Toyota’s Future Hiace is super convenient with its innovative front and rear sliding doors

Toyota’s new compact SUV “”C-HR”” also has “”stronger character””! What is the difference from the “”honor student”” character of the same class “”Corolla Cross””?The “”C-HR”” emphasizes a strong personality that is competitive with its European rivals On December 5, 2022, Toyota’s European division unveiled the C-HR Prologue, a concept car that hints at the new C-HR, which will be the second-generation model. What is the difference between the two models? Strong Character!”” Toyota’s new C-HR Prologue and Corolla Cross compact SUVs in 36 photos.

Same overall length of 4.4m class, but “”totally different characters!”” ［The “”C-HR Prologue”” concept car (above) and the “”Corolla Cross”” (Japanese specifications) are “”individualistic,”” hinting at the new C-HR.The current (first generation) C-HR was launched in December 2016.Using the newly developed TNGA GA-C platform first used in the fourth-generation Prius, which was introduced the previous year in December 2015, the model’s driving performance was enhanced by maturing it on the world’s roads, especially in Europe.

　At the time, there were many stylish rivals in the compact SUV segment that placed more emphasis on design than those in the upper segments, so the Toyota Design Center in Europe, the U.S., and Japan joined forces to create an original coupe-like style with a personality that would stand out from the competition. The Japanese version will have a 1.5-liter engine and a 1.5-liter engine.

　The Japanese version is available with a 1.2-liter gasoline turbo engine or a 1.8-liter hybrid engine.Toyota explains that the new C-HR Prologue concept car, which was unveiled for the first time, faithfully inherits the DNA of the original C-HR.The bold fender shape around the wide front and rear tires and the compact-looking cabin give the car a sporty form that is futuristic, but at the same time, it also shows a strong connection with the first-generation C-HR.In fact, the first-generation C-HR was also launched commercially, following almost exactly the design of the C-HR Concept exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in France in October 2014 and the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September 2015, before its launch.

　Toyota claims that the new C-HR Prologue is a similar demonstration, and suggests that this will soon be rolled out in the new (second-generation) C-HR with nearly identical styling.In addition to the hybrid version, the new C-HR will also be available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).Toyota’s new C-HR compact SUV also has a “”stronger character””! What makes it different from the “”honor student”” character “”Corolla Cross”” in the same class?

Corolla Cross”” aims to “”exceed expectations with a sense of car class and ease of useThe Corolla Cross, on the other hand, is a compact SUV added in 2020 to Toyota’s global Corolla series of strategic vehicles that have been offered globally since 1966. It was first unveiled in Thailand and then rolled out globally, with its Japanese debut scheduled for September 2021.
Comparing them from the side, you can clearly see the difference in cabin space size, etc.! ［Above is the Toyota C-HR (current model) / Below is the Corolla Cross.]

　Like the C-HR, Prius, and the rest of the Corolla series, the Corolla Cross was developed on the TNGA GA-C platform.At the time of its announcement in Thailand, Toyota described the Corolla Cross as a model “”developed with the aim of achieving both a ‘sense of vehicle character (powerful appearance)’ and ‘utility (ease of use)’ that exceeds user expectations.While the C-HR is a “”strong”” character that emphasizes individuality above all else, the Corolla Cross is the exact opposite, claiming to be an “”honors student”” character.

　The Japanese version is available in 1.8-liter gasoline and 1.8-liter hybrid versions.Comparing body sizes between the current models (Japanese specifications), the C-HR measures 4385 mm (length) x 1795 mm (width) x 1550 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2640 mm, while the Corolla Cross measures 4490 mm (length) x 1825 mm (width) x 1620 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2640 mm.

　While they share the same wheelbase, the C-HR is lower and more compact overall.Furthermore, a comparison of the actual vehicles shows that the C-HR’s low, wide, bold form gives it a strong presence, which remains unchanged six years after its debut.On the other hand, the Corolla Cross, with its large windows and imposing styling, is more impressive than its dimensions.
The interior of the C-HR, with its sports car-like enveloping feel, contrasts with the spaciousness of the Corolla Cross in both front and rear seating and cargo area, just like the exterior.

　Thus, it is clear that the C-HR and Corolla Cross, while using the same TNGA GA-C platform and having relatively similar body sizes in the 4.4-meter class in overall length, have been cleverly built based on completely different concepts.The timing of the new C-HR production model’s arrival has not been disclosed, but expectations are high for how it will differ from the Corolla Cross, just as the current model does.