The Toyota C-HR: A Quirky Subcompact Crossover

The Toyota C-HR: A Quirky Subcompact Crossover with a Loyal Following The Toyota C-HR, standing for "Coupe High Rider," was a subcompact crossover SUV that carved a niche for itself in the automotive market between 2016 and 2022. Despite being discontinued, it remains a compelling option in the used car market, thanks to its unique design, reliable performance, and fuel efficiency. This article dives into the C-HR's features, trims, driving experience, and discontinuation to help you decide if it's the right car for you.

Standing Out from the Crowd: Design and Trims

The C-HR's most striking feature is its head-turning design. It broke away from the boxy lines common in the SUV segment, boasting a coupe-like sloping roofline, sharp contours, and bold front fascia. This unconventional look wasn't for everyone, but it undoubtedly made a statement on the road.

Across its six years of production, the C-HR offered several trims with varying levels of features:

• L: The base trim provided the essentials like a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and a six-speaker sound system.
• LE: Added creature comforts like alloy wheels, heated mirrors, and power windows.
• XLE: Boasted leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a premium sound system.
• Nightshade Edition (2021 only): This special edition offered a sportier aesthetic with blacked-out wheels, exterior trim, and badges.

Interior Space and Features

While the C-HR's exterior screamed style, its interior prioritized function over spaciousness. The sloping roofline limited rear headroom, making it less ideal for tall passengers. However, the front seats were comfortable and supportive, and the cabin offered enough legroom for most adults. Cargo space was decent for its class, with the rear seats folded down.

The C-HR kept pace with competitors in terms of features. Standard across all trims was a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims offered extras like heated seats, a navigation system, and a JBL sound system.

Reliable Performance Under the Hood

The C-HR wasn't built for thrills; it prioritized practicality and fuel efficiency. All models came equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This combination delivered adequate power for everyday driving but lacked the punch some drivers might desire.

However, the C-HR excelled in fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive models achieved an impressive 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a budget-friendly choice for drivers who value gas mileage. All-wheel drive was not an option, which some potential buyers might find limiting.

Safety First

Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and the C-HR was no exception. It earned impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Reasons for Discontinuation and Alternatives

Despite its strengths, the C-HR faced increasing competition in the crowded subcompact SUV segment. The lack of an all-wheel-drive option and the somewhat cramped rear seat might have deterred some buyers. In 2022, Toyota decided to discontinue the C-HR in the US market.

However, fret not for fans of the C-HR. Several compelling alternatives exist, depending on your priorities. If you prioritize style and fuel efficiency, the Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Kona are strong contenders. If you value a spacious interior and available all-wheel drive, the Honda HR-V or the Subaru Crosstrek might be better choices.

Within the Toyota lineup, the Corolla Cross offers a similar size and feature set to the C-HR, but with a more traditional SUV design.

Finding a Used C-HR

The C-HR might be discontinued, but it remains a viable option in the used car market. It's known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and unique design. If you find a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Toyota C-HR, you can benefit from additional warranty coverage and peace of mind.

The Final Word: A Fun and Feisty Choice

The Toyota C-HR wasn't perfect, but it carved a niche for itself with its bold design, fuel-efficient performance, and reliable Toyota pedigree. While no longer in production, it remains an attractive option in the used car market for those seeking a stylish and economical subcompact crossover SUV.