America’s 2020 Toyota C-HR Bows With Updated Face, New Tech

Earlier today, Toyota 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 however, 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.

Also read: Toyota Enters China’s EV Arena With Two Battery Electric C-HRs

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 139 pound-feet (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.