Why did Toyota C-HR get discontinued?

The Toyota C-HR, a compact crossover SUV, was discontinued in 2022 after just six years on the market. This decision was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, a shift in consumer preferences, and Toyota's strategic realignment of its product lineup.

Declining Sales

The Toyota C-HR was introduced in 2016 as a stylish and fuel-efficient alternative to traditional SUVs. However, it struggled to gain traction in the highly competitive crossover market. Sales of the C-HR steadily declined over the years, with the model selling just over 36,000 units in the United States in 2021, down from a high of nearly 50,000 units in 2017. This downward trend ultimately led Toyota to discontinue the C-HR in order to focus on more popular and profitable models in its lineup.

Shift in Consumer Preferences

The discontinuation of the C-HR also reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards larger, more spacious SUVs and crossovers. As consumers increasingly prioritize practicality, cargo space, and seating capacity, the C-HR's compact size and limited utility became less appealing. Toyota recognized this trend and decided to focus its efforts on developing and promoting models that better aligned with the changing demands of the market.

Toyota's Strategic Realignment

The discontinuation of the C-HR is part of Toyota's broader strategy to streamline its product lineup and allocate resources towards more promising models. The company has been investing heavily in the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as larger, more versatile SUVs and crossovers. By discontinuing the C-HR, Toyota can redirect its efforts and resources towards these areas, which are expected to drive future growth and profitability.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Toyota C-HR was a strategic decision driven by declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and Toyota's broader realignment of its product portfolio. While the C-HR was a unique and stylish offering, it ultimately failed to resonate with enough consumers in the highly competitive crossover market. By discontinuing the model, Toyota can focus its resources on developing and promoting the vehicles that are better aligned with the current and future demands of the automotive industry.

Which year C-HR to avoid?

The main year to avoid is the 2018 Toyota C-HR, particularly the North American CVT models, due to a higher frequency of complaints about the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other issues across various years include problems with tire pressure sensors, the 12-volt battery, and infotainment system connectivity, along with blind spot limitations. 
2018 Toyota C-HR 

• Transmission problems: The 2018 model year has the highest number of complaints related to the CVT, with owners reporting issues like loud whining or grinding noises. The problem is reportedly due to a faulty bearing, and while the part is inexpensive, the fix is often the replacement of the entire transmission unit. 
• Other issues: In addition to transmission problems, the 2018 model also sees more complaints about faulty tire pressure sensors, wheel bearings, and other electrical issues. 

Other potential years to be cautious of

• 2017-2023 (General issues): Across these years, owners have reported recurring minor electrical issues like faulty warning lights and sensor malfunctions, such as tire pressure sensors. 
• 2020: Some owners of the 2020 model have reported issues with rear windows cracking or shattering. 
• Early models (2016-2018): Early production models can have issues with noisy shock absorbers and blurry welcome holograms in the mirrors, though these were typically corrected under warranty. 

How to choose a good model

• Check the vehicle history: Before buying any used C-HR, check its maintenance records and history, especially for the 2018 model, to see if the transmission has been replaced or serviced. 
• Inspect for known issues: If possible, have the car inspected by a mechanic and check for the specific issues mentioned above, such as the tire pressure sensor and battery. 
• Consider other years: If you're looking for a used model, years outside of 2018 generally have fewer major complaints. 
• Hybrid vs. gasoline: Hybrid versions of the C-HR are generally reliable, but some hybrid models have been known to have issues with the engine oil level rising above the maximum mark. 

Is Toyota bringing back the C-HR?

Yes, Toyota is bringing back the C-HR for the 2026 model year, but it is an all-new, all-electric model. The 2026 C-HR will have a new design, a battery-electric powertrain with up to 338 horsepower, and a manufacturer-estimated range of around 290 miles.
 
Key features of the 2026 C-HR

• All-electric powertrain: The vehicle will be fully electric, with a combined output of 338 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. 
• Range and charging: It is estimated to have a 290-mile all-electric range and can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charger. It also features the North American Charging System (NACS) port and plug-and-charge technology. 
• Performance: It is designed with a performance-inspired spirit, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of around 5 seconds. 
• Design: The exterior has a coupe-like style with a new, eye-catching design and comes in sporty SE and XSSE trim levels. 
• Technology: The interior will feature a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver display, and two wireless charging pads. 
• Safety: It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control, with other features like traffic jam assist and lane changing assist available. 

What is the common problem of 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. 

Why did Toyota stop making C-HR?

In 2022, the final model year, Toyota sold 12,141 C-HR's down a total of 66 percent from the previous year's 35,707 cars sold. Worse yet is how it compared to other Toyotas. In 2022, Toyota sold 399,941 RAV4s. A sales disaster may have been the reason why the C-HR was axed from a business perspective.