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The Toyota C-HR is back as a sporty AWD electric SUV, but there’s a catch

The C-HR was one of Toyota’s most affordable SUVs, starting at under $25,000. Toyota is bringing it back as a more powerful, all-wheel-drive electric SUV, but it’s not as cheap as expected.

2026 Toyota C-HR EV prices, range, and specs by trim

After unveiling the all-electric 2026 C-HR last year, it was expected to arrive as Toyota’s most affordable EV as a smaller option to the bZ SUV.

The gas-powered C-HR, which Toyota discontinued in 2022, was one of its most affordable SUVs with prices starting under $25,000.

Instead of lowering the price, Toyota opted to make it more powerful and more fun to drive. The cheapest 2026 Toyota C-HR EV trim (SE) starts at $37,000. While that isn’t bad, given the average new-car price in the US was $49,191 in January, it’s slightly higher than the 2026 bZ, Toyota’s new and improved electric SUV.

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The 2026 bZ XLE starts at just $34,900, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the US. Although it’s based on the same platform, the C-HR is about 6.7″ shorter and has a 3.9″ shorter wheelbase.

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2026 Toyota C-HR EV SE (Source: Toyota)

So, why is the C-HR more expensive? It’s likely because the C-HR comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), whereas the 2026 bZ is available with FWD and AWD.

The base bZ XLE, priced from $34,900, is an FWD model. Upgrading to AWD costs an extra $5,000, making it more expensive than the C-HR EV.

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2026 Toyota C-HR EV XSE (Source: Toyota)

Powered by a dual-motor AWD powertrain, the C-HR EV packs a combined 338 horsepower, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds.

Like the 2026 bZ and bZ Woodland, the C-HR features Toyota’s “hammerhead” front-end design with slim LED lights and a more athletic stance.

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2026 Toyota C-HR EV XSE interior (Source: Toyota)

The interior also features the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which includes a 14″ central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its coupe-like roofline opens up the interior, providing up to 59.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota C-HR EV is available in two trims: SE and XSE, with prices starting at $37,000 and $39,000, respectively.

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2026 Toyota C-HR EV XSE interior (Source: Toyota)

Powered by a 74.7 kWh battery, the electric SUV delivers up to 287 miles of range on the SE grade with 18″ wheels. The XSE trim with 20″ wheels has an EPA-estimated driving range of 273 miles.

With an overall length of 177.9″, width of 72.6″, and height of 63.8″, the 2026 Toyota C-HR is about the size of the Kia Niro EV and Volvo EX30.

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2026 Toyota C-HR EV SE (Source: Toyota)

As with all new Toyota EVs, the C-HR has a built-in NACS port to access Tesla’s vast Supercharger network across the US. When using DC fast charging, the C-HR EV can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

All Toyota C-HR models are equipped with a six-speaker audio system, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, low-profile roof rails, and two wireless phone chargers.

2026 Toyota C-HR EV trimStarting PriceDriving Range
2026 Toyota C-HR SE$37,000287 miles
2026 Toyota C-HR XSE$39,000273 miles
2026 Toyota C-HR MSRP by trim (*Does not include $1,450 DPH fee)

Upgrading to the premium XSE adds 20″ gunmetal-finished wheels, SofTex and synthetic suede-trimmed seats, a Digital Rearview Mirror, and a Panoramic View Monitor.

Toyota expects 2026 C-HR models to begin arriving at US dealerships in March, so they should start popping up over the next few weeks.

With the new models on their way to dealerships, Toyota is already offering a $5,000 discount and 0% APR financing on the 2026 bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland. If you’re ready, you can use the links below to find available models at a dealership near you.

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Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising