Toyota’s entry-level C-HR crossover goes on sale after the last year update and there won’t be any significant improvement for the new model year. The 2021 Toyota C-HR returns with the same engine under the hood and without the all-wheel-drive option. The trim range should also stay unchanged while there will be some meddling in the equipment availability. The new model year should bring new color and wheel options.
The compact Toyota C-HR gets attention with its adventurous presence but behind the wheel, it hasn’t much spirt. The anemic engine isn’t also very efficient and the lack of the all-wheel drive is another downside of this model. The C-HR is however well-equipped from the start and gets high scores for its sporty handling. The Safety tech is also present in all versions.
2021 Toyota C-HR: Design
Toyota made some modifications to the C-HR’s concept-like styling last year and there won’t be additional interventions until the next redesign. The 2021 Toyota C-HR will just offer several new colors and wheel options. There will be 17- and 18-inch wheels in various styles.
Toyota revised the front-end styling of the compact C-HR for the 2020 model year and toned down some exaggerations. The model received a simpler front bumper and tweaked headlights and taillights. The model has a slim grille flanked by angular, elongated headlights that stretch deep to the fenders area.
The C-HR gets also attention with the heavily sculpted fender flares and rear quarters. Toyota’s “Coupe, high roof” add also to the model’s attention-grabbing style.
The rear is also heavily sculpted and the boomerang style taillights are also the eye-catchy feature.
Interior:
The cabin of the upcoming 2021 Toyota C-HR will also continue to the new model year in the same form. The model received infotainment smartphone compatibility for last year’s update.
The C-HR has a simple, driver-focused dash with a high placed center stack and easy to use controls. The front seats are well-shaped and supportive. The elevated seat position allows also easy access and there is enough headroom in the first row. The second row provides decent comfort for the regular-size adult.
When it comes to storage space, the model offers the class-average 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded the cargo capacity swells to 36.4 cubes.
Equipment:
The next 2021 Toyota C-HR should return with the same trim options. The base LE comes with the 17-inch steel wheel, LED headlights, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a cargo cover, etc. On the tech side, the base model gets an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play and Android Auto capability, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, six speakers, Wi-Fi hotspot, etc. The entry-level C-HR gets also an array of active safety systems including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams.
The mid-range version adds leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, etc.
The top-level Limited model switches to the leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded infotainment system, adaptive headlights, etc.
2021 Toyota C-HR: Performance
The 2021 Toyota C-HR returns with the same engine under the hood and there are no signs that the all-wheel-drive will appear.
A 2.0-liter non-turbo four-cylinder engine makes 144 hp and torque of 139 lb-ft. The power goes through the continuously variable transmission to the front wheels in all versions. The engine is anemic and needs more than ten seconds to reach 60 mph.
The fuel economy isn’t also the model’s strong side. The C-HR manages 27 mpg city, 31 highway and 29 on the combined cycle.
While it isn’t responsive and very efficient, the C-HR gets high marks for the near sporty handling. The model mixes the front struts with the dual-wishbone independent rear suspension. Combined with the responsive steering, the suspension provides a well-controlled and comfortable ride.
2021 Toyota C-HR: Release, Price
The 2021 Toyota C-HR should go on sale by the year’s end. The price should stay close to the current range. The entry-level C-HR should be available at about $22, 000. The top-grade version will demand around $27, 000.
The Toyota C-HR is an alternative to other small, stylish models such as the Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V.