Toyota has produced a lot of high-caliber SUVs through the years. The biggest is the Sequoia, a full-size SUV whose 2023 redesign can seat up to eight people with ample room to spare on top of generous cargo space. The smallest SUV up until 2021 is the RAV4, a capable compact crossover that can seat no more than five passengers. It gave the top spot as Toyota’s smallest SUV to the 2022 Toyota C-HR.
What Is Toyota’s Smallest SUV?
Toyota’s smallest SUV on the market today is the 2022 Toyota C-HR. It’s perfect for those who often drive through busy streets and navigate narrow parking spaces.
The C-HR is around 173 in. long, 71 in. wide, and 62 in. high. This SUV compact crossover SUV comes in three trim levels: XLE, Nightshade, and Limited edition.
The difference between these three trim levels lies in their features and equipment. For example, the XLE (base trim) comes with standard features, while the Limited edition trim comes with standard features plus leather-trimmed heated front bucket seats and top-notch LED fog lights.
The C-HR is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission. Edmund’s test track shows a 0.60 mph time of 10.6 seconds, which is slower than most crossovers and hatchbacks.
The crossover SUV’s interior more than makes up for its speed. The Toyota C-HR has standard 60/40 split rear seats. These comfortable seats provide great support, making them perfect for long drives. Its rear hatch opens to 19 cubic feet of rear storage space.
The Toyota C-HR has good fuel economy with a combined mpg rating of 29. It has a rating of 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. If want to know how it compares to other subcompact SUVs, you can visit the Toyota website.
What Are the Advantages of Subcompact SUVs?
The Toyota C-HR is only one of the many subcompact crossovers on the road today. But what is it that makes a driver choose a small SUV over a large one?
Affordable Pricing
Small SUVs are often more affordable than their large SUVs. For example, the 2022 Toyota C-HR base model XLE is around $24,300, while the price of a full-size SUV like the Toyota Sequoia starts at $50,500.
Standout Style
Small SUVs usually have a sleek, head-turning design. They’re specially engineered for city driving, which includes navigating narrow streets and powering through highways.
A sedan is usually the go-to choice for people with a city lifestyle. But for those who prefer a more capable and striking daily driver, a sub-compact SUV would do the trick.
Plenty of Storage Space
Subcompact crossovers usually have more storage space compared to most hatchbacks. Some can even have a storage space that’s similar to full-size SUVs.
The Toyota RAV4, for example, has 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet when its second row is folded. That’s nearly as big as the storage space of a 2022 Toyota Highlander, which has a cargo volume of 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row.
Good Gas Mileage
The heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it consumes. Most subcompact SUV owners enjoy the full capabilities of an SUV and the fuel economy of a light sedan. If you’re curious about a subcompact SUV’s fuel economy, you can check its MPG ratings.
Great Handling
Small cars can cruise through tight streets and narrow parking spaces, but they can’t handle tough terrains. They also can’t carry heavy cargo.
None of those is a problem for subcompact SUVs, which are aptly identified as crossover vehicles. They’re perfect for city trips and out-of-town off-road adventures.
Elevated Seating
Some drivers prefer a subcompact SUV over a sedan or a hatchback because of its high seating position. An elevated seat offers a clear view of the road, making it easier to navigate through busy highways and streets.
A full-size SUV has more ground clearance and elevated seating, but its size can be a bit bulky or chunky for narrow roads.
Do Small SUVs Have Good Safety Ratings?
It depends on the make and model. It’s safe to assume that large vehicles offer more protection than small ones in case of a collision. But this fact doesn’t mean that small SUVs can’t have good safety ratings too.
The 2022 Toyota C-HR, for example, has an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It got a 4-star rating in the frontal crash test and a five-star rating in the side crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA).
Some small SUVs from other automakers also rate well in terms of safety. The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). It also got a 5-star rating for overall crash protection.
Are There Other Small Toyota SUVs?
The C-HR is only one of the many top-notch subcompact SUVs in Toyota’s lineup. Here are some of them.
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
A crossover of the Corolla sedan, this SUV comes with an all-wheel drive and advanced safety features, including a driver assistance suite with automatic emergency braking.
2022 Toyota RAV4
One of the most popular small SUVs in Toyota’s lineup, the RAV4 offers a spacious cargo area and boasts quick acceleration and a hybrid powertrain.
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