The Best Years For Toyota C Hr And Some To Avoid

Okay, here's a comprehensive guide to the best and worst years for the Toyota C-HR, designed to be informative and helpful for potential buyers and current owners.

The Toyota C-HR is a stylish and fuel-efficient subcompact SUV known for its distinctive design and reliability. However, like any vehicle, some model years are better than others due to improvements in features, technology, and reliability. This guide will help you navigate the C-HR lineup, identifying the best years to buy and which ones to potentially avoid.

Toyota C-HR: Model Year Overview

Detailed Explanations

2018: First Model Year

The 2018 Toyota C-HR marked the entry of this unique subcompact SUV into the market. Its standout feature was its bold and unconventional styling, which immediately set it apart from the competition. It also came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a suite of advanced safety features including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. However, being the first model year, it's worth noting that some early adopter issues were present, and the infotainment system lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a significant drawback for many buyers.

2019: Apple CarPlay Added

The 2019 C-HR addressed one of the biggest complaints from the previous year by adding Apple CarPlay compatibility. This made the infotainment system much more user-friendly for iPhone users. The 2019 model also included enhancements to the Toyota Safety Sense suite. While this was a significant improvement, some users reported experiencing occasional CarPlay connectivity issues.

2020: Android Auto Added and Facelift

The 2020 model year brought a more comprehensive update to the C-HR. Android Auto compatibility was finally added, making the infotainment system more appealing to a wider range of users. The C-HR also received a redesigned front fascia, giving it a refreshed and more modern look. The infotainment system was updated as well. However, some owners reported experiencing issues with the transmission, which is a crucial consideration when evaluating this model year.

2021: Continued Refinement

The 2021 C-HR didn't receive any major changes compared to the 2020 model. Toyota continued to refine the existing features and systems. However, it's important to note that some owners continued to report issues with the transmission, similar to the 2020 model.

2022: Minor Refinements

The 2022 model year saw no significant changes from 2021. It's generally considered a reliable year, as it benefited from the refinements and improvements made in previous years. There were no widespread or commonly reported issues.

2023: Last Year in North America

The 2023 model year marked the final year of the Toyota C-HR's production for the North American market. As such, it benefited from all the accumulated improvements and refinements made over the years. This makes it a potentially appealing option for buyers looking for a well-sorted and reliable C-HR, provided they are aware of the model's discontinuation.

Transmission Issues (2020 & 2021)

Transmission issues reported on the 2020 and 2021 models are a point of concern. These issues often manifest as hesitation during acceleration, jerky shifting, or unusual noises. While not all vehicles from these years experience these problems, the frequency of reports warrants careful inspection and a thorough test drive before purchasing. Checking the vehicle's service history for any transmission-related repairs or maintenance is highly recommended.

Infotainment System (2018)

The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the 2018 model is a significant drawback for many modern drivers. While the infotainment system itself is functional, the absence of smartphone integration limits its usability and convenience. Potential buyers should consider this limitation when evaluating the 2018 C-HR. Retrofit options for adding CarPlay/Android Auto may be available, but they typically involve additional cost and complexity.

Toyota Safety Sense (All Years)

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is a suite of advanced safety features that comes standard on all C-HR models. This includes features like:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps to mitigate or avoid frontal collisions.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and provides steering assistance to help keep it in the lane.
• Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic conditions.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a preset following distance from the vehicle ahead.

The availability of TSS across all model years is a significant safety advantage of the C-HR.

Years to Consider and Years to Potentially Avoid

Best Years to Consider:

• 2022: This year offers the most refined and reliable experience with minimal known issues.
• 2023: Being the last year of production, it benefits from all previous improvements and refinements. However, parts availability in the future might be a concern.
• 2020: While it has potential transmission issues, the addition of Android Auto and the updated design make it an appealing option if you can verify the transmission is in good condition.

Years to Potentially Avoid (or Approach with Caution):

• 2018: Lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and being the first model year, it may have some early adopter issues.
• 2020 & 2021: Due to reports of transmission problems, these years require thorough inspection and a test drive focusing on transmission performance.

Factors Influencing Reliability

Several factors influence the reliability of any car model, including the Toyota C-HR:

• Manufacturing Quality: Early model years of a car often have more manufacturing defects as the production line is still being refined.
• Technological Complexity: More complex features and systems can lead to more potential points of failure.
• Maintenance History: A well-maintained vehicle is generally more reliable than one that has been neglected.
• Driving Conditions: Cars driven in harsh conditions or subjected to frequent stop-and-go traffic may experience more wear and tear.

Checking for Recalls

Before purchasing any used car, including a Toyota C-HR, it's crucial to check for any outstanding recalls. You can do this by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website (nhtsa.gov) and entering the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Recalls are typically performed free of charge by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which C-HR year has Apple CarPlay? The 2019 and later model years of the Toyota C-HR have Apple CarPlay.

• Which C-HR year has Android Auto? The 2020 and later model years of the Toyota C-HR have Android Auto.

• Are there any known issues with the C-HR's transmission? Some owners of the 2020 and 2021 C-HR have reported transmission issues, such as hesitation or jerky shifting.

• Is the Toyota C-HR reliable? Generally, the Toyota C-HR is considered a reliable vehicle, especially in later model years like 2022 and 2023.

• Why was the C-HR discontinued in North America? Toyota discontinued the C-HR in North America to focus on other models, including the Corolla Cross, which offers similar features and a more traditional SUV design.

• What is Toyota Safety Sense? Toyota Safety Sense is a suite of active safety features that comes standard on all C-HR models, including pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Toyota C-HR model year can significantly impact your ownership experience. While the 2022 and 2023 models offer the most refined and reliable experience, earlier years like 2020 can be good options if thoroughly inspected. Be sure to check for recalls, review the vehicle's maintenance history, and take a test drive to ensure you're making an informed decision.