The Toyota C-HR is making a much-anticipated return to the U.S. market after a brief hiatus. Originally launched for the 2018 model year, the quirky and compact four-door “coupe” earned a loyal fanbase with its distinctive design and urban appeal. However, its time was short-lived, as Toyota discontinued the gas-powered version after just four years. Now, in exciting news for C-HR enthusiasts, the model is being revived—this time as a fully electric vehicle set to debut for the 2026 model year.
Unlike its predecessor, the new 2026 Toyota C-HR is not just about bold styling. It brings substantial performance improvements, innovative technology, and real-world electric range, making it a competitive addition to the EV crossover segment. Instead of the old 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the redesigned C-HR is powered by a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack and dual electric motors. This setup generates an impressive 338 horsepower, propelling the crossover from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds—faster than the Toyota GR86 and nearly matching the performance of the GR Corolla.
With its new electric powertrain, the C-HR can travel up to 290 miles on a single charge, which is just shy of the 2026 Toyota bZ model’s maximum range of 314 miles. When using a DC fast charger, the battery can be recharged from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. Additionally, the C-HR now supports the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing drivers to access Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network—greatly improving charging convenience.
Aesthetically, the 2026 C-HR retains its funky coupe-like silhouette but now features updated styling elements. Built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the new C-HR measures 177.9 inches in length and 63.8 inches in height, placing it slightly smaller than other compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. It wears Toyota’s latest corporate design language, with boomerang-shaped headlights, a slim upper grille, and a full-width rear LED light bar. The base SE model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the higher-end XSE trim upgrades to 20-inch wheels for a sportier look.
Inside, the cabin is clean and high-tech, centered around a standard 14.0-inch touchscreen that features Toyota’s updated Audio Multimedia interface with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. A separate digital gauge cluster complements the tech-friendly layout. Safety hasn’t been overlooked either—every C-HR will come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
While Toyota has yet to announce official pricing, expectations suggest a starting MSRP of around $30,000—slightly higher than the outgoing gas version, which was priced just below $25,000. With its electric powertrain, stylish design, and solid feature set, the 2026 Toyota C-HR looks poised to make a strong comeback in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.