Toyota Made the C-HR Faster Instead of Cheaper

When Toyota revived the C-HR nameplate last year in the form of a small electric crossover, we expected it to start at around $30,000. That would’ve made it one of the cheapest EVs in America and a lot cheaper than the company’s larger bZ. Pricing has now been released for the 2026 C-HR, but it’s not nearly as affordable as we had hoped, especially considering the recent influx of affordable EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model Y Standard. However, with its potent performance and unique looks, the C-HR may still find favor with consumers.

Small EV, Not-So-Small Price

2026 Toyota C-HR

Toyota

The 2026 Toyota C-HR starts at $37,000 for the SE and increases to $39,000 for the XSE, and that’s before a destination charge of $1,450. 

Although it’s a lot more expensive than we had hoped, the C-HR is one of the sportier and more powerful small Toyota crossovers. Its standard dual electric motors produce 338 horsepower, and with all-wheel-drive grip, it will sprint to 60 mph in only five seconds. It also has a competitive 290-mile range and the ability for the battery to be replenished from 10-80% in approximately 30 minutes.

Here’s a look at the C-HR’s closest electric crossover rivals, based on pricing:

The C-HR’s price places it among a diverse group of rivals, including everything from the budget-oriented Leaf to the more luxurious Volvo EX30; the EX30 is the only crossover here to get close to the C-HR’s performance (0-60 in 5.1 seconds). The Subaru Uncharted is the closest competitor, as it shares the C-HR’s platform. Subaru also offers a less powerful Uncharted with FWD, which starts at just under $35k.

The Model Y Standard is slower (0-60 in 6.8 seconds), but it’s a larger, more spacious vehicle and has a better range. It has standard RWD, whereas the Toyota—unlike most of these rivals—has standard AWD.

Rather than compete in the budget EV category with the Leaf and Chevy Bolt, Toyota has positioned the C-HR as a desirable, high-performance small EV. We would like to see a cheaper, single-motor model in the future, though.

Toyota Is Making Electrification Fun

2026 Toyota C-HR

Toyota

Toyota is showing us that it’s using electrification to produce fun, quick cars, not just efficient models. The new RAV4 GR Sport—with its 320-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain—is just one example, and will leave most of its rivals for dead in a straight line. 

Now, Toyota is turning its attention to quicker, more exciting EVs. The original bZ4X was hardly exciting to drive, but the new C-HR (338 hp) and bZ Woodland (375 hp) have the sort of performance we’ve become accustomed to from rival EVs. The C-HR has a claimed five-second 0-60 time, and the bZ Woodland is expected to be even quicker. 

With Toyota expanding its GR Sport lineup to include plug-in hybrids, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before we get a GR Sport-badged EV.