Toyota's Quirky Crossover Returns as a 338-HP Electric Powerhouse

Toyota's strangest crossover is back, and this time it has the muscle it always lacked. 0-liter four-cylinder engine producing just 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. 5 seconds to reach 60 mph and topped out at 105 mph, with an original MSRP of $22,500. It also lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which hurt sales, especially after the Corolla Cross arrived in 2020 with those features.

S. in 2022 and ended globally by mid-2023.

Now, the 2026 Toyota C-HR has returned as a fully electric crossover with a major upgrade. 7-kWh battery pack, generating 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. 2 seconds at 104 mph, with a top speed of roughly 114 mph. The electric range is estimated at 273 miles. Global models include a front-wheel-drive version producing 221 hp.

The new C-HR keeps its quirky character. It has paddle shifters that adjust regenerative braking but don't shift gears, and it lacks a dedicated Sport or Power mode, only Eco, Normal, and Snow. 9 inches long, about a foot shorter than the Toyota bZ. The C-HR starts at roughly $37,000, while the bZ begins at $34,900.

Its coupe-like sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom and cargo space, and thick rear pillars create blind spots. Door handles sit high, making them tough for people under 5'1" to reach.

Despite the oddities, the 2026 C-HR is seen as a performance bargain. 4, which starts at $46,570 without standard AWD. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, keyless entry, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot warning with rear-cross traffic alert.