The facelifted Toyota C-HR AWD (NGX50) takes the original formula—distinctive styling, a refined TNGA-C chassis, and an efficient 1.2-litre turbo—and layers on smarter infotainment, quieter road manners, and better night confidence with upgraded LED lighting in many trims. The all-wheel-drive hardware remains compact and road-biased: an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch ahead of the rear differential sends torque aft only when required, so you enjoy extra traction with minimal fuel penalty. Toyota’s 8NR-FTS is tuned for usable torque rather than a high-rev surge, pairing smoothly with the CVT fitted to AWD cars. The result is a small crossover that shines in foul weather and on rough tarmac, yet stays calm at motorway speed and straightforward to own. Compared with pre-facelift cars, you’ll notice cleaner responses from the steering and CVT calibration, stronger active-safety availability, and the convenience of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on many late-2019-onward vehicles—good reasons to target this window when shopping used.
Top Highlights
- Surefooted in winter: on-demand AWD and multi-link rear keep launches clean and mid-corner bumps tidy.
- Quiet and composed: TNGA body rigidity plus facelift NVH tweaks reduce hum at 120 km/h (75 mph).
- Modern convenience: upgraded head unit, with smartphone mirroring widely available after 2019.
- Ownership watch: direct-injection intake valve deposits over high mileage; plan cleaning if symptoms appear.
- Routine service: engine oil and filter every 12 months or 10,000–15,000 km; brake fluid every 2 years.
Guide contents
- C-HR AWD facelift overview
- C-HR AWD specs and data
- C-HR AWD trims and safety
- Reliability and service actions
- Maintenance and buyer’s guide
- Driving and performance
- How C-HR AWD compares
C-HR AWD facelift overview
Toyota’s 2019 refresh keeps the C-HR’s compact footprint and dramatic shape while polishing the parts you live with every day. Outside, new bumper surfacing, lamp signatures, and wheel designs trim visual clutter. Inside, you get clearer instruments, better sound insulation around the firewall and floorpan, and a more responsive infotainment head unit—with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support widely rolled in from late 2019. The chassis recipe is unchanged in layout (MacPherson struts front, proper multi-link rear), but detail work in bushings, damper valving, and EPS assistance improves straight-line stability and mid-corner calm on beaten-up roads.
AWD hardware is the Dynamic Torque Control type. In dry cruising it sends power to the front wheels only; under slip or anticipatory logic (based on throttle and yaw), a multi-plate clutch apportions torque to the rear axle. The feel is transparent: there’s no binding in tight car-park turns, and you simply pull away cleanly on wet cobbles and icy mornings. There’s no low range or locking differential—this is for weather, gradients, and dirty shoulders rather than trails—but with decent all-season or winter tyres it transforms winter commutes.
The 8NR-FTS 1.2-litre turbo four remains the sensible heart of the car. Dual VVT-i/VVT-iW timing allows efficient Miller-like operation at light load, then conventional timing when you ask for power. The pay-off is a broad, friendly torque band that pairs well with the CVT’s step-shift logic after the facelift. You won’t get hot-hatch fireworks; you will get easy hills, smooth merges, and confident overtakes with modest planning. Cabin quality still punches above class: supportive front seats, good driving position, well-damped switchgear, and a rear bench that suits adults for short to medium trips. Visibility is better than it looks once you rely on the standard camera/sensors. The facelift is the sweet spot if you want the C-HR’s style and all-weather calm with the most liveable tech and NVH.
C-HR AWD specs and data
Data below reflects the facelifted Toyota C-HR AWD (NGX50), 1.2-litre 8NR-FTS petrol, model years 2019–2021 in Europe. Figures vary slightly by wheel/tyre package, market equipment, and test cycle.
Engine and Performance (ICE)
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine code | 8NR-FTS (D-4T direct-injection turbo) |
| Layout & valvetrain | Inline-4, DOHC, Dual VVT-i/VVT-iW, 4 valves/cyl |
| Bore × stroke | 71.5 × 74.5 mm (2.81 × 2.93 in) |
| Displacement | 1.197 L (1,197 cc) |
| Induction | Single-scroll turbo with intercooler |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Max power | 116 hp (85 kW) @ ~5,200–5,600 rpm |
| Max torque | 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) @ 1,500–4,000 rpm |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (D-4T) |
| Emissions/Efficiency std. | Euro 6 (WLTP fuel/CO₂ from 2019) |
| Rated combined economy* | ~6.0–6.8 L/100 km (39–35 mpg US / 47–42 mpg UK) |
| Real-world highway @ 120 km/h | ~7.1–7.9 L/100 km (33–30 mpg US / 40–36 mpg UK) |
| Aerodynamics | Cd ≈ 0.32; under-covers and airflow management |
*Wheel size and options influence WLTP figures.
Transmission and Driveline
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmission | CVT (AWD cars are CVT-only) with step-shift logic |
| Final drive ratio | ~3.8 (varies slightly with wheel/tyre) |
| Drive type | On-demand AWD (Dynamic Torque Control) |
| Rear drive coupling | Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch |
| Differentials | Open front/rear; brake-based torque control via VSC/TRC |
Chassis and Dimensions
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Platform | TNGA-C |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut, coil, stabiliser |
| Rear suspension | Double-wishbone/multi-link with stabiliser |
| Steering | Electric power steering; ~2.7 turns lock-to-lock |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated disc / solid disc; ABS, EBD, brake assist |
| Wheels/tyres | 17–18 in factory packages; 215/60 R17 or 225/50 R18 typical |
| Ground clearance | ~142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Length × width × height | ~4,390 × 1,795 × 1,565 mm (172.8 × 70.7 × 61.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm (103.9 in) |
| Turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) | ~10.6–10.8 m (34.8–35.4 ft) |
| Kerb (curb) weight | ~1,395–1,435 kg (3,075–3,163 lb), spec-dependent |
| Fuel tank | 50 L (13.2 US gal / 11.0 UK gal) |
| Cargo volume (VDA) | ~377 L seats up; ~1,164 L seats down |
Performance and Capability
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | ~11.2–11.5 s |
| Top speed | ~180–185 km/h (112–115 mph) |
| Braking 100–0 km/h | Class-typical; stable on quality tyres |
| Towing (braked/unbraked) | Market-specific; confirm VIN plate |
| Payload | Trim-dependent; check door-jamb label |
| Roof load | Typically 50–75 kg (110–165 lb) with approved bars |
Fluids and Service Capacities
| System | Spec / Grade | Capacity* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 0W-20, API SN+/SP, ILSAC GF-5/6 | ~4.0 L (4.2 US qt) |
| Engine coolant | Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink) | ~6.4–6.7 L (6.8–7.1 US qt) |
| CVT | Toyota CVT Fluid FE (temp-set level) | ~7.4–7.9 L (7.8–8.3 US qt) |
| Rear differential | GL-5 75W-85 (Toyota Hypoid Gear Oil) | ~0.8–1.0 L (0.8–1.1 US qt) |
| Rear coupling/transfer | GL-5 75W-85; verify by VIN | ~0.6–0.9 L (0.6–1.0 US qt) |
| A/C refrigerant | R1234yf; ND-11/ND-12 oil | ~470 g (16.6 oz), bonnet label rules |
| Spark plugs | Long-life iridium; gap ~0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in) | 4 plugs |
| Wheel lug torque | ~103 Nm (76 lb-ft)** | — |
*Workshop-typical; confirm by VIN and service manual.
**Accessory wheels may differ; follow owner’s manual.
Electrical
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| 12 V battery | 45–60 Ah AGM/EFB (equipment-dependent) |
| Alternator | Compact high-output unit; sized for LED/ADAS load |
| Ignition | Coil-on-plug; ECU-controlled knock strategy |
Safety and Driver Assistance
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Crash ratings | Five-star Euro NCAP validity for this generation continues across the facelift window |
| Headlights | Halogen or LED by grade; LED with AHB improves reach/cut-off |
| ADAS suite | Toyota Safety Sense: AEB (vehicle/pedestrian), Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, Road Sign Assist; Adaptive Cruise availability improves post-facelift |
| Child seats | ISOFIX/LATCH outboard rear with top-tethers |
| Structure | High-strength TNGA shell; multiple airbags including head curtains |
C-HR AWD trims and safety
Trim map (names vary by country; content pattern is consistent)
- Icon/Active (entry): 17-inch alloys, reversing camera, Toyota Safety Sense, 7–8 in Touch 2 infotainment, cloth seats, manual or dual-zone climate by market.
- Design/Mid: Adds parking sensors (often via pack), privacy glass, improved interior trim, additional USBs, and alternate alloy designs.
- Excel/Dynamic (high): LED headlamps/DRLs, keyless entry/start, heated front seats, power lumbar, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert (often through a Tech Pack), JBL audio option, 18-inch wheels.
Key differences that change the experience
- LED headlamps markedly improve rural-road confidence and reduce fatigue versus halogen reflectors.
- Wheel/tyre packages set the car’s character: 17s are the comfort/noise sweet spot; 18s quicken initial turn-in but add roar on coarse asphalt.
- Infotainment: late-2019 onward head units bring smartphone mirroring and faster response—worth prioritising when shopping.
Year-to-year highlights (2019–2021)
- Late 2019 (MY2020): visual refresh, steering and CVT calibration tweaks, infotainment upgrade with CarPlay/Android Auto availability; active-safety packaging widens.
- 2020–2021: running-change packaging and special editions; in some markets the 1.2T AWD line narrows as the hybrid range takes centre stage. Availability can be trim-specific—confirm local brochures.
Safety ratings and ADAS calibration
- This generation’s five-star Euro NCAP standing carries through the facelift window, with robust adult/child protection and effective AEB.
- After windscreen replacement or front-end repair, camera/radar calibration is mandatory. Use OEM-approved glass and follow aim procedures; verify EPS thrust angle to avoid lane-keeping drift and nuisance warnings.
Reliability and service actions
The facelifted NGX50 AWD is a low-drama commuter when serviced annually with correct fluids. Patterns below reflect mileage/age realities for small DI turbos and compact CVTs rather than systemic defects.
Engine and induction (8NR-FTS)
- DI intake-valve carbon build-up — Occasional / Medium
Symptoms: Rough cold idle, light misfires (P0300 series), hesitation on gentle throttle. Often shows beyond 60,000–100,000 km in short-trip urban use.
Root cause: No fuel wash on valve backs in DI; oil mist/EGR particulates adhere.
Fix: Walnut-shell blast or chemical clean; renew iridium plugs; verify PCV function; clean MAF and throttle. - Wastegate/actuator buzz or intermittent under-boost — Occasional / Low–Medium
Symptoms: Metallic buzz on lift-off, sporadic under-boost code, softened mid-range.
Cause: Linkage/play or sticking.
Fix: Inspect linkage and vacuum routing, adjust or replace actuator; apply calibration updates where applicable. - Coolant hose/tee seep — Rare / Low
Symptoms: Slow reservoir drop, sweet smell after parking.
Fix: Pressure test; replace suspect hose/clamp; refill with Toyota S-LLC and bleed.
Fuel/ignition
- Coil-on-plug ageing — Occasional / Low–Medium
Symptoms: Load-related single-cylinder misfire.
Fix: Replace affected coil and plugs; set correct gap/heat range.
Transmission and AWD driveline
- CVT fluid ageing (Toyota CVT FE) — Occasional / Medium
Symptoms: Brief flare on firm throttle, faint whine, or light take-off shudder around 80,000–120,000 km.
Fix: Drain/fill with CVT FE, set level at specified temperature, and perform adaptation as required. Check engine/trans mounts. - Rear coupling/diff neglect — Rare / Low–Medium
Symptoms: Low-speed chatter or hum after severe winter use or tyre mismatches.
Fix: Replace rear diff and coupling/transfer oils with GL-5 75W-85; keep tyre brands/sizes/treads matched—AWD systems dislike diameter differences.
Chassis and body
- Rear brake corrosion ridges (salted climates) — Common / Low
Symptoms: Light scrape, reduced handbrake bite.
Fix: De-lip or replace discs/pads; clean and lube sliders; rotate tyres. - Subframe/fastener surface rust — Occasional / Low
Fix: Clean and treat; rinse under-body after winter; inspect brake/fuel lines at clips.
HVAC/electronics
- Clogged cabin microfilter → blower noise — Common / Low (replace yearly).
- ADAS calibration drift post-glass work — Occasional / Medium (perform camera/radar calibration; confirm alignment thrust angle).
Recalls and field actions (headlines)
- Electric Parking Brake (EPB) control logic: skid-control ECU update on defined VIN ranges to ensure proper EPB apply/release.
- Label/seatbelt component updates: minor, market-specific campaigns. Always perform an official VIN recall check and confirm dealer records.
Pre-purchase documents to request
- Complete annual oil services with 0W-20 spec.
- Evidence of CVT drain/fill by time/mileage and any software updates.
- Induction/ignition work (plugs/coils/valve clean) on higher-mileage urban cars.
- ADAS calibration certificate if the windscreen was replaced.
- Rear brake inspection report and proof of recent brake-fluid change.
- A printed VIN recall check with completion proof.
Maintenance and buyer’s guide
Practical maintenance schedule (verify by VIN and local booklet)
- Engine oil & filter: Every 12 months or 10,000–15,000 km. Use 0W-20 API SN+/SP, ILSAC GF-5/6; ~4.0 L service fill.
- Engine air filter: Inspect 20,000 km; replace 30,000–45,000 km (earlier in dust).
- Cabin filter: Replace annually (more often in urban/pollen seasons).
- Spark plugs (iridium): 90,000–120,000 km or 6–7 years; 0.7–0.8 mm gap.
- Coolant (Toyota S-LLC): First at 10 years/160,000 km, then 5 years/80,000 km.
- CVT fluid (CVT FE): Inspect by 60,000–90,000 km; drain/fill if dark/oxidised or on shift-quality issues.
- Rear diff & coupling/transfer oils: Inspect 60,000–90,000 km; replace if contaminated or after harsh winter/deep-water exposure (GL-5 75W-85).
- Brake fluid: Replace every 2 years; test moisture content.
- Brakes: Inspect each service; clean/lube sliders; monitor rear-disc lips in salted climates.
- Serpentine belt & hoses: Inspect 60,000 km/4 years; replace on cracking/noise or at cooling service.
- PCV/induction: Inspect 60,000–90,000 km; clean MAF and throttle; consider valve clean if rough-idle/misfire symptoms emerge.
- 12 V battery: Test yearly after 4 years; voltage stability matters for ADAS.
- Tyres & alignment: Rotate 10,000–12,000 km; keep matched tyre sets front/rear for AWD health.
Fluids and essentials
- Oil: 0W-20, API SN+/SP, ILSAC GF-5/6 (low-speed pre-ignition protection).
- Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink premix).
- CVT: Toyota CVT Fluid FE; level set at temperature with the correct procedure.
- AWD oils: GL-5 75W-85 in rear diff and coupling/transfer housings (verify by VIN).
- A/C: R1234yf; charge mass per bonnet label (~470 g typical).
- Torque touchpoints: Wheel lugs ~103 Nm (76 lb-ft); spark plugs ~20–25 Nm (per plug maker).
Buyer’s inspection checklist
- Cold start & idle: Should stabilise quickly; DI tick is normal, shuddering is not.
- AWD function: Smooth, drama-free launches on damp gravel; no rear-end clunks.
- CVT behaviour: Minimal “rubber-band” feel in moderate throttle; quiet, low-rpm cruise at 120 km/h.
- Ride/noise: 17-inch tyres give the best motorway calm; listen for speed-related hum (tyres/bearings).
- Brakes: Progressive pedal; rear discs free of heavy rust lips; inner pad wear even.
- Lighting/ADAS: Verify LED beam aim where fitted; test AEB/LDW/ACC in a safe area.
- Under-body: Light surface bloom is normal; avoid heavy scale on subframes or damp shocks.
- Paperwork: Oil and brake-fluid services, CVT and AWD oil maintenance as applicable, alignment records, and a fresh VIN recall printout.
Durability outlook
With annual servicing and the correct fluids, the facelifted NGX50 AWD is a quiet, confidence-inspiring daily. The AWD hardware is simple and durable; tyres, alignment, and fluid hygiene matter most. Plan for intake-valve cleaning as mileage and short-trip use stack up, and consider pre-emptive CVT drain/fills for long-term smoothness. Treat those as routine upkeep, and ownership is pleasantly uneventful.
Driving and performance
Ride, handling, NVH
Facelift tweaks bring cleaner on-centre steering and better secondary ride control without sacrificing the C-HR’s grown-up calm. On 17-inch tyres the car floats less over long motorway waves than many rivals, and it shrugs off patchy urban asphalt without harshness. The multi-link rear soaks up mid-corner bumps; the body stays composed if you meet a ripple while pressing on. Wind noise is modest, and tyre roar is well contained on smooth surfaces; coarse-chip roads are where 18-inch packages add texture.
Powertrain character
Toyota tunes the 8NR-FTS for early torque and smooth responses. The CVT’s step-shift logic under firm throttle reduces the traditional “droning” sensation, and light-to-medium inputs keep revs near the torque plateau for relaxed progress. Turbo lag is minimal in everyday use. For overtakes, plan a decisive pedal press to trigger a lower virtual ratio and sit around the meat of the curve; acceleration is adequate rather than urgent, but predictably delivered.
AWD traction and stability
Dynamic Torque Control’s value shows in the first car-length on slick surfaces and when one front tyre finds a paint strip or polished cobble. Instead of abrupt traction-control cuts, you feel a clean step-off and modest steering intervention. There’s no rock-crawl mode or diff lock—winter tyres remain the biggest upgrade—but for school-run snow, wet roundabouts, and steep, damp drives, this AWD system brings day-to-day serenity.
Braking feel and repeatability
Pedal mapping is natural with a clear bite point and linear build-up. In normal road driving, fade is limited by tyre grip long before hardware constraints. ABS tuning on winter rubber is refined; the car stops straight with minimal pedal chatter.
Efficiency in the real world
At 120 km/h (75 mph), expect ~7.1–7.9 L/100 km depending on wind, gradient, and wheel/tyre. Mixed commuting returns ~6.2–7.0 L/100 km (38–34 mpg US / 46–41 mpg UK) with careful driving. Cold starts and short hops raise consumption; 17-inch wheels and smooth throttle work help.
Loads and light towing
With passengers and luggage the C-HR remains planted; crosswinds don’t unsettle the shell. If towing is permitted on your registration, stay within the VIN plate figure and allow more space for braking—consumption rises notably with even modest trailers. On long summer grades, watch coolant and CVT temperatures if you’re fully laden; the car is set up for road use, not heavy hauling.
How C-HR AWD compares
Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T (AWD-available markets)
More rear-seat space and stronger mid-range on paper. Toyota counters with better motorway hush, subtler body control on undulating tarmac, and typically stronger residuals. If you value quiet long-distance manners, the C-HR has the edge.
Mazda CX-30 AWD (2.0 NA)
Mazda’s naturally aspirated engine is smooth and eager but needs revs; Toyota’s turbo torque is more relaxed on hills and in urban gaps. Steering precision is similar; the C-HR’s NVH isolation at speed wins friends on long journeys.
Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDi AWD
Quicker in a straight line and often cheaper at purchase. The C-HR answers with a more polished multi-link rear, calmer high-speed gait, and a cabin that wears well. Toyota’s ADAS calibration is notably unobtrusive in daily grind.
SEAT Ateca small-engine AWD
Ateca offers space and lively TSI engines. The Toyota trades a little punch for finish quality and all-weather composure in a tidier footprint—handy for tight streets and parking.
Renault Captur / Peugeot 2008 class alternatives
These rivals generally skip mechanical AWD. If four driven wheels matter for your routes, the C-HR occupies rare ground: a compact crossover with genuine, well-integrated AWD manners and a refined ride.
References
- The New Toyota C-HR 2019 (Press Release)
- Toyota C-HR 2020 Press Pack 2020 (Press Kit)
- Toyota C-HR Technical Specifications 2021 (Technical Specifications)
- Toyota C-HR (2017) – Euro NCAP Result 2017 (Safety Rating)
- Toyota Recall Checker 2023 (Recall Database)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or repair. Specifications, torque values, intervals, and procedures vary by VIN, model year, market, and equipment. Always verify against your vehicle’s official owner and service documentation before maintenance or purchase decisions. If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it with fellow owners on Facebook or X (Twitter) to support xcar’s work.