Ford Puma vs Toyota C-HR: Which the better used buy?

Choosing the perfect compact SUV can feel like a big decision. You’ve got two brilliant options in front of you: the sporty Ford Puma and the stylish Toyota C-HR. Both have a lot to offer, from head-turning designs to clever features that make everyday driving a joy.

So, which one is the right fit for your life? We’re here to help you figure that out. Think of us as a friend who’s done all the homework for you. We’ll walk you through a friendly comparison of these two popular small SUVs to help you find your perfect match.

Size and presence: How do they measure up?

When you see them side-by-side, the Toyota C-HR has a slightly bigger footprint. It’s a bit longer and wider than the Ford Puma, which gives it a confident stance on the road. The C-HR stands a little taller, too. If you like the idea of a car that feels a bit more substantial, the Toyota might just catch your eye.

The Ford Puma is a tad more compact, making it a great choice for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into tricky parking spots. Don’t let its smaller dimensions fool you, though; it’s surprisingly roomy where it counts.

Which car has the better interior and tech?

Step inside the Ford Puma, and you'll find a straightforward and functional layout. Everything is where you expect it to be, and it’s all put together really well. It’s a cabin designed for real life, with a focus on practicality over flashiness.

The Toyota C-HR, on the other hand, goes for a more futuristic feel. Its interior has a high-tech vibe that feels modern and exciting. While some of the materials are more about durability than luxury, the overall design is impressively stylish.

Both cars come loaded with infotainment goodies. The Puma’s SYNC3 system has an 8-inch touchscreen with all the essentials like sat nav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The C-HR also has smartphone integration, but its system can feel a little slower to respond. It’s a small thing, but something to keep in mind if you value speedy tech.

Which car is the most practical?

This is where things get interesting. Despite being the smaller car on the outside, the Ford Puma is a bit of a champion when it comes to practicality. It has a surprising amount of space in the back, so even taller friends and family will be comfortable on longer journeys. You’ll also find lots of handy storage spots for all your bits and bobs around the cabin.

The Toyota C-HR is comfortable up front, but the back seats can feel a little snug. The combination of limited headroom and small windows might make it feel a bit enclosed for passengers in the rear. Like the Puma, trying to fit three people in the back will be a squeeze.

Which SUV has the most boot space?

If you need a boot that can handle everything from the big weekly shop to weekend getaway luggage, the Ford Puma is the clear winner. It offers a generous 456 litres of space, which is impressive for a compact SUV.

But wait, there’s more! The Puma has a secret weapon called the ‘Megabox’. It’s a brilliant 80-litre waterproof storage area under the boot floor, complete with a drainage plug. It’s perfect for stashing muddy wellies or even using as a makeshift icebox for a picnic. We love a clever feature like that.

The Toyota C-HR has a respectable 377 litres of boot space, which is enough for most daily tasks. However, it can’t quite match the Puma’s impressive capacity and that genius Megabox.

Which small SUV is better to drive?

When it comes to how they feel on the road, both cars offer a great drive, but they have different personalities. The Toyota C-HR feels stable and nippy, making it a pleasant and easy car to drive around town.

However, if you’re someone who genuinely loves driving, the Ford Puma is hard to beat. The 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine sold in most models is responsive, and the car feels incredibly agile and fun on twisty roads. It’s one of those cars that can put a smile on your face during an ordinary commute.

For those who want even more excitement, the high-performance Puma ST came with a larger 1.6-litre engine and turns the fun factor up to eleven – after an update in 2023 this was downgraded to a less-powerful hybrid 1.0-litre and only available with an automatic gearbox, which was much less exciting.

Which is kinder to your wallet?

Both the Ford Puma and Toyota C-HR are smart choices when it comes to running costs for a used car. The Puma’s mild-hybrid engines are very efficient, with some models achieving up to 52.3mpg.

The Toyota C-HR shines here, though – especially the full hybrid models available since 2019. The 1.8-litre hybrid can offer an excellent fuel economy of up to 57.7mpg, meaning fewer trips to the petrol station and more money in your pocket. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to maximise their efficiency.

Which is the safest?

You can feel confident in either car, as both performed well in official safety tests. The Toyota C-HR earned a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP and is packed with advanced driver safety systems.

The Ford Puma also initially received five stars in 2019. This was later revised to four stars in 2022, not because the car became less safe, but because the testing standards became even stricter. As such, it's not really fair to compare that four-star score directly with the C-HR which was tested under the older system, so we reckon it remains a very safe and secure car for you and your passengers.

Ford Puma vs Toyota C-HR: Dimensions at a glance

Ford Puma

• Length: 4,207mm
• Width (inc. mirrors): 1,930mm
• Height: 1,537mm
• Boot space: 456 litres

Toyota C-HR

• Length: 4,390mm (from 2020)
• Width (inc. mirrors): 2,050mm
• Height: 1,555mm (from 2020)
• Boot space: 377 litres

So, which SUV should you choose?

After looking at everything, the Ford Puma comes out slightly ahead in this SUV comparison. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that brilliantly combines a fun driving experience with outstanding practicality, all wrapped up in a stylish package. That Megabox is a game-changer for anyone with an active lifestyle.

However, the Toyota C-HR is still a brilliant choice. With its unique style, fantastic hybrid fuel economy, and strong safety credentials, it’s a compelling compact SUV. It really comes down to what you value most in a car.

Do you want the practical, fun-to-drive option? The Puma is likely your winner. Or do you prefer the futuristic looks and hybrid efficiency of the C-HR? There’s no wrong answer here.

Ready to find the one for you? Take a look at our range of quality used Ford Puma and Toyota C-HR models and find your next car with Cazoo.