Prius IV or C-HR

I have a Prius 4 and I like it a lot more than the C-HR - both optically and technically. The P4 has the newer (4th gen) HSD system and is trimmed for maximal fuel efficiency. The C-HR is more mainstream and suits the "global desire" for having an SUV better. The P4 is extremely spacious and as you say, the trunk is fantastic. The C-HR is more like a crushed cola can in my view ;-) Some P4s can develop a leak in the EHR system. Some C-HRs can develop inverter failure. However, both problems seem rare and both cars are in general very reliable.

So, I would say, definitely go for the P4, BUT (!!!) ground clearance can be a big problem (with just about 120mm it is comparable to a 911!). Especially "offroad" trips can be a problematic to impossible without damaging the underneath of the car. 120mm ground clearance is really not a lot! So if these trips with bumpy roads are done regularly, I would go for the C-HR. If it is only a few times a year, the P4 can also do it if you are cautious. The key to success on offroad roads is to never drive through the deepenings (the middle bump will instantly damage your car) but instead drive "shifted" on one side of the road (so that you actually drive on the bumps and not in the deepenings between them).

 

how does gas mileage compare?

 

The 2015 Passat B8 has a ground clearance of 145mm according to google - which is an impressing 25mm more than the P4.

The mileage depends on the use. I general, the P4 takes at about 1 liter less gas per 100km (P4 has about 4.5 liters/100km, the C-HR has some 5.5 liter or so). However, if you drive a lot on highways at high speed, the P4 remains economic (due to its fantastic cw value) but the C-HR starts to drink. This holds true up to about 130km/h. After that, both cars will rapidly increase fuel consumption.

 

The US never got the hybrid C-HR, so responses about it here will likely be limited. Appearance alone says the C-HR is less of a family car than the Prius. The back seat looks smaller.

The Passat is 138mm according to this, but there can be regional differences.
https://www.media.vw.com/assets/documents/original/6351-108782884055d61c1733f54.pdf
Still higher than the Prius, but it looks like the Niro bests everyone mentioned here.

I know modifying a car can be more trouble in Europe, but lifting the Prius is an option. I recall there being a thread just about that for the gen4. Even getting tires with slightly larger diameters might be enough. This will reduce efficiency, though mostly at highway speeds.

Forgot to add about the lights. LEDs are nicer, but LED replacements that plug into the halogen lamp are readily available here. I was satisfied with the ones I put in a 2016 Camry.

 

Yes, you are exactly right: the P4 is by no means comparable to the C-HR. Apart from the ground clearance, nothing favors the C-HR.

Where do you live? Is there really no single P4 available for rent in your country? Could you rent it in a neighboring country and then drive to your field? It may be expensive but everything is better than to spend thousands for a C-HR you don't really want or for a P4 which then is not able to traverse the field...

PS: If you should end up with the C-HR, do NOT get one without full-led lights. The halogen bulbs are really bad. Here in Switzerland, however, all the P4s have full-led lights even in the most basic versions. These are great lights, especially if you drive a lot at night (like me).