Launched last year, the C-HR is Toyota’s latest subcompact crossover SUV. An abbreviation of Compact High Rider, every 2019 Toyota C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter gas engine with front-wheel drive and Toyota’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).
CarsDirect Pricing Insider
What you must know before buying the Toyota C-HR- 2019 Toyota C-HR is in showrooms
- Rebates: Get $500 off
- Finance: From 2.9% APR
- Lease: From $219/mo. for 36 mo.
2019 C-HR is here:
The 2019 Toyota C-HR is rolling into showrooms with much-needed updates, including a new sub-$22,000 base LE trim and a range-topping Limited trim with many of the creature comforts the 2018 model lacked, including an upgraded infotainment system, leather, and more.
Deals are limited on the 2019 Toyota C-HR, but they are trickling in.
Toyota's promotions vary by region and expire January 2, 2019. All deals mentioned here are for Southern California only.
Up to $500 off:
Toyota continues to offer a $500 rebate to the 2019 C-HR, but buyers cannot combine this with the low APR deals.
Low APR deals:
Buyers can get the 2019 C-HR with 2.9 percent APR deal for 60 months. Buyers who need more time can finance for 72 months at 3.9 percent APR.
Lease from $219 a month:
The 2019 C-HR's featured lease is for the base LE trim. It runs $219 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing.
With a monthly effective cost of $275, this is not a good value given the vehicle's MSRP.
The above offers come with allowances of 12,000 miles per year.
2019 C-HR is here:
The 2019 Toyota C-HR is rolling into showrooms with much-needed updates, including a new sub-$22,000 base LE trim and a range-topping Limited trim with many of the creature comforts the 2018 model lacked, including an upgraded infotainment system, leather, and more.
Deals are limited on the 2019 Toyota C-HR, but they are trickling in.
Toyota's promotions vary by region and expire January 2, 2019. All deals mentioned here are for Southern California only.
Up to $500 off:
Toyota continues to offer a $500 rebate to the 2019 C-HR, but buyers cannot combine this with the low APR deals.
Low APR deals:
Buyers can get the 2019 C-HR with 2.9 percent APR deal for 60 months. Buyers who need more time can finance for 72 months at 3.9 percent APR.
Lease from $219 a month:
The 2019 C-HR's featured lease is for the base LE trim. It runs $219 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing.
With a monthly effective cost of $275, this is not a good value given the vehicle's MSRP.
The above offers come with allowances of 12,000 miles per year.
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2019 Toyota C-HR Overview
Neil Cumins, Automotive EditorWhat's New for 2019
The C-HR is mostly unchanged for 2019 after debuting last year. Instead of being limited to XLE and XLE Premium models like last year, the 2019 C-HR is available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims. The three trim levels are separated by just over $5,000, from LE to Limited.
Choosing Your Toyota C-HR
Like many SUVs, the 2019 Toyota C-HR is a front-wheel-drive crossover with less than six inches of ground clearance. Every model is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This is fed to the front wheels through a CVT with manual override. A modest 3,300-pound curb weight helps the C-HR return an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 combined.
As SUV buyers would expect, the C-HR majors on safety. Ten airbags come as standard, including front and rear side curtains plus a driver’s knee ‘bag. Toyota’s pre-collision system features a pedestrian detection system, automatic emergency braking, and steering assistance to prevent lane departures. XLE and Limited models augment this with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
LE
The LE trim starts at $21,990 (all prices include the $1,045 destination charge). Its low price is thanks in part to cost-cutting materials like 17-inch steel wheels and a urethane steering wheel. At least the shift lever is leather-trimmed and satin-plated, while the front bucket seats are trimmed in sport fabric. Standard equipment also extends to keyless entry, dual zone climate, and heated mirrors. The 8.0-inch touchscreen has Apple CarPlay compatibility, while the stereo is a six-speaker Entune audio system. On the outside, the LE has color-keyed bumpers, door handles, a rear spoiler, and outside mirrors.
There are no packages available on the LE, which means the options list only comprises aftermarket accessories like all-weather floor liners ($149) and a cargo liner ($109) or door sill protectors ($199). There’s also a choice of Ruby Flare Pearl and Blizzard Pearl paint finishes for $395.
XLE
Costing $24,710, the C-HR XLE brings a number of minor upgrades over the LE. On the outside, there are 18-inch alloy wheels and color-keyed touch-sensor door handles. The heated power outside mirrors have blind-spot monitoring indicators, puddle lights, and auto-folding. The cabin has push-button start and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while the remote keyless entry system is upgraded to provide illuminated entry. The only option XLE buyers can tick outside of paint color is the Entune Audio Plus package ($685), which combines an upgraded audio system, HD radio, and access to Toyota Connected Services.
Limited
For its $27,440 asking price, the Limited model offers a number of features over and above the XLE’s specifications. This is the only C-HR with rain-sensing wipers and LED fog lights, while Verizon-powered WiFi supports the Toyota Connected Services functions. Heated leather-trimmed bucket seats for the driver and front passenger join leather trim for rear passengers. On the outside, a red rear bumper garnish, chrome window trim accent, and black B-pillar garnish are standard. Again, there are virtually no options available to Limited customers. The Entune Premium Audio package ($1,725) brings satellite navigation to the premium sound system, but that's it outside of paint colors.
CarsDirect Tip
The LE trim is likely to be too spartan for many buyers, yet the Limited struggles to justify its $5,000 premium over the cheapest C-HR. The XLE represents a reasonable compromise, making it a good place to start your shopping for a 2019 Toyota C-HR.
Our Take: 2019 Toyota C-HR
Steve Cypher, Contributing Writer
The 2019 Toyota C-HR rolls into its second year with some minor tweaks, but retains its polarizing looks, loads of active safety features, and decent handling. At the same time, its tepid performance and cramped rear seat are disappointing, and did we mention that its design was offbeat?
Best Value
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers a number of revisions that further distance the model from its Scion roots. The variations include a new entry-level model, while last year's XLE Premium has been replaced with the Limited trim. In addition, two option packages are available: Entune Audio Plus on the XLE and Entune Premium Audio on the Limited.
Pricing starts with the new base LE at $21,990 ($1,505 less than last year's XLE), and rises to the uplevel Limited model, with a two-tone paint scheme and Entune Premium audio, that checks in at $29,270 – a $3,425 increase over last year's most expensive model.
A long list of standard features includes the usual power bits plus LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, 17-inch steel wheels, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay capability, a leather-trimmed shift knob, a cargo cover, and keyless entry. A rearview camera, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic headlights with high-beam assist are standard on all models.
With a single engine and transmission offered, we'd step up to the XLE trim that adds 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and touch-sensitive keyless entry with push-button start.
Here's how we'd build it:
- Model: 2019 Toyota C-HR XLE
- Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Output: 144 hp / 139 lb-ft
- Transmission:Continuously variable transmission
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- MPG: 27 City / 31 Hwy
- Options:None
- Base Price:$24,025 (including a $1,045 destination charge)
- Best Value Price:$24,025
Performance
The C-HR stands above the rear twist beam-equipped crowd with Sachs dampers fitted to the front struts, a beefy front stabilizer bar, and an independent double wishbone rear suspension. Coupled with nicely-weighted steering, Toyota's subcompact crossover handles better than past small Toyotas.
But unlike many competitors, the C-HR isn't offered with the option of all-wheel drive here in the US, which is probably a good thing since it lacks the ground clearance for any serious thoughts of off roading. In addition, despite three different driving modes, zero-to-60 acceleration lies somewhere between "leisurely" and "eventually," as the physics of moving 3,300 pounds with a mere 144 horsepower rears its ugly head.
Style
With the Nissan Juke history, Toyota's entry stands out as the lone extrovert in the subcompact crossover class. With headlights that wrap tightly into the wheel wells, deeply sculpted sides that press into a skeletal shape, and a busy rear fascia with bracketed taillights that are equally expressive, the C-HR offers a new interpretation of the "rising window line, sloped roof line" crossover design.
That expressive, polarizing exterior is wrapped around an interior that offers plenty of room for front seat occupants and enough head room for six-footers in back. Flipping and folding the rear seats creates 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space with a flat load floor – something not typically found in this class.
On the other hand, with just 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the C-HR falls well short of the segment-leading Honda HR-V's 24.3 cubic feet, while rear seat passengers literally take a back seat to style – with awkward rear door handles and cutouts that cut into rear leg room, and a rising beltline and thick C-pillars that limit outward visibility. Topping things off are average interior materials and plenty of hard plastics that give the cabin a low-rent feel, while bits of silver trim do little to liven up the all-black interior.
The Best and Worst Things
The C-HR's combination of style and active safety features set it apart from most competitors in its class.
Despite having better than average handling characteristics for a small Toyota, a lack of performance means the C-HR just isn't much fun to drive.
Right For? Wrong For?
A long list of standard active safety features makes the C-HR a solid choice for the safety conscious.
Enthusiasts need not apply. With a portly 3,300-pound curb weight that's anywhere from 176 pounds (Chevrolet Trax) to 491 pounds (Mazda CX-3) heavier than its competitors, an uninspiring 2.0-liter engine, and a performance-robbing CVT, there are much more enjoyable vehicles in this class.
The Bottom Line
With an urban mission in mind, where its lack of performance is less of an issue, the 2019 Toyota C-HR excels. But it's too compromised to stand out while navigating suburban sprawl and freeways or cosseting drivers during traffic jams, landing it mid-pack in the subcompact crossover class.
