Beach Wheels
Sincere kudos to Toyota for coming up with what must be one of the most stylish compact SUV crossovers now out on the market.
Seriously, check out the C-HR and you will see some of the most unique body styling and innovative exterior sheet metal work in the auto industry’s 2020 fleet. The fun high rear doors are a good example that this crossover doesn’t follow the traditional design rules.
Refreshed for 2020, Toyota was good enough to recently loan me a C-HR, which stands for “Compact High Rider,” and my experience behind the wheel was largely positive.
My tester, which came in the Limited trim-level, has a new grille and front bumper, LED headlights, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Limited comes in either Supersonic Red or “Hot Lava” which is a striking orangey-red color. My tester came sitting on beautiful 18-inch steel alloy wheels.
Inside the comfortable cabin, you will find an 8-inch touchscreen, heated exterior mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Because of its distinctive shape there is only limited visibility out of the tail of the C-HR. For that reason, I would definitely add the blindspot monitoring system at a minimum.
Admittedly, I was let down a bit by my C-HR’s normally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It really needed a turbocharger. My tester displayed good initial throttle response from a dead stop but then it just seemed to slowly lose its energy as it was wound out. About the best it could do in the 0-60 was a lethargic 11 seconds. My tester’s engine generated just a modest 114 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque and that power plant was mated to a continuously-variable automatic transmission.
I think you’ll find that the CH-R is a great little crossover SUV for around-town / daily driver use. Ride quality in the C-HR was stiff and lively. My tester’s steering was precise and the vehicle gladly went where I pointed it. Going into turns and curve my C-HR stayed in control and displayed a minimum of body roll.
In terms of mileage, I received a solid 27 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg overall. The manufacturer’s suggested price for my C-HR was just under $28,000.
Final thoughts: Here’s the thing. With its somewhat quirky looks the C-HR stands out in a sea of sameness on our roads. It’s a fun and unusual looker that you’re either going to fall in love with immediately or want to step away from.
For my tastes, the C-HR was definitely my cup of tea. Get out for a test drive and perhaps it’ll be yours, too.
Jeff Mitchell is a Los Angeles-based automotive writer and reviewer. Reach him at j.edward.mitchell@gmail.com
