Close-up of 2021 C-HR wheel

Safety

  • All models of the C-HR come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5).
  • Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies only come standard on the higher model HR-V EX and EX-L.
  • The 2021 Honda HR-V only has six standard airbags while the Toyota C-HR features 10, including a knee airbag.

One of the biggest pluses about choosing a Toyota or Honda vehicle is that safety is a focus of the design.

Standard Active Safety Features

Every 2021 Toyota C-HR comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) suite of advanced active safety features. TSS 2.5 includes features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). The comparable Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies only come standard on the higher grade Honda HR-V EX and EX-L.

The C-HR also comes standard with 10 airbags including a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver, front passenger and rear seat-mounted side airbags, a driver knee airbag, front passenger seat-cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The 2021 Honda HR-V doesn’t include a driver knee airbag or front passenger seat-cushion airbag. For its part, the HR-V includes Advanced Front Airbags, SmartVent® Front Side Airbags, and Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor.

For the C-HR, the true advantage is that you get tons of standard active safety features, and you get more for less. The base model Toyota C-HR LE and the comparable Honda HR-V LX have a starting MSRP of $21,695 MSRP and $21,220, respectively—a difference of less than $500. However, Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies do not come standard on the HR-V LX. To get comparable safety features in the HR-V, you'll need to spend at least $3,200 more to upgrade to the HR-V EX (starting MSRP of $24,420) or higher. That means spending over $2,800 more than the C-HR LE.
2021 C-HR illuminating a dark garage with its headlights

Style & Comfort

  • The C-HR has exciting color options, including the Nightshade Edition for a special look.
  • You get standard dual zone automatic climate control in the C-HR.
  • If you want a Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob in the HR-V, you'd need to get the HR-V Sport or EX-L.

When you buy a new car, you should be excited to take it for a spin. Luckily, the C-HR and the HR-V are as stylish as they are functional.

Exterior Style and Cool Comfort

From front to back, the C-HR was created with intention. Its aerodynamic look and LED lights give it a look straight from the future.

The C-HR has unique exterior color options for every personality, and it also has the Nightshade Edition for something extra special. With standard vortex-styled black 18-in. sport alloy wheels with black lug nuts, black outside front and passenger door handles, and black badges, the Nightshade Edition offers a bold look. The HR-V has a more ordinary look. With Projector-Beam Halogen Headlights and a more squared off design, there's not much curve and flow to the HR-V.

Feel the excitement that comes with stepping into the C-HR's sport fabric-trimmed front bucket seats. Conversely, the HR-V has standard black cloth seats. When it comes to thoughtful touches that enrich your driving experience, Toyota’s C-HR delivers a leather-trimmed shift lever with a satin-plated shift knob. Compared to the Honda, where you'll only find a Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob in the HR-V Sport and EX-L.

When it comes to climate control, Honda’s HR-V LX and Sport have standard Air Conditioning with an Air-Filtration System. To get Automatic Climate Control with an Electrostatic Touch-Screen you'd need to get the HR-V EX or EX-L. Comparatively, the 2021 Toyota C-HR boasts a greater degree of climate customization with its standard dual zone automatic climate control system with pollen filter and individual temperature settings for driver and front passenger.
Driver using the 2021 C-HR touchscreen display and connectivity apps

Technology

  • Overall, all C-HR models have more standard technology than the HR-V.
  • If you want Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM® compatibility standard, the C-HR has these options on all models. You'd need the Honda HR-V Sport or higher to get the same.
  • The base model C-HR has a larger screen than all HR-V models.

Take your ride to the next level with connectivity options that let you be in control.

Multimedia

All 2021 C-HR models have standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription. The Honda HR-V has most of these features as well, but they aren't on the base model LX. To get Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, you'd need to get the Sport or higher. For the addition of SiriusXM®, you'd need the EX or EX-L.

While you're driving, you don't want to have to squint at the screen to pick a song. That's why all C-HR models have a large 8-in. touchscreen. The base model HR-V LX only has a 5-inch color LCD screen. Even in the HR-V Sport, EX, and EX-L you only get a 7-in. display.

The C-HR comes with a boost in screen size, and it also has six speakers standard to pump up the tunes. Comparatively, the Honda HR-V LX and Sport only have four speakers standard. To get six speakers, you'd need to get the EX or EX-L model.

Conclusion: C-HR vs HR-V

The Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V are crossovers that offer car-like handling while also being a bigger force on the road. But, the C-HR stands out with its futuristic styling and standard connectivity features that are only available on the more expensive HR-V models.

  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) comes standard with all models of the C-HR.
  • The Toyota C-HR features 10 airbags, including a knee airbag, while the 2021 Honda HR-V only has six standard airbags.
  • The C-HR comes with standard dual zone automatic climate control.
  • The Toyota C-HR has a stylish leather-trimmed shift lever and satin-plated shift knob.
  • The C-HR has several great color options, including the sleek Nightshade Edition for a special look.
  • Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM® compatibility come standard on all models of the C-HR.