Toyota C-HR Reviews

The first-generation Toyota C-HR was popular in Australia, however the second-generation model hasn’t yet lived up to its predecessor when it comes to sales.One of the main reasons is because the current C-HR, which launched in 2023, is considerably more expensive. This is primarily due to it being built in Turkiye, rather than Japan, which in turn attracts import tariffs.The 2026 Toyota C-HR line-up is currently priced as follows:C-HR GXL Hybrid: $46,940C-HR Koba Hybrid: $53,890C-HR GR Sport Hybrid: $58,890All prices are before on-road costsOn test here is the mid-spec Koba Hybrid with the optional two-tone paint and panoramic glass roof ($2700). This brings the as-tested price to $56,590, before on-road costs, or $62,107 drive-away in Victoria.This is a lot of money for a mid-spec, mainstream, small SUV. It’s considerably more expensive than the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, Honda HR-V Hybrid and even the larger and more practical Toyota Corolla Cross.At this price point it's even more expensive than the European Volkswagen T-Roc and is somewhat in line with the larger UK-sourced, hybrid-only Nissan Qashqai.Another reason why the current C-HR is more expensive is because it's hybrid only.In Koba form there is a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 103kW. This may sound mediocre, but around town there’s plenty of oomph.The majority of the low-speed driving is handled by the electric motor and it will occasionally dip into EV mode at highway and freeway speeds.Toyota claims the C-HR Koba consumes an average of 4.0L/100km, which is very low. Surprisingly, fuel figures like this are achievable in the real-world too. I saw as low as 3.7L/100km in the city and around 5.5L/100km on the freeway.There is a 43L fuel tank which allows for a theoretical total range of up to 1075km. A minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded petrol is required.While the C-HR is zippy in urban areas, building up speed requires it to engage the petrol engine more. There is enough power to make do, but the engine sound above 80km/h is coarse and unrefined.It’s not helped by the road and tyre noise that enters the cabin at higher speeds. Given the price tag this is disappointing, but many European rivals also suffer the same issue.Even though the hybrid engine’s performance isn’t awe-inspiring, the way the C-HR drives is. It’s built on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform which it shares with the current Corolla and Prius, among others.This small SUV is nimble and fun to drive, even in your everyday commute. There’s an element of the driving experience that is similar to the go kart-feel of a Mini Cooper.Even the suspension is compliant, though the large 19-inch alloy wheels transmit harsher bumps into the cabin. Thankfully as the car is so small, you can typically dodge big potholes.Unlike many new-generation cars, this version of the C-HR is actually 30mm shorter than the original. However, it’s 37mm wider, allowing for more shoulder-to-shoulder passenger space.The exterior design looks sophisticated and upmarket for Toyota, however the flush door handles are a faff to use. Interestingly though, there’s no rear wiper, which is annoying.Inside there is a lovely cockpit feel with all the key touchpoints within easy reach of the driver. The front seats also have a sporty look and hug you in nicely.The second row clearly isn’t the main focus, but compared to the original C-HR it's not as claustrophobic. However, amenities are extremely limited. There’s only a single cupholder on each door. No rear air vents, no centre armrest.There is 388L of boot space with the rear seats upright, which doesn’t sound amazing on paper, but in practice it’s decent.The current Toyota C-HR Koba has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2024.The following safety equipment is standard:10 airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Blind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertLane-keep assistAdaptive cruise controlDriver attention monitoringSurround-view cameraFront and rear parking sensorsSemi-autonomous parking assistThe C-HR is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km. Servicing at Toyota dealers also allows the driveline and battery warranty to be extended out to seven and 10 years, respectively.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. The first five services are capped at $275 each, which is competitive for the segment.

Top of the Toyota C-HR range is the GR Sport, which starts from $54,990. As well as being more powerful - we’ll come back to that, too - it gets unique styling outside, plus synthetic leather-accented and suede seats inside, aluminium scuff plates, and a heated GR Sport steering wheel.

The Toyota C-HR Koba, at $49,990, has heated sports seats with synthetic suede trim as an upgrade over the base GXL, plus power adjustment for the driver’s seat and a digital rearview mirror.

Starting from $42,990 plus on-road costs, the C-HR GXL comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 7.0-inch driver display, plus it has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A second generation was never guaranteed for the Toyota C-HR, so was it worth the development? We drive it on its Australian launch to find out.

As manufacturers scramble to fill an emerging hot SUV niche, Toyota's first effort is predictably conservative.

The 2021 update for the Toyota C-HR is as mild as they come, with a tweak to the safety package and some small additions to the base and Koba models.

Toyota Australia's been busy establishing its Gazoo Racing performance sub-brand recently, and now its first entry-level model is in showrooms – but is the C-HR Hybrid small SUV sporty enough to earn the GR Sport nameplate? Yes... and no.

Small SUVs, so hot right now. Petrol-electric hybrids, also so hot right now. So the C-HR Hybrid Koba should be the hottest car on the market, but can Toyota's crossover hold up after prolonged testing?

Toyota's C-HR is certainly an eye-catching compact SUV, but are good looks good enough to keep attracting car buyers? C-HRs now have a freshened up look and some new features - including new front end, new wheel design, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - and Toyota's hoping these changes will keep its loyal fans happy and entice a stack of new C-HR owners as well.