2020 Toyota C-HR Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

In a world where all SUVs start to look the same, the 2020 Toyota C-HR manages to stand out. This is a newer offering in the market, having debuted its first generation in 2018. Being a Toyota, buyers will get several standard safety aids and a good deal of comfort and tech features in all models. Still, there are a few aspects of the C-HR that need a closer look before deciding to purchase one. Plus, this subcompact SUV faces some fierce competition from rivals. So is the C-HR a smart buy in 2020?

What's New for 2020?

Two new exterior paint colors, known as Supersonic Red and Hot Lava, become available to buyers in 2020. A silver contrasting roof is also now an option on select models. Multiple trims have added to their list of standard equipment. For the entry-level LE, Apple CarPlay is now included, as well as satellite radio and LED headlights. Going with the XLE now means getting sunvisor extenders as well as seatback pockets. While neither of those may sound very exciting, they are both quite useful. As for the Limited, it gains eight-way power-adjustment for the driver's seat and handy adaptive headlights. All models have received a newly redesigned front bumper, headlights, and grille.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Toyota C-HR – The Pros

1. Eye-Catching Style

One of the first things people talk about when they see the 2020 Toyota C-HR is its unique exterior look. The bold curves and swooping hood are visually pleasing. While many vehicles have adopted very monotone paint palates, the C-HR is available in bold options such as Supersonic Red and Blue Eclipse Metallic. Going up from the entry-level LE model will unlock two-tone looks, such as Hot Lava with a black roof or Black Sand Pearl with a silver metallic roof.

2. Athletic Handling

A fairly common complaint about subcompact SUVs involves their handling. Buyers will find this to not be an issue when it comes to the 2020 Toyota C-HR. The steering is incredibly responsive while also not being overly sensitive. Cornering, in particular, is a lot of fun when behind the wheel of this vehicle. Plus, the well-designed suspension is able to absorb most of the bumps in the road. As a result, the driver can have fun while the passengers get to sit back and relax.

3. Full-Speed Range Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Standard on all three trim levels of the new C-HR is dynamic range cruise control. Unlike many competitors, the C-HR can use this feature at speeds ranging from 25mph all the way to 110mph. This feature can blend maintaining a set speed with maintaining a set distance behind the vehicle ahead, making life easier when traffic hits. This is done using a radar mounted into the front grille of the vehicle. In the event that the C-HR needs to slow quickly, it alerts the driver both visually and audibly while also applying the breaks.

4. Fun and Unique Interior

The uniqueness of the 2020 Toyota C-HR does not stop once a buyer sits down inside the cabin. Available in the XLE trim is a fun black fabric with striking blue details. The Limited model can be equipped with classy leather-trimmed seats that provide an excellent amount of support. Toyota has placed the touchscreen for the C-HR up high on the dashboard, making it easy to both see and access. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also standard, adding further to the comfort of this fun SUV.

5. Well-Equipped Entry-Level Trim

Some vehicles save their best features for only the top trim or two. That is not the case for the 2020 Toyota C-HR. Coming standard on the entry-level trim, which is known as the LE, are great tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and even Amazon Alexa integration. These models also get a rear spoiler, automatic LED headlights, and heated mirrors. Like all trims, the LE also gives buyers adjustable drive modes.

6. Strong Predicted Reliability

Toyota vehicles have a hard-earned reputation for being reliable and maintaining their value well. This is true of the C-HR. JD Power and Associates has given this vehicle four out of five potential stars. This means they predict the 2020 Toyota C-HR to be better than most when it comes to long-term reliability. The warranty is around average for this vehicle class. Buyers get three years or 36,000 miles overall and five years or 60,000 overall for the powertrain.

7. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

While lane departure alert may be becoming more common as a standard feature, the 2020 Toyota C-HR's stands out as a result of its steering assist. The system is designed to detect lane markings and help make sure that the vehicle is staying within them. This system only kicks on when the vehicle reaches 32mph. On top of visually and audibly alerting drivers if they begin to drift, this feature can actually correct the steering itself, potentially preventing a collision.

8. Fully-Loaded Limited Trim

One of the best things about the 2020 Toyota C-HR is how affordable it is. All three trim levels are designed to give buyers a lot of bang for their buck. The Limited trim is a beautiful blend of economy and features. It adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and two-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat. Foglights and adaptive headlights are also part of the standard equipment list. Both this trim and the mid-level XLE are also eligible for a more advanced infotainment system that adds HD radio capabilities.

9. Impressive Fuel Economy

The engine for the C-HR values fuel economy over full-on power. As a result, drivers can expect a very respectable 27mpg in the city and 31mpg when on the highway. Drivers who want numbers much better than that will be better off looking to sedans or hatchbacks.

10. Sequential Shiftmatic Mode

All three trims have a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission underneath the hood. In most cases, drivers can happily put the C-HR in drive and go about their day. Sometimes, however, it can be fun to switch it into what Toyota calls Sequential Shiftmatic Mode. This allows them to manually shift through seven virtual gears, taking more control of the vehicle and adding a bit of a thrill to the drive.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Toyota C-HR – The Cons

1. All-Wheel-Drive Not Available

It is unusual for an SUV to not at least offer all-wheel-drive, but that is the unfortunate case when it comes to the 2020 Toyota C-HR. Front-wheel-drive is standard across the board here. Those who occasionally find themselves dealing with rough weather conditions or wanting to do a bit of off-roading may need to look elsewhere.

2. Lack of Cargo Space

When a vehicle is classified as subcompact, it is only reasonable to expect it to be small. The C-HR is the smallest of the small, however. Buyers will find just 19 cubic feet behind the second row, and folding that seat down ups that number to only 36.4. Still roomier than a sedan, the C-HR may still have enough space for certain consumers.

3. Cramped Rear Seats

Going hand-in-hand with the lack of cargo area is the cramped backseat. Both are the result of the body shape of the C-HR, which seems to value style over practicality. Smaller families or those who simply do not need the back seat as often may still be well-served by the 2020 Toyota C-HR.

4. Sluggish Acceleration from Only Engine Option

The unfortunate downside of having a fuel-efficient engine is often a lack of acceleration. This is the case with the new C-HR. Not only is the acceleration lethargic, but it can be quite noisy when drivers decide to push it. The type and style of driving needed by the buyer will determine if this is a deal-breaker or not.

5. Wind and Road Noise a Tad Excessive

More wind and road noise leaks into the cabin than most people would probably like. This is one of those flaws that people tend to get used to very quickly, however, and something that most people will be willing to overlook.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Buyers browsing the subcompact SUV market will likely also consider the Mazda CX-3. This is a nice vehicle, but surprisingly still lacks standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Considering the growing reliance people have on their smartphones, this can easily be a deal-breaker. The Honda HR-V is another option to consider. Unlike the C-HR, the HR-V has a difficult to use infotainment interface. Its engine is also a bit smaller and produces less horsepower and torque. The Kia Soul is also quite popular, but many have complained that the transmission is a bit clunky, whereas the C-HR is satisfyingly smooth.

Conclusion

Is the 2020 Toyota C-HR a perfect vehicle? Not for everyone, but it may be close for certain consumers. Anyone who wants a vehicle that stands out for the pack will want to give this one serious consideration. On top of style points, this SUV offers up a long list of standard safety and tech features. While it may be too small for some, many who have decided on the subcompact SUV class will find that it has plenty of room. In these cases, the good offered by the C-HR easily outweighs the bad.