toyota Toyota News: Toyota Brings Back the C-HR as the little Stylish EV that Can

[G. David Felt]

The year is 2018, Toyota introduced the C-HR to the North American market with a futuristic look, lots of tech goodies for the time but sluggish acceleration that after five years had it end in 2022 with a 144hp motor mated to a CVT or continuously variable automatic transmission that based on reviews said it struggled to achieve a combined 29 MPG in FWD form.

Fast Forward to 2025, Toyota debuts the all-new C-HR electric vehicle with standard AWD, 338 combined HP and range of an estimated 290 miles from a 74.7 kW battery pack and built on the Toyota e-TNGA platform. The 2026 C-HR will come with class leading soft touch materials, customizable lighting and a 14-inch touchscreen with fast charging from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes using an NACS port. The C-HR has a five-person configuration with a 60/40-fold flat rear seat allowing up to 25.4-cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

While the C-HR rides on the same platform as the bZ, the C-HR is 4 inches shorter than the bZ and gets a fastback coupe-style rear-end. While the bZ gets a variety of motor choices, the C-HR as stated has only AWD with the combined 338 HP that allows 0 to 60 sprints in 5 seconds, which is 1.1 seconds faster than the Toyota GR86 gas car.

The C-HR will come in two models, the SE and XSE with a wide assortment of standard interior features.

• 14-inch touchscreen with the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system
  • six-speaker audio system standard
    • Optional - JBL Premium audio system with nine speakers, 8-channel 800-watt amplifier, 9-inch JBL subwoofer
• Standard Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Fully digital gauge cluster
• Dual wireless chargers in the center console
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system
  • Includes a 5-year subscription to Safety and Service Connect
  • Vehicle Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Anti-lock Brake System
  • Electronic Brake-force distribution
  • Brake Assist
  • Smart Stop technology
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Three USB-Type C ports (one front, two rear)
• Front and Rear Parking assist with automatic braking
• Blind spot monitor
• Cross Traffic Alert
• Safe Exit Alert
• 8-way power drivers and passengers' front seat on XSE
• Driver Memory seat on XSE
• Digital rearview mirrow with homelink XSE
• Traffic Jam assist XSE
• Lange change assist XSE
• Panoramic view monitor XSE

The 2026 C-HR will come to North America Dealerships Q1 2026 and be covered by a 36-month / 36,000-mile for normal wear and tear warranty, 60-month or 60,000 miles powertrain and no mileage limitation on corrosion. The electrical driving components, including the battery pack are covered by 8-year or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. The C-HR also comes with 2-year or 25,000 miles ToyotaCare factory scheduled maintenance and 3-year roadside assistance, with no mileage limitation.

Pricing and final details will be released close to the on-sale date.

 

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[G. David Felt]

Considering this is an entry level CUV for Toyota, I suspect the pricing on this will be low $30,000 to start which for the features will hit a sweet spot for Toyota. Be interesting to see how this does against the Koreans and U.S. auto companies.

[smk4565]

6 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Considering this is an entry level CUV for Toyota, I suspect the pricing on this will be low $30,000 to start which for the features will hit a sweet spot for Toyota. Be interesting to see how this does against the Koreans and U.S. auto companies.

Agreed.  If this is $30k or even low $30s, and maybe a FWD only follows later for $29,995 this pretty much kills Tesla's sub $30k model they hyped up but will never come out.  Especially if GM brings back a Chevy Bolt for $30k.  

Although if the tax credit goes away next year, then the CHR at $32,500 is way less appealing than $25,000. 

And if they do take the tax credit away, I wonder how long before the low cost Chinese EV's show up and just take over the market.