Toyota is bringing the C-HR name back to the US market - but not with a petrol engine, but as an all-electric crossover. The new model combines a design in the same style as the Prius and the updated Camry sedan, a powerful powertrain and decent autonomy - everything that the previous Toyota electrics lacked.
Instead of a 2.0-litre petrol engine, the new C-HR EV has two electric motors, all-wheel drive and a 74.7 kWh battery. The total output is 338 hp, with acceleration to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.0 seconds.
The claimed range is 290 miles (467 km). This is slightly less than the 2026 Toyota bZ4X (up to 314 miles/505 km), but still a significant improvement over Toyota's earlier EVs. Fast DC charging allows you to replenish the charge from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes. And thanks to the transition to the NACS standard, the C-HR will be able to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations.
The new model retains the coupe-like body shape that was a feature of the first generation C-HR. The model is built on the e-TNGA platform. With a length of 177.9 inches (4,519 mm) and a height of 63.8 inches (1,621 mm), it is slightly more compact than the RAV4.
Visually, the model continues Toyota's new corporate style: boomerang headlamps, a thin upper grille, and a full-width rear LED strip. The base SE version is equipped with 18-inch wheels, while the XSE gets 20-inch wheels.
The interior features a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, Wi-Fi from a 4G modem) and a digital instrument cluster. All trims come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 by default, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
Prices have not yet been announced, but the base version is expected to cost around $30,000, which is quite normal for a compact electric crossover with such characteristics. For comparison, the petrol C-HR used to start at $25,000.
The world premiere of the new Toyota C-HR took place in March in Brussels, Belgium. The European version of the electric model was designated C-HR+ and has two batteries to choose from: 57.7 kWh (front-wheel drive) and 77 kWh (all-wheel drive).
Source: Toyota