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

Update: ‘Design’ section 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 in 2022, 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

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. At the rear, the 2023 C-HR is equipped with a continuous LED taillight that spans the vehicle’s width, divided into three sections. The Toyota logo is illuminated and integrated into the tail lamps. The rear bumper appears more sculpted, and the rear haunches appear prominent, enhancing the coupe-like look of the crossover.

Interior

There aren’t many pictures detailing the interior of the next-gen C-HR. That said, the above-mentioned spy shots do offer a little insight. Notably, the images reveal a generously sized center screen that resembles a tablet, expected to be a high-definition display incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The central display looks positioned lower, roughly on the same horizontal axis as the tip of the steering wheel. In the outgoing model, its positioning is comparatively higher, because of which it may obstruct the driver’s sight of the road ahead a little. The redesigned C-HR also has a new floor console with new switchgear and a new, stubby gearshift lever. We’re also expecting a brand new instrument cluster incorporating a fully-digital unit with customizable layouts.

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.

Almost all Toyota C-HRs sold in Europe are hybrids. For instance, in Q1 2023, 99.5% of the 39,652 units of the C-HR, 39,456 units to be specific, were of the Hybrid variant. Across the product line-up, 71% of the Toyotas shipped in Q1 2023 were electrified. Switching to the Hybrid variants in the next generation would allow Toyota to improve supply, which could mean quicker deliveries and maybe better pricing for customers.

The 2023 C-HR Hybrid, like the current model that straddles the B and C segments, 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

Toyota recently sent out a teaser in Europe, confirming that it will unveil the next-gen C-HR on June 26, 2023. The Japanese may launch the redesigned electrified crossover in European markets by the end of Summer 2023.

In Australia, Toyota plans to launch the next-gen C-HR in the first half of 2024. The company has 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. Local reports say customers who seek a greater level of electrification are reluctant to plug-in hybrids and more in favor of pure electric vehicles.

In the U.S. and Canada, Toyota discontinued the C-HR with the 2022 model. According to the MotorTrend report cited in the introduction, it has no plans to bring the sub-compact SUV back to American dealerships in the next generation. We think the Corolla Cross serves as the perfect replacement for American and Canadian young customers, who want more space and practicality than the Euro-focused C-HR can offer. It’s also available in a Hybrid variant in both North American markets.

While the next-gen C-HR is a no-go for the U.S., the discontinued model has earned praise for being the most dependable car currently in the American market (along with the current-gen Lexus RX), according to the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) report published on February 9, 2023. The compact crossover SUV has, on average, 111 problems reported per 100 vehicles, whereas the industry average is 186 problems per 100 vehicles.

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.