What is the difference between Toyota C-HR design and Excel?

In short, Toyota C-HR design centers on bold exterior styling and a driver-focused interior for a physical car, while Excel centers on a grid-based interface and data-centric workflows.

What these domains aim to optimize

Two very different products aim to solve different problems for different users. The car must attract, protect, and perform in varying road conditions. The software must help users manage data quickly, accurately, and collaboratively.

Toyota C-HR design

The Toyota C-HR's design emphasizes a strong brand identity through sharp angles, a coupe-like roofline, and sculpted surfaces. Exterior cues aim for aerodynamics and presence on the road, while the cabin prioritizes driver orientation, ergonomics, and durable materials. In markets where it is sold, the car also adopts modern lighting, color palettes, and trim options to convey a premium yet practical compact SUV character. The design language has roots in Toyota's Keen Look approach, combining a bold silhouette with precise detailing.

Excel UI design

Excel's design centers on clarity, accuracy, and speed for data work. The interface is grid-based, with a familiar spreadsheet of cells, a formula bar, and a contextual Ribbon that groups tools by task. Visual treatments favor high-contrast text, legible typography, and color-coding for data in worksheets, charts, and dashboards. Across Windows, macOS, and the web, Excel emphasizes cross-platform consistency, keyboard accessibility, and features like dynamic arrays and advanced functions to support complex calculations and analysis.

Core design principles in practice

The following snapshot contrasts how each product translates its goals into concrete design decisions.

• Toyota C-HR design emphasizes a bold exterior silhouette, sculpted panels for visual interest, high safety standards, and an interior layout that places essential controls within easy reach of the driver.


• Excel UI design emphasizes a readable grid, discoverable tools, and a workflow that minimizes mistakes in data entry and analysis through clear formatting, responsive formulas, and visualizations.

These principles reflect the different audiences and tasks: drivers seeking an expressive vehicle versus analysts seeking efficient data tooling.

User interaction and experience

Interacting with a car and with a data app involves different senses and tasks. The C-HR relies on physical feedback, ergonomics, and perceptual cues to guide the driver, while Excel relies on keyboard/mouse or touch inputs, precise data manipulation, and rapid access to functions and dashboards.

• Toyota C-HR: Interaction is tangible—steering, pedals, seats, and tactile controls are designed to be intuitive, with passive safety features and an instrument cluster that communicates speed and warnings at a glance.


• Excel: Interaction is cognitive and procedural—cell selection, formula entry, copying/pasting, and chart creation drive user efficiency, aided by shortcuts, autosave, and real-time collaboration.

In short, the user experience is shaped by the medium: a vehicle for motion and emotion versus a tool for data insight and productivity.

Design evolution and current state

Toyota C-HR evolution

Since its debut, the C-HR has undergone iterative updates to sharpen lines, refresh lighting, and upgrade interior tech while preserving the distinctive silhouette. The goal remains to balance bold fashion with practical functionality and compliance with safety and emission standards.

Excel evolution

Excel has progressed from a standalone spreadsheet app to a cloud-enabled, collaborative data platform. Recent updates emphasize formula power (dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP, LAMBDA, LET), data visualization, and cross-device consistency, often guided by a Fluent-inspired UI and a modern dark mode option for readability.

Summary

In essence, Toyota C-HR design and Excel embody two different design ecosystems. The C-HR translates brand identity, aerodynamics, and human-centric ergonomics into a tangible product you can sit in and drive. Excel translates data literacy, rapid computation, and collaborative workflows into a digital interface you manipulate with keys and gestures. Both demonstrate how design thinking adapts to medium, purpose, and user needs.

Why is the Toyota C-HR being discontinued?

The Toyota C-HR was discontinued in North America after the 2022 model year due to low sales compared to the more popular Corolla Cross, which offers a combination of utility and efficiency. Other factors contributing to its discontinuation included its small interior space, underpowered engine, and the fact that it was only available in front-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross was the more practical choice for buyers and has become the smallest crossover in Toyota's lineup.
 

• Lower sales: The C-HR never reached the sales figures of competing models, and even the Corolla Cross sold significantly more units when it was introduced. 
• Practicality issues: The C-HR's stylish, coupe-like design came at the cost of a cramped rear seat and limited cargo space. 
• Performance: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 144 horsepower was seen as underpowered, and it was only offered in a front-wheel-drive configuration, which was less appealing to consumers looking for more capability. 
• Internal competition: The Corolla Cross was a more practical and appealing option that cannibalized C-HR sales and offered all-wheel drive, which was a key feature for many buyers. 
• Product lineup evaluation: Toyota is constantly evaluating its product lineup, and the C-HR's discontinuation made way for other models like the Corolla Cross, which offered a better combination of utility and efficiency for the compact SUV segment. 

Is Toyota Dynamic better than Excel?

Toyota describes its Dynamic level as “supremely equipped” – and it isn't wrong. As the flagship of the range, the Dynamic gets everything that makes the Excel so great, but adds a host of external upgrades and tweaks that give it a really sporty and premium look.

What is the common issue with Toyota C-HR?

Common problems reported for the Toyota C-HR include issues with the CVT transmission in earlier models (2018), problems with the 12-volt battery and charging system, electrical gremlins like faulty warning lights, and paint-related concerns. Other less frequent issues include blind spot limitations, infotainment system glitches, and potential wear on interior materials.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the common problems with Toyota C-HR: 58sReDrivenYouTube · Oct 29, 2023
Powertrain and engine 

• CVT transmission: Some 2018 models have reported noisy, grinding, or humming sounds, potentially due to a faulty final drive bearing. The fix can be expensive, as it may require replacing the entire transmission unit. 
• 12-volt battery: The 12-volt battery can have issues, sometimes due to its small capacity and being drained by electronics. This can cause starting problems, even though it's not a major engine failure. 
• Engine: In some cases, the engine oil level may rise above the maximum mark, though this is reportedly not a safety issue. 

Electrical and electronic systems 

• TPMS sensors: A common issue is the failure of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors. 
• Electrical gremlins: Other electrical problems can include faulty warning lights, general sensor malfunctions, and connectivity issues with the infotainment system. 
• Pre-Collision System (PCS): The warning light may activate frequently in rainy or snowy conditions, but the system usually resolves itself once it dries. 

Body and interior

• Paint: Some owners have reported issues with paint, especially on white models.
• Interior wear: The leather on the steering wheel, gear knob, and seats can show wear over time.
• Rear windows: Some 2020 models have experienced rear window cracking or shattering.
• Blind spot: Due to the design of the C-HR, visibility is limited, which can make lane changes challenging and create a blind spot. 

Suspension

• Shock absorbers: Early models sometimes had noisy shock absorbers. 
• Suspension components: Owners have reported premature wear on some suspension components. 

What is the highest trim level of the Toyota C-HR?

The Limited
The Limited is the highest trim, and it features the most technology and other bells and whistles modern drivers crave.