Written by Marco Carvajal
2019 Toyota CH-R
The new Toyota CH-R 2019 is a nice subcompact CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) in a growing segment. The CH-R provides great value for its price and it is appealing with its new futuristic and modern design.
The popularity of subcompact CUV’s is growing and with the introduction of the Toyota CH-R on recent years, but so are the car options available for buyers. The CH-R has a lot of direct competition like the Kia Niro, the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-3. Selling on this competitive market is not easy as many of its rivals are strongly equipped and well positioned, but the CH-R has the back of of the brand name Toyota, well respected and follow by million of car buyers around the globe.
The segment of the subcompact CUV keeps growing and the CH-R is here to stay.
The CH-R has a very attractive price From $21,145 to $26,200 on its 3 main trims.
I feel that most buyers of the CH-R are attracted by the beautiful design and the convenient size. Yes, it is small but that can be convenient for young drivers and single drivers, especially if you live downtown. Small families also can enjoy the cool design and convenient features for a low price.
There are many other cars you can buy in the same price range, but I think that one of the reasons why buyers choose the CH-R instead of more classic CUVs or sedans is because of its original look, what gives the driver a nice modern personality and style on the road.
2019 Toyota CHR Limited
Highlights
Starting Price
$26,200
Engine
2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve with Valvematic
144 hp @ 6100 rpm
139 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S)
Fuel Consumption
27 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
Entune 3.079 Audio Plus with App Suite includes six speakers, 8-in. touch-screen, AM/FM, auxiliary port, USB media port 2.1 amp, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth. Wireless technology, Scout GPS Link compatible with up to 3-year trial, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay compatible, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month All Access trial. Toyota Connected Services, Safety Connect with 3-year trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect capable.
Performance
The CH-R is a small CUV is dynamically capable. It is not the fastest or more powerful Toyota, but it is convenient and easy to drive. The CH-R is ideal for the city because of its compact design. The breaks respond well to every day driving needs. It only produces 144 horsepower, what can be enough for city tasks.
The steering wheel feels direct and precise in a sporty way. Its good turning radius facilitates maneuvering in tight spaces.
The transmission works well, and it does it relatively uncomplicated.
The engine of the CH-R is quiet, but noise insulation in the cabin is basic, ideal for short trips. In general the CH-R offers a comfortable trip.
History
Toyota’s CH-R production began in 2016 and 2017. The great success of Toyota RAV4 provides great inspiration for the developing of the new Toyota CH-R. Perhaps the CH-R will reach a similar level to the RAV4 in the near future.
CH-R Models
By 2019, the Toyota CH-R is available in three trim levels, including the new LE base model that is more competitive compared to other subcompact CUVs when it comes to pricing. The XLE adds some features, while the top model that I am driving, is now called CHR Limited.
- CH-R LE
- CH-R XLE
- CH-R Limited
Standard features include 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, rear spoiler, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a cargo cover.
The Limited version offers anti-skid lights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats, bi-directional driver’s lumbar adjustment and an updated infotainment system, which adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle remotes, and satellite radio and HD.
Safety
The CH-R comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, knee airbag for the driver and airbag with cushion for the passenger seat. A rear view camera is standard in all trims.
Several advanced safety and comfort features are also standard, including automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, traffic stop braking, lane maintenance assistance and front-end collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Interior style
The interior of the CH-R is reasonably attractive thanks to the simple and modern design. It can accommodate five adult passengers in total. The space is not huge but it is enough for most passengers.
Front passengers have easy access to the seat thanks to a slightly higher seating position, which makes slipping inside the cab easy.
The rear passengers don’t have so much space, but let’s not forget this is a sub-compact CUV.
The simple layout of the CH-R is attractive, and the main controls are easy to operate. This CUV includes advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control.
The six-speaker audio system in the CH-R is good but basic. The touch screen The 8-inch touch screen mounted on the board is easy to read and works well with minimal driving distraction. You can add Bluetooth devices for streaming audio. A USB port and Apple CarPlay are included, but Android Auto is not available yet.
The addition of Apple CarPlay and a built-in navigation system is a significant improvement for 2019. In addition to more standard advanced security features, providing more value for the purchased price.
With the rear seats in place, it has 19 cubic feet of cargo space, which divides the difference between the main competition of the CH-R. The maximum capacity is 36.4 cubes, which is significantly smaller than any other subcompact crossover, but it works fine for small families or single city drivers.
Engine and transmission
Don’t expect super power but it can be enough for every day short rides. Each CH-R is powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine with 144 horsepower, 139 lb-ft of torque, combined only with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
