2026 Toyota C-HR

The 2026 Toyota C-HR is a fully electric subcompact SUV with an estimated range of 290 miles. Although it shares a platform with the Toyota bZ compact electric SUV, it is somewhat smaller by every measure. Crammed full of advanced technology, including the latest in advanced safety tech, the C-HR is the latest return from Toyota’s ongoing electrification strategy.

All new for 2026, the C-HR is a revival of the C-HR model name but not a resurrection of the tiny gas-fueled C-HR that anchored Toyota’s SUV lineup from 2018 to 2022. For one thing, the second-generation C-HR is larger than its namesake and, oh, it’s fully electric. Although its profile is somewhat of a throwback to the original C-HR’s coupe-like looks, unlike that SUV’s rather tepid performance, today’s C-HR packs a serious amount of unbridled thrust. And, whereas the original C-HR was strictly front-wheel drive (FWD), this C-HR comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).

When Will the 2026 Toyota C-HR BEV Come Out?

Toyota promises the 2026 C-HR will arrive in showrooms sometime in 2026. We suspect that because it is designated a 2026 model, and Toyota has already provided a plethora of details about it, we will probably see its arrival in the first half of the year.

We expect the 2026 Toyota C-HR to start around $35,000. This estimate is based on the compact Toyota bZ4X’s current starting price of $38,465, as well as the base prices of competitors.

We think we could be quite happy with the SE grade. It’s well equipped with cutting-edge infotainment tech, advanced safety/driver-assist technology, and highly sought-after convenience features. We admit shelling out the extra cash for the XSE has serious benefits like a digital rearview mirror (camera as a mirror), lane-changing assist, and a Panoramic View Monitor. However, we could easily live with the more affordable SE.

If you somehow missed it, the Toyota bZ is a larger EV SUV alternative for those who need more interior space and want to stay within the Toyota brand.

Occupying roughly the same space as the C-HR is the Hyundai Kona Electric. The two are well matched in price, dedicated cargo space, and up-to-date gadgetry. Other alternatives include the pricier Kia Niro EV and the higher-end Volvo EX30.

When it comes to performance, Toyota is promising big things for the 2026 C-HR. How about zero to 60 mph in around 5 seconds, according to Toyota’s stopwatch? That puts it in the same league as the Volvo EX30. Both are about a second quicker than the current bZ4X. We don’t strictly scrutinize such things; however, those that do place the Kona Electric in the neighborhood of 7 seconds to make the standstill to 60 mph run, which is about the same as the Kia Niro EV.

Producing 338 horsepower, the electric powertrain is more powerful than the bZ4X or the Kona Electric or the Kia Niro EV. The EX30 with dual motors delivers 422 hp.

We have nothing but praise for the TGNA architecture that underpins many a Toyota vehicle, including the Prius and Camry, among a host of others. We expect the C-HR to provide satisfactory driving dynamics and better-than-average ride quality.

Paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow the driver to pick among four degrees of regenerative braking. We suspect this is basically the same arrangement found in the bZ4X; consequently, we don’t expect one-pedal driving in the C-HR either. Both the Niro EV and Kona Electric do allow for one-pedal operation. All-wheel drive is standard.

Range and Charging

A critical number for any EV is its range, and Toyota pins the C-HR’s number at 290 miles. Not too shabby at all, especially when compared to the Kona Electric’s maximum of 261 miles, and that’s an upgrade that comes with the more expensive SEL trim.

Good news for future C-HR owners is that it will come with a North American Charging System (NACS) port, the Tesla-style connector that’s becoming the industry standard. Such a charger can take the battery from a 10% charge to 80% in around 30 minutes, quicker than the Kona Electric or the Niro EV.

Toyota has yet to release any interior measurements other than cargo space behind the second-row seat, which is 25.4 cubic feet. This basically matches the Kona Electric. Because the C-HR is more than half a foot longer than the Kona, with a wheelbase exceeding the Kona’s by more than 4 inches, we have to think that, unless Toyota has mismanaged the passenger space, there should be measurably more legroom in the C-HR’s passenger compartment than in the Kona’s. However, we’ll need to wait and see.

Commanding the instrument panel is a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that oversees the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with its 6-speaker audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is also standard. The driver faces a fully digital gauge cluster. Fabric with SofTex trim will cover the seats in the SE, with synthetic suede and SofTex trim covering the XSE seats. The split 60/40 second-row folds flat with the cargo floor.

The standard features include a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and steering wheel, two wireless smartphone chargers, three USB-C ports, and lots more.

Although the new C-HR’s shape is a bit of a throwback to the earlier C-HR, its face is Toyota’s current signature hammerhead design. LED front lights and a chiseled backside also contribute to the overall curb appeal.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard in both trims, the ability to integrate phones into the infotainment system without using a cable is wonderfully convenient.

Toyota Safety Sense
This set of advanced safety features is standard in every C-HR. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, plus the ability to detect not only pedestrians but also cyclists (in low-light conditions), motorcyclists (in daylight), and guardrails. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard.

Wi-Fi Connect
An available subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, essentially turning the C-HR into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Hey, Toyota
Luxury German cars have had this kind of thing for years, but the C-HR comes with a digital assistant summoned by saying, “Hey, Toyota.” Then a command given in natural speech — like “lower the cabin temperature by 5 degrees” — is obeyed.

Front & Rear Parking Assist w/Braking
Standard in every C-HR, this system senses obstacles in front of or behind the C-HR when parking. Not only does it sound an alert, but it also automatically brakes the vehicle. We find it a real benefit when slotting into a crowded parking space.

Power Liftgate
We appreciate things that make our lives easier. Thus, a power liftgate like the one standard on every new C-HR takes all the strain out of opening and closing the rear hatch.

A 74.7-kWh battery feeds a dual-motor arrangement (one on each axle). A preconditioning function brings the battery to an optimal temperature for DC fast charging. This is a real benefit when charging in colder temperatures.

3-year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s new vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical among mainstream manufacturers, but not as good as Hyundai and Kia. The lithium-ion battery has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Toyota also provides free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, plus two years of roadside assistance (unlimited mileage).

Safety

The C-HR has a full suite of advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.