Used 2020 Toyota C-HR

#6 in Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020

Aimed at the young and young at heart, the 2020 Toyota C-HR blends the dimensions of a subcompact car with the ride height of an SUV and the looks, well, the looks of something otherworldly. Far more expressive than the sleek Hyundai Kona or demure Honda HR-V, the C-HR certainly won’t get lost in a crowded parking lot. Still, there are a few quirks that may be a deal-killer for some, namely the big C-pillars and integrated rear-door handles and the lack of an all-wheel-drive model.

Countering any downsides is Toyota’s excellent reputation for quality and good resale, the C-HR’s fun-to-drive attitude and the assurance given by the numerous standard driver-safety assists such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

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There’s no kind way of putting it; the engine is underpowered. For a front-drive-only subcompact-crossover SUV, the 2020 C-HR is heavy at 3,300 pounds (the Honda HR-V, for example, is almost 400 pounds lighter). So this 144-horsepower unit struggles to keep a driver’s interest as it ambles up to freeway speeds, while the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) doesn’t make any positive contribution.

That’s doubly sad because the chassis is clearly talented enough to handle some extra muscle. There’s a combination of suppleness and control reminiscent of expensive European cars. It can take bends with the kind of speed that would induce boring understeer in a more run-of-the-mill rival. A little easing off the throttle just at the point where the low-rolling-resistance tires start to chirp, and the shift in weight brings the tail around a little, tightening the cornering line. The cabin gets noisy in a hurry, though.

The cabin sports a design that’s less eye-catching than the outside, which is no bad thing. Just some diamond patterns on the dashboard, doors and headliner echo the C-HR’s extrovert vibe. The quality of materials is somewhat upscale, and occupant comfort is perfectly acceptable for longer trips. There are some hard plastics around the center console and doors, but two new interior color options help brighten an otherwise endless sea of varying shades of black. As mentioned, the cabin is relatively roomy, but the wide rear pillars mean having to lean forward to get a good view outside. These pillars are also a good argument to select a trim with blind-spot monitoring. Otherwise, outward vision is absolutely fine.

The 2020 Toyota C-HR compact-crossover SUV isn’t for everyone. The styling is dynamic and futuristic, updated this year with a freshened front end that brings the little SUV in line with Toyota’s other cars and SUVs. For those unsure of the numerous angles and lines going every which way, we suggest looking at a few different colors first. We think the C-HR works well in gray or silver, which seems to tone down the overall design just a bit. For those who like bold, the C-HR can be had in various colors with a contrasting black or silver-painted roof and mirror caps. On a more practical side, we worry that the protruding taillights might be prone to damage and a subsequent costly repair.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE-P
With the TSS-P suite of standard driver assists, the C-HR provides a plethora of advanced safety systems often optional or not even offered on some rivals. Included is forward-collision mitigation, low-speed emergency braking with pedestrian detection, auto high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning and assist.

INTERIOR SPACE
Because it rides on the same platform as the larger Camry sedan, the C-HR has plenty of interior room for folks of all sizes. Rear-seat headroom is surprisingly good, although it does feel a bit dark and dreary due to the car’s large door pillars. At 19 cubic feet, cargo space is only average, but the seats do fold to provide 36.4 cubic feet.

The entry-level LE version comes with the TSS-P driver aids already mentioned, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED daytime running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, self-dimming rearview mirror, power-heated side mirrors, 8-inch touch-screen display, 6-speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio, Wi-Fi, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and selectable driving modes. We’re not crazy about the 17-inch steel wheels, though. For 18-inch alloy wheels, go to the XLE trim that also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry/ignition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited brings leather upholstery, adaptive headlights, an 8-way-power driver’s seat and heated front seats.

The LE can be equipped with a 17-inch wheel upgrade package ($430), while the XLE and Limited offer an audio upgrade package that adds Bluetooth music streaming and HD radio ($465). The XLE offers a blue-and-black interior, while the Limited offers a brown-and-black interior upgrade. And the 2-tone roof option is applicable to the XLE and Limited trims. Last year’s Limited navigation package has been dropped.

The sole engine for the 2020 C-HR is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Not a turbocharger in sight. A CVT sends this meager muscle just to the front wheels. For all its crossover-SUV pretensions, the C-HR does not offer all-wheel drive. The silver lining in this mechanical cloud is fuel consumption of 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, but that’s not class-leading.

2.0-liter inline-4
144 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/31 mpg