Toyota C-HR Review: Sleek Design, Hybrid Power & What’s New

SUVs made up more than half of Australia’s new car sales in 2024, and the Toyota C-HR stands out in this competitive market. Want a Toyota C-HR review that digs deeper? This guide has you covered.

The second-generation C-HR shows a major move upmarket from its predecessor, which sold 53,271 units in Australia. The upmarket repositioning brings a higher price tag, starting at $49,956 for the entry-level GXL and reaching $62,700 for the flagship GR Sport (plus on-road costs). Toyota C-HR reviews highlight its impressive hybrid system that naturally blends electric and petrol power. Yes, it is worth noting that the Toyota C-HR Hybrid delivers remarkable efficiency, with official figures showing 4.0 L/100 km average consumption and ground testing revealing an impressive 56 mpg (about 4.2 L/100 km).

The C-HR’s bold design, efficient hybrid powertrain, and tech-rich interior make it a compelling choice. This complete review will help you decide if its premium features justify the price tag that matches your lifestyle needs.

Toyota C-HR 2025: Design, Dimensions and First Impressions

The 2025 Toyota C-HR stands out on Australian roads with its bold visual statement that makes other small SUVs look ordinary. Toyota designed and engineered this second-generation model with European markets in mind, taking their “compact high-rider” concept to new heights with a bolder design approach.

Exterior Styling: Coupe-Inspired Lines and LED Lighting

Diamond-like angular lines shape the C-HR’s dramatic geometry, creating a unique coupe-like silhouette with sculpted sides and a swooping roofline. Toyota’s new “Hammerhead” design language dominates the front, featuring LED headlamps that blend naturally into an arrow-shaped design. Higher grades boast full LED lighting technology that provides excellent illumination and adds to the vehicle’s striking appearance.

The C-HR breaks new ground for Toyota with flush door handles that blend naturally into the door panels, creating a sleek, modern look. The rear showcases flowing LED tail lamps, and GR Sport models feature sequential turn signals that light up from inside to out. The design succeeds in its goal; the car looks dynamic even at a standstill.

Size Comparison: C-HR vs RAV4 and Yaris Cross

The C-HR fits perfectly between Toyota’s smaller Yaris Cross and larger RAV4, making it the brand’s most city-friendly SUV option. The car measures 4,362 mm in length, 1,832 mm in width, and 1,564 mm in height. Its stance is more commanding than the previous model, sitting 35 mm wider.

Size differences tell an interesting story. The C-HR stretches 182 mm longer and 67 mm wider than the Yaris Cross, while sitting 26 mm lower. Next to the RAV4, it is 238 mm shorter, 23 mm narrower, and sits 121 mm closer to the ground. These dimensions make it perfect for city driving without sacrificing road presence.

The boot holds 388 L, placing it between the Yaris Cross’s 390 L and Corolla Cross’s 425 L capacity, though the RAV4 leads with 733 L.

Two-Tone Paint and GR Sport Visual Upgrades

The C-HR’s bold styling gets even better with two-tone paint options (except on the base GXL model). A black roof creates a modern look in bi-tone finish, while “bi-tone+” extends the black treatment to the rear for extra visual punch.

Toyota GAZOO Racing’s influence shows in the range-topping GR Sport model. It features unique 19-inch alloy wheels with GR-badged brake callipers, a special front bumper with mesh grille, and piano black exterior highlights. The GR Sport rides 10 mm lower than standard models for a more aggressive look. The sporty theme continues inside with body-hugging front seats featuring GR logos, a sports steering wheel with red stitching, and GR branding throughout.

Buyers can choose from six exterior colours for GXL. Koba and GR Sport models offer seven additional two-tone combinations, including an exclusive new Sunglow gold finish available only with the two-tone option.

Hybrid Powertrain Options: 1.8 L vs 2.0 L vs Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid technology powers all C-HR models and packs more punch than the original versions. The 2025 lineup comes with three different powertrain options to match your driving priorities.

1.8 L Hybrid: Urban Efficiency and Fuel Economy

The GXL and Koba models come with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (72 kW/142 Nm) paired with a 70 kW/185 Nm electric motor. Together they produce 103 kW. This front-wheel drive setup delivers 15% more power than the original C-HR.

This powertrain shines in its efficiency. Lab tests show impressive fuel economy at 4.0 L/100 km, though real-life numbers run a bit higher. Extended testing in different conditions showed the 1.8 L hybrid used between 4.7 L/100 km and 5.0 L/100 km in mixed driving.

The system really shows its strength in city driving. Some reports show city fuel use can drop to 3.8 L/100 km. The C-HR’s 43-litre fuel tank means you could drive over 1,000 km between fill-ups. This makes it perfect for city drivers.

2.0 L Hybrid: AWD and Performance Boost

The GR Sport model gets the beefier 2.0-litre hybrid system. This setup combines a stronger petrol engine (112 kW/188 Nm) with two electric motors, 83 kW/206 Nm up front and 30 kW/84 Nm at the back. The total output hits 146 kW, about 38% more than the original C-HR.

The extra rear electric motor gives you all-wheel drive, something you will not find on other models. Even with the power boost, it still sips fuel at just 4.1 L/100 km according to official numbers.

The car feels much quicker than the 1.8 L version. Toyota has not released official 0 to 100 km/h times, but independent tests show the GR Sport hits the mark in about 8.0 seconds. The 1.8 L models take around 9.5 seconds.

CVT Transmission Behaviour and Driving Feel

Every C-HR hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Toyota has improved from earlier systems. The latest e-CVT adds a regular first-gear ratio, so you get more natural acceleration from a stop.

This change fixes the old CVT issue of engine revs staying high during acceleration. Now the C-HR’s transmission lets revs build up naturally, like a standard automatic. At lower speeds or gentle acceleration, the electric motor moves you first before the petrol engine kicks in smoothly.

The transmission runs smoothly in normal driving, with gear changes feeling natural and well-timed. You can barely notice the switch between electric and petrol power. This smooth operation has become a hallmark of Toyota’s hybrid technology.

Interior Features and Infotainment Tech

The 2025 Toyota C-HR welcomes you with a cabin that combines technology and comfort. This new interior feels more upscale than what Toyota has offered before.

12.3-inch Touchscreen and Digital Cluster

A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the C-HR’s dashboard and comes standard on every model. The display looks sharp and responds quickly, making it easy to use all its features. You will find a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster in base GXL models, while Koba and GR Sport versions get a full 12.3-inch digital instrument display. This bigger screen lets drivers customise their view and see information clearly.

The system works well with its right-hand menu bar, and Toyota smartly kept physical buttons for climate control, volume, and drive modes. This means you will not need to dig through menus just to adjust basic settings, which makes perfect sense when you are driving.

JBL Audio System and Wireless CarPlay

Every C-HR comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in, so you can leave those cables at home. The GXL starts with six speakers, and both Koba and GR Sport models step up to a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system.

The JBL setup sounds exceptional with its 576 W of power. Music comes through clearly with solid bass and range. Toyota and JBL have worked together since 1998, and they have spent hundreds of hours getting the speakers right for this car’s interior. The system also uses Clari-Fi technology to improve the sound of compressed digital music.

Material Quality and Seat Comfort

The interior materials look and feel better than you would expect in this class. Toyota used recycled materials throughout and avoided animal products completely. You will find black fabric seats in the GXL, while the Koba mixes suede-like material with fabric. The GR Sport stands out with black suede and synthetic leather seats that sport GR logos.

The front seats feel supportive and adjust easily in all versions. Higher trim levels add heated front seats with three settings, power lumbar support for the driver, and memory settings in the Koba. Many reviewers praise the front seats for their side support and cushioning.

Rear Seat Experience: Visibility and Space

The rear seats in the Toyota C-HR are well-suited for everyday drives and short trips. There’s ample comfort for two adults or a couple of kids, with supportive cushioning and quality materials consistent with the rest of the cabin. The stylish sloping roofline adds to the vehicle’s sporty look, while rear passengers still enjoy a cosy, enclosed feel that enhances comfort on longer journeys.

Boot Space and Practicality: Is It Family Friendly?

Cargo space and practical features top most families’ wish lists when they look for a compact SUV. The C-HR tries to mix style with function, but this comes with some trade-offs.

Boot Capacity: 388 L vs Competitors

The Toyota C-HR GXL and Koba models give you 388 L of boot space, while the GR Sport comes in a bit lower at 362 L. This puts it right between the smaller Yaris Cross (390 L) and the bigger Corolla Cross (425 L). The RAV4 is a big deal as it means that with its 733 L capacity.

The Toyota C-HR offers a well-balanced boot size that’s ideal for urban lifestyles. At 388 L, it provides ample space for everyday essentials, weekend bags, and shopping runs. While larger SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan X-Trail offer more capacity, the C-HR’s compact design makes it easier to park, manoeuvre, and load in tight city spaces; a clear advantage for urban drivers who value convenience without compromising on style.

Rear Seat Folding and Storage Flexibility

The C-HR includes handy storage flexibility to make the most of its compact design. The 60/40 split rear seats fold down easily, expanding cargo space to 1,155 L in the GXL and Koba models, or 1,134 L in the GR Sport. The flat-fold design creates extra room for bulkier items, making it practical for weekend getaways or spontaneous shopping trips.

Everyday Usability for Urban Drivers

Single people or couples in the city will find the Toyota C-HR Hybrid’s cargo space practical for daily use. The boot easily accommodates shopping bags, gym gear, or weekend luggage, making it a convenient choice for active lifestyles. Designed with city driving in mind, the C-HR is easy to manoeuvre, park, and load; all while offering the premium comfort and style Toyota is known for.

Toyota C-HR Pricing and Trim Breakdown

The C-HR lineup’s price substantially affects buying decisions. Toyota offers three distinct grades with unique equipment levels.

GXL, Koba, and GR Sport: What You Get

Toyota’s entry-level GXL costs $49,956. It comes with a 1.8 L hybrid system (2WD), 17-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen with six speakers, and Toyota Safety Sense features.

The mid-spec Koba variant costs $59,251. Buyers get 19-inch alloys, premium 9-speaker JBL audio system, black leather accented seats with heating, and customisable ambient lighting.

The GR Sport tops the range at $62,700. This model features the more powerful 2.0 L hybrid powertrain with AWD. It stands out with unique GR Sport styling elements, sport-tuned suspension, and black suede/leather accented seats.

Optional Packages and Two-Tone Roof Costs

The GXL’s customisation stays limited to monotone paint colours. Koba and GR Sport models can be ordered with eye-catching two-tone paint schemes for $775. The “two-tone plus” treatment extends the black colour to the rear for an extra $1,550.

Koba and GR Sport buyers can add a panoramic roof for $2,700 with two-tone paint. This combination adds about $3,475 to standard models.

Running Costs and Fuel Economy Comparison

The C-HR’s fuel efficiency keeps running costs reasonable. The 1.8 L hybrid (GXL/Koba) uses just 4.0 L/100 km. The more powerful 2.0 L GR Sport needs 4.1 L/100 km.

Ground testing shows actual consumption around 5.4 L/100 km in mixed driving. Toyota’s service costs stay transparent with capped pricing at $255 per service for five years or 75,000 km. The standard five-year warranty comes as standard. Regular servicing extends engine and drivetrain coverage to seven years.

Thinking About a C-HR? (Soft CTA)

If you are considering a Toyota C-HR, the team at Parramatta Toyota can help you compare grades, talk through running costs, and organise a test drive so you can see how it feels on your daily routes. No pressure, we're here to help you choose the right fit for your needs.