The 2019 Toyota C-HR continues to stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment, offering a unique blend of eye-catching design, advanced technology, and engaging driving dynamics. For the 2019 model year, Toyota has refined the C-HR lineup, focusing on enhanced features and streamlined grade options to appeal to a broader range of drivers seeking a vehicle that’s as stylish as it is practical. This breakdown dives deep into what makes the 2019 Toyota C-HR a compelling choice, especially for those prioritizing both personality and performance in their ride.
Exploring the 2019 Toyota C-HR Trim Levels: LE, XLE, and Limited
Toyota simplified the 2019 C-HR grade strategy, offering three distinct trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. Each grade builds upon the last, providing a clear progression of features and amenities to cater to different needs and budgets.
2019 Toyota C-HR LE: The Well-Equipped Entry Point
The base LE trim is far from basic, offering a strong foundation of standard features that many drivers will appreciate. Rolling on 17-inch steel wheels and featuring LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) paired with halogen headlamps, the LE makes a stylish statement right from the start. Inside, drivers will find a user-friendly polyurethane steering wheel and the now-standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® integration. This ensures seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and communication, a must-have for today’s connected driver.
2019 Toyota C-HR XLE: Stepping Up in Style and Convenience
Moving up to the XLE grade adds a significant layer of convenience and style. Safety is enhanced with the inclusion of Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), features that provide added peace of mind in busy driving environments. The XLE also gains auto-folding side mirrors and distinctive “Toyota C-HR” puddle lamps, adding a touch of premium flair. Inside, the XLE boasts a piano black upper console and switch base, and the convenience of Smart Key with push-button start. For those seeking even more, Entune 3.0 Audio Plus becomes an available option on the XLE.
2019 Toyota C-HR Limited: Premium Features and Refinement
At the top of the 2019 C-HR range sits the Limited trim, offering a truly premium experience. The exterior is further enhanced with fog lamps, a piano black B-pillar, and unique “Limited” badging. Practicality meets luxury with rain-sensing wipers, Entune 3.0 Audio Plus as standard, heated front seats, and a driver’s seat with power lumbar support. Chrome window trim and the choice of leather-trimmed or leather-trimmed/fabric seats elevate the interior ambiance. For audiophiles, Entune 3.0 Premium Audio is available as an option on the Limited, providing an even more immersive sound experience.
The Striking Design of the 2019 Toyota C-HR: Inside and Out
The 2019 Toyota C-HR continues to impress with its bold and unconventional design, both inside and out. Inspired by the faceted structure of a gemstone, the C-HR exudes sophistication and strength, setting it apart from more traditional compact SUVs.
Exterior Aesthetics: A Coupe High-Rider with Unmistakable Flair
From the front, the C-HR’s assertive fascia is defined by slim projector-beam halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights that wrap dramatically into the front quarter panels. This design creates a wide and planted stance, uncommon in the segment. The C-HR’s dimensions – width (70.7 in.), height (61.6 in), length (171.2 in.), and wheelbase (103.9 in.) – confirm its compact and agile nature. Interestingly, its rear track mirrors that of the Toyota 86 sports car, hinting at its Nürburgring-tuned handling prowess.
The side profile is characterized by deep, flowing character lines that originate from the Toyota emblem and lead into the body, running below the windows and rising above the rear wheel arch. This culminates in a high beltline and a distinctive C-pillar with cleverly hidden rear door handles, contributing to the coupe-like silhouette.
The rear design is equally dynamic, with tail lamps that protrude outwards and a hatchback featuring a lip spoiler and a functional cantilevered wing, all working together to create a cohesive and sporty appearance.
Toyota’s attention to detail extends to aerodynamics, with the 2019 C-HR achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.34. This is accomplished through features like canards on the rear quarter panels, front and rear spats, a streamlined rear lower bumper, and stabilizing fins integrated into the taillights. Underbody covers further reduce turbulence, enhancing both vehicle control and fuel efficiency.
Color options for the 2019 Toyota C-HR are plentiful, allowing for personalization. Standard colors include Blue Eclipse Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Silver Knockout Metallic, and the new Blue Flame. For those seeking even more visual impact, R-Code paint options pair body colors with a contrasting black or white roof, side mirrors, and A-pillars. The black roof R-Code option expands for 2019 to include Silver Knockout Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blue Flame body colors.
Interior Design: A Driver-Centric “MeZONE”
Inside the 2019 Toyota C-HR, the cabin is designed around a “MeZONE” concept, prioritizing the driver’s experience. The interior is modern and uncluttered, with soft-touch materials throughout and diamond pattern accents on the dual-zone climate controls, speaker surrounds, and headliner. Updates for 2019 include a new gray fabric option for the XLE grade and a black leather or brown leather/fabric combination for the Limited grade, adding to the interior refinement choices.
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 audio display is prominently positioned atop the dash, minimizing eye movement for safer operation. Behind the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a twin-ring gauge cluster displays essential driving information on a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID).
Standard features in the LE trim include all-black interior appointments, remote keyless entry, and comfortable sport fabric-trimmed front bucket seats. Moving up to the XLE and Limited grades adds a leather-trimmed steering wheel and Smart Key System with Push Button Start, further enhancing the sense of quality and convenience. All grades feature a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD Radio™, Aha™ app compatibility, USB port, AUX jack, Bluetooth®, and Voice Recognition with voice training, ensuring a connected and entertaining driving experience.
The C-HR also includes a convenient Brake Hold Function, maintaining braking force at a stop, enhancing driver comfort in stop-and-go traffic. Bolstered seats provide support for all occupants, and thoughtful storage solutions, including sculpted door pockets and ample cup holders, are readily available. The rear seats offer a 60/40 split-fold function for cargo versatility and are designed to accommodate child seats with the LATCH system. Sound insulation materials are strategically placed to minimize road noise and create a quieter cabin environment.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2019 Toyota C-HR
While style is a key attribute, the 2019 Toyota C-HR also delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience.
Engine and Transmission: Efficient and Capable
The 2019 Toyota C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder dual-overhead cam engine producing 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift mode (CVTi-S). Toyota’s advanced engine technologies, including Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Valvematic, optimize fuel economy and smooth operation. The CVTi-S transmission has been refined with redesigned pulleys, a new belt structure, and a coaxial two-port oil pump system to enhance acceleration, reduce noise, and improve efficiency. A Preload Differential further contributes to composed handling during low-speed maneuvers.
The 2019 C-HR achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, making it an efficient choice for daily driving.
Engaging Driving Experience: Sport Mode and Nürburgring Tuning
Drivers seeking a more dynamic experience can engage Sport mode via the multi-information display. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, quickens the CVT’s simulated gear shifts, and maintains higher engine speeds for enhanced acceleration. The electronic power steering (EPS) system also provides firmer feedback in Sport mode, contributing to a more confident feel behind the wheel. For those who prefer manual gear selection, the CVTi-S offers a simulated 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic mode, allowing drivers to shift gears at their discretion.
The Toyota C-HR’s chassis benefits from Nürburgring tuning, resulting in sharp and responsive handling that is uncommon in the compact SUV class.
Ride Comfort and Handling: TNGA Platform Advantage
The 2019 Toyota C-HR rides on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) C-platform, which provides a foundation for both nimble handling and comfortable ride quality. The TNGA 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.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are tuned for optimal balance between agility and comfort. Features like angled strut bearings, a large diameter stabilizer bar in the front, and a 26-mm stabilizer bar with urethane upper supports in the rear contribute to the C-HR’s responsive cornering and smooth ride. The column-type Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system provides light feedback at low speeds and firmer feedback at higher speeds, enhancing driver confidence. Braking is handled by 11.7-inch front ventilated discs and 11.5-inch rear solid discs, providing confident stopping power.
Advanced Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense P™ Standard
Safety is a paramount concern, and the 2019 Toyota C-HR comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P™ (TSS-P), a suite of advanced active safety technologies.
TSS-P includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): This system uses a camera and radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, providing alerts and automatic emergency braking to help mitigate or avoid collisions.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): LDA alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and can provide gentle steering inputs to help keep the vehicle centered.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): AHB automatically switches between high and low beams to optimize visibility and avoid blinding other drivers.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): DRCC maintains a preset speed and following distance to the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
In addition to TSS-P, the 2019 C-HR features 10 standard airbags, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and a rear backup camera. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is also available and standard on XLE and Limited trims.
2019 Toyota C-HR Pricing and Warranty
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers competitive pricing within the compact SUV segment, making its style and features accessible to a wide range of buyers. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $20,995 for the LE grade, $23,030 for the XLE grade, and $26,050 for the Limited grade, excluding delivery, processing, and handling fees.
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. Toyota Care, a complimentary maintenance plan, is also standard, covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.
Conclusion: The 2019 Toyota C-HR – Style and Substance in a Compact Package
The 2019 Toyota C-HR successfully blends distinctive styling, a well-equipped interior, engaging driving dynamics, and advanced safety features into a compelling compact SUV package. With its streamlined grade structure and standard Apple CarPlay®, the 2019 C-HR offers enhanced value and appeal for drivers seeking a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and delivers a fun and confident driving experience. Whether you prioritize bold design, cutting-edge technology, or nimble handling, the 2019 Toyota C-HR is worth serious consideration in the competitive compact SUV market.
