One Of Toyota's Most Boring Models Becomes Exciting For Its Return To The US Market

Toyota is cooking some exciting things right now, like the revival of the Toyota Celica and a new FJ Cruiser, to name a few. The Japanese brand's biggest strength, however, still lies in its more mainstream models and yesterday, Toyota announced that the C-HR is coming back to North America, as a completely reimagined model, for the 2026 model year. Here are all the important bits of information we have on the new C-HR. 

Toyota has learned from the past 

The first-generation Toyota C-HR was offered in the US between 2018 and 2022. While Europe and other markets got a second generation, North America didn't. The reason was that the C-HR was too small, lacked power, and fuel economy wasn't very impressive. Things are changing, however, since the third generation returns to the US, as a fully electric vehicle.  

While I am not the biggest advocate for fully-electric vehicles (although I admit they have their strengths), this was the right move as it allows Toyota to have a BEV model in the segment, without hindering sales of models like the Toyota Prius hybrid and the ICE-powered Lexus LBX, which replaces the slow-selling NX. 

More performance than a GR Corolla? 

The 2026 Toyota C-HR will pack a lot more power than the previous model. We are looking at 338 horsepower from a twin-motor setup. This will allow for a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, which is on par with or quicker than many modern-day hot hatchbacks and a few popular sports cars. This achievement is also identical to the Toyota GR Corolla, which could be getting a new engine for its next iteration.

Unlike the Euro-spec model, which will be available as a front-wheel-drive model, the American C-HR will feature all-wheel drive as standard. My guess is that the all-wheel-drive system will allow the new C-HR to handle better on the moose test, which many EVs have failed lately. 

The downside is that while the European Toyota C-HR gets a 77-kWh battery pack, the US-spec model will get a 74.7-kWh (gross capacity) battery. This will allow for a range of up to 290 miles. To put things in perspective, the current Toyota bZ4X has a range of up to 252 miles, which drops to 222 if you go for the all-wheel-drive variant.

Meanwhile, the Euro-spec C-HR will get 372 miles of range (in FWD form). This will change with the upcoming model. While I can understand the need for all-wheel drive, I am puzzled by Toyota's decision to put a smaller battery.  

Is the new Toyota C-HR replacing the bZ4X? 

The third-generation Toyota C-HR (dubbed the C-HR+ in Europe) will not replace the bZ4X. Last year, there were rumors that the bZ4X would receive a change in name, and while true, the model will not be replaced by the 2026 C-HR. 

Instead, the Toyota bZ4X gets renamed to the bZ for 2026, and will continue to be on offer with a 74.7-kWh battery and identical, 338-horsepower, twin-motor setup as the 2026 Toyota C-HR. The front-wheel-drive variant of the bZ will now be capable of up to 314 miles of range, 25 percent more than the outgoing bZ4X. The AWD BZ will get up to 288 miles of range, so almost identical to the C-HR.  

Both the bZ and C-HR will get NACS, which means owners will be able to use the Tesla Supercharger stations. The same is expected to be true for the 2026 Toyota C-HR. DC fast charging will allow for a recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes, and you also get an 11-kW onboard charger. 

Better styling, if a bit misleading 

In terms of styling, I think the 2026 Toyota C-HR is much better-looking than the previous model. You get an adapted variant of the “shark-fin” front end, seen on many current Toyota models, including the Prius and Camry. I see some design cues from the Lexus LBX at the rear section, although the two models do not share a platform – the LBX shares a platform with the Yaris Cross. Interior-wise, the cockpit is identical to the bZ with a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen and no glovebox. 

No word on pricing yet, but I suspect the 2026 Toyota C-HR will be priced slightly below the revised bZ, which seems to be a slightly larger model. The 2026 Toyota bZ4X will set you from $38,465 to $45,275, depending on which trim you go for. I suspect the 2026 bZ will start around $39,500 with the C-HR being slightly more affordable. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2026 Toyota C-HR, 2026 Toyota bZ