2019 Toyota C-HR
An Automotive Love Affair
By Joseph Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2019 Toyota C-HR that is a very nice option and has even been ranked in the top ten in class. But notice that USA products are coming back and are number 1 and 2 in ranking by a reliable source (KBB).
Another cool growing feature is the CarPlay capability. You’ll find the screen lights up with what’s on your smart phone, the iPhone presentation is pictured in my grouping of photos.
General Information: Assembly:Isawa, Iwatre, Japan; Classification is Compact Cars; Vehicles from Toyota: 4Runner, 86, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid,C-HR, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma Access Cab, Tacoma Double Cab, Tundra CrewMax, Tundra Double Cab, Yaris and Yaris iA.
Handling & Performance:
Easy handling always a part of this segment of the automotive market. Performance is good at 144 horsepower, but many would opt for a Turbo powered for engines of 2.0 liters or less. A personal preference for me.
Styling:
Well, it is apparent the designer was a Star Wars enthusiast. If that white paint model doesn’t look like a Storm Trooper I’ll eat your hat, as the adage goes.
Fit and Finish:
Toyota quality is nearly indisputable by most automotive journalists, and that goes for all Toyota models. After all these years Toyota management seems to have remained dedicated to staying at the top of the heap of car makers.
Cost:
When it comes to cost, you’ll pay a little more for a Toyota Badge, but that will become less of a selling point as newcomers like Hyundai and Kia press the industry to be the new leader. After being the “New Kid” on the block for the past decade, they are now a major player who is challenging the Japanese for top dog position.
Conveniences and comfort:
Very good for my liking and I believe you will want the high-tech stuff included or available as options. Comfortable seating relatively speaking. Perhaps the top of my hi-tech features is the smart cruise control and finally Toyota joined the rest of the carmakers to be functional at all speeds with “Resume” capability as the car comes to a full stop and restarts when traffic continues to move. Not only convenient, it is one of the best safety feature developments in a very long time.
Consumer Recommendation:
You have much to choose from Choose wisely. But whatever you do, remember to include Hyundai and Kia in your test driving. It would be a good idea to look at all of those listed here.
Recognized Competition:
| Brand | Priced From | MPG | Seating | Doors | Country of Origin | Top Rankings KBB |
| Toyota C-HR | 23,000 | 27-31 | 5 | 4 | Japan | 7 |
| Toyota Corolla | 19,000 | 32-42 | 5 | 4 | Japan | |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 22,000 | 23-29 | 5 | 4 | Japan | 4 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 23,000 | 23-29 | 5 | 4 | Japan | 3 |
| Hyundai Kona | 20,000 | 28-32 | 5 | 4 | Korea | |
| Jeep Compass | 22,000 | 23-32 | 5 | 4 | USA | 1 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 22,000 | 26-31 | 5 | 4 | USA | |
| Ford Escort | 23,000 | 23-32 | 5 | 4 | USA | 2 |
| Dodge Journey | 15,000 | 19-25 | 5 | 4 | USA | |
| Mazda-3 | 22,000 | 27-36 | 5 | 4 | Japan |
Good News:
Consistently good cars, ranked # 7 by Kelly Bluebook, standard features that include most of the best available in today’s world.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 144 HP 4-cylinder engine, automatic CVT transmission, front wheel drive, electric power steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, stabilizer bar and dampers, Pre-collision system and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beams, full speed range smart cruise control, electric parking brake, ten standard airbags, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, LATCH for children, tire pressure monitor, LED fog lights, power auto folding outside mirrors, rain sensing front windshield wipers, 8” touch screen , audio with 6 speakers, Bluetooth phone / Music, USB media / charge ports, Sirius XM with three month access, Siri eyes free, Leather trim heated front seats, 8-way adjustable driver seat with power lumbar, smart key system with push button start, remote keyless entry with lock and unlock, power locks, power windows, leather trim tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio, voice command, trip controls.
Gas Stats:
27 City and 31 Highway MPG
$4.19 / Gal of gas avg. May 25, 2019
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
Pricing:
MSRP $26,000.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
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