Toyota C-HR 2021 Review

The 2021 C-HR is an extra-small crossover SUV that sits at the bottom of Toyota's lineup. It serves as an entry-level model akin to the Yaris or the Corolla. Like everything in this class, the C-HR counts flashy styling as part of its appeal, though we're split on how well the design works in person.

Changes for 2021 are limited to the addition of more standard driver aids and a new trim level, though the C-HR had an update in 2020 that brought with it new front-end styling and more features, including LED headlights and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Overall, the C-HR is a decent choice but lags behind rivals such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30. Learn more about the C-HR's strengths and weaknesses by reading the categories of our Expert Rating.

Which C-HR does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Toyota C-HR is available in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Nightshade and Limited. All C-HRs are powered by a four-cylinder engine that produces 144 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. Unlike some other small crossover SUVs, all-wheel drive is unavailable on the C-HR.

LE Features on the base LE trim include:

• LED headlights
• 17-inch steel wheels
• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration
• 8-inch touchscreen display

The C-HR also comes with a collection of advanced driver safety features (Toyota Safety Sense 2.5):

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Road sign recognition

XLE The midlevel XLE trims includes all of the LE's features and adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Body-colored exterior mirrors, door handles and trim
• Keyless entry on all doors with push-button start
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Nightshade Features on the Nightshade trim mirror those on the XLE. Consider this an appearance package. Changes include:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black chin spoiler and badges
• Available two-tone paint with a black roof
• Black interior trim

Limited The top-tier Limited trim builds off the XLE with:

• Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Unique 18-inch wheels
• Available two-tone paint
• Chrome and piano black exterior trim
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats