Can you put a tow bar on a Toyota C-HR?

Yes, you can fit a tow bar to many Toyota C-HR configurations, but availability and towing limits depend on the market, model year, and trim. Always consult your owner's manual and a qualified installer to confirm your vehicle’s towing capacity and the correct tow-bar kit for your region.

Market differences and official ratings

The Toyota C-HR has been sold in multiple regions with varying towing allowances. In Europe and several other markets, Toyota has offered an official tow-bar kit with a compatible wiring harness for the C-HR, enabling towing when properly installed and rated for the vehicle. In the United States, Toyota did not offer a factory tow package for the C-HR, so owners typically rely on aftermarket hitch solutions, with towing ratings determined by the install and local regulations. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle using your VIN and regional specification sheets.

Types of tow bars and wiring you may encounter

When planning a tow-bar installation, you’ll typically choose between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) options installed by a dealer and aftermarket hitch solutions. Each option has different implications for installation, warranty, and electrical compatibility.

Options you may encounter when fitting a tow bar:

• OEM dealer-installed tow-bar kit with detachable ball and dedicated electrical harness


• Aftermarket detachable hitch with a universal wiring harness


• Aftermarket fixed hitch (non-detachable) for permanent mounting


• Wiring harness options (7-pin vs 13-pin, CANBUS-compatible) and the complexity of integration


• Warranty and service considerations with either OEM or aftermarket installations

Dealer-installed OEM kits tend to offer tighter integration and clearer warranty coverage, while aftermarket options can be cheaper and more widely available. Always have installation performed by a qualified technician to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Checklist before towing with a C-HR

Before you tow, verify that your vehicle’s configuration and your local rules allow it. Use the following checklist to guide your decision and installation.

1. Confirm the tow rating for your exact C-HR variant and VIN (braked and unbraked limits) in the official specifications for your market.


2. Choose the appropriate tow-bar kit (OEM vs aftermarket) and ensure compatibility with your trim and electrical system.


3. Ensure the electrical harness (7-pin or 13-pin) is CANBUS-compatible and correctly wired for trailer signaling and lighting.


4. Have the tow bar installation performed by a qualified technician and keep all documentation for warranty and resale purposes.


5. Check local laws and licensing requirements for trailers, including speed restrictions and braking requirements.


6. Install a trailer brake controller if required by the trailer weight and regional regulations.


7. Test the electrical system and braking performance on a safe test run before heavy towing.

Following these steps helps ensure that the tow-bar setup is safe, compliant, and reliable for everyday use or long trips.

Country-specific considerations

Because towing regulations and factory options vary by region, always consult local Toyota dealers or the official accessories catalog for your country. In regions where an OEM tow-bar kit is offered, follow the dealer’s guidance on installation, warranty, and post-install checks. In markets without an official kit, aftermarket solutions are common, but they require careful selection to avoid warranty or safety issues.

Technical notes for hybrid and non-hybrid models

Both hybrid and petrol-powered C-HR variants can be fitted with tow-bar systems where allowed by local specifications. Hybrids may have additional considerations related to battery cooling, drivetrain load management, and recommended towing limits. Always refer to the hybrid-specific sections of the owner’s manual and verify any model-year changes with your dealer.

Summary

In short, you can add a tow bar to a Toyota C-HR in many markets, but you must verify market-specific ratings, choose the right kit (OEM vs aftermarket), and have the installation performed by a qualified technician. Always consult the official manual for your VIN, follow local regulations, and ensure the wiring and brakes are properly configured before towing.

Can you tow with a Toyota C-HR?

The towing capacity of the Toyota C-HR supports up to 1100kg.

What is the common issue with Toyota C-HR?

Common problems reported for the Toyota C-HR include issues with the CVT transmission in earlier models (2018), problems with the 12-volt battery and charging system, electrical gremlins like faulty warning lights, and paint-related concerns. Other less frequent issues include blind spot limitations, infotainment system glitches, and potential wear on interior materials.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the common problems with Toyota C-HR: 58sReDrivenYouTube · Oct 29, 2023
Powertrain and engine 

• CVT transmission: Some 2018 models have reported noisy, grinding, or humming sounds, potentially due to a faulty final drive bearing. The fix can be expensive, as it may require replacing the entire transmission unit. 
• 12-volt battery: The 12-volt battery can have issues, sometimes due to its small capacity and being drained by electronics. This can cause starting problems, even though it's not a major engine failure. 
• Engine: In some cases, the engine oil level may rise above the maximum mark, though this is reportedly not a safety issue. 

Electrical and electronic systems 

• TPMS sensors: A common issue is the failure of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors. 
• Electrical gremlins: Other electrical problems can include faulty warning lights, general sensor malfunctions, and connectivity issues with the infotainment system. 
• Pre-Collision System (PCS): The warning light may activate frequently in rainy or snowy conditions, but the system usually resolves itself once it dries. 

Body and interior

• Paint: Some owners have reported issues with paint, especially on white models.
• Interior wear: The leather on the steering wheel, gear knob, and seats can show wear over time.
• Rear windows: Some 2020 models have experienced rear window cracking or shattering.
• Blind spot: Due to the design of the C-HR, visibility is limited, which can make lane changes challenging and create a blind spot. 

Suspension

• Shock absorbers: Early models sometimes had noisy shock absorbers. 
• Suspension components: Owners have reported premature wear on some suspension components. 

Can you put a towbar on a Toyota C-HR?

The C-HR T-Custom removable tongue Towbar kit is developed and tested together with the chassis to ensure the strength and durability of both the towbar and the vehicle. This removable tongue towbar has a removable pin and clip so the tongue can be stowed when not required.

Why did Toyota stop selling the Chr?

The Toyota C-HR was discontinued in North America after the 2022 model year due to low sales compared to the more popular Corolla Cross, which offers a combination of utility and efficiency. Other factors contributing to its discontinuation included its small interior space, underpowered engine, and the fact that it was only available in front-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross was the more practical choice for buyers and has become the smallest crossover in Toyota's lineup.
 

• Lower sales: The C-HR never reached the sales figures of competing models, and even the Corolla Cross sold significantly more units when it was introduced. 
• Practicality issues: The C-HR's stylish, coupe-like design came at the cost of a cramped rear seat and limited cargo space. 
• Performance: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 144 horsepower was seen as underpowered, and it was only offered in a front-wheel-drive configuration, which was less appealing to consumers looking for more capability. 
• Internal competition: The Corolla Cross was a more practical and appealing option that cannibalized C-HR sales and offered all-wheel drive, which was a key feature for many buyers. 
• Product lineup evaluation: Toyota is constantly evaluating its product lineup, and the C-HR's discontinuation made way for other models like the Corolla Cross, which offered a better combination of utility and efficiency for the compact SUV segment.