- The Toyota C-HR returns for 2026 as an EV-only crossover.
- Underneath, it shares much of its mechanical bits with the new Toyota bZ.
- It will come in all-wheel-drive guise only, with 338 horsepower and up to 290 miles of range.
Remember the Toyota C-HR? I do. It was a four-door crossover SUV that straddled a weird space in Toyota’s lineup. Smaller and cheaper than the RAV4, this coupe-esque, ICE-only, front-wheel-drive-only crossover didn’t do all that hot on Toyota’s sales floor. It was subsequently killed in 2022, replaced by the generally lovely and better-shaped Toyota Corolla Cross.
But the C-HR is back for 2026 with a more fleshed-out place in Toyota’s lineup. The C-HR returns as a full battery electric (BEV) model. It’s a sportier sister to the new Toyota bZ crossover, formerly called the bZ4x. In other markets, this model is called the C-HR+ (Plus) to distinguish it from its hybrid sibling, but our market will only get this EV version. No need for any quantifier here, folks.
Like its Toyota bZ sister, the C-HR rides on the same e-TNGA platform. Yet there are some differences in equipment. The C-HR is all-wheel-drive only, and does not get the smaller battery option as its sister. This means that all C-HRs will have 338 horsepower and a 74.7 kWh battery. Toyota says the crossover will get an estimated 290 miles of range, based on our EPA test standard.
Photo by: Toyota
True, this is a bit down from the 314-mile range leader bZ in FWD XLE Plus trim. Yet, it looks like Toyota is pitching the C-HR as a sportier alternative to the bZ. This crossover’s wheelbase is a hair shorter (108.3 inches versus 112.2 inches) and its height a tad lower (63.8 inches versus 65 inches), which certainly makes the C-HR look sportier than the bZ. I mean, Toyota does say that the C-HR “has a performance-inspired spirit.”
In fact, Toyota says that the C-HR has a few different dynamic changes compared to its bZ sibling. The suspension tuning between the cars is different, with Toyota’s engineers putting unique touches on the springs and dampers, and stiffening up the anti-roll bars for a more engaging drive.
The C-HR gets the same quality of life upgrades as the bZ. It now has a Tesla-style NACS port as well as plug and charge. This car supports manual or automatic battery preconditioning for DC fast charging, too. However, when it comes to AC charging, it only makes do with the 11 kW onboard charger, not the optional 22kW unit on the bZ.
Photo by: Toyota
The interior is about the same as the new bZ. Both have similar dashboards with twin wireless charging pads and a 14-inch touchscreen. Toyota says the cut-down proportions and rakish roofline shouldn’t impede interior room too much, though. It claims that there is still 25.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with “generous headroom and ample cabin space.”
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Source: Toyota
The C-HR may not come with as many motor and battery options as elsewhere. In other markets, the C-HR will come in front-wheel-drive guise and be offered with the smaller 57.7 kWh battery. Given that this is AWD only, and will only come in two trims (SE or XSE), I don’t think this car will be as much of a bargain compared to the bZ as we once thought.
Still, this could be a surprising entry for those in search of an electric crossover from Toyota with a bit of driving verve. The Toyota C-HR should reach dealerships next year.
Contact the author: Kevin.Williams@InsideEVs.com