The subcompact crossover challenges the Nissan Juke with extravagant looks and an array of standard active safety features
More than three years after its debut in concept form at the Paris Auto Show and three months after arriving in European dealerships, the all-new Toyota C-HR will finally make its U.S. debut in April.
Developed in Europe (including around the Nürburgring Nordschleife) as a global vehicle aimed at "trendsetting drivers" (whatever that means), the 2018 Toyota C-HR (Coupé High-Rider) will be available in the U.S. in two grades (XLE and XLE Premium).
The base XLE trim includes dual-zone climate control, front bucket seats with sport bolsters and six-way adjustability wrapped in Sport Fabric, all-black appointments, electric parking brake, auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera, and 18-inch wheels, among other things.
XLE Premium adds heated front seats, eight-way adjustable power lumbar driver's seat, Smart Key System with Push Button Start, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more. Both grades feature a six-speaker AM/FM/HD Radio, Aha app, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, AUX audio jack, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and Voice Recognition with voice training.
All C-HRs also come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) bundle of active safety features, including Pre-Collision System with Active Braking, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function, Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The C-HR also marks the introduction of two Toyota-first features: Driver Distraction Secure Audio (DDSA) and Brake Hold Function.
Regardless of the trim level chosen, the Toyota C-HR offers a single powertrain choice: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 144 hp at 6,100 rpm and 139 lb-ft (188 Nm) at 3,900 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT with intelligence and Shift model (CVTi-S). Projected EPA-estimates are 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Prices range from $22,500 for the base XLE trim and $24,350 for the XLE Premium — excluding a $960 delivery fee.