The Toyota C-HR has always been a vehicle that dares to be different, a vibrant fusion of coupe aesthetics, hatchback practicality, and compact crossover versatility. For 2021, the Toyota C-HR 2021 doubles down on its distinctive appeal, injecting even more personality and value into its already compelling package. The introduction of the striking Nightshade Edition and the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 across all trims solidify the C-HR’s position as a leader in its class, offering both head-turning style and enhanced peace of mind. This bold and expressive vehicle continues to redefine expectations in the compact SUV segment.
Unveiling the 2021 Toyota C-HR: More Style and Substance
From its inception, the Toyota C-HR was designed to break the mold. Toyota’s engineers and designers employed innovative manufacturing techniques to bring a concept-car vision to life, resulting in a vehicle that’s as sculpted as it is functional. The 2021 Toyota C-HR continues this legacy, seamlessly blending the sporty soul of a coupe with the adaptability of a crossover. Measuring a nimble 172.6 inches in length with a 103.9-inch wheelbase, the C-HR remains perfectly sized for navigating the urban landscape while offering surprising interior space. This compact footprint makes it an ideal choice for city dwellers and those seeking a vehicle that’s both stylish and easy to maneuver.
The Striking Nightshade Edition: Elevating C-HR’s Bold Look
For drivers who want to amplify the C-HR’s already extroverted style, the Toyota C-HR 2021 introduces the captivating Nightshade Edition. This new trim level takes the C-HR’s dark side to the next level with a suite of blacked-out features that exude sophistication and edge. Available in sophisticated exterior colors like Black Sand Pearl, Blizzard Pearl with Black Roof, Magnetic Gray Metallic with Black Roof, and Supersonic Red with Black Roof, the Nightshade Edition makes a definitive statement.
Key features of the Nightshade Edition include:
- Black fabric interior with gunmetal trim, providing a sleek and modern cabin environment.
- Distinctive black 18-inch alloy wheels that enhance the vehicle’s sporty stance.
- Black lug nuts, door handles, and chin spoiler, contributing to the cohesive dark aesthetic.
- Black badges, completing the Nightshade Edition’s signature look.
The Nightshade Edition of the 2021 Toyota C-HR offers a unique and compelling style upgrade, perfect for those who want their vehicle to reflect their bold personality.
Fresh Palette: New Color Options for the 2021 C-HR
Complementing the new Nightshade Edition are fresh color options for the Toyota C-HR 2021 lineup. Drivers can now choose from Oxide Bronze, Oxide Bronze with Black Roof, and Magnetic Gray Metallic with Black Roof, expanding the C-HR’s already vibrant color palette. While Knockout Silver Metallic and Hot Lava have been discontinued across all trims, and Supersonic Red and Blue Eclipse Metallic are now exclusive to the XLE and Limited trims, the C-HR still offers a diverse range of colors to suit every taste.
Carryover colors ensuring continuity and choice include Blizzard Pearl, Blue Eclipse Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, and Silver Knockout Metallic. This updated color selection for the 2021 Toyota C-HR allows for greater personalization and ensures the C-HR remains a visually striking vehicle on the road.
Enhanced Safety Across the Board: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
A significant upgrade for the 2021 Toyota C-HR is the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) across all trim levels. This comprehensive suite of active safety systems elevates the C-HR’s safety profile, providing drivers with added confidence and protection on every journey. TSS 2.5 encompasses a range of advanced features designed to mitigate potential hazards and enhance driver awareness.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite includes:
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): Enhanced for 2021 with daytime bicyclist detection and improved low-light pedestrian detection. Emergency steering assist is a new addition, aiding drivers in evasive maneuvers to avoid pedestrians while staying within their lane. Intersection support is also included, designed to detect preceding vehicles or pedestrians in intersections and provide alerts and potential automatic braking.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): Utilizes a forward-facing camera to detect road signs such as speed limit signs, stop signs, yield signs, and do not enter signs, displaying the information on the multi-information display to keep drivers informed.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Designed for highway driving, DRCC maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead and can bring the C-HR to a complete stop and resume acceleration when traffic flow resumes.
- Lane Keeping Technology: This suite includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Sway Warning System. Lane Departure Alert alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane, while Steering Assist can provide gentle corrective steering. Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane when DRCC is engaged. The Sway Warning System monitors driver steering input and alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Designed to optimize nighttime visibility, AHB automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the presence of preceding or oncoming vehicles.
Furthermore, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) comes standard on XLE and higher trims, adding another layer of safety by alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. The 2021 Toyota C-HR prioritizes safety with these advanced technologies as standard features. Complementing TSS 2.5 is the STAR Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST). Ten standard airbags, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and a rear backup camera further enhance the C-HR’s comprehensive safety package.
2021 C-HR: Retaining the Audacious Attitude and Interior Comfort
The Toyota C-HR 2021 carries forward the redesigned front fascia, headlamps, bumper, grille, and spoiler introduced in the previous model year, ensuring its continued visual impact. The LE trim maintains standard LED headlamps and the option for 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Limited trim retains its stylish 18-inch alloy wheel design.
Inside, all 2021 Toyota C-HR models are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a SiriusXM All Access 3-Month Trial Satellite Radio subscription, keeping drivers connected and entertained. The XLE trim gains practical additions like seatback pockets and windshield visor extensions, enhancing everyday usability. The top-of-the-line Limited trim builds upon its already luxurious features, including leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and ambient lighting, by adding an 8-way power driver’s seat and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with headlamp auto-leveling. AFS enhances nighttime driving safety by partially aiming the headlight beams into turns as the driver steers.
The C-HR’s interior design concept, dubbed “MeZONE,” focuses on creating a driver-centric yet passenger-friendly cabin. Soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, along with a Gray headliner in LE and Limited trims, and striking interior color combinations, contribute to a light and spacious feel. The XLE trim offers a Blue/Black interior with blue accents on the instrument panel, center console, and seats, while the Limited trim offers a Black interior option with orchid instrument panel trim and diamond perforation seat pattern. Practicality is also key, with 60/40 split rear seats that fold flat, ample small-item storage, and sound-insulating materials to ensure a comfortable and quiet ride. The centrally positioned 8-inch Toyota Audio display and the 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) provide intuitive access to vehicle information and entertainment features.
Trim Levels and Features: Choosing Your Ideal 2021 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR 2021 is available in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE, and Limited, each offering a compelling blend of features and value. The LE trim, while the entry-level model, is far from basic, boasting standard dual-zone automatic climate control, power/heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED headlamps, and Toyota Audio with an 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard multimedia features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM with a 3-month All Access Trial. Connected Services, including Safety Connect with a 1-year trial and Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 GB within a 3-month trial, are also standard.
Stepping up to the XLE trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-folding side mirrors, “Toyota C-HR” puddle lamps, Smart Key with Push Button Start, Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and an optional Toyota Audio Plus system. The Limited trim elevates the luxury and technology further with LED fog lamps, piano-black B-pillar trim, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat adjustment, ambient lighting, chrome window trim, leather-trimmed seats, and an optional Toyota Audio Plus system, which is also available on XLE and Nightshade trims. Across all trims, the Toyota C-HR 2021 offers exceptional value and a range of features to meet diverse driver needs and preferences.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2021 C-HR
Under the hood, the Toyota C-HR 2021 is powered by a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This engine incorporates Toyota’s advanced technologies, including Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Valvematic valve lift control, optimizing performance and efficiency. The front-wheel-drive C-HR comes standard with a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift mode (CVTi-S), featuring a preload differential for enhanced low-speed torque distribution and smooth driving.
Drivers can engage Sport mode via the multi-information display for increased throttle responsiveness and quicker simulated gear shifts, while the Sequential Shiftmatic feature allows for manual gear shifting. The Brake Hold Function, standard on all trims, provides added convenience in stop-and-go traffic. The Toyota C-HR 2021 achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 city / 31 highway / 29 combined MPG, balancing performance with efficiency.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) C-platform, the C-HR boasts a low center of gravity, high strength, and lightweight construction, contributing to its nimble handling and smooth ride quality. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are tuned for responsive handling and ride comfort. Column-type Electronic Power Steering (EPS) provides a sporty steering feel, and braking is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The 2021 Toyota C-HR delivers a driving experience that is both engaging and comfortable.
Limited Warranty and Toyota Care
The Toyota C-HR 2021 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. ToyotaCare, a no-cost 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 standard. This comprehensive coverage provides added peace of mind for Toyota C-HR 2021 owners.
In conclusion, the Toyota C-HR 2021 stands out as a compelling choice in the compact crossover segment, offering a unique blend of bold style, enhanced safety features with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, and engaging driving dynamics. With the addition of the striking Nightshade Edition and a refreshed color palette, the 2021 Toyota C-HR continues to redefine expectations and capture attention wherever it goes.
