Honda Vezel vs Toyota CH-R – Comparing two of the Japanese Crossover Aces

For the first time ever you can finally buy a crossover from Toyota. Whereas Honda has been in this segment for some years now. As Toyota C-HR finally made it to the market, it’s a wonderful time to compare it against the most adored crossover in Pakistan the “Honda Vezel.” This comparison will focus on what’s different along with some standout features present in both vehicles. The main objective is to help you decide if you are into the market looking for a Crossover.

So let’s get started!

Exterior:

Digging some information and general opinion here and there will make you believe that the C-HR looks unapologetically similar to the Vezel. However, I don’t completely agree with this thought. C-HR follows a very different approach to the whole design situation. On the other hand, Vezel has a conventional design making it appear more like a hatchback and C-HR has a more of an “In Your face” design. It has strong lines running from the front all the way to back and significantly much more aggressive front end. The rear profile is coupe-like which yet again makes it look stand out from not only the Vezel but the rest of the competition as a whole. The least attractive bit about Vezel is arguably it’s rear. However, other than that it’s a fairly handsome looking crossover. But seeing both in person side by side C-HR does look better in my opinion, but Vezel too looks good don’t get me wrong.

Practicality:

Now dimensions wise C-HR is a slightly bigger car meaning that it would be more practical and spacious car out of the two? Sadly that is not the case here. Despite the smaller footprint, Vezel has a slightly bigger boot for carrying luggage, and rear seats also feel more spacious. Although both cars can carry five passengers with ease with Vezel having an upper hand. One more thing to keep in mind is that C-HR’s rear windows are very small and oddly designed. Making it hard for smaller people to sneak outside and enjoy the view which also makes the cabin feel claustrophobic due to low visibility and less light. So practicality side of things is favoring Honda in this time.

Driving Experience:

Drive both cars, and you will realize that both have a very different driving aesthetics. C-HR feels much more comfortable and smooth by easily ironing out the road’s bumps whereas Vezel’s suspension is ted harder and feels sportier and agile. This main difference is due to the fact that Honda has always been keeping their cars suspension a bit more firm and followed the same tradition, however, C-HR was mainly targeted for the European market as an upscale and comfortable entry-level luxury crossover. Hence allowing it to be much more compliant and smooth on the road. So elder people will be happier in the C-HR while younger buyers will love the driving experience of Honda Vezel.

Performance & Fuel Economy:

Following the same trend as before hybrid cars made by Honda are significantly better in performance at the cost of efficiency while the Toyota manages to squeeze out more fuel economy by sacrificing performance. And if you have followed my previous blogs you will know that the I-DCT( Dual Clutch Transmission) in Vezel helps it make gear-shifts at a faster rate resulting in better acceleration numbers. Toyota once again sticks with the i-CVT transmission for hybrid variant and CVT for the 1.2L Turbocharged variant. For economy figures, Honda claims almost 27 km/l while Toyota claims 28.4 km/l but in real life expect this number to be a lot less than this.

Honda Vezel only comes with a 1.5L Hybrid engine whereas the C-HR comes with two engine options. A 1.8L hybrid which is same as the Prius while the other is a 1.2L Turbocharged. Both cars have a combined peak output of 160HP.

Features and Equipment:

When it comes to features and safety equipment, both cars are well equipped for the price point and very safe to travel in.  Identical features include:

• Paddle Shifter
• 10 Airbags
• Collision Avoidance
• Lane Departure Warning
• Steering Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• VSC and Traction Control
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Push Start and Keyless Go
• Heated Front Seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Reversing Camera

Toyota CH-R Dashboard

Honda Vezel Dashboard

Features exclusive to Toyota C-HR:

• Auto-levelling and Automatic High Beams
• Auto fold/unfold side mirrors
• Pedestrian Warning

Features exclusive to Honda Vezel:

• Rear Magic Seats
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• All-wheel drive system (optional)

Price and Final Verdict:

Both C-HR and Vezel are JDM cars, and due to heavy taxation system of Pakistan, the prices aren’t in everyone’s budget. A well-equipped and new Honda Vezel will cost PKR 2.8-3.8 Million whereas the C-HR can cost PKR 4.0-5.0 Million. Despite the modern design, more comfortable and premium cabin of the C-HR the 4.0 Million price bracket is hard to swallow for many. After some time the prices of C-HR is bound to drop as more and more units pore into the market however currently Honda Vezel is the better buy due to its lower price point and availability making it a better value for money. But when the C-HR comes to the PKR 3.5 Million mark. It’s indeed the more desirable and better-looking crossover and hence the winner of the comparison.