While aggressive throttle tuning helps it feel spry enough around town, with only 139 horsepower on tap it doesn’t take more than a highway pass at the speed limit to make this mill feel flat-footed.ĭespite its scarce power, the front-wheel-drive-only C-HR is only moderately fuel efficient for the segment-in real-world driving, it’s only good for around 24 mpg in the city, well short of its EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 31 highway, 29 combined. But the C-HR’s exaggeratedly high beltline lends a buckety feel to the cabin, with poor visibility both over the hood and out the sides, particularly to the rear-changing lanes in the C-HR can be downright harrowing.Īll C-HRs are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Up front, the standard bucket seats are at least comfy and well-bolstered, and the textured cloth upholstery is nice. A rear door handle that’s camouflaged within the C-pillar (and in this case, into the two-tone color scheme as well) is key to creating the illusion of the sleek, two-door coupe profile the C-HR is going for. Most competitors have between two and eight inches more rear-seat legroom, including Mazda’s similarly sleek-but-confining CX-3, the CX-30’s subcompact brother. The rear seat is cramped and claustrophobic, with scarce head- and legroom and a lack of outward view thanks to huge C-pillars and narrow window openings. It would seem that “High Rider” is not meant literally.įor occupants, too, the C-HR cedes spaciousness to style. The tradeoff of this swoopy styling is a scarcity of usable interior space: the C-HR offers just 37 cubic feet of total cargo with the rear seats folded, which is far behind the Honda HR-V’s nearly 59 cubic feet and the Seltos’s whopping 63.Īt the same time, despite its visually high-riding stance, the C-HR lacks crossover hallmarks like available all-wheel drive (AWD) or off-road-capable ground clearance. With its sloping roofline, aggressive stance, and camouflaged rear doors, the C-HR pulls out all the stops in going for a sporty look.

However, unlike these competitors, the C-HR is designed to emulate the form-factor of a two-door coupe. The Toyota C-HR’s chunky, exuberant styling is unique among subcompact crossovers, and includes a wild mix of design flourishes like a lip spoiler, rear canards, and wraparound LED headlights. While it’s a tad bigger than micro-utes like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks, it plays in the same space as liveably-proportioned subcompacts such as the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30. The C-HR may be worth it to some for the fashion statement, but it’s crucial to be aware of the trade-offs.Īt just 172.6 inches long, the C-HR is right-sized for tight city environments. The stylish “Coupe High-Rider” was introduced for the 2017 model year as a belated replacement for the Scion xD, but has since gained many new competitors that beat it on both available power and interior usability. The C-HR is very efficient and likeable.As Toyota’s littlest crossover, the C-HR is also arguably the most flamboyantly-styled offering from an automaker that still takes design risks. I like the appearance of the car, the affordability, the handling, and the major Toyota safety features, so vital in today’s crowded highways.Ī good graduation present for a college bound student that is eye appealing and easy on fuel consumption. This is an affordable economy model assembled in Japan. Smaller in size, the car is agile, easy to park and drive, and has many safety features including ventilated disk front and rear brakes. Seats are comfortable with minimal setting controls. The rearview mirrors are large and efficient. Steering is exceptionally good, and a study frame and suspension system allows for a firm ride. The car is fast, but at lower speeds acceleration strains the engine that squeals in slight protest with being pushed too hard. Toyota did not slack on safety features and the C-HR has all of the Safety Sense features and the radar cruise control works exceptionally well. A sleek design with “magnetic gray” metallic paint and 18 black alloy wheels give the appearance of speed and performance. Just looking at the C-HR it appears much more expensive than the list price. The combination of engine and transmission work well together and deliver 29 mpg.

The vehicle surprisingly has adequate power and acceleration with the smaller engine. The 2.0 four-cylinder engine runs on eco with a versatile transmission shift mode. The trunk opens manually, and front seats are adjusted with a lever. The C-HR is a front-wheel drive, four door sedan with elevated rear door handles that are unique. The C-HR is in the economy class with a suggested manufacturer’s retail price of $25,240 with options included. Toyota does make economy cars along with hybrids and luxury models.

2021 toyota c hr