2021 Toyota C-HR Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,695 to $26,750

Original MSRP

6.3
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(16 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Noisy

  • Poor visibility

6.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
4/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
Photo by Beverly Braga. 2021 Toyota C-HR front three quarter.

The 2021 Toyota C-HR maintains its funky vibe while offering good value.

The Toyota C-HR was originally intended to be sold as a Scion. Although the Toyota sub-brand went belly up ahead of the C-HR’s debut, the subcompact crossover was instilled with some Scion DNA and holds its own as a funky and affordable alternative to the usually straight-laced Toyota lineup.
6/10

When the C-HR debuted in 2017 (as a 2018 model), it was like nothing else in the Toyota arsenal. The longevity of stablemates like the Corolla and Camry are in large part due to their conventional (a.k.a. inoffensive) design. The C-HR was quite the opposite with its bold character lines, chunky panels, and general otherworldly-ness. Also, depending on paint choice, the vehicle gives off heavy Falkor vibes (when in white) or military readiness (when in dark gray). But that’s kind of the point. Not one to conform, the C-HR goes with whatever flow you want to follow.

For 2021, that color palette has been updated with the addition of Oxide Bronze (with or without a black-colored roof) and a black roof option for the long-standing Magnetic Gray Metallic. Other carryover colors include Blizzard Pearl, Black Sand Pearl, Supersonic Red, and Blue Eclipse Metallic. Discontinued are Silver Knockout and Hot Lava.

The C-HR also adds a new Nightshade Edition trim to the preexisting lineup of LE, XLE, and Limited. The Nightshade falls between the XLE and Limited models and, as the name suggests, adds brasher, blacked-out exterior features. Available in Black Sand Pearl (or any other color that offers a black roof pairing), the Nightshade converts the 18-inch alloy wheels, lug nuts, door handles, chin spoiler, and badges to black. The interior receives black fabric upholstery with gunmetal trim.

Refreshed for the previous model year with a new front end that included a redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, and bumper, the entry-level C-HR LE comes standard with automatic LED headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. All other models are equipped with 18-inch wheels while the top-of-the-line C-HR Limited receives a high- and low-beam LED adaptive front lighting system.

Not much differentiates the C-HR trim levels from an exterior standpoint, and options are limited to another wheel design for the base model or the Audio Plus package for the XLE, Nightshade, and Limited. Essentially, if you want more stuff, you move up a trim, and it’s more evident within the cabin.

The C-HR offers just one interior color: black. And it’s going to be fabric upholstery in everything but the Limited. However, in spite of this chasm of darkness, the C-HR is comfortable. Goldilocks would approve of the seats' balance between cushioning and support, regardless of how short or long the commute. We even found that to be the case after 600 miles and 11 consecutive hours behind the wheel.

Standard creature comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, six-way adjustable Sport-style front bucket seats with bolsters, a leather-trimmed shift knob, storage pockets everywhere, and the convenience of one-touch automatic up/down operation for all windows.

The XLE and Nightshade add a leather-trimmed steering wheel, auto-folding power outside mirrors, and sun visors with sliding extensions. The C-HR Limited comes standard with heated front seats, an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, and ambient lighting.

However, as comfortable as the C-HR interior is, the overall ambiance still feels uninspired—in features and material quality. As basic transportation, the basic cabin fits the bill. If anything is to be considered exceptional, it’s that the C-HR’s interior design elements befit its distinctive exterior. The textures and patterns of the inserts for the fabric seats and doors are unique three-dimensional triangular shapes. Along with some contrast stitching or the standard blue trim in XLE models, these small details add visible pop to the otherwise dark interior.

Beverly Braga
Published Sep 14, 2021 by Beverly Braga
Beverly Braga has a multifaceted history in the automotive industry, with experience in journalism, fleet management, and public relations. She is currently a freelance writer and communications consultant based in Michigan. A perennial fan of road trips and exploring, she has traveled to every state in the U.S. except for one: Alaska.

User reviews for 2021 Toyota C-HR

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User rating:
by Sandra D
Sep 30, 2024
I love my CHR, great lines fun to drive Sep 30, 2024
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2024
I like it almost as much as Tacoma and Camry. I am on a limited budget and wanted to pay cash. Nearly all the Camrys that were nice and at a good price were over 100 miles away. At 76 I dont really want to drive that far. This was 30 miles away and I was going there anyway. Nice car.Jun 09, 2024
by Derek D
Mar 30, 2024
I love it, I bought it! Limited edition package had all I wanted, leather heated seats, and heated steering wheel. Mar 30, 2024

2021 Toyota C-HR Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,695 to $26,750
Price range
$19,670 to $21,686
Average price on CG
$19,670
YoY price change
$21,623 to $19,670

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Passenger seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: cornering

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (4)