Overview After a four-year hiatus, the Toyota C-HR is back with a new look and an electric powertrain. It slots in as a subcompact alternative to the newly redesigned Toyota bZ, which shares the same platform. Under its sharply angled sheetmetal, the C-HR features two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, granting it standard all-wheel drive and a total output of 338 horsepower. With juice supplied by a sizable 74.7-kWh battery pack, Toyota estimates that the C-HR can manage 290 miles on a full charge. Charging is done via an NACS charging port, which allows the C-HR to charge at Tesla Superchargers. If the C-HR’s real-world performance lives up to these estimates, it will be a class leader in both power and range.What’s New for 2026?This isn’t the first time that the C-HR nameplate has been offered in U.S. markets, as a gas-powered version was sold here from 2018 to 2022. But the 2026 model is a new generation with an electric powertrain. The C-HR is built on the same e-TNGA platform that underpins the refreshed Toyota bZ compact electric crossover and will act as that model’s smaller counterpart. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Toyota C-HR is expected to start around $35,000 and go up to $38,000 depending on the trim and options.SE$35,000 (est)XSE$38,000 (est)Toyota hasn’t yet released any pricing information for the C-HR, but we know that it will be offered in two trims: SE and XSE. Both trims come well equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, a 14.0-inch infotainment display, and dual wireless phone chargers. The XSE builds on the SE’s standard features by adding larger 20-inch wheels, synthetic suede-trimmed seats, an 8-way power passenger seat, lane change assist, and two-tone paint options. Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and PerformanceThe C-HR features two electric motors on the front and rear axles, granting it standard all-wheel drive. The combined output is 338 horsepower, which is an impressive figure for such a small subcompact crossover. That is 137 extra horsepower compared with what both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV offer in their highest-output trims. This setup is sure to make the C-HR feel impressively quick. We’ll report back once we have a chance to drive the C-HR and can either confirm or deny that claim. 0–60-MPH TimesToyota claims that the C-HR can reach 60 mph in around 5.0 seconds. We’ll update this section when we have a chance to test the C-HR’s acceleration capabilities for ourselves. More on the C-HR SUVRange, Charging, and Battery LifeThe C-HR uses a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing it to charge at Tesla Superchargers. Toyota says that under ideal conditions, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast-charger. It also supports quick AC charging with its 11-kW on-board AC charger. Unlike the larger bZ, which offers two different battery pack options, the C-HR is only offered with a 74.7-kWh battery pack, which Toyota estimates will allow for up to 290 miles of driving range on a full charge.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe C-HR has a cozy and contemporary interior that incorporates a digital gauge display and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen. Its dashboard design is sleek and uncluttered, with a customizable LED light strip running across it. The wide center console between the front seats features two wireless smartphone charging pads and open storage underneath, although there’s no glovebox. As to be expected from an electric subcompact SUV with puny proportions, the C-HR doesn’t have much cargo space. With the 60/40 fold-flat rear seats in their upright position, there is 25 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe C-HR’s infotainment needs are fulfilled by a 14.0-inch display that is operated by a combination of physical and touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which plays audio through a six-speaker or optional nine-speaker audio system. Two wireless smartphone chargers sit below the central screen.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesLike many other Toyota models, the C-HR comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. For more information about the C-HR’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageToyota matches what its competitors offer, but it provides above-average coverage when it comes to complimentary maintenance. Likewise, its electrical component warranty is at industry-standard levels.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Source: caranddriver.com
