Cheap no more: Pricing confirmed for 2024 Toyota C-HR hybrid SUV with more tech and features, but will it be cheaper than Hyundai Kona?

With the imminent arrival of the next-gen Toyota C-HR comes the end of its place as Toyota’s most affordable offering in the ‘Small SUV’ category.

Previously available at an entry price just north of $30K, the Toyota C-HR is going hybrid-only and taking a step up in terms of offering and also price, with the entry to the new-gen car, the GXL, starting at $42,990 before on-road costs.

This not only makes it more than $10,000 pricier than the previous entry into the range, but also leaves the Corolla Cross to fill the $30-something-thousand spot in the ‘Small SUV’ range.

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The rise in price shouldn’t be a surprise considering the previous hybrid C-HR, either the Koba or GR Sport, cost $38,465 before on-roads, while the new model comes with more power and tech.

The entry GXL and step-up Koba ($49,990) both use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a hybrid system for an output of 103kW via a CVT driving the front wheels, 13kW over the previous hybrid.

Each grade comes with a large 12.3-inch multimedia screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, satellite navigation and Toyota Connected Services.

The GXL comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, sports style seats, a 7.0-inch driver display, six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view parking camera.

The Koba adds Bi-LED headlamps with auto-levelling and adaptive high-beam, power-adjustable heated front sports seats with fabric and suede upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, power tailgate, head-up display, wireless smartphone charger and larger 19-inch wheels.

The top-spec in the three-variant range is the $54,990 all-wheel-drive GR Sport, which uses a larger 2.0-litre engine in its hybrid system for a total 145kW.

Aside from GR styling additions and its unique 19-inch wheels, the GR Sport adds upgraded brakes, a heated steering wheel, GR Sport front seats with synthetic leather and suede upholstery, plus the option of a fixed panoramic roof.

Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the new C-HR is a step into the ‘premium luxury’ space in the segment for Toyota.

“The new C-HR brings a new level of premium luxury to the small SUV segment, blending dynamic design and strong technology with a high level of specification and low fuel consumption,” Hanley said.

“The choice of two intelligent hybrid powertrain options combined with the European design and manufacture make the new C-HR more appealing than ever before.”

More specifications for the new C-HR will be announced closer to the launch in 2024.

2024 Toyota C-HR pricing before on-road costs