The 2019 Toyota C-HR continues to turn heads with its distinctive design and impressive feature set, making it a standout in the competitive compact SUV segment. For the 2019 model year, Toyota has streamlined the C-HR lineup and enhanced its technology offerings, ensuring it remains a compelling choice for drivers seeking a vehicle that blends style, practicality, and driving enjoyment.
Refined Trim Levels for 2019
Toyota has simplified the C-HR grade structure for 2019, offering three well-equipped trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. The previous XLE Premium trim has been removed, but the remaining grades are packed with features and offer a clear step-up in amenities and sophistication.
The base LE trim provides excellent value, coming standard with 17-inch steel wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) paired with halogen headlights, and a durable polyurethane steering wheel. Stepping up to the XLE trim adds a significant boost in convenience and safety features. Standard XLE equipment now includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power-folding side mirrors with integrated “Toyota C-HR” puddle lamps, a sleek piano black finish for the upper console and switch base, Smart Key system with push-button start, and access to the upgraded Entune 3.0 Audio Plus system as an available option.
For the ultimate C-HR experience, the Limited grade offers a host of premium features. The Limited trim includes fog lamps, a piano black B-pillar, distinctive “Limited” badging, rain-sensing wipers, the Entune 3.0 Audio Plus system as standard, heated front seats, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, chrome window trim, and luxurious leather-trimmed or leather-trimmed/fabric seat options. Furthermore, the Limited grade now offers the Entune 3.0 Premium Audio system as an available upgrade, providing an even more enhanced infotainment experience.
Exterior Design: Bold and Unconventional
The 2019 Toyota C-HR’s exterior design remains a key differentiator in its class. Inspired by the multifaceted structure of a gemstone, the C-HR projects an image of luxury, sophistication, and strength. The front fascia is particularly striking, featuring slim projector-beam halogen headlights that incorporate LED daytime running lights and seamlessly flow into the sculpted front quarter panels. This design creates an assertive and unique front-end appearance that is uncommon in the compact SUV segment. The C-HR’s dimensions are well-proportioned and compact, with a width of 70.7 inches, a height of 61.6 inches, a length of 171.2 inches, and a wheelbase of 103.9 inches. Interestingly, its rear track width of 60.6 inches matches that of the Toyota 86 sports car, hinting at its agile handling characteristics.
The C-HR’s side profile is defined by deep, flowing character lines that originate from the Toyota emblem on the front fascia. These lines accentuate the vehicle’s sleekness and lead the eye towards the distinctive C-pillar with integrated, hidden-type rear door handles, contributing to its coupe-like silhouette.
The rear of the C-HR is a harmonious blend of complex lines and three-dimensional forms. The taillights protrude outwards, and the hatchback is finished with a lip spoiler and a functional, color-matched cantilevered wing, creating a sporty and aerodynamic look.
Toyota’s engineers paid close attention to aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.34. Strategic aerodynamic elements such as canards on the rear quarter panels, front and rear spats, a streamlined rear lower bumper, and stabilizing fins integrated into the taillights all contribute to managing airflow around the vehicle. Underneath the C-HR, rigid covers on the engine, floor, fuel tank, and rear wheel wells minimize turbulence, improving both vehicle stability and fuel efficiency. Even the lower arms of the multi-link rear suspension are aerodynamically shaped.
The 2019 C-HR offers a vibrant palette of exterior color options. Standard colors include Blue Eclipse Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Silver Knockout Metallic, and the new Blue Flame (replacing Radiant Green Mica). For those seeking even more personalization, available premium colors include Ruby Flare Pearl and Blizzard Pearl.
For a truly custom appearance, the C-HR can be specified with the R-Code paint treatment. This option pairs the body color with either a black or white-painted roof (white R-Code roof is exclusive to Blue Eclipse Metallic), along with matching side mirrors and A-pillars. For 2019, the R-Code black roof is now also available with Silver Knockout Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blue Flame, expanding customization possibilities.
Interior Design: Driver-Focused and Feature-Rich
The interior of the 2019 C-HR is designed to be modern, uncluttered, and driver-centric, with a focus on creating a “MeZONE” environment for the driver. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, and a diamond motif is subtly integrated into elements like the dual-zone climate controls, speaker grilles, and the black headliner in the front. For 2019, interior color and material updates include a new gray fabric option for the XLE grade and a choice of black leather or a brown leather/fabric combination for the Limited grade, enhancing the interior’s premium feel.
The angled dashboard and strategically placed controls provide the driver with a clear view of the road and intuitive access to vehicle functions. The 8-inch touchscreen audio display is positioned prominently on top of the dashboard, minimizing eye movement for the driver. Behind the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a clear twin-ring gauge cluster displays essential driving information. The steering wheel itself, with its tilt and telescoping adjustability, is designed for a sporty and comfortable grip. The satin-plated shift knob adds a touch of refinement and provides a solid, quality feel. A 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) is located between the gauge rings, providing a range of data including odometer readings, SPORT and ECO mode indicators, outside temperature, fuel economy, trip information, G-force monitor, and more.
Standard features in the LE trim include an all-black interior scheme, remote keyless entry, a urethane tilt/telescopic steering wheel with controls for audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice command, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist, trip controls, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams, a leather-trimmed shift lever with satin-plated knob, sport fabric-trimmed front bucket seats, 6-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats with sport bolsters, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats with adjustable headrests and a center armrest with a 12V power outlet.
Moving up to the XLE and Limited grades adds a leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Key System with Push Button Start. All 2019 C-HR models are equipped with a six-speaker AM/FM/HD Radio™ audio system featuring the Aha™ app, a USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and control, standard Apple CarPlay® compatibility, an AUX audio jack, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, and Voice Recognition with voice training.
A convenient Brake Hold Function is standard on the C-HR. This system maintains brake pressure at a stop, even if the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal, enhancing comfort in stop-and-go traffic. The brakes are released automatically when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
The C-HR’s bolstered front bucket seats offer good support and comfort. Ample storage space is provided throughout the cabin, including sculpted door pockets and multiple cup holders. The rear seats offer reasonable space for passengers, and features like scalloped front seatbacks, footwell recesses under the front seats, and a chamfered headliner help maximize rear passenger room. Sound-insulating materials in the carpet, headliner, A-pillars, and door trim contribute to a quiet and refined cabin environment.
The 60/40 split-folding rear seats enhance cargo versatility, and the rear seats are also designed to accommodate child seats with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. Convenient seatback release levers are positioned at shoulder height for easy folding. The cargo area also includes a hidden storage compartment in the sidewall and additional storage under the deck board. A standard cargo cover conceals items in the trunk.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Agile and Comfortable
The 2019 Toyota C-HR delivers a balanced driving experience, blending responsive handling with a comfortable ride. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine producing 144 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via Toyota’s Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift mode (CVTi-S). The engine incorporates advanced technologies like Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Valvematic, optimized for fuel efficiency and smooth operation. Valvematic provides a wider range of continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) for optimal intake valve operation based on engine demands. The catalytic converter is designed to warm up quickly, reducing exhaust emissions during engine start-up. The C-HR achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
The CVTi-S transmission has been engineered for enhanced acceleration and fuel economy. Redesigned pulleys, a new belt structure to reduce cabin noise, and a coaxial two-port oil pump system for continuous oil pressure adjustments are among the improvements. A Preload Differential helps distribute torque between the front wheels at low speeds, improving composure and ease of driving.
Drivers can further tailor the driving experience using Sport mode and the simulated 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic feature. Sport mode, activated via the multi-information display, sharpens throttle response, quickens the CVT’s simulated gear shifts, and holds higher engine speeds for improved acceleration. The electronic power steering (EPS) system also provides firmer feedback in Sport mode for a more confident feel. Engaging Sequential Shiftmatic by moving the gearshift to the left while in Drive allows drivers to manually shift through simulated gears.
The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) C-platform underpins the C-HR, providing a foundation for both agile handling and ride comfort. The TNGA-C platform’s inherent low center of gravity, high strength, and low weight are further enhanced by added spot welding, gussets, braces, and adhesives in key structural areas, increasing rigidity.
The MacPherson strut front suspension features angled strut bearings and a large diameter stabilizer bar, contributing to the C-HR’s responsive and precise front-end handling during cornering. The multi-link rear suspension utilizes a 26-mm stabilizer bar with urethane upper supports. The urethane material and aluminum-cast upper support housing enhance the dampers’ absorption efficiency, improving passenger comfort, cabin quietness, and vehicle agility.
The column-type Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system is tuned to provide a connected feel to the road. The steering offers lighter feedback at lower speeds and progressively firmer feedback at higher speeds for increased driver confidence. A highly rigid rack-and-pinion steering gearbox, mounted directly to the front suspension, contributes to the steering system’s responsiveness. Braking is handled by 11.7-inch front ventilated discs and 11.5-inch rear solid discs, providing confident stopping power.
Safety Features: Advanced and Comprehensive
The 2019 Toyota C-HR prioritizes safety with standard Toyota Safety Sense P™ (TSS-P). This comprehensive suite of active safety technologies includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): Uses camera and radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, providing warnings and automatic emergency braking to help mitigate or avoid collisions.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): Detects lane markers and alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. Steering Assist can provide subtle steering inputs to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and preceding vehicles to optimize nighttime visibility.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a preset speed and following distance to the vehicle ahead, even down to a stop, and can resume acceleration when traffic clears.
In addition to TSS-P, the C-HR is equipped with 10 standard airbags, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and a rear backup camera. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on XLE and Limited models and available on LE.
Value and Ownership: Competitively Priced and Backed by Toyota
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers compelling value, with a starting MSRP of $20,995 for the LE trim, $23,030 for the XLE, and $26,050 for the Limited grade. These prices exclude a delivery, processing, and handling fee of $1,095.
Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage includes a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation. The C-HR also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years with unlimited mileage.
Conclusion: The 2019 Toyota C-HR – A Stylish and Smart Choice
The 2019 Toyota C-HR builds upon its reputation as a stylish and well-equipped compact SUV. With streamlined trim levels, enhanced technology including standard Apple CarPlay®, and Toyota’s renowned safety and reliability, the 2019 C-HR is a compelling option for buyers seeking a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and delivers a rewarding ownership experience. Whether you prioritize bold design, advanced features, or confident driving dynamics, the 2019 Toyota C-HR has something to offer.
