Toyota was announced significant upgrades
for the C-HR crossover in Europe, headlined by the introduction of a new 181-HP
2.0-liter hybrid powertrain.
The North American-spec Toyota C-HR gets a fair
share of upgrades for the 2020 model year as well, but they’re mostly focused
on styling and equipment. As with the European model, the 2020 C-HR sold in the
U.S. receives restyled front bumper, grille, spoiler, LED headlights, and new
wheel designs (an optional 17-inch alloy for the base LE grade and an 18-inch
rim for the Limited model).
At the rear, America’s Toyota C-HR does not
get the European model’s gloss black spoiler uniting the taillights, which
don’t seem to feature LEDs either. Other exterior upgrades include two new bold
paints called Supersonic Red and Hot Lava (Orange), as well as a new Silver
R-Code roof option.
Inside, the 2020 Toyota C-HR now offers standard
Android Auto compatibility on top of the already available Apple CarPlay.
Additionally, the base LE grade gains SiriusXM All Access 3-Month Trial
Satellite Radio, which was already standard on XLE and Limited.
Furthermore, the mid-range XLE grade adds new seat
back pockets and windshield visor extensions while the top-of-line Limited
receives a new 8-way power driver’s seat and Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS) with headlamp auto-leveling. Other interior changes for 2020
include a new Gray headliner for the LE and Limited grades, plus two new,
striking interior color combinations: Blue/Black on C-HR XLE and Black/Brown on
C-HR Limited.
Unfortunately, the US-spec 2020 C-HR does not get
the 181-HP hybrid powertrain introduced in Europe and carries on with the
naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit making 144 hp at 6,100 rpm and 188 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm. The engine drives the front
wheels via a CVT that simulates seven forward gears. An AWD option is still not
available despite the fact that Toyota USA has admitted C-HR sales suffer as a
result.
