Models

Importing a Toyota C-HR from the USA: model years, engine and what to check

2026-06-24 · 10 წუთი · Bg Cars

The Toyota C-HR (Coupe High-Rider) is a compact, design-led crossover — cheap to buy, economical and with typical Toyota reliability. It shows up often on US auctions (Copart, IAAI), but with one important detail: the US version is front-wheel drive only, with a 2.0L petrol engine — no AWD and no hybrid (those were sold only in Europe). Below are the model years, the engine and what to watch for.

Generation and model years

1st generation (AX10), 2018–2022 (US market)

In the US the C-HR was sold only from 2018 to 2022. The single engine is a 2.0L petrol (M20A-FKS, ~144 hp) with a CVT, front-wheel drive only. A facelift arrived for 2020 (new front end, LED lights and Android Auto). After 2022 the model was discontinued in the US.

New C-HR (2023+ / 2026 electric)

The new generation has been on sale in Europe since 2023, and returns to the US for 2026 as an electric (BEV) version. These are practically not seen yet at US auctions — so a C-HR on Copart/IAAI means the 2018–2022 petrol.

C-HR year by year — 2018 to 2022

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (especially age and excise). The engine is the same every year (2.0L), so age decides the excise.

C-HR 2018

The start of the US C-HR. Only XLE and XLE Premium trims, the 2.0L 144 hp with a CVT. Entune multimedia — still without Apple CarPlay. In 2026 it is already over 6 years old, so the higher (triple) excise applies — but it is the cheapest C-HR at auction.

C-HR 2019

A base LE trim and Apple CarPlay (Entune 3.0) were added. Otherwise a pre-facelift car. Over 6 years old in 2026 — factor in the higher excise at customs.

C-HR 2020

An important year: the facelift — new front styling, LED headlights and Android Auto added. Importing a C-HR 2020 from the USA is popular because it already has the modern multimedia. It turns 6 in 2026 — the excise is borderline, so confirm with the calculator.

C-HR 2021

The Nightshade Edition (blacked-out trim) was added; otherwise carryover. Importing a C-HR 2021 from the USA pays off: it is still under 6 years, so the excise is low.

C-HR 2022

The final year of the US C-HR — after this the model was dropped in the US, so 2022 is the newest C-HR at auction and stock is gradually shrinking. Importing a C-HR 2022 from the USA is the best balance: the newest → the lowest excise (well under 6 years).

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — what you should know

2.0L petrol (M20A) + CVT: the only option on the US C-HR. Reliable and economical, but not fast — this is a city car.
Front-wheel drive only (FWD): the US version has no AWD. If you need all-wheel drive for the mountains, the C-HR is not the right pick — look at the RAV4.
No hybrid: the US C-HR is petrol only; the hybrid was sold only in Europe.

What to check before bidding

Damage history: most C-HRs come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame integrity.
CVT transmission: check that the gearbox operates smoothly and the fluid is in good shape — the CVT is reliable but needs maintenance.
Multimedia: the 2018 lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only arrived for 2020 — mind this by year.
Recalls: a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

The C-HR is very reliable overall, but it has a few known quirks:

Side/rear visibility: the coupe-like design limits the rear view — check the blind-spot sensors (Blind Spot Monitor) if fitted.
Cabin noise: wind and road noise are noticeable on the highway — that is a trait of the model, not a fault.
Multimedia (2018–2019): the early Entune is dated — verify it works.

Fuel economy and mileage

The 2.0L petrol uses about 7–8 L/100 km in the city and down to 6 on the highway. There is no hybrid in the US version, but the petrol is still economical thanks to the small engine. The C-HR is durable: with proper care, 200,000+ km is normal. At auction, 60,000–120,000 km (40,000–75,000 miles) is a good balance between price and remaining life.

C-HR vs the rivals — Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks

The C-HR's main edge is its standout design and Toyota reliability at a low price. The Honda HR-V is roomier and more practical in cabin and cargo. The Hyundai Kona is well equipped and, unlike the C-HR, also offers an AWD version — if all-wheel drive matters to you. The Nissan Kicks is cheaper but simpler. If design and reliability are the priority, the C-HR is a sound choice; if you need AWD or space, compare the Kona or HR-V.

Why buyers in Georgia choose the C-HR

The C-HR is a cheap entry ticket into the Toyota world — economical, reliable and cheap to run. Its bold, distinctive styling draws attention in the city, and its small size is handy for parking and narrow streets. Keep in mind that the US version is front-wheel drive — ideal for the city and paved roads, but for rough mountain roads an all-wheel-drive model (e.g. the RAV4) is better.

Customs and price

The US C-HR is always a 2.0L petrol, so excise depends on age — a model under 6 years (2021–2022) is significantly cheaper to clear. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.

Frequently asked questions

Which C-HR model year is best to import?

2021–2022 is best if your budget allows — under 6 years (so low excise) and with the modern multimedia. For budget, 2018–2019, but the excise on those is higher.

Does the US C-HR have AWD?

No. The US C-HR is front-wheel drive only (FWD). AWD existed only on the European version. If you need all-wheel drive, look at the RAV4.

Can I import a C-HR Hybrid from the USA?

No. The US C-HR is 2.0L petrol only — the hybrid was sold only in Europe, so it does not appear at US auctions.

Can I import a salvage C-HR?

Yes. A salvage car can be imported legally, but it must pass a technical inspection before registration. Assess the damage via the VIN and photos.

What is the C-HR fuel consumption?

The 2.0L petrol uses about 7–8 L/100 km in the city and down to 6 on the highway. It is economical thanks to the small engine, though the US version has no hybrid.

C-HR or Honda HR-V — which should I import?

The HR-V is roomier and more practical, the C-HR has the standout design. Both are reliable; if you need space, the HR-V, if you want style, the C-HR.

How many kilometres is acceptable on a used C-HR?

With proper care a C-HR lasts 200,000+ km. At auction, 60,000–120,000 km is a good balance between price and remaining life.

How long does it take to import a C-HR from the USA?

The full process is usually 35–50 days: purchase, US inland transport, ocean freight, customs and registration.

C-HR 2018 vs 2022 — what is the difference?

Both are the 1st generation with the same engine (2.0L). The 2022 is newer — it has the 2020 facelift (LED, Android Auto) and a lower excise because it is under 6 years old. The 2018 is cheaper at auction but over 6 years old and lacks Apple CarPlay.

Which C-HR model year is best to import in 2026?

The newer the better — ideally under 6 years (2021–2022) for a lower excise. Since the model was dropped after 2022, the newer stock is shrinking, so act sooner for the recent years.

Is the new C-HR (2023+) already at auction?

Practically not yet at US auctions — the new C-HR is a European car, and it returns to the US for 2026 as an electric version. For now, a C-HR on Copart/IAAI means the 2018–2022 petrol.