2025 Toyota C-HR

2025 Toyota C-HR: My Honest Review

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When Toyota launched the 2025 Toyota C-HR in 2016, they completely broke away from their usual car design. Taking the platform of the best-selling Corolla, they turned it into a coupe-style crossover, with turbo petrol and hybrid options.

It was launched in Australia in 2017, and a facelift model was introduced in October 2019, adding a hybrid option to the local market.

2025 Toyota C-HR

The first-generation model sold 53,271 units in Australia, with the hybrid variant accounting for 42 percent of sales since the hybrid was introduced in 2019. Not just Australia, the CH-R has also been a hit internationally, even becoming Toyota’s best-selling hybrid car in Europe.

Fast forward to 2025 – the second-generation model now features a more stylish and bold design, along with a fully hybrid-only lineup. While the previous model was built in Japan, the new model is now built in Turkey.

But the price has also gone up! The base model has increased in price by over $10,000 compared to before, and the top-spec GR Sport AWD model is almost $60,000 including on-road costs!

How much does the 2025 Toyota C-HR cost?

Prices are well up on the previous Japan-sourced model, with the entry point some $11,000 higher – but the new 2024 Toyota C-HR is better equipped as standard, and now comes out of Turkey.

2024 Toyota C-HR pricing:

  • 2024 Toyota C-HR GXL 2WD: $42,990
  • 2024 Toyota C-HR Koba 2WD: $49,990
  • 2024 Toyota C-HR GR Sport AWD: $54,990

What is the 2025 Toyota C-HR like on the inside?

The Toyota C-HR is a great car, as it brings a touch of Lexus luxury while maintaining Toyota quality. Although it is a small car, it is packed with advanced features, which are usually found in more expensive models.

Each model has a high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen display, where Toyota’s new interface and all kinds of net-based connectivity facilities can be found. While the base GXL model has a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, the Koba and GR Sport models have Toyota’s best 12.3-inch digital cockpit.

2025 Toyota C-HR

The interior design of the car is quite stylish and driver-centric. It is much more advanced and comfortable than the simple design like the RAV4 or Corolla Cross. Especially the Koba and GR Sport models have a color head-up display, where you can see the car’s speed, safety features and other useful information.

The dashboard design is cockpit-style, which brings a sporty feel to the interior. Each variant features comfortable seats, steering wheel and high-quality recycled materials. Toyota says that the seat fabric is made entirely of 100% recycled materials, and the Koba and GR Sport’s shade materials are made of 45% recycled materials, including PET bottles.

The Koba and GR Sport models feature sports-style bucket seats with integrated headrests, power adjustment for the driver and heated front seats. In general, the front seats are quite comfortable and have good quality finishes, and the steering adjustment is also quite good.

The car’s storage space is also quite good. You can keep a water bottle in the door pockets, although larger bottles (such as a 1-liter Frank Green) may not fit. The Koba and GR Sport models also get a robust phone holder with wireless charging support. There’s also a large storage space under the centre armrest and an additional shelf on the front passenger side.

The car’s buttons and controls are well-designed, with a nice tactile feel. Toyota has still kept physical switches for most functions, which is convenient for users.

Now, talking about the rear seats, the C-HR has always felt a bit cramped, especially due to its coupe-style design. It’s fine for short or medium-distance journeys, but it may not be very comfortable for long journeys, especially if the passenger is taller.

The legroom in the rear seats is a bit limited, and the window design is a bit high, so the view out is a bit limited. While there are cupholders in the doors, there are no separate armrests, air vents or map pockets for rear passengers. However, there are ISOFIX and top-tether seat anchors for children. The Koba and GR Sport models also get a USB-C charging port at the rear.

In terms of trunk space, the 2WD GXL and Koba offer 388-1155 liters of storage, while the AWD GR Sport has a slightly reduced 362-1134 liters due to the battery. Only the base GXL model gets a space-saver spare wheel, while the rest of the models only get a tire repair kit.

Overall, the Toyota C-HR is a stylish, modern, and high-quality compact SUV that combines premium features with durable materials.

What’s under the bonnet 2025 Toyota C-HR?

There are two hybrid powertrains available in the new-generation C-HR.

ModelC-HR 2WD HybridC-HR AWD Hybrid
Petrol engine1.8-litre petrol engine
Max power: 72kW @ 5200rpm
Max torque: 142Nm @ 3600rpm
2.0-litre petrol engine
Max power: 112kW @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 190Nm @ 4400-5200rpm
Front electric motorMax power: 70kW
Max torque: 185Nm
Max power: 83kW
Max torque: 206Nm
Rear electric motorMax power: 30kW
Max torque: 84Nm
Hybrid battery4.08Ah lithium-ion4.08Ah lithium-ion
Combined maximum power103kW145kW
Transmission7-speed CVT7-speed CVT
Maximum speed170km/h180km/h
Fuel consumption claim4.0L/100km4.1L/100km
Fuel tank capacity43 litres43 litres
Fuel rating91 RON91 RON

In Europe, there’s also a ‘Plug-in Hybrid 220’ variant that gets a beefier 120kW front electric motor and 13.6kWh li-ion battery pack, quoting system power output of 164kW and WLTP electric range of 64 kilometres (claimed).

It’s not on the cards for Australia just yet, though Toyota Australia hasn’t ruled it out entirely for a future launch.

How does the 2025 Toyota C-HR drive?

The original C-HR was one of the early adopters of the TNGA platform and offered a beautifully balanced drive – this new one is even better again.

Our launch drive started in the city, then crossed Victoria’s eastern corridor to the launch site. The route took in a mix of busy city streets, suburban traffic, highways and winding mountain B-roads.

I drove the mid-spec Koba model first, which uses an upgraded 1.8-litre hybrid system. It’s 14% more powerful than before, producing a total of 103kW of power. Behind it is a new hybrid transaxle, power control unit, and a lithium-ion battery, which replaces the previous nickel metal hydride battery, which is more powerful and energy dense.

The extra power is really noticeable, especially at normal speeds, when the electric motor helps. There’s also a bit more power when getting on the highway. Plus, the car can stay in EV mode for longer than before, thanks to the stronger battery and improved electric motor.

But it’s important to remember that the C-HR is not a performance car. Driving it calmly and naturally is where the real fun of economy and refinement comes in. There’s also a benefit in terms of fuel savings—a special widget in the instrument cluster will show you what percentage of time the car is running in EV mode. While driving the Koba, I found that this ratio was between 60 and 80 percent, which is pretty good!

The car is quite stable on the highway, and it has modern active assistance features to reduce fatigue on long drives.

Toyota’s semi-autonomous Highway Assistant performs quite well—maintaining a safe distance from the car in front and keeping the car in the middle of the lane.

The steering can be a bit too tight at times, and it becomes a bit too cautious when a new car enters in front, but the whole system is quite intuitive and easy to use.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard features on all models, which is quite useful given the C-HR’s coupe style and large C-pillars.

It’s also linked to the ambient lighting—if a car is approaching in front, the lights will turn red. Similarly, the Safe Exit Assist feature will flash a red light along with a sound, so that you can safely get out of the car.

Having driven the Koba and GR Sport models, I found that this small crossover offers excellent ride comfort and balanced handling.

Like the previous generation, the steering of the new C-HR is smooth and precise, making it a pleasure to drive on city streets, highways or winding mountain roads. The whole thing has a very premium and European feel.

This is accompanied by a strong chassis, which ensures excellent handling and a comfortable ride, making the car feel reliable and comfortable in any situation.

Turn-in is sharp, and body control is well-managed, which highlights Toyota’s “sporty” DNA. However, I personally feel that both drivetrains would have been better if they had a little more power, especially when driving on high-speed roads.

Despite Toyota’s claims, the CVT gearbox’s seven “artificial” speeds will never deliver the same fun driving experience as the Volkswagen T-Roc’s DSG dual-clutch automatic. And the GR Sport model doesn’t have paddle shifters either, which is a bit disappointing.

However, the extra power from the powerful 2.0-liter hybrid system is quite noticeable, especially when starting off. The additional electric motor at the rear acts as an electrified AWD, which provides better traction.

The GR Sport accelerates well, but it’s not as quick as the Volkswagen T-Roc or Hyundai Kona N Line 1.6T. As I said before, the CVT gearbox isn’t very exciting, and it doesn’t have paddle shifters or a manual mode, which is a bit disappointing.

In my opinion, this is the main reason why there’s not much need to upgrade to the GR Sport model. If you don’t really need the extra power or AWD, the 2WD hybrid models in the GXL or Koba trim are much cheaper and offer a similarly good driving experience.

Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll experience great fuel economy, which can give you a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The Koba and GR Sport we drove averaged 5.0 litres/100 km, despite long stretches on the highway and some sporty driving.

The next day, driving the Koba around town, the car averaged 3.0 or 4.0 litres/100 km, which is more than adequate for real-life use for most people.

Another important point is that the entire range is equipped with a small 43-litre fuel tank, which will run easily on cheap 91 RON unleaded petrol.

Lastly, overall refinement was generally quite good in the Koba and GR Sport.

You do get a bit of tyre roar over rougher road surfaces, but the C-HR does a good job at keeping the cabin subdued and if you need some extra ambient noise to drown out the outside world the eight-speaker JBL premium audio system in the Koba and GR Sport works well.

Even noise from the petrol engines is subdued compared to other Toyota hybrid product, though the rumbly engine note of the Atkinson cycle motors is another reason not to push these too hard.

What do you get?

GXL, Koba, and GR Sport trim grades carryover, though the GR Sport now serves as the halo rather than being an equivalent to the Koba as was the case with the previous generation.

C-HR GXL highlights:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights, manual levelling
  • LED daytime running lights
  • LED tail lights
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • DAB+ digital radio
    • Satellite navigation
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay
    • Wired Android Auto
  • Toyota Connected Services (1yr subscription)
  • 6-speaker sound system
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Keyless entry, push-button start
  • Fabric upholstery
  • ‘Sporty fabric’ front seats

C-HR Koba adds:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Bi-LED headlights, auto levelling
  • Adaptive high-beam
  • Power tailgate
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Head-up display
  • Digital rear-view mirror
  • 9-speaker sound system
  • Wireless smartphone charger
  • Premium sport suede, fabric seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Powered driver’s seat adjustment

C-HR GR Sport adds:

  • Unique 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Unique exterior features
  • Upgraded brakes
  • Aluminium scuff plates
  • Heated GR-branded steering wheel
  • GR-branded floor mats
  • GR Sport suede, fabric seats

Is the Toyota C-HR safe?

The new Toyota C-HR is currently untested and unrated by ANCAP and Euro NCAP.

Standard safety equipment includes:

  • 10 airbags
  • Adaptive cruise control
    • Curve speed reduction
  • Automatic high beam
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
    • Pedestrian detection (day, night)
    • Cyclist detection (day)
    • Junction assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Driver monitoring camera
  • Emergency steering assist
  • Intelligent park assist
  • Lane change assist
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • Parking sensors front, rear
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rear seat occupant reminder
  • Road Sign Assist
    • Speed signs only
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Surround-view camera
  • Toyota Connected Services

How much does the Toyota C-HR cost to run?

The C-HR is covered by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty.

Further, Toyota offers an additional two years of engine and driveline warranty if you stick to your vehicle is “properly serviced and maintained as per the Warranty and Service book”, and will guarantee the hybrid battery for up to 10 years under the same maintenance conditions.

Five years of capped-price servicing is offered too, with intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Each visit costs $250, totalling $1250 for the first five years of ownership.

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