The Toyota C-HR has made a bold comeback, and this time, it’s shaking off the awkward image of its gas-powered predecessor. After phasing out the old C-HR in 2022, Toyota has reimagined this nameplate as an all-electric model. For those curious about this transformation, I encourage you to check out our walk-around video that dives into the nuances of the new C-HR and how it feels in real life.
The previous version of the Toyota C-HR didn’t quite hit the mark in the U.S. market. While it excelled in fuel efficiency, it struggled with sales, moving only about 12,000 units in its last year, a staggering 60% drop compared to the previous year. The C-HR still found some popularity across the pond in Europe, but it felt like a missed connection for many of us here.
Fast forward to 2025, and the C-HR name is back with a fresh identity. I recently had the chance to experience it firsthand at Toyota’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, and I left feeling genuinely impressed. This time around, the C-HR emerges as an all-electric crossover that boasts significant sporting potential. It has shed any resemblance to its former self and, with the introduction of this new model, Toyota is growing its U.S. electric vehicle (EV) lineup, with more exciting releases on the horizon.
What sets the new C-HR apart? For starters, it utilizes the e-TNGA platform, which it shares with the refreshed Toyota bZ model, a larger vehicle with its own merits. With this EV-focused strategy, Toyota aims to carve out a substantial presence in the fiercely competitive electric crossover market. The C-HR’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette is striking, featuring bold blacked-out elements and distinctive horizontal light bars that give it a unique and modern vibe. Measuring at 177.9 inches long, it’s compact enough for city living, without sacrificing performance on the highway.
Equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, the C-HR boasts dual electric motors that churn out a whopping 338 horsepower. It catapults from 0 to 60 mph in merely five seconds, easily outpacing its gas-guzzling predecessor and even keeping up with the Toyota GR Corolla, known for its spirited drive. The C-HR’s suspension is tailored for sportiness, diverging from the comfort-centric nature of the bZ model.
While the driving range doesn’t quite lead the class, it’s a noticeable improvement over the bZ4X, which is estimated to reach just 252 miles on a single charge. The C-HR comes equipped with a 74.7 kWh battery that Toyota estimates will deliver about 290 miles—only a touch lower than the bZ’s maximum range of 314 miles. This distance is crucial for modern EV drivers, many of whom are looking for a range of around 300 miles as the standard.
Charging has also seen significant upgrades. The C-HR supports a maximum charging speed of 150 kW, and, thanks to improvements in the charging curve, it can go from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes under ideal circumstances. Plus, it comes with the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard port, allowing access to thousands of Superchargers across the U.S.—and the charging port’s placement means no more awkward double-parking situations at charging stations.
However, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. Given the sporty, compact design, interior space is somewhat limited. Passengers might feel a little cramped, although taller folks shouldn’t find it excessively uncomfortable. The cargo area also takes a hit—with 25.4 cubic feet compared to the bZ’s 27.7 cubic feet.
Another concern lies with the placement of the gauge cluster. Sometimes, adjusting the steering wheel can block your view of the cluster entirely, rendering it nearly impossible to read important information while driving. On a positive note, the larger 14-inch infotainment screen received rave reviews during my test, offering a fluid and user-friendly experience. Features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats are also nice touches that add to the overall appeal.
In conclusion, the C-HR packs a powerful punch with impressive performance and range, all wrapped in a compact yet attractive package. I’m genuinely excited to see how it performs once it finally graces our roads. Anticipation is high for its U.S. release in early next year, and while pricing details will be shared closer to launch, it’s clear that the C-HR is aiming to redefine expectations. If you’ve got any thoughts or tips on this release, feel free to reach out!
Image Source: Unsplash
