Revised: September 12, 2023
The Toyota C-HR is a small crossover utility vehicle, a front-wheel-drive-only model that slots underneath the popular Toyota RAV4. The C-HR name means “coupe high rider” or “cross hatch runabout.” In any case, this model blends car and crossover attributes to deliver an unusual style and driving combination.
Chronicling the Changes
2022 – The C-HR loses its base LE grade. After a short model run, Toyota cancels the C-HR, with the all-new Corolla Cross taking its place.
2021 – Toyota rolls out a Nightshade Edition with blacked-out themes. All grades now come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, the company’s package of driver-assist and safety technologies.
2020 – For its third year, the Toyota C-HR sees an updated front-end look. LED headlights and satellite radio now come standard. For the first time Android Auto is now standard.
2019 – Toyota doubles the C-HR’s available grades to include LE and Limited models. Apple CarPlay is now standard equipment, and a navigation system becomes available.
2018 — Distinctive styling, front-wheel drive, front-wheel-drive only, and a continuously variable automatic transmission are among the chief attributes of the all-new C-HR. Slightly smaller than the Toyota RAV4, the C-HR comes in XLE and XLE Premium grades. Sport alloy wheels, LED lighting, keyless entry, a 7-inch display, cloth seats, and dual-zone climate control come standard. The list of available features includes fog lights, power side mirrors, heated front seats, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. All models come with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
First-Generation Toyota C-HR
Toyota C-HR Considerations
After only five years, the Toyota C-HR is no longer offered in the U.S. and Canada, although it remains available in select other markets. Its quirky styling and weak engine worked against it as well as its lack of all-wheel drive. The Toyota Corolla Cross takes its place and brings with it available all-wheel drive and a hybrid option.
The Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue are most like the C-HR as both models are small and come with front-wheel-drive only. The market, though, offers numerous entry-level models including the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, and the Volkswagen Taos. Other models to consider include the Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mini Cooper Countryman, Jeep Renegade, and the Fiat 500X. The segment also includes the now-retired Ford EcoSport, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and the Nissan Rogue Sport.
See Also — Introducing the All-New 2023 Toyota Prius
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