Toyota C-HR vs Toyota RAV4: which is the better used buy?

On DVSA MOT records the Toyota RAV4 is the more reliable used buy: it passes its first MOT 1.7 percentage points more often than the Toyota C-HR once both are compared against what the national fleet scores at the same age. That comparison covers 24,374 real tests, not a survey.

MOT first-time pass rate

Counted from DVSA’s anonymised MOT test records. “vs age-matched” compares each model against what the national fleet scores at the same age — the only fair better-or-worse number, because an older fleet fails more whatever its build quality.

Model	Pass rate	Age-matched national	Difference	Tests
Toyota C-HR	90.6%	87.3%	+3.2	10,473
Toyota RAV4	82.6%	77.7%	+4.9	13,901

Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). National first-time pass rate 77.3%. Applies to Great Britain — Northern Ireland is tested by the DVA under a separate manual.

Toyota C-HR

Mk1 (2016–2023) · B/C crossover SUV with a distinctive coupe-SUV styling. One of Toyota's most popular models in the UK. Available exclusively with hybrid powertrains in UK-market versions: 1.8 Hybrid (122 PS) and 2.0 Hybrid (184 PS, from 2020). No diesel variant — Toyota positioned the C-HR as a hybrid-only model.

The Toyota C-HR Hybrid is one of the most reliable SUVs in the UK — hybrid system is proven, MOT pass rates are excellent, and the car requires very little unscheduled maintenance. The trade-off is a notably cramped rear seat (the coupe-SUV roofline severely reduces rear headroom) and a relatively small boot (377 litres). If rear space matters, consider the RAV4 Hybrid instead. If you want the lowest ownership cost in a compact crossover, the C-HR Hybrid is an outstanding choice.

What goes wrong

CVT transmission whine or noiseminor
High-pitched whine from transmission under hard acceleration; "rubbery" CVT feel above 60 mph
All years (1.8 Hybrid CVT) · Above 50,000 miles — noise can increase with age · £0 — often normal CVT characteristics; ATF fluid change (£150–£250) can reduce noise on older units
Check: Accelerate firmly from 35–60 mph and listen for transmission noise. The 1.8 Hybrid CVT makes a characteristic high-pitched tone under hard acceleration — this is normal. Persistent grinding or rattling (rather than the characteristic tone) should be investigated.
12V auxiliary battery failuremoderate
Car fails to start; warning lights at startup; hybrid system fault codes; "ready" light does not illuminate
All years approaching 4–5 years old · From 4 years old regardless of mileage · £120–£250 12V auxiliary battery replacement
Check: On any C-HR approaching 5 years old, proactively budget for 12V auxiliary battery replacement. This is the most common unscheduled repair on the C-HR — the main traction battery is excellent, but the 12V auxiliary battery that wakes the hybrid system is a wear item.
Infotainment system — older touchscreen responsivenessminor
Slow touchscreen response; navigation sluggishness; CarPlay/AndroidAuto disconnections
2016–2019 (pre-facelift infotainment) · Not mileage-related — hardware limitation · £0 — software update (free at Toyota); not fixable without hardware upgrade
Check: Test the touchscreen and navigation during the test drive. Pre-facelift C-HR infotainment is notably slower than the 2020+ system. This is a hardware limitation rather than a fault — software updates improve it partially but the 2016–2019 unit is slower than modern equivalents.
Rear door water ingress (select build dates)moderate
Damp rear footwell; musty smell from rear; water visible under rear seat
2016–2018 (certain production batches) · Age-related — more common in wet UK climate · £100–£300 rear door seal replacement
Check: Check the rear footwell carpet for dampness. Press on the rear door seals and check for flexibility — hardened seals are a warning sign. Toyota issued a service campaign for the rear door seal issue — ask if this has been completed on pre-2019 cars.

Typical asking price:: Mk1 2017–2019 1.8 Hybrid: £8,000–£14,000 | Mk1 2020–2022 2.0 Hybrid facelift: £13,000–£20,000
Real-world economy:: 51–63 mpg (1.8 Hybrid real-world UK city/mixed); 49–59 mpg (2.0 Hybrid real-world)
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2020, 2021, 2022
Years to avoid:: 2016, 2017

Full C-HR fault guide Used Toyotas

Toyota RAV4

XA50, 2019–2024 (Hybrid) · mid-size hybrid family SUV

The XA50 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2019–2024) is among the most reliable SUVs sold in the UK, with fewer fault reports than any German rival in the same class. The main issues are EGR soot accumulation on petrol-only (non-hybrid) variants, occasional false radar warnings from the pre-collision system, and rear-seat ventilation noise on pre-2021 examples. Hybrids require no plug-in charging and are ideal for UK commuting. Best-buy years: 2021–2023. Worst: 2019 (software gremlins, recalled).

What goes wrong

Pre-collision system false alerts / phantom brakingmoderate
Sudden brief braking on open motorway or dual carriageway with no obstacle; "Pre-Collision Alert" warning appearing on clear roads; forward collision warning sounding without cause
2019–2020 (pre-software update) · Free under Toyota software update — dealer apply at next service
Check: Ask the dealer for confirmation that Toyota software update reference SB-0164B (or equivalent UK market version) has been applied. A quick 15-minute motorway stint during the test drive is the most direct check.
EGR soot and carbon buildup (2.5 petrol non-hybrid)moderate
Rough idle when cold; hesitation at low throttle; occasional check-engine light
2019–2024 (affects petrol-only variants more than hybrid — hybrids cycle the EGR differently) · Above 50,000 miles without regular servicing · £350–£600 EGR clean at a Toyota specialist; £800–£1,400 if EGR valve requires replacement
Check: Run the engine from cold — it should idle smoothly within 60 seconds. Hesitation or stumbling on cold mornings suggests EGR buildup. Service history should show 6,200 miles oil-change discipline. Avoid RAV4s with gaps in the Toyota stamp.
HVAC condensate accumulation (recall)minor
Water pooling in cabin; damp carpets in footwells unrelated to doors/windows; occasional musty smell after rain
2019 (recall issued) · Free under recall — Toyota UK dealer. Recall reference: EU recall ref 2019/433
Check: Verify recall completion via VIN at any Toyota UK dealer or the gov.uk recall checker (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall). If not completed, insist the dealer does it before sale.
Hybrid battery — very long-term degradationminor
Slightly reduced mpg; less frequent EV-mode trips; battery gauge dropping faster in cold weather
All hybrids; typically year 8–10+ in UK conditions · 125,000+ miles (UK used-car context: rarely seen this high yet) · £3,000–£6,500 for battery replacement; Toyota 10-year warranty on hybrid battery still covers most UK used examples (verify original purchase date)
Check: Check the Toyota hybrid battery warranty status — Toyota UK covers the HV battery for 10 years / 150,000 miles from first registration, whichever comes first. All RAV4 Hybrids first registered post-2019 should still be under warranty until at least 2029. Verify by VIN.

Typical asking price:: £15,000–£40,000 (2019–2024; PHEV variants at the top end)
Real-world economy:: 49–57 mpg real-world for Hybrid — best in class for a non-plug-in mid-size SUV in UK mixed driving
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2021, 2022, 2023
Years to avoid:: 2019

Full RAV4 fault guide Used Toyotas

Which one suits you

Toyota C-HR

Good for: Buyers who prioritise reliability and low ownership costs above all else. Urban and suburban drivers who don't need large rear space or a big boot. Buyers who want Toyota's proven hybrid system in a compact crossover body.

Less good for: Families with teenagers or tall passengers in the rear — the C-HR rear headroom is significantly compromised by the coupe roofline. Buyers who regularly carry large loads — the 377-litre boot is the smallest in its class. Buyers who need to tow — the C-HR is not rated for towing.

Toyota RAV4

Good for: Families wanting a reliable, low-running-cost SUV. Commuters doing mixed town/motorway miles who want the hybrid fuel savings without the hassle of plug-in charging. Buyers who prioritise long-term reliability over prestige badge.

Less good for: Buyers wanting a sporty drive — the RAV4 Hybrid prioritises economy over driver engagement. Off-road purists (the RAV4 has on-demand AWD via a rear electric motor, not a locking diff). Anyone wanting a third-row seat — the RAV4 is strictly 5-seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, the Toyota C-HR or the Toyota RAV4?

The Toyota RAV4. It passes its first MOT 1.7 percentage points more often than the Toyota C-HR once both are age-adjusted, across 24,374 DVSA-recorded tests.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Toyota C-HR?

90.6% of Toyota C-HRs pass their MOT first time, from 10,473 tests in DVSA's records. The national first-time rate is 77.3%, but cars of this model's age average 87.3% — so it runs 3.2 points better than its age group.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Toyota RAV4?

82.6% of Toyota RAV4s pass their MOT first time, from 13,901 tests. Against the 77.7% that cars of its age average, it runs 4.9 points better.

Which years should I avoid?

For the Toyota C-HR, 2016–2017 launch cars: a small number of CVT transmission noise complaints and early infotainment software issues. Also, pre-facelift 1.8 Hybrid's CVT can feel sluggish on motorway overtakes. These are minor concerns — the C-HR was reliable from launch, just less polished. For the Toyota RAV4, The 2019 launch year saw a Toyota recall (recall ref: 19V-752 in EU) for an HVAC condensate water accumulation issue that could trigger false airbag deployment warnings. Software for the pre-collision system was also immature — multiple UK owners reported phantom braking events on motorways. Both issues were corrected by 2021, but 2019 examples should have evidence of both recall completions.

Which is cheaper to run?

The Toyota C-HR returns 51–63 mpg (1.8 Hybrid real-world UK city/mixed); 49–59 mpg (2.0 Hybrid real-world) in real UK driving; the Toyota RAV4 returns 49–57 mpg real-world for Hybrid — best in class for a non-plug-in mid-size SUV in UK mixed driving. Vehicle tax: C-HR — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).; RAV4 — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).. Insurance differs mainly by driver and postcode rather than by model, so treat any model-level insurance figure with caution.

MOT figures are counted from DVSA records and are the only measured statistic here. Prices, economy and tax bands are indicative and vary by specification, condition and where the car has lived. Last reviewed: 2026-08-14 / 2026-08-14.