Toyota C-HR 2026 review: Koba Hybrid | Nissan Qashqai rival tested

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.

• C-HR GXL Hybrid: $46,940
• C-HR Koba Hybrid: $53,890
• C-HR GR Sport Hybrid: $58,890

All prices are before on-road costs

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On 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.

2026 Toyota C-HR Hybrid powertrain and fuel efficiency details

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.

How the 2026 Toyota C-HR Hybrid performs on the road

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.

How practical is the 2026 Toyota's C-HR angular design?

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.

Five-star ANCAP safety rating and up to seven years of warranty

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 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Driver attention monitoring
• Surround-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Semi-autonomous parking assist

The 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.