A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
C-HR starts ZAR 649900 cheaperC-HR from ZAR 429,000 · H7 from ZAR 649,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
C-HR
H7
Engine Power
134
185
Torque
190
420
Engine Size
1987
1999
Claimed Mileage
19.2
8.5
Ground Clearance
160
195
Boot Space
377
620
Airbags
7
8
Kerb Weight
1500
1830
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
H7
73
/ 100
+6
pts
#2
C-HR
67
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both C-HR and H7 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
H7
+6 pts
Efficiency
C-HR
+13 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
H7
+5 pts
Ownership
H7
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
H7
Performance
17/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
16/20
Ownership
20/20
C-HR
Performance
11/20
Efficiency
13/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
C-HR
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
H7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
C-HR
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
H7
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
C-HR
H7
Ground Clearance
160
195
Wheelbase
2640
2800
Length
4390
4772
Width
1796
1910
Height
1550
1750
Kerb Weight
1500
1830
Gross Vehicle Weight
1930
2200
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
377
620
Towing Capacity
Not Available
1500
Turning Radius
5.4
12.2
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
820
Front Track Width
1550
1560
Rear Track Width
1540
1570
Load Bed Length
Available
-
Load Bed Width
Available
-
Front Legroom
Available
1050
Rear Legroom
Available
890
Front Headroom
Available
990
Rear Headroom
Available
960
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1430
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1390
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
-
Boot Volume
Available
620
Doors
Available
5
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
880
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
63
Rear Overhang
Available
890
Spec
C-HR
H7
Engine
2.0L Hybrid Petrol-Electric
2.0L GW4C20D Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Hybrid
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
Displacement
1987
1999
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
16
Power
134
185
Torque
190
420
Fuel System
Hybrid Synergy Drive
Direct Injection
Top Speed
180
210
0-100 km/h
8.2
150
Power @ RPM
5200 rpm
5,500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
4000 rpm
1,500-4,000 rpm
Turbocharger
Not Available
Yes
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
GW4C20D
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
82.5
Piston Stroke
92.0
93.1
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Engine Position
Available
Front Transverse
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
5.5
Power
150
248
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Yes
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
6,000
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
0–100 km/h
Available
7.9
Battery Capacity
Available
-
Charging Port
Available
-
AC Charging Time
Available
-
Engine Displacement
Available
1999
EV Range
Available
-
Spec
C-HR
H7
Transmission
e-CVT (Electronic CVT)
8-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Yes
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
-
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.42
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
14.7:1
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter
Drivetrain
Available
All Wheel Drive
Spec
C-HR
H7
Claimed Mileage
19.2
8.5
City Mileage
17
8.0
Highway Mileage
21
6.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
43
63
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
No
Auto Start Stop
Available
Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
7.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
8.5
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Good
Real-world Mileage
Available
7.5
Spec
C-HR
H7
Airbags
7
8
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Available
5
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
C-HR
H7
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Yes
Eco Mode
Available
Yes
EV Mode
Available
No
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Sport Mode
Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
C-HR
H7
Seat Material
Synthetic Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Yes
Heated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Rear Centre Armrest
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
Yes
Cup Holders
Available
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Yes
Cooled Seats
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
10-Way Electric
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Adjustable
Memory Seats
Available
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Rear Headrest
Available
Adjustable
Spec
C-HR
H7
Climate Control
Dual-zone Automatic
Yes
Power Windows
All Doors
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Payload Capacity
500
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Dual Zone Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Yes
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Boot Opener
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Climate Zones
Available
2
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.34
Driver Display
Available
Digital
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Front Armrest
Available
Yes
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
8.5
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
195
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
Yes
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
60/40
Rear Wing
Available
Integrated Spoiler
Remote Engine Start
Available
Yes
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Shark Fin Antenna
Seat Type
Available
High Bolster Sports Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
C-HR
H7
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
12
Navigation System
Standard
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Yes
USB Ports
2
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
-
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
14
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
C-HR
H7
LED Headlamps
LED Matrix
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch GR Sport Alloy
Diamond Cut Premium Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Yes
Rear Spoiler
GR Sport Spoiler
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
6
Body Cladding
Available
Yes
Roof Type
Available
Metal Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Electric Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Available
Yes
Body Type
Available
SUV
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
C-HR
H7
Approach Angle
18
20
Departure Angle
20
24
Wading Depth
350
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Yes
Locking Differential
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Front-wheel drive
Underbody Protection
Available
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
16
Recovery Hooks
Available
No
Hill Descent Control
Available
No
Ramp-over Angle
Available
17
Spec
C-HR
H7
Tyre Size
225/50 R18
235/50R20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
Steel
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
308
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
292
Parking Brake Type
Available
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
Available
94
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
V
Wheel Rim Size
Available
20
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Ventilated Disc
Spare Tyre
Available
Yes
Tyre Type
Available
Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
235
Rear Tyre Width
Available
235
Wheel Diameter
Available
20
Spec
C-HR
H7
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone
Multi-Link Independent
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Hydraulic
Spec
C-HR
H7
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10000
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
24 Months
-
Maintenance Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km
First Service At
Available
5000
Service Plan Duration
Available
5
Service Plan Distance
Available
75000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Alternator
Available
110A
Battery Type
Available
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
C-HR
H7
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
Yes
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
C-HR
H7
CO2 Emissions
105
198
Start Stop System
Standard
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Self-Charging HEV
None
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
198
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
95 Octane Unleaded
Noise Level
Available
Low
Particulate Filter
Available
No
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
4/5
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
EVAP Canister
Spec
C-HR
H7
Real-world City Mileage Min
5.5
7.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
7
9.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6
6.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
7
8.0
Owner Review Count
7
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm H7
wins with 73 pts
vs 67 pts for C-HR
In structured scoring, H7 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, C-HR may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the H7 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: C-HR 13 vs H7 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: C-HR 20, H7 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: C-HR 12, H7 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: C-HR 11, H7 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: C-HR 11, H7 17. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The H7 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H7 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between C-HR and H7 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: C-HR scores 11 vs 17.
Efficiency: C-HR scores 13 vs 0.
Safety: C-HR scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: C-HR scores 11 vs 16.
Ownership: C-HR scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives H7
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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