The 2022 Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover that is only suited for light off-roading. Its low ground clearance, weak engine performance, and lack of an AWD option keep it from being a good off-roader—but its unique style and price value still commend it to drivers who don’t wander too far from the beaten path.

When you’re planning to head into the wilderness, you need a capable off-roading vehicle to get you there and back again. But how do you know which SUVs are truly up to the task? The Toyota C-HR may have the look of an off-roading enthusiast, but can it handle the unexpected out in the brush?

Here with all the answers on the Toyota C-HR’s off-road capabilities is

Jerry

, the car insurance

super app

. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty, like ground clearance and torque ratings, engine power, and approach and departure angles. We’ll also suggest some alternative vehicles and provide some tips on how to save on your car insurance!

Can the 2022 Toyota C-HR go off-road?

To some extent. The CH-R is an affordable option for drivers who only want to do light off-roading. But it has some limitations that keep it from being a true off-roading aficionado.

With a starting price of $25,345, the 2022 Toyota C-HR is definitely more accessible than other off-road models. However, you are getting what you pay for in some ways. The back seat is cramped, there is no AWD option, and the engine is underwhelming.

Let’s break down a few key areas where the C-HR fails and shines as a light off-roader.

Ground clearance

If you’re leaving the paved highway in favor of uneven dirt roads or a plunge into the wild, having the right amount of ground clearance is essential. The ground clearance or ride height measures the distance between the lowest point of your vehicle and the ground to give you an idea of what you can safely drive over without causing damage to your undercarriage.

With a minimum ground clearance of 5.9 inches, the C-HR sits dangerously low. Off-road vehicles are recommended to have a ground clearance between 8.8 and 10.8 inches. Compare the C-HR’s ground clearance to the 2021

Jeep Wrangler’s

9.7 inches of minimum clearance, and you’ll see why the C-HR is only recommended for light off-roading—anything more than a gravel road or grassy camping ground parking lot, and the C-HR’s low ride height could result in serious damage to your vehicle.

Torque

Low-end torque is preferred for off-road vehicles—you want to have high amounts of torque at a lower rpm to get the most power on the trail. The ability to maneuver treacherous terrain is more important than speed when you go off-road.

The 2022 C-HR inline-four engine produces a maximum torque of 139 ft-lbs @ 3,900 rpm.

Tires

The Toyota CH-R comes with 215/60R17 tires. Depending on what kind of conditions you’re going to be driving in, you may want to upgrade your tires to optimize your off-roading experience.

All-terrain tires

, or A/T tires, may be a good option for the C-HR—they are designed for drivers who want to mix off-roading with everyday driving, giving you extra traction on the road and light off-roading terrain. However, they don’t last as long as standard all-season tires.

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Drivetrain

All-wheel drive is a must for off-roading—unfortunately, the 2022 C-HR only comes with front-wheel drive. FWD isn’t ideal for trail driving, as it can cause problems on bumpy roads where your front wheels are not always in contact with the ground. If you’re planning to drive beyond the occasional dirt road or gravel parking lot, the C-HR may not be your best choice.

Angles

Time to break out our giant protractors—just kidding! But knowing your vehicle’s approach angle and departure angle is just as important as knowing its ground clearance:

Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference

Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference

The 2022 Toyota C-HR has approach and departure angles of 14.0 degrees and 26.0 degrees respectively—which are surprisingly capable numbers for a light off-roader! Still, these angles will only be able to handle some gentle rises and dips. You won’t be able to do any serious rock crawling with the C-HR.

Off-road rating: In a Pinch

Using

Jerry’s

extremely precise DIRT system, we’ve given the 2022 C-HR an off-road rating! The DIRT categories are broken down in the table below:

Rating	Meaning	Description
D	Don’t Try It	Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I	In a Pinch	Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R	Rough and Ready	Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T	Trail Boss	True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain

The C-HR earns an I rating: the C-HR’s low ground clearance, modest departure and approach angles, and FWD make it a crossover better suited to the path most-taken. The C-HR can handle dirt roads and level trails, but if you’re looking for a serious off-roading vehicle, the C-HR is not for you.

MORE:

The best old-school off-road vehicles

The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Toyota C-HR

The 2022 C-HR may not be the most capable off-roader, but its affordable price, suite of safety features, and unique styling still help it stand out. But if you’re not convinced that the C-HR is for you, or if you need a vehicle with more off-roading prowess, here are a few alternatives to check out in your search for the perfect off-road SUV.

Alternative	Model	Price	Description
Best eco-friendly alternative	2022 Toyota Corolla Cross	$22,445	A subcompact SUV that offers more interior space and a more powerful engine. Its combined 32 MPG gives it a better fuel economy rating than the C-HR.
Best family-friendly alternative	Volkswagen Taos	$23,295	The Taos offers more power, more cargo capacity, and significantly more rear legroom than the C-HR.
Best alternative for off-roading	Hyundai Kona	$21,300	With distinctive styling and a spacious interior, the Kona has an all-wheel drive option and a turbocharged engine.

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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

Off-road capable vehicles are usually more expensive to insure. With the inherent risk of damage from less-than-ideal road conditions and unforgiving terrain, insurance companies increase rates for vehicles made to go off the beaten trail.

But don’t worry! The

Jerry

app can find you the lowest rates on your off-roader in no time. As

a licensed insurance broker

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Plus, Jerry users save an average of $800+ per year on car insurance. With those savings, you’re on your way to upgrading to the off-road vehicle of your dreams!

“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used
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