buyers.” In fact, the overall Predicted Owner Satisfaction rating is an abysmal 1-out-of-5 based on drivability, comfort, value, and style. This is because the C-HR does not come with an all-wheel drive option, which makes it more like a car than an SUV or a crossover. This is further proven by a lack of a decent cargo or storage area.

The C-HR is slow, with an acceleration rate of 0-60 mph in over 11 seconds. This is primarily because of its engine rating of 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Consumer Reports also says that there is noticeable engine and road noise with this vehicle and expresses that “at least it gets a very good 29 MPG overall.”

To go further into things that Consumer Reports doesn’t like, the Toyota C-HR also lacks rear and side visibility. This is odd, considering it is a vehicle that offers plenty of the “standard safety features” we expect to see in a newer model vehicle.

Overall, the Toyota C-HR should make a decent vehicle for up to five people to ride in or drive if they aren’t in a hurry to reach their destination.