Used 2021 Toyota C-HR

The 2021 Toyota C-HR blends the dimensions of a subcompact car with something approaching the ride height of an SUV. And looks like it comes from the future — not necessarily the future of planet Earth.

More expressive than the sleek Hyundai Kona or demure Honda HR-V, the C-HR won’t get lost in a crowded parking lot. Still, there are a few quirks that may be deal-breakers for some — such as the big rear pillars, disguised rear door handles, and the absence of all-wheel drive.

Countering any downsides is Toyota’s excellent reputation for quality and robust resale values, the C-HR’s engaging driving manners and the assurance provided by the numerous standard driver aids (upgraded for 2021), like forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking plus pedestrian/cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with lane tracing assistance, and automatic high beams.

There’s no kind way of saying this — the engine is underpowered. For a front-drive-only subcompact SUV/crossover, the 2021 C-HR is heavy at 3,300 pounds (the Honda HR-V, for example, is almost 400 pounds lighter).

So this 144-horsepower unit struggles to retain a driver’s interest as it ambles up to freeway speeds. Nor does the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) make any positive contribution.

That’s doubly sad because the chassis is clearly talented enough to handle some extra muscle. There’s a combination of suppleness and control reminiscent of expensive European cars.

It can take bends at the kind of pace that would induce boring understeer in a more run-of-the-mill rival. A little easing off the throttle just at the point where the low-rolling-resistance tires start to chirp, and the shift in weight brings the tail around a little, tightening the cornering line. However, the cabin can get noisy at times like these.

The interior design is less eye-catching than the outside of the C-HR, but that’s no bad thing. Some diamond patterns on the dashboard, doors, and headliner echo the C-HR’s extrovert vibe.

The quality of materials is somewhat upscale, and occupant comfort is perfectly acceptable for longer trips. There are some hard plastics around the center console and doors, but interior color options help brighten an otherwise relentless wave of varying gray hues.

For passengers in the back seats, the wide rear pillars mean having to lean forward to get a good outside view. These pillars are also a convincing argument to select a trim with blind-spot monitoring.

The styling of the Toyota C-HR subcompact SUV/crossover is dynamic and futuristic, with a front end that echoes Toyota’s other cars and SUVs. For those unsure of the numerous angles and lines going every which way, look at a few different colors first.

We think the C-HR works well in gray, which seems to tone down the overall visual impact. For those who go bold, the 2021 C-HR also comes in various colors with a contrasting roof and side mirror caps of black or silver.

Changes for 2021 include new Oxide Bronze (with or without a black roof) and Magnetic Gray Metallic. Knockout Silver Metallic and Hot Lava (a kind of burnt orange) have been discontinued. Supersonic Red and Blue Eclipse Metallic are no longer available with the entry-level LE trim.

The new-for-2021 C-HR Nightshade Edition brings black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels with black lug nuts, plus black door handles/chin spoiler/badge overlays. It’s available in all black. Or white, gray, or red with a black roof.

On a more practical note, those protruding taillights might be prone to damage and a subsequent costly repair.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE 2.0
With the latest TSS 2.0 suite of standard driver aids, the new C-HR enjoys many advanced safety systems that are often optional or not even offered in some rivals. Forward-collision mitigation, low-speed emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert and lane-tracing assistance are all included.

INTERIOR SPACE
Because it rides on the same platform as the Camry midsize sedan, the C-HR has plenty of interior space for folks of all sizes. Rear-seat headroom is surprisingly good, although it does feel a bit dark and dreary back there because of the wide rear pillars. At 19 cubic feet, cargo volume is only average, but the seats fold to provide 36.4 cubic feet.

The entry-level LE comes with the aforementioned TSS 2.0 driver aids, plus Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, LED daytime running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, selectable driving modes, self-dimming rearview mirror, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio setup. We’re not crazy about the 17-inch steel wheels, though.

For 18-inch alloy wheels, choose the XLE trim that also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry/ignition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Limited trim brings adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.

The LE can be fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. The XLE and Limited are eligible for an audio upgrade package that adds Bluetooth music streaming and HD/satellite radio.

The XLE offers a blue/black interior, while the Limited may be ordered with a brown/black interior upgrade. And the contrasting roof option is applicable to the XLE and Limited trims.

The sole engine for the 2021 C-HR is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Not a turbocharger in sight.

A CVT sends this merely adequate muscle to the front wheels. For all its SUV pretensions, the Toyota C-HR does not offer all-wheel drive.

The silver lining in this mechanical cloud is fuel consumption of 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, but that’s still not class-leading.

2.0-liter inline-4
144 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/31 mpg