toyota's unique chr shakes up the small crossover segment with its future forward styling and
top tier tech and though chr has no difficulty standing out with a dramatically sloped roof and
chiseled profile the competition is plentiful one of those competitors is honda's hrv which offers
similar sizing and pricing let's take a quick dive to see how they compare chr brings styling that is
unique to the segment and its aggressive design is further accentuated in the all-new nightshade
edition toyota's commitment to safety is evident through chr's 10 airbags and state-of-the-art
toyota safety sense 2.5 standard across all grades chr offers a well-appointed interior that belies
its cost with standard features like dual zone automatic climate control and 8-inch touchscreen
the distinctive chr is available in three core grades and for 2021 an all-new nightshade
edition based on the xle grade makes it easy to make even more of a statement
sharing the same platform as the honda fit hrv is offered in four grades lx sport ex and exl
though compact in stature chr delivers big on technology with all grades including an eight
inch touchscreen and six speaker audio system with standard compatibility for apple carplay
which connects drivers to apple music maps messages and other favorite apps from your
iphone in addition android auto compatibility makes it easy to stay connected to android devices
while amazon alexa connectivity keeps amazon's digital assistant just a question away
plus there's a three-month siriusxm all-access trial subscription to more than 300 radio channels
accessible throughout the country and like most of toyota's current lineup
safety connect and wi-fi connect trials are offered standard
longer into its model cycle hrv has a tough time competing technologically a
5-inch non-touch display and 4-speaker audio are standard and a 7-inch touchscreen unit is
optional for additional cost similarly a 6-speaker audio system is available along with apple carplay
and android auto integration but there's no compatibility for amazon alexa a three-month
sirius xm all-access trial subscription is also available as is honda link connectivity
uniquely bold in design chr is self-expression on four wheels complete with an available two-tone
paint scheme and 18-inch alloy wheels that set it apart from the basic crossover and even on
the outside chr offers significant value at the price point as seen in its standard led headlights
hrv offers standard alloy wheels and roof rails are standard on most models
a moon roof is also available at extra cost
that said projector beam halogen headlights are the only option led headlights are not offered
chr's hard to beat value proposition continues into the interior where dual zone
automatic climate control and 60 40 split full flat second row rear
seat are standard as is an 8 way power adjustable driver seat on chr limited
automatic climate control is not standard on hrv but it is available and when it
comes to seating hrv no longer offers power adjustability but its second road does have
honda's magic seed feature that allows for a variety of cargo configurations
a robust suite of safety features makes chr an excellent choice for the daily commute or a long
road trip toyota safety sense 2.5 is standard offering advanced features like dynamic radar
cruise control and road sign assist plus every chr is equipped with 10 airbags throughout its cabin
hrv is available with honda sensing a similar safety suite but it's only on ex
and exl grades plus in hrv's case the system lacks the traffic sign recognition feature
additionally hrv has only six airbags
for all of chr's technological advancements the sporting suv isn't let down by its engine
with the stout 2-liter engine putting out 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque with
the help of toyota's valvematic technology as well as an epa estimated 29 mpg combined rating
hrv uses a 1.8 liter engine to make almost as much horsepower at 141
but falls short on torque at 127 pound feet the smaller engine does a little bit better
at the pump with an epa estimated 30 mpg combined rating in front wheel drive and an
epa estimated 28 mpg combined rating in hrv's available all-wheel drive trim on most grains
chr is one of the most aggressively styled vehicles in the toyota portfolio
but it compromises neither reliability nor safety to have the confident personality it does
in fact the insurance institute for highway safety awarded the 2021 chr a top safety
pick for 2020. now factor in ownership perks like the toyota care no cost maintenance plan
and 24-hour roadside assistance and it's easy to see chr as the stylish value play it is