Toyota C-HR: electric, hybrid models firm for next-gen small SUV with mid-2023 release date

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Toyota’s compact SUV, the C-HR, has been on sale since 2016 – but the model could be comprehensively upgraded in 2023.

According to reports from Japanese automotive publication Best Car Web, a new-generation Toyota C-HR could be here by mid 2023.  

However, the second-gen C-HR is set to differ from the current car, with BCW reporting that the C-HR will ditch its current 1.2-litre turbocharged setup in favour of a newly developed 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol. 

The naturally-aspirated engine is likely to be the entry level option, with a smaller 1.8-litre petrol four-cylinder unit being paired with a hybrid system. According to BCW, the C-HR hybrid will gain optional AWD for the first time.

It’s too early to say what the outputs and setup will be with this system, however BCW says it will be Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid technology that will not only be more powerful but also more efficient. 

An all-electric C-HR could also be in the works using Lexus UX underpinnings – a related model that shares the same TNGA platform. 

We could see the C-HR transition into the compact BZ-branded SUV that was announced as part of Toyota’s electric lineup push earlier this year. 

The C-HR BZ could utilise the same electric setup as the current Lexus UX300e that has outputs of 150kW/300Nm.

As of August 2022, the C-HR had sold 5555 units in Australia which was an increase on the 2021 result of 5187 sales.

However, the C-HR – which kicks off at $30,915 before on-road costs – doesn’t sell quite as strongly as the Mazda CX-30 (11,036) and MG ZS (13,072) with their huge sales results in the same segment.

Which powertrains can you get in the current C-HR?

The current Toyota C-HR is currently available with two powertrain options.

A non-hybrid 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available that has outputs of 85kW/185Nm and can be optioned in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. 

A 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid petrol engine is also available that produces a total power output of 90kW, with combined torque figures not provided. 

This hybrid 2ZR-FXE engine is the same one also found in the Toyota Corolla and the outgoing Prius and Lexus CT. 

The current Toyota C-HR is based on the TNGA platform that also underpins the E210-series Toyota Corolla and sits between the Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross in terms of overall size. 

Toyota C-HR 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• GXL 2WD: $30,915
• GXL AWD: $32,915
• Koba 2WD: $35,165
• Koba AWD: $37,165
• Koba hybrid 2WD: $37,665
• GR Sport hybrid: $37,665