2021 Toyota C-HR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 145 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,300 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota C-HR is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,300 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 31 highway), 5% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 C-HR — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 C-HR →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Kanegasaki, Iwate · Arifiye, Sakarya
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 C-HR configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 172.8 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,300 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-HR | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 31 / 29 | +5% | $2,300 | 305 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
| 2021 Toyota C-HR 5 HB FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |


Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota C-HR (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Radar · Feb 24, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V107000 · 36,558 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 C-HR vehicles. The radar sensor may not have been activated during production, making the pre-collision system (PCS) inoperative.
- Risk
- An inoperative PCS that does not provide a malfunction indicator to the driver, or braking assist as expected, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and activate the radar sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA02.
Not every 2021 Toyota C-HR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota C-HR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 17 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Seat Belts — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota C-HR. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other C-HR years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →