Likes

  • Stylish, but slightly polarizing design
  • Proving to be very reliable
  • Hybrid models offer great fuel efficiency
  • Loaded with standard features

Dislikes

  • Not the most exciting car to drive
  • Back seats are for kids only
  • Small cargo area with rear seats up
  • Expensive for a small SUV
  • Average infotainment system, which is a pain to use

Stuff you should know

The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV that was first released in Australia in 2016. It has a distinctive, angular design that has been popular with buyers, and it is available in both petrol and hybrid models.

The petrol C-HR is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission. The hybrid C-HR uses a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce a combined output of 72kW. It is only available with a CVT automatic transmission.

The C-HR is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. It has a comfortable ride and good handling, and it is also relatively fuel-efficient. The petrol C-HR has an average fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km, while the hybrid C-HR has an average fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km.

The interior of the C-HR is stylish and well-equipped. It has a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers.

The C-HR comes standard with a comprehensive safety suite that includes features such as seven airbags, Lane Departure Assist,  Front Collision Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, ABS, stability control, and traction control. ANCAP has also awarded it a five-star safety rating.

Overall, the Toyota C-HR is a stylish and well-equipped subcompact crossover SUV that is both fun to drive and fuel-efficient. It is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a stylish and practical vehicle that is also safe and fuel-efficient.

What goes wrong

Exterior:

There are reports of the paint being poor quality which can lead to rust.

Some 2020 C-HR owners have reported that their rear windshield has developed cracks or shattered without impact.


Interior: 

There are reports of air conditioner systems that don’t blow cold or hot air, or make strange noises. This can be a sign of a serious problem with the air conditioner.

Some owners report multiple issues with the electronic system, this can range from problems with lights flickering, gauges not working, or the car not starting.

There are a handful of owners that have reported issues with the calibration of the safety systems. For example, the lane keep assist being too aggressive.

Some 2020 C-HR owners have reported that the TPMS sensor incorrectly reads the pressure in the tires. This can lead to the driver being unaware of low tire pressure, which can be dangerous.

The C-HR is equipped with a front camera that is used for various driving assistance features. This camera can fail due to dust accumulation, which disables all the related safety features and makes driving dangerous.


Mechanically:

Some owners have reported stalling, misfiring, or overheating. This can be dangerous or cause serious damage if it is not addressed.

There are reports of batteries that die unexpectedly, do not hold a charge, or have battery warning lights come on. This can leave the car stranded or require frequent jump-starts.

Some CH-Rs have experienced delayed shifting, harsh shifting, slipping, or complete failure of the transmission. This can make the car feel sluggish or jerky, or even leave it stranded.

There are also reports of some CH-Rs having brakes that squeal, grind, or stick.

Some owners have had suspension problems, such as clinking, rattling, or shaking. This can be a sign of wear and tear, or even make the car unsafe to drive.

The C-HR, like other Toyota vehicles, is prone to rodent damage due to the soy-based covering on the wiring harness. Rodents have been known to chew through the wiring harness, causing a variety of electrical problems, including the car stalling.


Recalls:

  • November 2017: Toyota issued a recall for 4,886 C-HR vehicles due to a defect in the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) system. The Skid Control Electronic Control Unit (SCECU) may incorrectly identify a small increase in circuit resistance of the EPB motor as an open circuit. If this occurs, the EPB warning light will illuminate and the EPB may not work. This could increase the possibility of a collision if the vehicle is parked on an incline with an inoperative parking brake.
  • June 2021: Toyota issued a recall for 7,669 C-HRs from the 2019-2021 model years due

Exterior:

There are reports of the paint being poor quality which can lead to rust.

Some 2020 C-HR owners have reported that their rear windshield has developed cracks or shattered without impact.


Interior: 

There are reports of air conditioner systems that don’t blow cold or hot air, or make strange noises. This can be a sign of a serious problem with the air conditioner.

Some owners report multiple issues with the electronic system, this can range from problems with lights flickering, gauges not working, or the car not starting.

There are a handful of owners that have reported issues with the calibration of the safety systems. For example, the lane keep assist being too aggressive.

Some 2020 C-HR owners have reported that the TPMS sensor incorrectly reads the pressure in the tires. This can lead to the driver being unaware of low tire pressure, which can be dangerous.

The C-HR is equipped with a front camera that is used for various driving assistance features. This camera can fail due to dust accumulation, which disables all the related safety features and makes driving dangerous.


Mechanically:

Some owners have reported stalling, misfiring, or overheating. This can be dangerous or cause serious damage if it is not addressed.

There are reports of batteries that die unexpectedly, do not hold a charge, or have battery warning lights come on. This can leave the car stranded or require frequent jump-starts.

Some CH-Rs have experienced delayed shifting, harsh shifting, slipping, or complete failure of the transmission. This can make the car feel sluggish or jerky, or even leave it stranded.

There are also reports of some CH-Rs having brakes that squeal, grind, or stick.

Some owners have had suspension problems, such as clinking, rattling, or shaking. This can be a sign of wear and tear, or even make the car unsafe to drive.

The C-HR, like other Toyota vehicles, is prone to rodent damage due to the soy-based covering on the wiring harness. Rodents have been known to chew through the wiring harness, causing a variety of electrical problems, including the car stalling.


Recalls:

  • November 2017: Toyota issued a recall for 4,886 C-HR vehicles due to a defect in the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) system. The Skid Control Electronic Control Unit (SCECU) may incorrectly identify a small increase in circuit resistance of the EPB motor as an open circuit. If this occurs, the EPB warning light will illuminate and the EPB may not work. This could increase the possibility of a collision if the vehicle is parked on an incline with an inoperative parking brake.
  • June 2021: Toyota issued a recall for 7,669 C-HRs from the 2019-2021 model years due to a defect in the fuel pump. The internal components of the fuel pump may wear and fracture the welded area of the fuel pump, which could lead to a fuel leak in the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the engine compartment may result in an engine bay fire, which could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders.
  • February 2022: Toyota recalled 30,341 2016-2020 C-HRs due to a missing ECE label on the towbar. The label is required to meet European towbar regulation ECE 55-01.
  • March 2022: Toyota recalls 18,471 C-HR and Yaris vehicles due to front radar sensor defect. The sensor may not have been calibrated during vehicle manufacture, which could result in the Pre-Collision System (PCS) not operating as intended.

Exterior:

There are reports of the paint being poor quality which can lead to rust.

Some 2020 C-HR owners have reported that their rear windshield has developed cracks or shattered without impact.


Interior: 

There are reports of air conditioner systems that don’t blow cold or hot air, or make strange noises. This can be a sign of a serious problem with the air conditioner.

Some owners report multiple issues with the electronic system, this can range from problems with lights flickering, gauges not working, or the car not starting.

There are a handful of owners that have reported issues with the calibration of the safety systems. For example, the lane keep assist being too aggressive.

Some 2020 C-HR owners have reported that the TPMS sensor incorrectly reads the pressure in the tires. This can lead to the driver being unaware of low tire pressure, which can be dangerous.

The C-HR is equipped with a front camera that is used for various driving assistance features. This camera can fail due to dust accumulation, which disables all the related safety features and makes driving dangerous.


Mechanically:

Some owners have reported stalling, misfiring, or overheating. This can be dangerous or cause serious damage if it is not addressed.

There are reports of batteries that die unexpectedly, do not hold a charge, or have battery warning lights come on. This can leave the car stranded or require frequent jump-starts.

Some CH-Rs have experienced delayed shifting, harsh shifting, slipping, or complete failure of the transmission. This can make the car feel sluggish or jerky, or even leave it stranded.

There are also reports of some CH-Rs having brakes that squeal, grind, or stick.

Some owners have had suspension problems, such as clinking, rattling, or shaking. This can be a sign of wear and tear, or even make the car unsafe to drive.

The C-HR, like other Toyota vehicles, is prone to rodent damage due to the soy-based covering on the wiring harness. Rodents have been known to chew through the wiring harness, causing a variety of electrical problems, including the car stalling.


Recalls:

  • November 2017: Toyota issued a recall for 4,886 C-HR vehicles due to a defect in the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) system. The Skid Control Electronic Control Unit (SCECU) may incorrectly identify a small increase in circuit resistance of the EPB motor as an open circuit. If this occurs, the EPB warning light will illuminate and the EPB may not work. This could increase the possibility of a collision if the vehicle is parked on an incline with an inoperative parking brake.
  • June 2021: Toyota issued a recall for 7,669 C-HRs from the 2019-2021 model years due to a defect in the fuel pump. The internal components of the fuel pump may wear and fracture the welded area of the fuel pump, which could lead to a fuel leak in the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the engine compartment may result in an engine bay fire, which could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders.
  • February 2022: Toyota recalled 30,341 2016-2020 C-HRs due to a missing ECE label on the towbar. The label is required to meet European towbar regulation ECE 55-01.
  • March 2022: Toyota recalls 18,471 C-HR and Yaris vehicles due to front radar sensor defect. The sensor may not have been calibrated during vehicle manufacture, which could result in the Pre-Collision System (PCS) not operating as intended.

Should you buy it?

The Toyota CH-R was hugely popular when it launched. This was for good reason; it blended funky design, decent practicality, a zippy engine. And, with the low fuel economy of the hybrid models, you can have an economical city runabout, that’s also half-decent to steer.

In the years since it’s becoming clear that the CH-R benefits from Toyota’s typical reputation for longevity and reliability. Despite the list of reported issues, the many CH-Rs will not have all of these issues, even still, most of the issues reported aren’t catastrophic.

Of course, the best way to ensure you get a CH-R that will (hopefully) provide trouble-free motoring for years to come, is to purchase one with a full service history and get on with the most amount of factory support left on it.

CH-Rs that launched with the 3-year warranty will all now be without any support, so if you want the peace of mind of factory support, you’ll need to shop for a post-2019 model. Also, make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done, spending just a few hundred dollars upfront can save thousands down the track.

The Toyota CH-R was hugely popular when it launched. This was for good reason; it blended funky design, decent practicality, a zippy engine. And, with the low fuel economy of the hybrid models, you can have an economical city runabout, that’s also half-decent to steer.

In the years since it’s becoming clear that the CH-R benefits from Toyota’s typical reputation for longevity and reliability. Despite the list of reported issues, the many CH-Rs will not have all of these issues, even still, most of the issues reported aren’t catastrophic.

Of course, the best way to ensure you get a CH-R that will (hopefully) provide trouble-free motoring for years to come, is to purchase one with a full service history and get on with the most amount of factory support left on it.

CH-Rs that launched with the 3-year warranty will all now be without any support, so if you want the peace of mind of factory support, you’ll need to shop for a post-2019 model. Also, make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done, spending just a few hundred dollars upfront can save thousands down the track.

Should you buy it?

The Toyota CH-R was hugely popular when it launched. This was for good reason; it blended funky design, decent practicality, a zippy engine. And, with the low fuel economy of the hybrid models, you can have an economical city runabout, that’s also half-decent to steer.

In the years since it’s becoming clear that the CH-R benefits from Toyota’s typical reputation for longevity and reliability. Despite the list of reported issues, the many CH-Rs will not have all of these issues, even still, most of the issues reported aren’t catastrophic.

Of course, the best way to ensure you get a CH-R that will (hopefully) provide trouble-free motoring for years to come, is to purchase one with a full service history and get on with the most amount of factory support left on it.

CH-Rs that launched with the 3-year warranty will all now be without any support, so if you want the peace of mind of factory support, you’ll need to shop for a post-2019 model. Also, make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done, spending just a few hundred dollars upfront can save thousands down the track.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

Models, pricing & features

2017 Toyota CH-R-3

C-HR

Price when new: $26,990 - $32,290

Price used: $18,400 - $34,000

Equipment:

12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
17″ Alloy Wheels
6 Speaker Stereo
ABS (Antilock Brakes)
Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
Airbag – Driver
Airbag – Knee Driver
Airbag – Passenger
Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
Audio – MP3 Decoder
Blind Spot Sensor
Bluetooth System
Body Colour – Bumpers
Body Colour – Door Handles
Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
Bottle Holders – 1st Row
Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
Brake Assist
CD Player
Camera – Rear Vision
Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
Clock – Digital
Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
Collision Warning – Forward
Control – Electronic Stability
Control – Park Distance Front
Control – Park Distance Rear
Control – Traction
Control – Trailer Sway
Cruise Control – Distance Control
Cup Holders – 1st Row
Daytime Running Lamps – LED
Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
Disc Brakes Rear Solid
EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
Engine Immobiliser
Fog Lamps – Front LED
GPS (Satellite Navigation)
Gloss Finish Inserts
Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
Hill Holder
Illuminated (puddle lamps) Door Mirrors
Illuminated – Entry/Exit with Fade
Intermittent Wipers
Lane Departure – with Passive Steer Assist
Leather Look – Gear Knob
Leather Look – Steering Wheel
Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
Metallic Finish Interior Inserts
Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
Multi-function Steering Wheel
Park Brake – Electric
Power Door Mirrors – Folding
Power Door Mirrors – Heated
Power Steering – Electric Assist
Power Windows – Front & Rear
Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
Rear Wiper/Washer
Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
Smart Device App Display/Control
Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
Sunvisors – Front
Trim – Cloth
Voice Recognition
Warning – Rear Cross Traffic (when reversing)
Control – Pedestrian Avoidance with Braking
Headlamp – High Beam Auto Dipping
Headlamps – Halogen
Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
Headlamps – LED
Smart Device Integration – Android Auto
Smart Device Integration – Apple CarPlay
Active Torque Transfer System
Control – Active Yaw

GXL

Price when new: $30,915 - $32,915

Price used: $25,800 - $37,500

Adds:

Central Locking – Key Proximity
Collision Mitigation – Forward (High speed)
Cross Traffic Alert – Front
Keyless Start:- Key/FOB Proximity related
Speed Zone Reminder – Road Sign Recognition
Starter Button

Koba

Price when new: $33,290 - $37,665

Price used: $23,500 - $42,900

Adds:

18″ Alloy Wheels
Air Conditioning – Sensor for Pollutants
Courtesy Lamps – in Doors Front
Heated Seats – 1st Row
Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
Leather Seats – Partial
Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
Seat – Driver with Electric Lumbar
Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver
Tail Lamps – LED
Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Dual
Camera – Front Vision
Camera – Side Vision
Collision Mitigation – Reversing
Collision Warning – Rearward
Brakes – Regenerative
Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)

GR Sport

Price when new: $37,665

Price used: $31,800 - $42,900

Adds:

19″ Alloy Wheels
Calipers – Painted Front
Calipers – Painted Rear
Coloured Door Mirrors
Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment
Leather Steering Wheel
Pedals – Sports
Performance Brakes
Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
Suspension – Lowered
Suspension – Sports

Tech specs

Body Styles

5 door Wagon

Engines

1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Power

85kW – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

72kW – 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Torque

185Nm – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

142Nm – 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Transmissions

6-speed Manual (C-HR)

7-speed Constantly Variable Transmission

Fuel Consumption

4.3 – 7L / 100km

Length

4360 – 4395mm (5 door Wagon)

Width

1795mm (5 door Wagon)

Height

1550 – 1565mm (5 door Wagon)

Wheelbase

2640mm (5 door Wagon)

Kerb Weight

1385 – 1510kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing

720kg (unbraked), 1100kg (braked) (C-HR)

600kg (unbraked), 600kg (braked) (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

Not specified (Koba, GR Sport)

ANCAP Ratings

5 stars (tested 2017)

Body Styles

5 door Wagon

Engines

1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Power

85kW – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

72kW – 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Torque

185Nm – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

142Nm – 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Transmissions

6-speed Manual (C-HR)

7-speed Constantly Variable Transmission

Fuel Consumption

4.3 – 7L / 100km

Length

4360 – 4395mm (5 door Wagon)

Width

1795mm (5 door Wagon)

Height

1550 – 1565mm (5 door Wagon)

Wheelbase

2640mm (5 door Wagon)

Kerb Weight

1385 – 1510kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing

720kg (unbraked), 1100kg (braked) (C-HR)

600kg (unbraked), 600kg (braked) (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

Not specified (Koba, GR Sport)

ANCAP Ratings

5 stars (tested 2017)

Body Styles

5 door Wagon

Engines

1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Power

85kW – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

72kW – 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Torque

185Nm – 1.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

142Nm – 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder hybrid (Koba, GR Sport)

Transmissions

6-speed Manual (C-HR)

7-speed Constantly Variable Transmission

Fuel Consumption

4.3 – 7L / 100km

Length

4360 – 4395mm (5 door Wagon)

Width

1795mm (5 door Wagon)

Height

1550 – 1565mm (5 door Wagon)

Wheelbase

2640mm (5 door Wagon)

Kerb Weight

1385 – 1510kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing

720kg (unbraked), 1100kg (braked) (C-HR)

600kg (unbraked), 600kg (braked) (C-HR, Koba, GXL)

Not specified (Koba, GR Sport)

ANCAP Ratings

5 stars (tested 2017)

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

3 years / 100,000 km
5 years / unlimited km (from 2019)

Battery 5 years / unlimited km (hybrid models)

Service Intervals

15,000 km / 12 months

Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.

Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.

In the market?

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of July 11, 2023.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

Related Blog Articles Latest from ReDriven Blog

Join the ReDriven Community

You are the best, the content in your videos is so helpful, delivered in a great way. Please keep going as for sure you are unique in every way. All the best from Guatemala

L. G. - YouTube

You guys have truly found something wonderful… Loved this channel ever since from the beginning… Will support you guys as long as you guys keep making these wonderful car reviews…

Calvin - YouTube

This is probably the best channel I have ever seen when reviewing vehicles. New or old. The honesty is so appreciated. I’ve been a mechanic for 20 years and I find it very informative when looking for a vehicle for my daughter. Keep up the awesome work.

Jason T. - YouTube

© 2024 ReDriven All Rights Reserved