The 2019 Toyota C-HR continues to make waves in the compact crossover segment, offering a unique blend of eye-catching design, advanced technology, and Toyota’s renowned safety features. For the 2019 model year, Toyota has streamlined the C-HR lineup, focusing on delivering even more value and standard equipment across its grade offerings. Whether you’re drawn to its distinctive styling or seeking a practical yet fun-to-drive vehicle, the 2019 C-HR has a lot to offer.
Exploring the 2019 C-HR Grade Lineup: LE, XLE, and Limited
Toyota has simplified the 2019 C-HR grade structure to three well-equipped trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. Each grade builds upon the last, offering a progressive increase in features and amenities to suit a range of preferences and budgets.
C-HR LE: Standard Features that Impress
The entry-level LE grade is far from basic, providing a strong foundation of features that modern drivers demand. It rolls on 17-inch steel wheels and is equipped with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) paired with halogen headlights for clear visibility. Inside, drivers will appreciate the standard polyurethane steering wheel and, importantly, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay® on the 8-inch touchscreen, a significant tech upgrade for the 2019 model year.
C-HR XLE: Elevating Comfort and Convenience
Stepping up to the XLE grade adds a host of comfort and convenience features. Safety is enhanced with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert now included as standard. Practicality is boosted with auto-folding side mirrors and puddle lamps projecting the “Toyota C-HR” logo. The interior gains a touch of sophistication with a piano black upper console and switch base. Keyless entry with push-button start adds everyday ease, and the infotainment system is upgraded to Entune 3.0 Audio Plus, offering even more connectivity options.
C-HR Limited: Luxury and Premium Features Take Center Stage
The top-of-the-line Limited grade brings a touch of luxury and premium features to the 2019 C-HR. Exterior enhancements include fog lamps, a piano black B-pillar, and distinctive “Limited” badging. Convenience features are further elevated with rain-sensing wipers and Entune 3.0 Audio Plus as standard. Inside, occupants enjoy heated front seats with power lumbar support for the driver, chrome window trim, and the choice of leather-trimmed or leather-trimmed/fabric seats. For audiophiles, Entune 3.0 Premium Audio is available as a new option for the Limited grade.
A Design That Dares to Be Different
The 2019 Toyota C-HR continues to stand out from the crowd with its bold and unconventional design. Inspired by the facets of a gemstone, the C-HR’s styling conveys a sense of luxury, sophistication, and strength.
Exterior Styling: Sharp Lines and Athletic Stance
The C-HR’s front fascia is characterized by slim projector-beam halogen headlights that integrate seamlessly with LED daytime running lights, extending far into the front quarter panels. This design creates an assertive and unique front profile within the compact crossover segment. The vehicle’s dimensions are decidedly compact, contributing to its agile feel. Notably, its rear track width mirrors that of the Toyota 86 sports car, hinting at its Nürburgring-tuned handling prowess.
Deep character lines flow from the prominent Toyota emblem on the grille, leading into the sculpted body sides. These lines emphasize the vehicle’s dynamic shape and contribute to its distinctive C-pillar design with integrated hidden-type rear door handles, maintaining a coupe-like silhouette.
The rear of the C-HR is a harmonious blend of complex lines and three-dimensional forms. Tail lamps protrude outwards, and the hatchback is finished with a lip spoiler and a functional, color-matched cantilevered wing, further enhancing its sporty aesthetic.
Toyota’s attention to aerodynamic efficiency is evident in the C-HR’s 0.34 drag coefficient. Features like canards on the rear quarter panels, front and rear spats, a streamlined rear bumper, and stabilizing fins integrated into the taillights are all designed to manage airflow and improve stability and fuel economy. Even the underside of the vehicle is optimized for aerodynamics with rigid covers on the engine, floor, fuel tank, and rear wheel areas.
The 2019 C-HR offers a wide range of exterior color options, including standard colors like Blue Eclipse Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Silver Knockout Metallic, and the new Blue Flame. For those seeking even more personalization, the R-Code paint option allows for a contrasting black or white roof (white roof limited to Blue Eclipse Metallic), side mirrors, and A-pillars. The R-Code black roof option expands for 2019 to include Silver Knockout Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blue Flame.
Interior Design: Driver-Focused and Modern
The interior of the 2019 C-HR is designed with a modern, uncluttered aesthetic and a driver-centric “MeZONE” orientation. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, and a diamond pattern motif is incorporated into elements like the dual-zone climate controls and speaker surrounds.
Updates for 2019 include new interior fabric and leather options, such as gray fabric for the XLE grade and black leather or brown leather/fabric combinations for the Limited grade, allowing for greater personalization of the cabin space.
The angled dashboard and control layout provide the driver with a clear view of the road and intuitive access to vehicle functions. The 8-inch audio display is positioned prominently on top of the dash, minimizing eye movement away from the road. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, similar in feel to a sports car’s, provides a comfortable and sporty grip. A 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) within the instrument cluster provides a wealth of vehicle information, including driving modes, fuel economy, and even a G-force monitor.
Standard features on the LE grade include all-black interior appointments, remote keyless entry, and a urethane steering wheel with controls for audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth®, voice command, and cruise control. Sport fabric-trimmed front seats offer bolstering for added comfort during spirited driving.
XLE and Limited grades upgrade to a leather-trimmed steering wheel and add Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Key System with Push Button Start. All grades are equipped with a six-speaker audio system featuring AM/FM/HD Radio™, Aha™ app, USB port, Apple CarPlay®, AUX jack, Bluetooth®, and voice recognition. The C-HR also includes a Brake Hold Function for added convenience in stop-and-go traffic.
The C-HR’s cabin prioritizes passenger comfort with bolstered front bucket seats and thoughtful storage solutions, including sculpted door pockets and multiple cup holders. The rear seats are designed to maximize space, and sound-insulating materials throughout the cabin contribute to a quiet and refined driving experience. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a hidden cargo compartment enhance the C-HR’s practicality for carrying cargo.
Compact Performance and Engaging Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2019 Toyota C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift mode (CVTi-S). The engine incorporates Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Valvematic technologies for optimized fuel efficiency and smooth operation. The C-HR achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
The CVTi-S transmission is engineered for both responsiveness and fuel economy, featuring redesigned pulleys, a new belt structure for reduced noise, and a coaxial two-port oil pump system. A Preload Differential enhances torque distribution at low speeds for improved handling and control.
Drivers can further tailor the C-HR’s driving experience with Sport mode, accessible via the Multi-Information Display. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, modifies CVT shift behavior, and increases steering feedback for a more engaging driving feel. The simulated 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic mode allows drivers to manually shift gears for a more involved driving experience.
The C-HR’s foundation on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) C-platform contributes to its nimble handling and ride comfort. The TNGA platform’s inherent low center of gravity, high strength, and low weight are further enhanced by added structural rigidity. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are tuned for responsive handling and a comfortable 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 ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, providing confident stopping power.
Leading-Edge 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). This comprehensive suite of active safety technologies includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): Provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking to help mitigate or avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift from its lane and can provide gentle steering inputs to help maintain lane position.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic conditions.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a preset speed and following distance to the vehicle ahead, even down to a stop.
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 grades, further enhancing safety.
Priced for Value
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers compelling value across its grade lineup. 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 Care and Warranty
The 2019 Toyota C-HR is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including 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 covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years with unlimited mileage, is also included standard.
The 2019 Toyota C-HR successfully blends distinctive style, a feature-rich interior, engaging driving dynamics, and advanced safety technology into a compelling compact crossover package. With its streamlined grade structure and enhanced standard features like Apple CarPlay®, the 2019 C-HR continues to be a standout choice for those seeking a vehicle that is both practical and expressive.
