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Toyota has produced many high-caliber SUVs over the years. The biggest is the Sequoia, a full-size SUV the 2023 redesign can seat up to eight people with plenty of room to spare in addition to ample cargo space. The smallest SUV until 2021 is the RAV4, a capable compact crossover that seats 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 on busy streets and navigate tight parking spaces.
The C-HR is about 173 inches long, 71 inches wide and 62 inches tall. This 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) includes standard features, while the Limited Edition trim includes standard features in addition to heated front bucket seats with leather upholstery and premium 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 journeys. Its rear hatch opens to 19 cubic feet of rear storage space.
The Toyota C-HR gets good fuel economy with a combined rating of 29 mpg. It is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. If you want to know how it compares to other subcompact SUVs, you can visit Toyota’s website.
What are the advantages of subcompact SUVs?
The Toyota C-HR is just one of many subcompact crossovers on the road today. But what makes a driver choose a small SUV over a large one?
Affordable prices
Small SUVs tend to be more affordable than large SUVs. For example, the base XLE model of the 2022 Toyota C-HR is around $24,300, while the price of a full-size SUV like the Toyota Sequoia starts at $50,500.
Outstanding style
Small SUVs usually have a sleek and captivating design. They are specially designed for city driving, which includes navigating narrow streets and driving on highways.
A sedan is usually the preferred choice for people with an urban lifestyle. But for those who prefer a more capable and flashy daily driver, a subcompact SUV would do the trick.
Lots of storage space
Subcompact crossovers tend to have more storage space compared to most hatchbacks. Some may even have storage space 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 almost 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 consumption
The heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it consumes. Most subcompact SUV owners enjoy all the 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 navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces, but they can’t handle rough terrain. Nor can they carry heavy cargo.
None of this is a problem for subcompact SUVs, which are correctly identified as crossover vehicles. They’re perfect for city trips and out-of-town adventures.
Raised seats
Some drivers prefer a subcompact SUV to a sedan or hatchback because of its tall stance. A raised seat provides a clear view of the road, making it easier to navigate busy roads and streets.
A full-size SUV has more ground clearance and high seats, 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 is safe to assume that large vehicles offer more protection than small ones in the event of a collision. But that fact doesn’t mean small SUVs can’t also have good safety ratings.
The 2022 Toyota C-HR, for example, has an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It earned a 4-star rating in the front 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 earned a 5-star rating for overall crash protection.
Are there other small Toyota SUVs?
The C-HR is just one of many premium subcompact SUVs in Toyota’s lineup. Here are some of them.
Toyota Corolla Cross 2022
A crossover from the Corolla sedan, this SUV comes with all-wheel drive and advanced safety features such as a driver assistance suite with automatic emergency braking.
Toyota RAV4 2022
One of the most popular small SUVs in Toyota’s lineup, the RAV4 offers a spacious cargo area and features quick acceleration and a hybrid powertrain.
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