Renault Arkana vs Toyota C-HR
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Renault Arkana starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota C-HR opens at $46,940. That makes the Renault Arkana the more affordable entry point by $6,950.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $51,634 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Renault Arkana and Toyota C-HR hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Renault Arkana and 85% for the Toyota C-HR.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Renault Arkana and 7 in the Toyota C-HR.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Arkana features a 9.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Arkana stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota C-HR. The Toyota C-HR counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Renault Arkana gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota C-HR offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Renault Arkana and 2-zone in the Toyota C-HR.
Drivetrain
The Renault Arkana uses a Petrol producing 105kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 103kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Renault Arkana has the clear power advantage at 105kW vs 103kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Arkana measures 4,568mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 208mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Renault Arkana and 388L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Renault Arkana a 42L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Arkana leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 725kg. That 475kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana and $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $1,482 (Renault Arkana) vs $1,340 (Toyota C-HR). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota C-HR). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Arkana takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Arkana has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Renault Arkana and Toyota C-HR?
The Renault Arkana is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota C-HR by $6,950.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Renault Arkana and Toyota C-HR all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Arkana has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Arkana has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Arkana makes the most power at 105kW. The Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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