Toyota's newest EV is coming, and it's a gas throwback. What to know
Toyota has long steered clear of battery electric vehicles in its American portfolio — until now. The automaker is rebranding the bZ4X electric SUV as the bZ and giving it a complete redesign.
Toyota is also reviving a subcompact SUV nameplate that it axed back in 2022. The Toyota C-HR is being revived as an electric vehicle for the U.S. market. It's features and a new powertrain could make the 2026 Toyota C-HR electric SUV more appealing than its predecessor, here's what to know.
Toyota's C-HR subcompact SUV is returning to America for 2026 as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The new 2026 Toyota C-HR will join the Toyota bZ as the company's only electric vehicles for the American market. Luckily for consumers, the C-HR's powertrain is just the beginning of its list of new features.
The 2026 C-HR has an all-new design language, making it completely different from the discontinued gas model.
Premium cabin materials
14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
25.4 cubic feet of cargo space (behind rear seats)
North American Charging System port
Standard all-wheel drive
Toyota's new C-HR subcompact SUV is an electric vehicle that "has a performance-inspired spirit" according to Toyota. The Japanese automaker calls this iteration of the C-HR stylish and powerful, which is a stark contrast from the discontinued 2022 model year, based on a vehicle review from Kelley Blue Book.
The 2026 Toyota C-HR has "a manufacturer-estimated all electric drive rating of up to 290 miles", says Toyota. The automaker notes that ranges and charging times will vary depending on weather and additional factors. EV battery performance tends to be sensitive to extreme temperatures, as reported by Scientific American in February, 2024.
The SUV produces a whopping 338 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive gives the EV more traction than its previous iteration. Toyota's newest EV is expected to hit dealerships in 2026, says Toyota. Since the C-HR is noticeably smaller than the Toyota bZ, it's likely to be the company's most affordable electric vehicle yet based on segment prices. It will compete against models like the Hyundai Kona Electric ($32,975) and Kia Niro EV ($39,600).
The Toyota C-HR was discontinued after the 2022 model year for a number of reasons. The newer Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid models were more recognizable and appealing, as reported by MotorTrend. Honda redesigned its own subcompact SUV, the HR-V, for 2023. This could be a sign that both Japanese automakers found their subcompact SUV models were due for a serious change.
Toyota's newest version of the C-HR is a second-chance for the nameplate to make a big impact. This time, the C-HR emerges in a less-populated segment. Hyundai Motor Company is the company to beat in the subcompact electric SUV space, its Kona EV recently won an award from J.D. Power for residual value.
The 2026 Toyota C-HR may not have many competitors, but competition remains stiff. Toyota's upcoming bZ and C-HR nameplates will fight for market share as EVs continue to rise in popularity.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Toyota brings back scrapped C-HR as an EV. What to know
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