Review - 2023 Toyota C-HR

A major problem for the C-HR, though, is that competition in the world of small SUVs is fierce, so it needs a strong foundation to win over buyers.

Just how good is the latest Toyota C-HR, then, and is it worth pouncing on ahead of a brand new C-HR model arriving in 2024? Let’s find out.

Toyota C-HR Competition

Starting Price: $31,715

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Toyota C-HR range kicks off from $31,715 for the entry-level GXL FWD variant, with prices rising up to $33,715 for the C-HR GXL AWD.

From here, the range moves to the C-HR Koba FWD, priced at $35,965 and $37,965 for the Koba AWD, while the range-topping C-HR GR Sport and the C-HR Koba Hybrid AWD priced at $37,965.

Keep in mind that these are retail prices, which do not include on-road costs.

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Toyota C-HR - GR-S (2WD) HYBRID Specifications

What Features Does the Toyota C-HR Have?

The entry-level C-HR GXL comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, and receives LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera with parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, leatherette steering wheel, heated mirrors, a 8.0-inch infotainment system with Satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moving to the GR Sport adds a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, revised LED headlights and exterior styling package with GR badging around the body, leather sport seats, interior updates, GR power steering, GR brake calipers, updated suspension and floor braces.

Opting for the C-HR Koba Hybrid variant adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats, a surround-view camera, rear privacy glass, illuminated door highlights, as well as rear cross-traffic autonomous emergency braking.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels

• LED headlights, fog lights & daytime running lamps 

• Keyless entry and start 

• Dual zone climate control 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Leatherette steering wheel 

• Reversing camera with parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• 19-inch alloy wheels (GR Sport)

• GR body styling (GR Sport)

• Leather sport seats (GR Sport)

• GR Sport steering (GR Sport)

• GR Sport brake calipers, suspension and floor braces (GR Sport)

• 18-inch alloy wheels (Koba) 

• Leather seats (Koba)

Is the Toyota C-HR Comfortable to Drive?

Built primarily for the city in mind, the C-HR range feels confident driving around town and navigating the tight quarters of the urban jungle.

Power for the majority of the range comes supplied by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 85kW/185Nm, which is sent to the wheels via a CVT automatic with your choice of a front-wheel or all-wheel drive platform.

Considering the use case of cars like the C-HR, the entry-level front-wheel drive layout seems most appropriate and offers significant cost savings, though the AWD system does give it some added versatility and confidence on long-distance drives.

Opting for the C-HR with a hybrid engine installs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid unit delivering slightly more power (90kW), though keep in mind that the hybrid engine is paired with a front-wheel drive layout, only.

Around town, the C-HR is a dream to drive, with its compact proportions and lightweight steering rack making it super easy to navigate tight car parks and through traffic, while bumbling around quietly and smoothly.

The suspension system handles the majority of bumps and steep inclines you’ll find around town with confidence, though you might notice the C-HR feeling a little out of its depths on rougher country B-roads.

All up, though, the C-HR platform makes for a fabulous little urban-dwelling compact SUV package that is user-friendly, comfortable and surprisingly responsive in the case of the C-HR hybrid’s electrical assistance off the line.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

If fuel efficiency is a big priority, you’ll want to get your hands on the C-HR with Toyota’s clever hybrid powertrains, which offers very impressive fuel economy figures of 4.3L/100km on a combined cycle.

For reference, the rest of the C-HR range is rated at 6.4L/100km, which is quite a solid economy score in its own right, but can’t compete with the fuel savings of the C-HR hybrid.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Space and practicality aren’t necessarily the strongest selling points of compact SUVs like the C-HR, though Toyota has done its best when it comes to clever packaging.

Up front, the driver and front passenger pick up the lion’s share of the practicality, with impressive headroom figures in the driver’s seat and a decent amount of adjustment in the driving position.

Visibility up front is solid, with some added windows around the front pillars to help you keep an eye on the front arches while parking or squeezing through traffic.

Storage options in the front of the cabin include a storage tray and cup holder behind the gear lever, another cup holder in front of the folding armrest - with storage inside - and a pair of sizable door bins on either side of the cabin.

Base models pick up cloth upholstery with a leatherette finish across the steering wheel, while stepping up higher to the GR Sport and the Koba Hybrid add leather upholstery and some interior upgrades that brighten up the interior.

Move to the second row of the C-HR’s cabin and you’ll find that the rear seats are better suited to growing adults, rather than anyone fully-grown, though this is common for the compact SUV segment which prioritises first-row comfort over the rear.

Legroom in the second row is adequate for shorter trips around town, though anyone with long legs will be feeling a little cramped on longer trips.

For the parents out there, the C-HR comes fitted with two ISOFIX anchors on either side of the cabin and top tether points across all rear seats, while the boot is rated at a compact 318L, with 60:40 folding rear seats to accommodate bulky gear.

Is it Safe?

The Toyota C-HR range has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 87% for adult protection, 77% for child protection, 65% for pedestrian protection and 68% for safety assist.

As standard, the C-HR comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alerts.

If you’re looking for a surround-view monitor, emergency steering assist and lane-trace assist, you’ll have to upgrade to the range-topping Koba.

Our Verdict: Is The Toyota C-HR Worth it?

With buyers flooded with options in the world of compact SUVs, Toyota’s small SUV package offers a user-friendly and comfortable driving nature, with extremely impressive fuel economy figures in the case of the range-topping hybrid.

With prices quite high and an imminent replacement for the C-HR due in 2024, we’d say your best option is to wait and see how Toyota will package the next-gen model, or see if you can get yourself a deal on any existing stock.

If you’re looking for the best possible price on your next car, reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help unlock huge savings with our fleet-buying power.

Five Toyota C-HR Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 6.4L/100km fuel economy drops to 4.3L/100km in C-HR Hybrid 

3. Hybrid powertrain paired with front-wheel drive only 

4. 318L boot space 

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating