Tuesday, April 23, 2019

2019 Toyota C-HR Limited: The Brand's Stylish Compact Crossover


Highlight: Apple CarPlay is standard for 2019.

Test Vehicle MSRP: $29,643 (Base MSRP: $22,090)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; an auto dimming rearview mirror; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a pre-collision braking system; a pedestrian protection brake system; a brake hold feature; an electric parking brake; a vehicle stability control system; a hill start assist system; a traction control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system




Standard Equipment (Base LE Model): 17-inch wheels; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; three driving modes; a remote keyless entry system; a cargo area cover; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a leather trimmed shift lever; an 8-inch infotainment screen; manually adjustable front seats; a rear center armrest; and a 2-year/25,000 maintenance plan

Standard Equipment (Limited Model): 18-inch wheels; leather seats; a leather trimmed steering wheel; a blind spot monitor and a rear cross traffic alert system; a push button ignition system; heated front bucket seats; manual operated front seats; a push-button ignition starter system; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; LED fog lights; and a touch-sensored hatch release

Options: Entune Premium Audio; HD radio; a navigation system; leather seats; a two tone exterior color; all-weather floor liners; paint protection film; and a cargo liner

Other Trim Level

LE
XLE

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM  

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder DOHC engine/144-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:

27-city/31-hwy

What’s New: For the 2019 model year, the C-HR goes from four trims to three trims, dropping the XLE Premium.




Why: The first generation C-HR which joined the brand’s line up in 2018 to serve as the ambassador for Toyota’s ability to design a fresh and funky vehicle.

The four passenger crossover, with its cutting edge design, is available in three trims for the 2019 model year. Depending on the trim, the C-HR can be equipped with everything from a manually adjustable tilt/telescopic steering wheel to a user friendly infotainment screen to a dual temperature control ventilation system to fabric leather seats. 

Surprisingly, the compact crossover is quite spacious inside and can easily accommodate four occupants despite its design. In fact, because of the high beltline and the positioning of the rear windows, Toyota’s design team used artistic ingenuity to integrate the hidden rear door handles.

In fact, the distinctively styled vehicle, which is powered by a quite capable four-cylinder engine, is literally driven by three driving modes: economy, normal and sport.

To compliment the fresh design, Toyota has infused a two-tone color theme, with the C-HR, which literally accentuates the exterior design, making the vehicle stand out in a crowd.

Moreover, the C-HR incorporated a host of standard safety features too. Those safety features range from a radar activated cruise control system to a lane departure warning system to a brake hold feature.  

And due to the out of the box design, this added to the fun to drive nature of the C-HR. Thankfully, the quirky design didn't impact our visibility or our comfort behind the wheel.

But: Due to the artsy design, the C-HR does not lend room to add a power sunroof. However, we would even accept a manually operated pop-up sunroof. Added to that, an all-wheel drive system, a satellite radio and Android compatibility is not available. We’re hoping Toyota will hear our cry and consider tuning up this audio system in 2020.

Verdict: This is the second year the C-HR has been a member of the Toyota family. It continues to be a sales success for the brand. The vehicle’s cutting edge design welcomes buyers seeking individuality and expression. Toyota also listened to its customers this year, adding a navigation system and Apple CarPlay to the C-HR.

Overall, the C-HR is a great value buy, offering a number of amenities which are packaged under the Toyota umbrella.

Competition: Ford EcoSport; Honda HR-V; Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks

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