The C-HR comes in four trims: XLE, Nightshade, and Limited. All three are powered by a compact 2.0L 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission sending power to the front wheels. In normal operation, the transmission works to optimize fuel economy, but when put it into sport mode, it imitates a 7-speed sequential transmission. Toyota estimates the C-HR achieves over 31 mpg on the highway and around 27 in the city.

One of the major selling points of the C-HR comes from the list of standard features. XLE versions come standard with LED low beam headlights and daytime running lights, 18-inch wheels, power heated rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals and blind spot warning indicators and puddle lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen display for the sound system which includes an integrated backup camera, a 4.2-inch screen in the instrument cluster, an electronically dimming rearview mirror, a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, power windows and keyless entry.

Standard safety features include Toyota's Safety Sense P system, which includes active lane departure, blind spot warning, braking frontal pre-collision, pedestrian detection prevention, rear collision warning, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, vehicle tracker system, and radar-controlled cruise control with traffic stop and go. Ten airbags are also standard.

The Nightshade adds black details to the exterior including the rims.

The Limited trim costs a little more than the XLE, but includes high-performance LED fog lamps, ambient lighting, Full LED projector-beam front headlights with auto-leveling and directionally adaptive front lighting, and leather-trimmed heated front seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support.