3 Reasons Toyota’s Most Hated SUV Is Getting the Axe
Toyota produces some of the most popular SUVs on the planet, but not every SUV is a winner. Some models just don’t fit in with the rest of the Japanese automaker’s lineup. There’s one Toyota SUV in particular that consumers aren’t very fond of. The Toyota C-HR isn’t nearly as popular as rivals or other Toyota SUVs. Here are three reasons why Toyota’s most hated SUV will be discontinued.
The Toyota C-HR is the family oddball
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact SUV that has been around since 2016. The small crossover nameplate is discontinued for 2023 in America. There are still plenty of 2022 Toyota C-HR models floating around, but Toyota has decided to no longer produce the C-HR for the United States.
Toyota SUV models are known for being practical, affordable, and reliable. The C-HR’s cargo area is too snug for many drivers. It’s cheap, but several more affordable subcompact SUVs offer more value for the money, like the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Soul.
There are plenty of tiny subcompact SUVs that thrive because of their unique dimensions. The C-HR isn’t one of them. It may have great standard features in common with other Toyota SUVs, but that’s the only thing that makes the subcompact SUV remotely similar to any of its Japanese cousins. Toyota has a clear direction for its lineup, and the C-HR doesn’t fit the brand’s vision for the future.
There are too many better options on the market for the C-HR to be competitive
If a vehicle can’t compete in its segment, it has little use to an automaker. Nameplates that can’t sell well and rival the best vehicles in their segment often lose market share to competitors, which hurts brands. The subcompact SUV vehicle segment is highly competitive. The C-HR can’t hold a candle to more popular subcompact SUV nameplates.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a refined, classy subcompact SUV. It’s an excellent choice for drivers with a taste for the finer things. The 2023 Hyundai Kona is a well-balanced quirky, and fun subcompact SUV. The 2023 Kia Soul is best for drivers looking for a budget subcompact SUV that still provides plenty of value.
The 2022 Toyota C-HR starts at $24,280. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The C-HR gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
There are newer subcompact SUV model years that are still more affordable, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient. The C-HR is getting the boot, and it seems to be a great move by Toyota, considering how the SUV compares to rivals.
Toyota has already introduced a better subcompact SUV
The Toyota Corolla Cross arrived as a 2022 model year, and it’s already earning plenty of praise. Consumers love the Corolla Cross because it’s affordable, offers all-wheel drive, and gets excellent gas mileage.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $23,060. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla Cross achieves 31 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. MotorTrend praises its low starting price and standard driver assistance features.
The C-HR may be headed to the great junkyard in the sky, but Toyota has another subcompact SUV option that will help the brand secure market share in that segment. We’ll have to wait and see how the Corolla Cross matches up to rivals as the nameplate matures and evolves.
