Toyota’s first-generation C-HR was quite the success in Australia and globally, capitalising on the compact coupe-SUV trend, arguably pioneered by the Nissan Juke. Now in its second incarnation, the C-HR is a more upmarket and premium vehicle than the one it replaces, but with even more visual flair.
Previewed by the Toyota C-HR Prologue concept in 2022, a lot of that wow factor from the concept found its way into the production car, resulting in a striking and fresh-looking SUV. The trouble is, all of that swag seems to be reserved for the two top tiers: the Koba and GR-Sport, with their larger wheels, vibrant two-tone colour palates and panoramic roofs.
The GXL base model we have here in Frosted White metallic (a $575 option) looks comparatively under-tyred and awkward, earning it the ignominious nickname of ‘Space Egg’. Don’t let that deter you, though, as the now Turkish-sourced C-HR has a helluva lot going for it beyond its appearance.
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: Specifications
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid
Output: 103kW
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×6.0, 215/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1430kg
Power-to-weight: 13.8:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 4.0L/100km
Our consumption: 8.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 43L/91 RONPower efficiency: 25.75kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.60 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.44 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.98 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.59 seconds at 127.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.601g*
100-0km/h braking: 42.21m in 3.24s*
Max deceleration: -1.064g*
Decibel at idle: 24*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 77*
Starting price: $42,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: How much does it cost?
At $42,990 before on-roads, the 2024 Toyota C-HR GXL is a more affordable option compared to the $49,990 Koba and the $54,990 GR Sport, but, like most new Toyotas, this is a big jump relative to the old model. The raison d’etre of the base model seems to be to balance between affordability and the inclusion of modern features, making the GXL an attractive choice for a broad range of buyers.
Like all new Toyotas, one of the major drawcards of the C-HR GXL is the subsidised Toyota Service Advantage, which offers the first five services at $250 each, covering up to 75,000km or five years, whichever comes first. This makes maintaining the vehicle both affordable and predictable over the long term.
Fuel costs are also manageable, with the GXL’s 43-litre fuel tank and fuel consumption rated at just 4.0L/100km (5.1L/100km on test), the theoretical average range is 1075km. At the current median fuel price of $1.81/L for 91 unleaded in Sydney, it costs around $77.83 to fill the tank, adding to the GXL’s economical appeal.
However, a downside is the limited availability at some Toyota dealerships, at the time of writing. High demand and constrained supply mean prospective buyers might have to wait, or travel further to find their desired model. A five year/unlimited km warranty is included as well as roadside assistance.
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: Interior & packaging
Crack open the Space Egg and, much like a Kinder Surprise, the real joy lies within. Borrowing design cues from the Toyota bZ4X electric car, the GXL’s steering wheel feels modern and crisp, while the gear selector will be familiar to those acquainted with Toyota and Lexus hybrid models.
The C-HR’s dimensions – 4632mm in length, 1832mm in width, and 1558mm in height, paired with a 2640mm wheelbase – yield a spacious and comfortable cabin. Compared with the previous model, wider window apertures that no longer curve upwards should curb motion sickness, and the relatively flat floor means all three occupants have an abundance of knee, leg and shoulder room. With a slightly tapering roofline, over six-footers should try the back seat before signing the dotted line.
The breathable black fabric seat upholstery and trim provide a sleek look, complemented by a synthetic leather steering wheel with touch controls and manual tilt/telescopic adjustment and a slew of buttons for audio, cruise/ADAS and trip display options.
A highlight of the cabin is the 12.3-inch touch-screen display, featuring natural voice recognition, embedded and cloud-based satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, didital digital radio, a six-speaker audio system, USB-C ports, and a 12V accessory charge point. Audio quality is better than the specs would suggest, but those who enjoy high volume should turn it down before exiting, lest they be blasted on re-entry of the Space Egg.
Practicality is another strong suit of the C-HR. The boot space starts at 388 litres and expands to 1155L with the 60:40-split folding rear seats down. Additional conveniences include automatic dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start with nifty flush doorhandles.
How safe is the 2024 Toyota C-HR? At the time of writing, it is yet to be tested by ANCAP but with 10 airbags and a slew of ADAS features, it’d be foolhardy to bet against it receiving a full five stars.
Termed “Toyota Safety Sense”, it includes a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian, daylight cyclist, motorcyclist, and oncoming vehicle detection, intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist, and more. Mercifully, these features are not obtrusive in their operation, meaning less frustration than comparable vehicles but you do have to turn them off every time you get in.
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: Powertrain & handling
Happily, in spite of receiving only the lesser of two powertrains, the base C-HR is not found wanting in terms of power delivery or refinement. Combining a 1.8-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine with a hybrid powertrain for a combined system output of 103kW, the C-HR always feels smooth, responsive off the line and with decent top-end push. We recorded a best 0-100km/h time of 10.44 seconds. Obviously the 146kW 2.0-litre AWD powertrain available in the GR Sport would show it a clean set of heels, but most will be satisfied with what the GXL offers here.
Coupled with an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), it powers the front wheels and features a three driving modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport – alongside a Custom mode for personalised driving dynamics.
On the road, the C-HR GXL feels composed yet agile. The steering is responsive, and the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling precision. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are impressively low – this could have passed for a Lexus not long ago.
When hustled, it stays flat – even in the face of very sudden and deliberate attempts to upset it – with scrub understeer eventually occurring once its very high threshold has been breached (with ESC off). There is potential to have fun with communicative steering and a responsive powertrain.
How much can the 2024 Toyota C-HR GXL tow? It has a 725kg towing capacity, for those wondering.
Although the Toyota C-HR GXL got off to a wobbly start with its appearance, the level of technology, safety, performance and standard features help provide reasonably good value for money. It would even make a good ride share or food delivery car due to the exceptionally low running costs, offering more visual flair and wow factor than a Corolla Cross or RAV4 Hybrid.
At the time of writing, Toyota is still somewhat hamstrung by availability compared with other automakers, due to the demand of being Australia’s best-selling car marque, so call around if you’re not prepared to consider alternatives.
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Premium interior feel: The GXL features high-quality materials and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, providing a high tech cabin feel.
- Fuel efficiency: Achieving a combined consumption of 4.0L/100km, the GXL is economical for daily commutes and longer drives as well as Uber drivers alike.
- Comprehensive safety features: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, the GXL offers an extensive suite of safety, with no omissions.
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: Key considerations before you buy
- Volume on startup: The audio system’s volume remains high upon startup, which can be an annoyance for those who value their eardrums.
- Underwhelming visual appeal: Compared with the Koba and GR Sport, the GXL lacks visual flair and appears less aggressive and dopy.
- Not as rapid as higher trims: The GXL’s performance, while responsive, does not match the more powerful AWD-equipped Koba and GR Sport variants.
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The C-HR has matured into a slightly more practical but better-handling small SUV package, now with an even more daring design. In GXL form it does miss out on the flamboyant styling highlights, leaving a somewhat confused package in terms of overall character. But there are two very appealing areas in our view; the driving dynamics and exceptional real-world economy.
