Toyota's C-HR Makes a Comeback in America, But It's Different from What You Remember | Carscoops

      The coupe-crossover makes its comeback to the US market as an electric vehicle, featuring standard all-wheel drive and more than double the power of the original C-HR.

      Toyota is reintroducing the C-HR nameplate in the US, this time as an electric model.

      The crossover is powered by a 338 hp dual-motor system, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5 seconds.

      The C-HR shares a platform with the latest BZ, which is a refreshed version of the bZ4X, but is both shorter and lower.

      After being absent from US Toyota dealerships for three years, the C-HR returns, but it is quite different from your previous memories of it. Once a small gasoline crossover that struggled to perform, it is now an all-electric fastback that can outpace Toyota’s entry-level sports car, the GR86.

      Toyota's announcement regarding the C-HR was not entirely unexpected. The same vehicle, known as the C-HR+, had its global debut in Europe recently, and we had previously reported that it was likely to be confirmed for the US market soon.

      The C-HR is built on the same e-TNGA 2.0 platform as the new BZ, Toyota's updated version of the bZ4X. However, the C-HR has a 108.2-inch (2,750 mm) wheelbase, which is 4 inches (102 mm) shorter than that of the BZ, and features a sportier fastback coupe-style rear end instead of the BZ’s more utilitarian SUV shape.

      One Powertrain, No Options, But Abundant Power

      Another significant distinction lies in the powertrain and battery options. While BZ buyers can choose from different configurations, C-HR buyers have no options; it comes exclusively with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system that delivers 338 hp (343 PS / 252 kW). This setup allows the crossover to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5 seconds, which is 1.1 seconds quicker than the GR86. The single-motor front-wheel drive versions available in Europe, producing 165 hp (167 PS / 123 kW) and 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW), will not be offered in the US.

      Battery choices are also restricted; the only option available in US models is a 77 kWh battery, which Toyota claims provides approximately 290 miles (467 km) of range before needing a recharge. An 11 kW onboard charger comes standard, along with an NACS port, but the peak charging speed of 150 kW is modest. Charging from 10% to 80% takes about 30 minutes.

      Inside the C-HR, there are similarities with the new BZ, as it features a 14-inch touchscreen media system. Both the SE and XSE trims include this screen, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and two wireless phone chargers. Choosing the XSE trim upgrades the 18-inch wheels to 20 inches, adds seat memory for the driver, provides 8-way power adjustment for the passenger seat, and incorporates features like Lane Change Assist and a Panoramic View Monitor.

      When Will It Be Available?

      While we are getting our first glimpse of the North American C-HR now, Toyota has stated that it will not be available until 2026. Pricing details are expected to be disclosed closer to the launch date, but it is anticipated that the new C-HR will start at around $35,000, giving it some pricing flexibility compared to the slightly larger bZ, which is expected to begin in the low $40,000s.