2019 Toyota C-HR Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Toyota introduced the C-HR as an all-new model for 2018, filling a subcompact-sized hole in the brand’s crossover lineup. Since it’s so...

Toyota introduced the C-HR as an all-new model for 2018, filling a subcompact-sized hole in the brand’s crossover lineup. Since it’s so new, it gets no major changes for 2019.

The C-HR takes the path of quirky cars like the Nissan Juke by offering a unique, swoopy exterior that’s more focused on style than utility. Almost every one of the hues available comes with a black or white contrasting roof. The interior – complete with a floating center screen, asymmetrical panels, and color accents – shows the spirit of the times in automotive design. There’s room for five people in the C-HR.

The stylish crossover continues to house a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. It’s coupled to a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a manual mode. The C-HR is part of a growing number of crossovers that don’t offer all-wheel drive (AWD); front-wheel drive (FWD) is the default – and only – configuration available. Official fuel economy figures are the same as those of last year: 27 miles per gallon city, 31 highway, and 29 combined.

The C-HR comes in three trims. The LE trim is the base setup and comes with LED daytime-running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filtration, fabric-trimmed bucket seats, a 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, an electronic parking brake, and the latest version of Toyota’s Entune suite, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The XLE trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, body-colored heated outside mirrors with integrated indicators, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless start. The available Entune Audio Plus package adds six speakers, advanced voice recognition, and Sirius XM radio.

Finally, the Limited trim adds keyless access, LED fog lights, and leather upholstery. The Entune Premium Audio package bundles everything from the Entune Audio Plus package to the navigation and 4G LTE connectivity serviced by Verizon.

There are few safety options for the C-HR – that’s because almost everything comes standard. Every model gets a reversing camera and the Toyota Safety Sense P system, which includes full-range adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring comes on XLE and Limited trims. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the C-HR in 2018, deeming it excellent in all crash categories and giving it top scores for crash avoidance with the optional equipment. However, the headlights aren’t up to snuff, according to the agency.

Coming into its second year, the C-HR remains a fresh option for those looking to escape the monotony of typical box-shaped crossovers. In exchange for some utility, you’ll get a design that turns heads along with plenty of standard and optional equipment at a competitive price.