The All-Electric 2026 Toyota C-HR: A Stylish, Tech-Heavy Return with 338 HP and AWD

The Toyota C-HR returns in 2026 not as the quirky gas-powered crossover we once knew, but as a modern, all-electric SUV with serious muscle and far-reaching ambitions. First launched in the U.S. in 2018, the original C-HR was best known for its eccentric styling and compact size but left much to be desired in performance and practicality. It was discontinued in North America after just a few years, surviving only in select global markets. Now, Toyota breathes new life into the nameplate, and this time, it’s electric. The 2026 C-HR sheds its former shortcomings and reappears as a dual-motor EV with 338 horsepower, all-wheel drive, a surprisingly fast 0–60 time of just 5 seconds, and a 290-mile range. It’s not just a facelift—it’s a total reinvention with relevance, edge, and an eye on the electric future.

Serious Power Meets All-Wheel Confidence

Toyota has gone all-in on performance with the 2026 C-HR, equipping it with dual electric motors powered by a 74.4-kWh battery pack (67 kWh usable). The result? A stunning 338 horsepower sent to all four wheels. For perspective, that’s more than double the output of the original gas model, which made just 144 hp. This all-wheel-drive EV rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a flat 5.0 seconds—on par with the GR Corolla and quicker than the GR86 sports coupe. The C-HR is now officially in hot-hatch territory, blurring the line between utility and fun. Built on Toyota’s advanced e-TNGA platform, the electric C-HR benefits from a low center of gravity, improved balance, and dynamic ride characteristics. Whether zipping through city streets or cruising open highways, this new iteration feels sharper, faster, and more agile than ever before.

Respectable Range and Lightning-Fast Charging

Performance means little if range and charging are weak links—but the 2026 C-HR is well-prepared. With an EPA-estimated 290 miles of driving range, it holds its own against rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV. That figure is just shy of Toyota’s bZ EV’s 314-mile range, but the C-HR delivers more power and performance, which makes the trade-off more than acceptable. Thanks to a 150-kW peak fast-charging capacity, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. On top of that, the C-HR adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing access to Tesla’s vast and reliable Supercharger network. For home or workplace charging, the 11-kW onboard charger enables fast and efficient Level 2 charging. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a weekend escape, the C-HR offers flexibility and freedom.

Sculpted Style With Attitude

In keeping with its legacy, the 2026 Toyota C-HR retains the coupe-like profile that made the original so eye-catching—but this time, it’s cleaner, bolder, and more mature. The front end wears Toyota’s “hammerhead” EV design language, featuring narrow boomerang-style headlights and a slim upper grille. Along the sides, sharp creases and a high beltline lead into a tapered rear end, giving it a sportier and more futuristic look. A full-width LED light bar stretches across the back, echoing the design of its bZ sibling. The overall shape is aerodynamic and assertive, while still preserving the signature character of the original C-HR. At 177.9 inches long and 63.8 inches tall, the C-HR is slightly shorter than a RAV4 or Honda CR-V, but its strong proportions give it real visual presence. The base SE model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the upscale XSE features unique 20-inch alloys for extra flair and stance.

A Tech-Forward Interior That Doesn’t Hold Back

Inside, the C-HR feels like a showcase of Toyota’s latest digital design language. Dominating the dashboard is a wide 14.0-inch touchscreen running the newest Audio Multimedia system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice commands, and cloud-based navigation. It’s slick, responsive, and refreshingly intuitive. A digital instrument cluster is mounted high for easy visibility, and dual wireless charging pads keep devices topped up. The cabin design is modern and minimalist, with smart use of soft-touch materials and premium accents throughout. Even the base SE trim is generously equipped, featuring heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, parking sensors, and a hands-free liftgate. The XSE goes further with features like a 360-degree camera, power passenger seat, enhanced upholstery, and more advanced driver assistance. Despite its compact footprint, the C-HR is surprisingly roomy inside, offering comfortable seating for five and 25 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear.

Advanced Safety Comes Standard

As with most Toyotas today, safety is front and center. The 2026 C-HR comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, an extensive suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. This includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and traffic sign recognition. These features work seamlessly in the background, helping reduce driver stress and enhance overall road awareness. The XSE adds even more, like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and the aforementioned surround-view camera system. Whether navigating tight urban roads or taking long trips on the freeway, the C-HR helps you feel confident and in control. Toyota’s commitment to safety and peace of mind remains strong, and it’s clear the C-HR benefits directly from that focus.

Value-Oriented Yet Aspirational

One of the biggest unknowns surrounding the new C-HR is its pricing. Toyota has not yet revealed official numbers, but analysts predict the base SE model will start around $35,000, while the feature-packed XSE variant could come in at $38,000 or slightly more. That places the C-HR squarely in the heart of the compact EV market, priced between entry-level models like the Nissan Leaf and more premium rivals like the Tesla Model Y. For its mix of performance, range, features, and design, the C-HR stands out as a value-driven yet aspirational option. Its aggressive styling and sporty persona will appeal to younger buyers and urban dwellers, while the practicality and efficiency will draw in families and professionals looking for an EV that blends function with flair.

A Strategic Step in Toyota’s EV Expansion

The 2026 C-HR is Toyota’s second fully electric vehicle to reach American shores, following the launch of the bZ. It signals a growing commitment from the Japanese automaker to compete seriously in the EV space, something critics have said Toyota was late to embrace. The C-HR’s impressive specs, competitive range, and access to the Tesla Supercharger network show that Toyota isn’t just catching up—it’s learning fast and adapting with confidence. While other EVs on the market may focus solely on range or luxury, the C-HR offers a unique blend of style, performance, technology, and attainability. It doesn’t pretend to be the most luxurious or the most extreme. Instead, it delivers a balanced, thoughtful package that will likely resonate with a wide audience.

A Compact EV With Big Potential

The 2026 Toyota C-HR is a smart, stylish, and spirited return of a model that always dared to be different. This time, however, it backs up its bold aesthetics with real substance. With 338 horsepower, all-wheel drive, fast charging, high-tech features, and a modern design inside and out, it’s no longer just a niche player—it’s a genuine contender in the EV space. Whether you remember the first-gen C-HR or not, the 2026 version demands your attention. It represents Toyota’s growing EV ambitions and proves the brand can blend fun, function, and future-ready design into one compelling package.

The C-HR will officially hit U.S. showrooms sometime in 2026, and if early impressions are anything to go by, it won’t be flying under the radar for long. It’s back—and it’s better than ever.