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Toyota is teasing us with a new C-HR concept called the prologue. Toyota sounds upbeat about introducing the second generation of C-HR, especially in Europe, and we hope the new one keeps the funky looks but addresses some of the older version’s shortcomings. The company says the new C-HR prologue concept is “a demonstration that Toyota is going to deliver all of this.” Could we get the new C-HR in the U.S. soon?

Today’s C-HR looks cool, but it’s getting a bit old

A white 2021 Toyota C-HR parked on display next to a blue wall
The 2021 Toyota C-HR | Toyota

Toyota first previewed the CH-R at the Paris Auto Show in 2014. When the little crossover SUV came to market a few years later, it looked a lot like that funky concept. Toyota created that original concept at its European Design Development headquarters in France. It’s gone on to sell well, but not spectacularly. Its small engine and tight passenger room doomed this funky crossover.

Today’s C-HR is known for its good looks and its nimble handling, but mainly its looks. This subcompact has a 144-horsepower four-cylinder, paired with a CVT automatic, that doesn’t stir the soul. Though it seems like it would get great economy with that mix, it only achieves 27 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. With the introduction of the similarly-placed Corolla Cross for 2022, it makes sense that Toyota decided to kill the C-CHR for now.

The next C-HR should be a PHEV, plug-in hybrid

Toyota C-HR prologue concept
C-HR prologue concept | Toyota
closeup view of the propgue concept
The C-HR prologue | Toyota

The new concept images are a tease, for sure. But, according to Toyota many of the design elements of the prologue concept should see the light of day. The C-HR concept keeps its funky look by integrating big wheels with shorter overhangs, which give it a stance. Toyota calls the front end the HAMMERHEAD, in all caps, and you can see a bit of that shark’s face in the gaping grille.

But Toyota dropped a big nugget in its latest European news release about the upcoming C-HR. The company said “The new Plug-in Toyota C-HR with European assembled batteries, in addition to the hybrid version will further strengthen Toyota’s multi-technology line-up.” A plug-in hybrid version would complement this little SUV’s city-first mission. Many cities, especially in Europe, are trying to discourage internal combustion cars. In the U.S., the hybrid version makes sense, too.

The old C-HR seemed more like a concept car on the street

2024 Toyota C-HR in silver and black
Toyota C-HR prologue concept | Toyota

The C-HR looks cool, sure. But behind that pretty face, it never really lived up to its promise. When Toyota debuted the C-HR concept eight years ago, it too, had two doors. Then, when it hit production, it gained a pair of tiny rear doors that added some practicality. Could the new prologue also keep the two-door SUV layout that everyone says they like?

While Toyota is staying upbeat about the new C-HR prologue concept, we don’t know much more. Funky cars are great, for a time, and sometimes they make it. But sometimes the styling needs to match what people want in a crossover, like space, power, and practicality that the old one failed to deliver. Will this new C-HR succeed? Well, we’ll have to see it in person, first.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.