The 2021 Toyota C-HR lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor suspension noise and stereo system issues reported. At $21,400 to $26,000, it’s a great value for a subcompact SUV with low running costs as it ages.
Is the 2021 Toyota C-HR a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Toyota C-HR since it is extremely reliable, and has a comfortable cabin. Owner reviews praise the low running costs, smooth suspension, along with the advanced safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are fairly cheap and basic, the seats still offer good support, cargo space is also a bit lower than some other small SUVs.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 C-HR, models from 2018–2022 are all extremely reliable choices for a subcompact SUV.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the standard engine, although the C-HR is built to be more efficient than fast.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2021 C-HR is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is excellent at 29 MPG, giving 382 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $31 cheaper than average at $168 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Toyota C-HR is a great value since it’s reasonably priced with slow depreciation rates, making it a smart choice for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota C-HR?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota C-HR is a great choice for people looking for a practical, long-lasting subcompact SUV, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Toyota C-HR at 4.5/5, enjoying the sporty handling on roads with lots of turns, but doesn’t like that it has a smaller cargo area than some competitors.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the C-HR a 4/5, praising the advanced standard safety technology, but owners don’t like the relatively slow engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota C-HR Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota C-HR include noise from the front suspension, a frozen stereo system, along with wheel noise. Overall, these problems are fairly minor compared to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair costs as the C-HR ages.
Noise from the front suspension is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 C-HR, showing up at around 2,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a loose component on the ball joints, allowing it to make extra noise. Most dealerships will fix the problem for free on affected models under warranty.
A frozen stereo system is another problem found on the 2021 C-HR at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install these for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Wheel noise has also been reported on some higher mileage 2021 C-HR models with around 50,000 miles. The wheel bearings are known to wear out, and make a lot of noise. Changing out the wheel bearings costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
There is only one recall on the 2021 C-HR, which is better than other small SUVs. The recall covers the pre-collision system software, which may not work properly. Toyota will update the software on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota C-HR Last?
A well maintained 2021 Toyota C-HR can last around 300,000 miles, which is slightly longer than other competitors like the Honda HR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than some other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $287 per year.
As a used 2021 C-HR reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the PCV valve for $175, the radiator hose costing $225, along with the control arm, which costs $335.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good and features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent, and includes:
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure alert
- Lane tracing assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Traffic sign recognition
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Toyota C-HR a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota C-HR is a good value since it’s less expensive than many other small SUVs with great reliability ratings as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,400 to $26,000, making it less than a Subaru Crosstrek or VW Tiguan. When new, the price range was $21,695 to $26,750. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota C-HR?
There are four models of the 2021 Toyota C-HR offered from the entry-level LE through to the more luxurious Limited. The C-HR is only available with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is not an option.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- LED headlights
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Keyless entry
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane keeping assist
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control
- Road sign recognition
- Cloth upholstery
- 2-inch TFT driver information display
- Six-speaker stereo
- Bluetooth, USB port, satellite radio, voice recognition
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Heated side mirrors
XLE is a step up, adding:
- Includes LE features
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Body-colored exterior mirrors, door handles, trim
- Keyless entry on all doors with push-button start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proximity keyless entry
Nightshade is a new version, adding:
- Builds off XLE features
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black chin spoiler and badges
- Available two-tone paint with black roof
- Black interior trim
- Black exterior accents on wheels, door handles, and badges
Limited is the flagship model, which has:
- Builds off XLE features
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Unique 18-inch wheels
- Available two-tone paint
- Chrome and piano black exterior trim
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
What Engines Come In the Toyota C-HR?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a blend of efficiency and performance. This engine produces 144 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration and enhanced fuel economy. It achieves a combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in around 11 seconds, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and responsive performance.
What Colors Does the Toyota C-HR Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota C-HR?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR stands out for its unique blend of comfort and style in the compact SUV segment. The vehicle is designed with a keen focus on passenger comfort, evident from its well-cushioned seats that provide ample support, especially during long drives. The front seats, in particular, offer good adjustability, catering to drivers and passengers of various sizes. While the rear seats are less spacious compared to some competitors, they remain comfortable for average-sized adults, making the C-HR a suitable choice for small families or groups.
Ride quality in the C-HR is commendable. The suspension is tuned to strike a balance between firmness and softness, effectively absorbing most road imperfections and providing a smooth ride even on rougher surfaces. This tuning also contributes to the vehicle’s handling, giving it a confident and planted feel on the road, which passengers often appreciate.
The cabin of the 2021 C-HR is designed to minimize external noise, providing a quiet and serene environment inside. This aspect enhances overall comfort, especially during highway drives where wind and road noise can be particularly intrusive. The climate control system is another highlight, offering efficient heating and cooling to maintain a pleasant cabin atmosphere regardless of the external weather conditions.
Interior materials and build quality in the C-HR are impressive in its class, with soft-touch materials and thoughtful ergonomic design contributing to a sense of comfort and luxury. The dashboard layout is intuitive and user-friendly, further adding to the comfort by making sure that controls are easily accessible and simple to use.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota C-HR Have?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR offers a moderate amount of storage space, tailored to meet the needs of urban drivers and small families. In terms of cargo capacity, this compact SUV provides 19.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This space is versatile enough to accommodate a range of items, from weekly grocery hauls to a couple of medium-sized suitcases or several backpacks, making it suitable for day-to-day errands or a weekend getaway. When more space is needed, the C-HR’s 60/40 split rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo area significantly. This flexibility allows for larger objects like a bicycle, a small piece of furniture, or multiple large boxes. However, it’s important to note that even with the seats down, the C-HR doesn’t offer as much room as some of its competitors in the compact SUV segment.
Inside the cabin, the C-HR is equipped with various small storage solutions that enhance its practicality. The door pockets are reasonably sized to hold bottles and small items, and there’s a useful compartment in the center console for phones, wallets, or other small personal items. The glovebox and center armrest also provide additional space for storing items out of sight.
In addition to these, the C-HR features cup holders and a small tray in the front, which are convenient for holding drinks or keys. These small storage spaces, though not extensive, contribute to the overall functionality and convenience of the vehicle, especially for city driving where space is at a premium. Overall, while the 2021 Toyota C-HR might not be the leading choice for those requiring substantial cargo capacity, it offers enough space and storage solutions to meet the needs of its target demographic—individuals and small families looking for a stylish and practical urban vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Toyota C-HR was launched for the 2018 model year as a new subcompact SUV.
2018: First model year for the Toyota C-HR, which is more compact than the popular Toyota RAV4.
2019: All new LE and Limited models introduced, Apple CarPlay is standard across the lineup, and new options packages.
2020: Small exterior styling changes, LED headlights are now standard, also Android Auto is available as an optional upgrade.
2021: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 on all models, Nightshade Edition launched.
How Does the Toyota C-HR Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota C-HR is a great small SUV offering excellent reliability ratings and some fantastic safety features for the money.
The Honda HR-V is another small SUV which costs about $1,500 less. Steering feel is more responsive in the Honda HR-V, while the Toyota C-HR offers better standard safety technology. We recommend the Toyota C-HR since ownership costs are slightly lower, although both are worth test driving to see which you prefer.
The Toyota RAV4 is another compact SUV offered by Toyota, which costs $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Toyota C-HR fits better into small parking spots found in larger cities. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s slightly more practical, but both are excellent SUVs.
