2021 Toyota C-HR

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Rating6.3

Ranked #8 in 

Subcompact SUV
Write Review
$21,695 - $26,750
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 14, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Fuel efficiency

Rear Seating Arrangement

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 along with advanced safety features is offered as a standard

Safety aids

Performance curve

Nightshade Edition

Enticing Design

No available AWD

Specs & Features

$21,695

price

144 hp @ 6100 rpm

horsepower

139 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

With an aggressive styling with sporty elements and a feature-packed cabin, Toyota hits the track with its all-new C-HR that is a serious contender for all the good one may hope for. With affordability and reasonable multi-facet stature, the 2021 Toyota C-HR comes at a starting price of $21,595 which may increase a bit by some $5,000.

Buying Advice

Considering all aspects at once, the 2021 Toyota C-HR Limited appears to be the logical one among the siblings. It has all the basic comfort with power assistance and heating along with bigger wheels for a more muscular road appearance. All these with just an increment of $5,000 is worth giving attention to. Moreover, the leather upholstery reaches another level in this trim as compared to the other two which lack it more than expected. Hence, without a doubt go for the Limited. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The C-HR is available majorly in three trims with no variation in their powertrain units yet it manages to offer some better upgrades for this year in the safety and exterior outfit departments. The realm of this SUV is challenged by the likes of Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V and it would be as interesting as ever to gauge if its safety prowess and reliability would be enough to counter others.

Features
7.0/10

With the 2021 model year of the C-HR, Toyota has offered 3 trims namely, LE, XLE, and Limited starting from $21,595 with an added edition of Nightshade which has black-accent all around from top to bottom. The LE has been given high value in terms of comfort and ambiance temperature as it gets Dual-zone front climate control and high-cushioning seats. Moreover, the 8.0-inch touchscreen display and 6-speaker audio system have also been embedded inside the cabin as normal. The XLE furthermore seems to add touches like the leatherette on the steering and shifter.

Trim

LE

XLE

Nightshade Edition

Limited

MSRP (FWD)

$21,595

$23,630

$24,395

$26,650

Key Features

Dual-zone front climate control

Adds/upgrades from the LE

Adds/upgrades from XLE

Adds/upgrades from XLE

 

Adaptive cruise control

Keyless ignition

Blacked-out exteriors

Leather seats

 

Cloth seats

Leather steering wheel

18-inch black painted-alloy wheels

Heated front seats with power driver lumbar

 

Satellite radio

18-inch alloy wheels

 

Blindspot monitoring

 

6-speaker audio system

USB connection

   
 

8.0-inch touchscreen display

     
 

Safety Sense 2.0

     
 

17-inch steel wheels

     

The highly packed Limited trim is even more impressive as it tends to get power-adjustable seats with a heating function in the enclosure. Not just that, the safety features like Blindspot monitoring and Adaptive cruise control come inherent in it. The ultimate wheel setup of 7" x 18" Sport Alloy wheels holds the Limited which can further be blacked-out to be strikingly dark for the Nightshade Edition whereas the LE has a smaller version of 17-inch steel wheels attached to the axles. Thus, it is easily one of the most featured SUVs in the market.

Which Trim should you buy?

Considering all aspects at once, the 2021 Toyota C-HR Limited appears to be the logical one among the siblings. It has all the basic comfort with power assistance and heating along with bigger wheels for a more muscular road appearance. All these with just an increment of $5,000 is worth giving attention to. Moreover, the leather upholstery reaches another level in this trim as compared to the other two which lack it more than expected. Hence, without a doubt go for the Limited. 

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

The EPA has been very kind to the 2021 Toyota C-HR and has rated the same with 27 MPG for the city, 31 MPG on the highways, and a combined rating of 29 MPG. The underpowered engine with the CVT system and the front-wheel drivetrain has made it possible for the C-HR to achieve such exceptional figures. Coupled with a relatively smaller fuel tank of 13.2 gallons, the combined range stands at 382.8 miles which is quite manageable but confines its practicality and worthiness with respect to others. 

Models

2021 Toyota C-HR

2021 Chevrolet Trax

2021 Hyundai Kona

2021 Honda HR-V

MPG (City)

27

26

27

28

MPG (Highway)

31

31

33

34

MPG (Combined)

29

28

30

30

Tank Capacity (Gallons)

13.2

14.0

13.2

13.2

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

356.4/409.2/382.8

364.0/434.0/ 392.0

356.4/435.6/ 396.0

369.6/448.8/ 396.0

Both Honda and Hyundai do a good job in the competition in delivering a higher fuel economy than their Toyota and Chevy counterparts, especially in the highway mileage averaging 33 and 34 MPG, respectively. The Chevy Trax might be on the lower side when it comes to efficiency but has a slightly larger fuel tank that can hold 14-gallons of fuel to compensate for the lost MPGs as it gives some extra 10 miles on a daily basis and ranges close to the segment leaders.

Interior
4.0/10

The Toyota C-HR interior is in the middle of extremities with a decent list of features for comfort and convenience. The seats are nicely cushioned with high-bolstering. The feel might not be impressive with cloth-trim and plastic panels inside it for lower-tier but that changes to sport-leather finish in the highest trim with power-flexing.

In addition to that, the Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning maintains the temperature threshold, and heat recirculation in the seats assists for the same but in the reverse temperature meter. The egress and ingress are not at all a matter of contention irrespective of row seating.

Models

2021 Toyota C-HR

2021 Chevrolet Trax

2021 Hyundai Kona

2021 Honda HR-V

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

38.1/49.0/43.5

39.6/54.1/ 40.8

39.6/55.5/ 41.5

39.5/56.8/ 41.2

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

38.3/52.5/31.7

38.8/52.8/ 35.7

37.8/54.5/ 34.5

38.3/54.5/ 39.3

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

19.1

18.7

19.2

24.3

Apart from the Toyota C-HR, the other three SUVs offer a practical cabin with plenty of space for all the possible 5 passengers. The front row is very much commendable for the spaciousness with the C-HR but it is the second row where the differences come into light with exceptionally cramped legroom. On the other hand, the Honda HR-V has the most balanced cabin with ample rear room and is followed by the Hyundai and Chevy counterparts. For cargo capacity as well, Honda leads the path but this time Toyota is not that far behind from the sight with its 19.1 cubic feet of volume. 

A few of the standout features of the interior are:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Cruise control
  • Leather seats
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • Driver seat power lumbar support
  • Keyless ignition

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The infotainment system on offer in the C-HR is very intuitive which encloses an 8.0-inch touchscreen that is pretty sensitive and easy to operate with no glaring at all. The listening rhythm is taken care of by the 6-speaker audio unit and Bluetooth Connectivity.

One has those advanced voice recognition and hands-free phone capability along with Amazon Alexa compatibility for abuse. Moreover, as standard, the infotainment comes equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, SiriusXM, dual USB ports, and a lot more. On the whole, one should be content with what is being offered at such a price tag. 

A few of the important infotainment features are:

  • 8.0-inch touchscreen display
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • SiriusXM
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • USB and Bluetooth connectivity

Exterior
7.0/10

The 2021 Toyota C-HR is simply mouthwatering in its appeal. The sleekness in those large LEDs along with the black-accented grille on the front fascia gives that breezing appearance. The fender takes a hemispherical bulge over the 7" x 18" Sport Alloy wheels which is apt as per its side view.

The body lines right from the front to rear flowing over the door panels look continuous with no abruption at all. The lip spoiler in the rear is married to the curviness on the power liftgate and the couple is no less than an eternity. Not just for look basis, but the spoiler is equally capable of generating enough downforce which is kind of a must for such silhouette dynamics.

Models

2021 Toyota C-HR

2021 Chevrolet Trax

2021 Hyundai Kona

2021 Honda HR-V

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,300

3,124

2,890

2,906

Length (inches)

172.6

167.6

164.0

170.4

Width (inches)

70.7

69.9

70.9

69.8

Height (inches)

61.6

64.9

61.0

63.2

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.9

6.2

6.7

7.3

Wheelbase (inches)

103.9

100.6

102.4

102.8

Toyota offers a heavier and lengthier SUV and that too with lower ground clearance, all of which only direct us towards its compromised stability around the corner. It is no debate that it will be leaning heavily when taking a steep turn followed by hard braking. The others are fairly better as far as weight transfer and distribution is concerned. The Hyundai Kona is reasonably compact among them and shares a podium with the HR-V but the latter becomes more practical without any compromise inside the cabin’s spaciousness despite that compactness.

A few of the key exterior features are:

  • Striking color options
  • Sharp LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights
  • 18-inch optional wheels
  • Sunroof (Optional)
  • Heated mirrors
  • Keyless entry

Safety
6.0/10

If you are someone who prioritizes safety, then the 2021 Toyota C-HR will impress you. Toyota has updated the safety features with the Safety Sense 2.0 which adds a lot of additional safety features like lane-departure warning and pedestrian detection. The list goes on to include other advanced readiness and alertness as well with the Pre-collision safety system, Post-collision safety system, and Adaptive Cruise Control for maintaining safe distance gaping. Apart from these, the C-HR has reference structural resilience as it was rated 5-stars by the NHTSA which is laudable. But it doesn't end there as the IIHS also rated it with a “Good” marking in every major category along with the “Top Safety Pick” title.

A few of the important safety features are:

  • Adaptive headlights
  • 4-wheel ABS with traction control
  • Tire pressure monitoring
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Pre-collision safety system
  • Post-collision safety system
  • Self-leveling headlights
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Pedestrian detection

Competition
8.0/10

2021 Toyota C-HR vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax is a better value for money with better real-world performance, better EPA ratings, better braking performance, and a slightly spacious rear row.

However, it has dull exterior looks when compared to the Toyota and does not pack a lot of features as the latter, and by that, it means the updated driver assistance features. Overall, the C-HR gives far better insurance of safer hauling while the Trax is cost-effective for daily purpose needs.

2021 Toyota C-HR vs 2021 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is better in almost all categories than the C-HR and does pack some very interesting features along with a more spacious cabin.

Except for safety and top speed parameters, the C-HR will prove to be a blow to your pocket. Be it economy, performance, range, or seating comfort, the Kona squeezes C-HR and swiftly passes it. Thus the lever would prefer to sway towards the Hyundai corner.

2021 Toyota C-HR vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is the most popular in its segment and offers more of everything that consumers want. The HR-V has been on the market for a longer time than the C-HR and has a lot of advantages over the C-HR like a more comfortable cabin, best mileage in the segment, and has a higher cargo capacity.

The C-HR may take a lead when it is about road presence and safety but then it comes down to you at the end whether it is looks or practicality that matters. As far as our end is concerned, it is certainly HR-V.

Final Verdict

If you crave sharp design language, a host of safety features, tough build quality, a well-designed cabin with a lot of features, and a decent fuel economy then the 2021 Toyota C-HR is something you should consider. However, one should not be too negligent with all this chaos that he/she completely ignores the practicality which can be better found in the HR-V and Kona. Thus, it should not be your very first preference. 

Trims

    LE
    $21,695 onwards
    • Black chin spoiler
    • Black lug nuts
    • Smart key system with push-button ignition
    XLE
    $23,730 onwards
    • 18-inch machined w/painted accents aluminum Wheels
    Nightshade
    $24,495 onwards
    • 18-inch black aluminum Wheels
    Limited
    $26,750 onwards
    • Driver and front passenger heated-cushion
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leather Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$21,695- $26,750

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.31

Horsepower

144 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque

139 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$23,200- $26,100

Gasoline

8.25

155 hp @ 5600 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,400- $24,700

Gasoline

5.58

155 hp @ 5600 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,990- $27,990

Gasoline

6.65

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,395- $28,345

Gasoline

5.86

123 hp @ 6000 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 6000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,500- $30,000

Gasoline

7.18

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,600- $22,140

Gasoline

5.83

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,020- $29,340

Gasoline

6.03

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,850- $29,525

Gasoline

6.52

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

-

Read Review

$18,750- $22,050

Gasoline

6.86

121 hp @ 6300 rpm

113 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Toyota C-HR vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    10.2 sec--
    7.8 sec16.1 sec-
    8.3 sec16.5 sec120 mph
    8.4 sec16.6 sec120 mph
    8.6 sec16.5 sec-
    9 sec17.0 sec106 mph

    2021 Toyota C-HR vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg31 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/409.2 mi.
      31 mpg36 mpg33 mpg10.8 gal.334.8/388.8 mi.
      30 mpg33 mpg31 mpg11.9 gal.357/392.7 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.
      27 mpg31 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/409.2 mi.

      2021 Toyota C-HR vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        172.6 in.70.7 in.61.6 in.5.9 in.103.9 in.
        173 in.70.7 in.61.7 in.8 in.104.4 in.
        172 in.70.9 in.63.6 in.7.3 in.103.5 in.
        170.4 in.69.8 in.63.2 in.5.4 in.102.8 in.
        169.1 in.69.3 in.63.3 in.7 in.103.1 in.
        168.4 in.70.1 in.65.3 in.6.22 in.100.6 in.

        2021 Toyota C-HR vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          19.1 cu.ft.86 cu.ft.37 cu.ft.
          18.8 cu.ft.92.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.
          14.1 cu.ft.91.7 cu.ft.39.8 cu.ft.
          20.9 cu.ft.91.1 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.
          18.7 cu.ft.92.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.
          24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.58.8 cu.ft.

          2021 Toyota C-HR vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            37 cu.ft.19.1 cu.ft.37 cu.ft.-
            32.3 cu.ft.25.3 cu.ft.32.3 cu.ft.98 ft.
            71.5 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.20.9 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.82 ft.
            45.8 cu.ft.19.2 cu.ft.45.8 cu.ft.-
            31.9 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.31.9 cu.ft.-

            2021 Toyota C-HR vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1322 lbs.825 lbs.3300 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1089 lbs.2890 lbs.
              2800 lbs.-2948 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1281 lbs.3305 lbs.
              1780 lbs.1158 lbs.2612 lbs.
              1500 lbs.959 lbs.3232 lbs.

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              2021 Toyota C-HR User Reviews

              0.5

              [2 Reviews]

              1

              [50.0%] [1 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              MH

              Margaret Hammonds

              2022 Toyota C-HR

              Limited 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 2, 2024

              Amazing Toyota

              Pros - ["Safety in it", "The trunk is spacious", "Smooth drive"]

              Cons - ["The passenger seat isn't automatic", "Nothing else that's good", "That's it that's good"]

              It's a very sleek looking car amazing safety features and when a car is beside you it flashes on the side it's on. I have 3 little ones and I've never felt safer between me and my husband we have 5 cars this is by far my favorite.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              N

              Nan

              2022 Toyota C-HR

              XLE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

              1

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: September 30, 2023

              Low tire indicator comes on monthly. There is NO way to open the hatchback from the driver's seat!

              Pros - Love this car

              Cons - Dangerous not being able to open hatchback from inside of vehicle, as this could be fatal if you needed that as an exit.

              Love this car! Dealer Name: Gettel | Dealer City: Bradenton OK

              1/10
              Features
              1/10
              Interior
              1/10
              Design
              1/10
              Safety
              1/10
              Reliability
              1/10
              Deal Value
              1/10
              Dealer Review