2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota C-HR, which to choose?

Available in 3 versions, the 2021 Toyota C-HR on sale at Longueuil Toyota is smaller than its sibling, the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Both are two of the most popular Toyota SUVs among the RAV4 Prime, Venza, Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia.

The RAV4, for those who may not be aware, is the best-selling compact Toyota SUV in Canada and here in Quebec, all categories combined. In 2019, it underwent a complete metamorphosis, thanks in part to the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA), which gave it a 57% stiffer structure and a multi-link independent rear suspension.

A year earlier, the manufacturer presented its Toyota C-HR (for Compact High-Rider) sub-compact SUV. Very bold and light years away from the style of the usual Toyota vehicles, the 2021 C-HR adds a new edition, the Nightshade, to its catalog, available in limited quantities. It comes with black 18-inch alloy wheels, door handles, mirror housings and badges. The upholstery is black, and among the colors available are Black Sand Pearl, Blizzard Pearl (white), Supersonic Red or Magnetic Grey.

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Toyota C-HR

2021 Toyota RAV4 (left) | 2021 Toyota C-HR (right)

Obviously smaller than the 2021 RAV4, the C-HR, with front-wheel drive only, is offered in 3 models: the LE, starting at just over $26,000, the XLE Premium, yours for slightly more than $28,000 and the Limited, which will require a bit more than $31,000. The RAV4 offers you up to 12 models, but to keep it simple, we will focus on gas-powered versions only. You thus have 6 choices among the LE FWD, LE AWD, XLE FWD, XLE AWD, Trail and Limited, for sale for between $30,000 and $44,000, for non-hybrid models.

Are we towing or not?

Even though they're both very good at getting around in the cities of Longueuil, Brossard and Boucherville on the South Shore of Montreal, the C-HR will be more at ease sneaking through narrow streets and for parking parallel like a champion. On the other hand, put a cross on towing with it; the RAV4 will perform much better with a towing capacity of 680 kg, or 1,500 lb.

Dual energy efficiency

The C-HR retains the less powerful 144-horsepower 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to the CVTi-S (Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode), while the RAV4 offers the 203-horsepower 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, and its fuel consumption ratings are 8.8/6.8/7.9 L/100 km. The C-HR's ratings are slightly higher at 8.7/7.5/8.2 L/100 km (city/highway/combined).

More or less space?

2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited | Interior

Discover the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Book a test drive of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Not surprisingly, expect to load a lot less stock in the C-HR's trunk, which can only contain 541 litres and 1,031 litres behind the front seats. The RAV4 spoils you more with a cargo capacity of 1,977 litres when the rear seats are down. In fact, the C-HR is best suited for single people or couples without children, and the 2021 RAV4 is perfect for families with one or two children.

2021 Toyota C-HR | Interior

Learn more about the 2021 Toyota C-HR

Try the 2021 Toyota C-HR

Safetywise

They both share the Toyota Safety Sense suite of technologies, which include the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Road Edge Detection as well as Lane Tracing Assist.

More user-friendly rides

Standard features on board the 2021 C-HR include an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, 6 speakers and automatic temperature control. The RAV4 offers you all this, a choice of 7 or 8-inch displays, plus heated front seats, premium cloth or SofTex leather upholstery, adjustable intermittent or rain activated wipers, a moonroof or roof rails, and even more.

Of course, they both carry Toyota's genetics that make them reliable, safe, energy-efficient, highly capable, and comfortable utility vehicles. It is up to you to determine which of the two between the Toyota RAV4 vs. Toyota C-HR will make you happy. To have a look at them, find out more about or try them out, come and see us at your Toyota dealer on the South Shore of Montreal, where the cities of Longueuil, Brossard and Boucherville meet.

2021 Toyota RAV4 (top) | 2021 Toyota C-HR (bottom)