Next-gen 2023 Toyota C-HR to get 1.8L Hybrid variant: Report [Update]

Update: ‘Specifications’ and ‘Release Date’ sections updated.

The C-HR grabbed the world’s attention from both media and the public when it premiered in 2016. A blend of a sports coupe, hatchback, and compact crossover, the ‘Coupe High-Rider R’ stood out with its design, making it one of the most appealing models in its segment globally, especially for young customers who like sporty designs.

With about 12,000 units to its name last year, the Toyota C-HR’s popularity receded in the U.S., as customers prefer larger conventional SUVs like the RAV4 and Corolla Cross. However, Toyota’s coupe-styled SUV has had better fortunes overseas, and the global demand has convinced the company to schedule its lifecycle makeover in 2023. While Toyota confirmed the next-generation C-HR for European markets, it won’t be heading to the U.S., MotorTrend reported on December 8, 2022.

Here’s everything we know about the next-generation 2023 Toyota C-HR that is set to extend the nameplate’s popularity in Europe.

Design & Interior

The next-gen Toyota C-HR will be much bolder than the current model. It will feature a design inspired by the Toyota C-HR prologue, a concept created at the same place as the current C-HR ED2, Toyota’s European Design Development center in the south of France.

Recent spy shots have shown that the all-new C-HR features a neatly-sculpted hood, sleek LED headlights, and an aggressively-styled front bumper. The test mule shares several design similarities with the C-HR Prologue Concept – namely its overall silhouette, the styling of the split roof-mounted spoiler, rear LED light bar, and the peculiar character line that extends from the C-pillar to the lower portion of the rear doors.

Based on the concept’s design and recent prototypes, we created an illustration (pictured below) of the production vehicle. The next-gen Toyota C-HR heading to showrooms this year should look compact yet aggressive and confident.

A concave nose consisting of a closed smooth surface on the top and a single grille set deep at the bottom and slim, C-shaped LED headlights should give the next-gen C-HR’s Toyota’s new signature hammerhead shark-like face. We’ve repositioned the Toyota badge to a higher location, just below the hood’s shut line.

On the sides, the greenhouse is more angular and bigger. Rear-seat passengers will benefit from the larger rear windows and traditional door handles. Moreover, the bigger rear windows lead to slimmer C-pillars, which means improved visibility for the driver when backing up.

There aren’t many pictures detailing the interior of the next-gen C-HR. That said, the above-mentioned spy shots do reveal a sizeable tablet-like center screen that should be a high-definition unit featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Specifications

Based on the familiar TNGA platform (GA-C version), the 2023 Toyota C-HR is reportedly longer than the current car. It is said to be 4,500 mm (177.2 in.) long, 1,800 mm (70.9 in.) wide, and 1,570 mm (61.8 in.) tall and have a 2,700 mm (106.3 in.) wheelbase. For reference, the current model measures 172.6 in. in length, 70.7 in. in width, and 61.6 in. (with roof rails) in height and has a 103.9 in. wheelbase.

Toyota has confirmed that the next-gen C-HR will only be available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants globally. In Europe, the latter will feature locally assembled batteries.

The 2023 C-HR Hybrid, like the current model, will reportedly launch with 1.8- and 2.0-liter powertrains. Moreover, it is reported that the next-gen hybrid model will arrive with an AWD drivetrain layout option.

The second generation Toyota C-HR will be produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) in Sakarya. Available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, the new Toyota C-HR will also be the first plug-in hybrid passenger car to be produced in Turkey.

Toyota Motor Europe in an announcement on January 30, 2023

According to a report Best Car Web published on September 27, 2022, the 2023 C-HR Hybrid AWD will have a 100 PS (99 hp) 1.8-liter gas engine, a 100 PS (99 hp) front motor, and a 45 PS (44 hp) rear motor. It will deliver a fuel economy of 23.0 km/l (54 mpg), presumably in the Japanese test cycle.

Aspect	2023 Toyota C-HR Hybrid 1.8 Specification	2023 Toyota C-HR Hybrid 2.0 Specification
Length	4,500 mm (177.2 in.)	4,500 mm (177.2 in.)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in.)	1,800 mm (70.9 in.)
Height	1,570 mm (61.8 in.)	1,570 mm (61.8 in.)
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in.)	2,700 mm (106.3 in.)
Engine	100 PS (99 hp) 1.8L gasoline	2.0L gasoline
Electric Motor(s)	100 PS (99 hp) front and 45 PS (44 hp) rear (optional)	TBD
Fuel Economy	23 km/l (54 mpg)	TBD

Release Date

The 2023 Toyota C-HR will debut in summer 2023, as per the Best Car Web report. Toyota has no plans to launch the next-gen C-HR in the U.S., with the 2022 model being the swansong for the nameplate in America and Canada, as per the MotorTrend report cited in the introduction.

In Australia, Toyota plans to launch the next-gen C-HR in the first half of 2024. The company decided to launch the future model as a hybrid-only product on the back of the ever-improving electrified vehicle demand Down Under. Here, 31.5% percent (72,815 units) of Toyotas purchased in 2022 were electrified vehicles. The Japanese automaker expects this number to surpass 50% by 2025.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2023 Toyota C-HR, like the current model, would be a compact crossover positioned above the Corolla Cross. Expect bolder styling, a more spacious interior, new features that make it appealing to European customers.

Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the 2023 Toyota C-HR.