Holden Trax v Toyota C-HR 2017 Comparison

Compact SUV stampede
The compact SUV market is the fastest growing passenger segment there is. By 2020, it’s estimated more than 7.5 million high-riding hatches will find new homes globally each year.

Australia is already experiencing something of a compact SUV stampede. New models including the two on test make up just a portion of the 35-strong category. It’s a segment that will host more than 40 players by the end of the year.

Last year, compact SUVs made up almost 10 per cent of the Australian new passenger car market with 110,414 sales.

Of the field, the updated Holden Trax and all-new Toyota C-HR are the newest kids on the block; which prompted us to see which offers better value, and which is the best to drive.

Why are we comparing them?
In terms of size and price structure the Holden Trax and Toyota C-HR (short for Compact High Rider) are very similar, in spite of their obvious styling differences.

Each is closely matched in terms of its dimensions at just over four metres long and just fewer than 1.8 metres wide. The C-HR offers more space between the axles, however, liberating slightly more cabin and cargo space (356 v 377 litres). On the downside, it’s also heavier (1390 v 1510kg).

The examples on test are each powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The Holden displaces 1.4 litres and develops 103kW/200Nm where the Toyota makes 85kW/185Nm from 1.2 litres’ capacity. Low-grade five-speed manual Trax LS models are fitted with a normally-aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder making 103kW/175Nm.

Who will they appeal to?
It’s easy to say the compact SUV market has its sights on the young, and the young at heart. But in truth the segment holds far broader appeal.

With a higher seating position and cargo floor the Trax and C-HR are easier to use than comparable hatchback models. As a result, they also offer better forward vision, the elevated view of the road a key consideration among buyers young and old alike. The high-riding design and compact footprint makes models like the two on test easy to manage and park, too.

And let’s not forget funky styling and a profusion of technology – especially in the case of the C-HR. Packed to the gills with the latest infotainment and driver assistance technologies the Toyota clearly has the Holden licked, even when viewed against the like-for-like Trax LTZ (see below).

How much do they cost?
The front-wheel drive only Trax range begins with the LS at $23,990 (plus on-road costs) and climbs through LT (from $28,890 plus ORCs, and as tested here) and LTZ (from $30,490 plus ORCs) grades.

In LT form equipment includes niceties such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch MyLink touch-screen infotainment array with digital radio, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth trim, manual air-con, and a sunroof.

The Korean-built Trax is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty which includes 12 months’ roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at nine months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) with a lifetime capped-price arrangement dubbed HoldenWise. The first service costs $229.

For the C-HR we find a mix of front and all-wheel drive configurations across two model lines. The base C-HR (no type designation) begins at $26,990 (plus ORCs), while the high-grade Koba (as tested here) starts from $33,290 (plus ORCs).

The C-HR Koba is fitted with 18-inch alloys, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment array with reversing camera and sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a long list of driver assistance technologies including autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Made in Japan, the C-HR is supported by a three-year/100,000km warranty, just like the Trax. Toyota doesn’t include break-down assistance as part of the deal, but does offer longer 12-month/15,000km service intervals. Service pricing is capped for five years at $195 each visit.

What do they do well?
On paper, and when it comes to power, it seems the Trax has the C-HR licked. However, the Toyota’s CVT does a better job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot. It’s also more fluid in response to throttle input, which not only makes it zippier, but also smoother.

In spite of its figures the C-HR handles stop-start traffic, busy arterial roads and winding country lanes with aplomb. The only real struggle coming in steep hills when loaded with people and gear – the Holden’s extra torque has a slight edge here.

Dynamically the pair is different on demanding roads, but only just. Pockmarked country lanes challenge the Trax more readily than they do the C-HR, the Toyota better able to deal with bumps and corners at the same time. On twisting roads it’s the C-HR that feels lighter, too, with easier, more direct steering attributing to a sense of sportiness behind the wheel.

We also preferred the brake-pedal action in the Toyota. The stoppers are more progressive and better assisted, meaning you don’t have to push as hard to achieve the same result.

What could they do better?
As a family hauler the C-HR is let down by its tight back seat. The raked roofline limits headroom for adults, while the high shoulder-line and thick C-pillars limit outward visibility – especially for little kids. The more traditionally-shaped Trax showed no such compromise.

Up front the ergonomics are lineball. Visually, the C-HR might provide more interest in its cabin’s material selection, but in reality both provide thoughtful day-to-day pragmatism. We do, however, give the nod to the Toyota’s seat cushion comfort.

The Toyota also seemed to do a better job of keeping the cabin cool on a humid 28-degree day. It was also a little quieter over rough roads, its Bridgestone rubber squelching noise better than the Holden’s Continentals.

Conversely, Holden gets the nod where in-cabin tech is concerned. The larger landing pads of the 7.0-inch MyLink touch-screen make it is easier to use on the go; so too the trip computer set-up. A shame the Holden doesn’t offer proprietary sat-nav.

Which wins, and why?
While each of the compact SUVs sampled has its pros and cons, on balance it’s the Toyota C-HR that offers more of what buyers want. It’s funky, offers sportier handling and a driveline that’s both more fluid and energetic than the Holden’s.

Rear-seat issues notwithstanding, the C-HR is sensibly packaged and well equipped. The technology offerings – especially the inclusion of autonomous emergency braking – are better aligned with buyer expectations, while on-road behaviour and the action of its controls more refined.

It might be a little dearer, but the C-HR offers stand-out looks, the availability of all-wheel drive and cheaper servicing. And in terms of the value and driveability, it’s the C-HR that takes the win.

2017 Holden Trax pricing and specifications:
Price: $23,990-$30,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol / 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 103kW/175Nm / 103kW/200Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual / six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.9-7.3L/100km (ADR Combined) / 7.9L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 160-169g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

2017 Toyota C-HR pricing and specifications:
Price: $26,990-$35,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/185Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual / continuously variable
Fuel: 6.3-6.5L/100km (ADR Combined) / 8.0L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 141-148g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP